Nutgraf

Once in a while we get to go on vacation. Not often. Not nearly often enough. But once in a great, long while.

This time, Spouse and I opted to go to Santa Fe. We chose New Mexico because I saw the sky outside of Albuquerque years and years (and years) ago and decided I needed to go back and see it again. I grew up in the DC area and never saw the Whole Damn Milky Way until that night. From the passenger window of a Ryder truck on the deepest, darkest mid-desert regions of the state, I finally knew wtf all of those old-school prime-time philosophers were talking about. And always wanted to see it again. So we went. And it was cloudy. And raining. Every dang day.

On the other hand, we got to see the cliff dwellings at Puye through a gentle drizzle.

Which were pretty neat. And we learned all about jimsonweed and how it grows wildly all around these ruins, and what a very bad thing it is unless you are extremely cautious and learned. And we also learned how once, a long long time ago, some guy smoked some and got all out of his skull and climbed a nearby tree looking for cigarettes. For some reason I find this to be hilarious. And not at all unlikely.

We also saw Camel Rock between thunderstorms.

Camel Rock is as advertised.

And that’s really all there is to say about that.

And we got lightly misted on as we hiked up to Nambe Falls, which was pretty cool. Spouse made mention of the fact that I kept hiking with my purse, saying something really charming and thoughtful about me “not caring what anyone thinks.” But really – I’m just a classy lady.

After scrambling up wet, muddy rocks for 15 minutes, we were rewarded with this incredible view.

Later on, we were pelted with hail at the Rio Grande overlook with all of the bikers and bighorn sheep, and positively drenched in Taos. Basically, it was a great visit.

Thunderstorms in Taos made me really glad not to be on a motorcycle. Unlike all of those ill-humored motorcycle enthusiasts out cruising the mountains on Memorial Day.

Coming up next, unless I have a better idea: The hot springs at Ojo Caliente and the Miracle Stairs at Loretto, but no more weather reports, so don’t even ask.

Hold onto your 10-gallon hats.

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