was the name of the game as we traveled 232 miles in search of several sites. As we entered NM, we passed by Witch Well, a very small community and decided it was going to be a fun day after all, as we traveled along the “Trail of Ancients Scenic Highway" (Hwy 53 NM). At Zuni Pueblo we took a guided site seeing tour of Lady of Guadalupe Mission, built in 1629. The Zuni are an "oral" culture, so our guide told us they don't allow photography as their culture passes on their heritage by spoken word only. However, we paid an additional fee that allowed us to do photography outside the Mission, but not inside. Ramah Lake was dry due to no snow melt last year, the Wolf Sanctuary (highly advertised) was closed indefinitely, and when we trespassed on private property to get a better picture of Los Gigantes, the owner returned home. Fortunately for me she was very friendly when I told her we were searching out Ramah Lake - which she told me was dry and that we must have taken a wrong turn!!! Our intended “lunch could be dinner spot” Ancient Way Cafe was about 20 miles farther down the highway than we anticipated, and by the time we got there it was time to head for the barn. HOWEVER our stop just prior to the restaurant, El Morro National Park, all by itself, made the entire day another 5***** day!!! If you're in the area, put this unique, one-of-a-kind park on your bucket list!!!
 |
| What else can I say... |
 |
| Loved this locked gate to a metal fence post that left you plenty of room to squeeze thru between the gate and the wood post!!! |
 |
| The Zuni's are the 1st settlers, then the Navajo's and other tribes. |
 |
| Pottery is no longer fired in the traditional ovens, but they are still used for baking. |
 |
| As we follow our guide, I snap a photo or two |
 |
| before arriving at the old mission. |
 |
| Don found a cache at the Ramah Museum... |
 |
| Los Gigantes "sandstone spires" |
 |
| Approaching El Morro - our 2nd Nat'l Monument. We hiked the entire 2 mile trail loop trail up, around the entire top and then down... |
 |
| Pretty easy, and fun to wander over the Zuni Sandstone. |
 |
| We chose to hike the reverse direction, doing all the steps on the way up, which made it easier going down... |
 |
| The white Zuni sandstone was capped with the darker Dakota Sandstone |
 |
| Anasazi Ruins atop El Morro |
more steps… and
 |
| lots of beautiful sandstone colors. |
 |
| Box Canyon was pretty spectacular in itself. We hiked the entire rim!!! |
 |
| Guard rails keep you on the straight and narrow. |
 |
| Many switchbacks lead us down to |
 |
| Inscription Rock includes hundreds of Spanish and Anglo inscriptions as well as pre-historical petroglyphs. |
 |
| A favorite spot, the tank at El Morro |
 |
| One last look back... |
No comments:
Post a Comment