Have you missed me? We haven’t reported in for over a week because, well… we’ve been busy!
We left Colorado from Pagosa Springs and headed toward Taos, New Mexico. We were surprised at how high the drive took us, but it was absolutely beautiful all the way. Banks, our truck, was once again gasping as he chugged Big Bertha up and over those mountains.
When we finally unhitch Big Bertha and take Banks out for a drive without her, I swear we can hear him sigh—and maybe even breathe a little giggle of relief. 😂
Taos — And Friends Arrive!
We checked into a wonderful RV park in Taos and met up with our dear friends, Harold and Claudia Wiens, who flew in from Minnesota to sightsee with us for 11 days.
It was SO good to be together! There is something special about finding friends you genuinely enjoy traveling with. We have been all over the place with these two over the years, and we always have such a good time together.
One of our first adventures was Valles Caldera National Preserve, where we were hoping to spot some wildlife. We didn’t get to see the elk, but we sure had fun watching the prairie dogs!
We also had the opportunity to attend a Pueblo festival. It was held in a huge open area and was filled with activities—children learning traditional games, artisans selling beautiful jewelry, and talks and demonstrations. It was such an interesting experience and one of those unexpected things that makes traveling so much fun.
And, of course, we were on the hunt for good New Mexican food.
We found it.
And found it.
And found it some more.
At this point, I’m starting to think Cracker Barrel sounds pretty good! 😂
We also visited the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the White Rock Overlook. I especially loved the bridge area. We had quite a bit of rain during our stay in Taos, but when you’re traveling with good friends, who cares? It just means more time to play games and eat snacks.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe was our next stop, and apparently the rain decided to come along with us.
But we didn’t let that slow us down!
We visited Bandelier National Monument, explored historic Santa Fe and the Plaza, and wandered through some beautiful old buildings and streets.
One of my favorites was the Loretto Chapel. It is a beautiful little chapel with a fascinating history—and, of course, its famous mysterious staircase.
One evening, after coming out of a delicious dinner, we suddenly heard bells.
Lots of bells.
They rang and rang and rang. It was intense, and they weren’t stopping!
Naturally, we had to investigate.
We hurried toward the sound and discovered crowds coming out of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. They had been celebrating the Feast of St. Francis—or, as I described it at the time, the “Saint Francis Feast of something or other.” 😂
There on the cathedral steps was the Archbishop, taking photos and visiting with parishioners. We aren’t Catholic, so it was really interesting to watch all the ceremony, tradition, and celebration surrounding the event.
We also visited San Miguel Chapel, often called the oldest church in the United States.
And we stayed at one of our favorite RV parks of the entire trip: Santa Fe Skies RV Park. What a lovely place!
Albuquerque — THE Bucket List Stop!
Next, we headed to Albuquerque for one of the things I have wanted to see for YEARS…
THE ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA!
Bucket list item? CHECK! ✔️
Albuquerque was absolutely bulging with visitors, and we were very thankful we had done so much research ahead of time. Knowing where to park, where to catch the shuttle, and how to get around made everything much easier.
We checked into our RV park, which is practically sitting ON THE FREEWAY and directly under the airport flight path.
Oh joy. 😂
But who cares? The best part was still to come.
We attended the opening-day evening program, and what a thrill it was.
Then we all attended the early morning events and mass ascension.
WOW!
This city has this event dialed in. It is HUGE, and yet somehow they make it work. The organization has been incredible, and everywhere we have gone, people have been helpful and kind. It almost feels like somebody gathered the entire state together beforehand and said, “Okay, folks, we have company coming. Be nice!”
And they are.
Then there are the balloons.
Oh, the balloons!
Seeing that enormous field filled with colorful balloons was everything I had hoped it would be. The evening shows were spectacular, and watching this massive event unfold was truly unforgettable.
After all these miles and all these years of wanting to see it, my Balloon Fiesta bucket-list dream finally came true.
Next Stop: Carlsbad!
Now we are headed south through New Mexico toward our next adventure: Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
What a trip this has been.
Beautiful scenery. Mountains. Rainstorms. Prairie dogs. Pueblo culture. Historic churches. New Mexican food—LOTS of New Mexican food!—hundreds of balloons, games, snacks, laughter, and best of all, getting to share this part of our journey with dear friends.
Bucket list fulfilled. Hearts full. Big Bertha hitched. Banks is probably groaning.
Onward to Carlsbad!
Leave a comment