This first week of spring break has been wonderful... some reading, the first Card's game of the season, and a short trip to Santa Fe to explore! In three days Jeremy, his mom, and I managed to hit a historical landmark (a chapel), three museums, and two national monuments. We were also able to squeeze in some time sitting by the pool in the sun, one short soak in the hot tub, and a trip to Trader Joe's (a organic grocery store that Jeremy loves, but we don't have in Colorado).

A natural hot spring just south of us as you head into Durango.

Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico. Six to Seven million years ago, volcanic eruptions a few miles away allowed harder "cap stones" to form over softer rock. As erosion occurred, the harder stone sheltered the softer stone beneath it, forming these "tent" shaped rocks.

A few sights in Santa Fe...

The "miracle staircase" in Loretto Chapel...

Bandelier National Monument...
This group of Ancestral Puebloans lived in this valley. One group in the cliff dwellings and one group on the valley floor. This park is much like Mesa Verde, but nicer because there were far fewer people and no one constantly looking over your shoulder to make sure you didn't do something wrong. Very pleasant!


There were lots of small spots in the cliff wall we could see into with a short climb up a ladder or steps, but then we went to Alcove House... It was a 140 foot ascent up several 30 foot ladders! At the top was a "cave" dwelling with a kiva that had been excavated.

A reservoir we passed on the way home...