Colorful Colorado to the Land of Enchantment

Against my adventurous judgment, I left the Duffeyroll in Denver early yesterday morning and found myself driving along good ole 25. I intended to take a route through the mountains and past the sand dunes, but the seeds of doubt (that my loaded car might not be able to make it up and over two mountain passes) were planted in my head by an unnamed former roommate (good thing, too). But, mountain pass I did encounter as I crossed the border into New Mexico (yep, I went South!), barely recognizing that I was passing into a state I had never been to before. Luckily, New Mexico likes to advertise they exist, especially since this is their centennial year of statehood, and two additional "Welcome to New Mexico" signs declared that I had entered the "Land of Enchantment." Oooo, ahhhhh (but, what does that mean?)

I took a side trip off the highway in order to explore and be enchanted, arriving at the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and walking around the adobe remains of Fort Union (where I was warned to watch for rattlesnakes and lightning). These were lovely and historical, though, quick excursions!

View of the remains of the Fort Union hospital (where doctors dealt with everything from "arrow wounds to childbirth") and the Santa Fe Trail

I didn't become enchanted with New Mexico until visiting the small town of Puerto de Luna. There, I stayed with my mentor/colleague/friend's parents, who graciously welcomed me into their home, fed me some amazing food, gave me a tour of the "neighborhood," and introduced me to their friends. They took me to the capilla dedicated to Santa Ynez, patron saint of laborers, and to the local church that has the most beautiful statue of Mary that I have ever seen. I was introduced to peacocks, dogs, a cat whose back paws have so many toes they look more like rabbit feet than cat feet, and all of the different types of plants in the yard. We played cards and drank wine and I listened to stories until I couldn't keep my eyes open.

On the way to Puerto de Luna

My new-found friends and the little town they live in have been the most enchanting parts of my journey so far. Their generosity at accepting a stranger into their house (and inviting her back to New Mexico during the holidays), the pride with which they talk about family, friends, and where they live, and the easy laughter that accompanied every conversation, made New Mexico an especially enchanting place. What a lovely memory and a perfect end to my first day on the road!

View from the Capilla de Santa Ynez

La Capilla de Santa Ynez

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Roadtrip with me! I'm listening to "Colorado" by Paper Bird.