dresser set

 

This vintage vanity set reflects the homesteading history of the MacGregor Ranch.  Still an operating ranch under the XIX brand, MacGregor Ranch is also home to the ranch house museum and agricultural collection.  A worthwhile stop to an Estes Park trip.

 

MacGregor Ranch

Estes Park, Colorado 

 



las trampas

 

The High Road (NM 76) to Taos is dotted with historic villages.  Las Trampas has remnants of  the original 18th century village, including the San José de Gracia Church, which is a National Historic Landmark.

 

Las Trampas, New Mexico

9.18.2017

bottle house

 

It was just a small sign "Bottle House" but the glimpse of glittering glass had us making the obligatory U-turn off the Turquoise Trail in Golden, New Mexico.  We ventured up the rutted dirt path to houses and a corral.  Tom Larson and his pal from Rhode Island (who had actually been to Lubbock) were thrilled to see us (must not have many visitors!)  They gave us the "tour" and even gifts.  The Schaef got a rock with gold and turquoise --"worth at least $!,000" according to Tom.  My gift was a dusty bottle plucked from the "white" mound as opposed to the piles of green and blue bottles.  Turned out to be a Morey Mercantile bottle from Denver -- worth at least $4.99 on eBay.

 

tom Larson

 

Golden, New Mexico

9.16.2017



plaza blanca

 

 

Not everyone would take NM-554N to CR155 past the small houses of local residents to the wooden gate and then follow a dirt track until a fork in the road.  The left fork goes to the "Dar Al Islam" mosque and the right fork takes you to Plaza Blanca.  These white cliffs were made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe.  Well worth the trip and short hike.

 

Plaza Blanca

Abiquiu, New Mexico

9.19.2017

ghost ranch

 

Ghost Ranch outside Abiquiu was home to artist Georgia O'keeffe for over 50 years and the vistas are still inspiring.

 

Ghost Ranch

Abiquiu, New Mexico

9.19.17



 



taos pueblo

 



We visited many missions/churches today as we traveled the High Road to Taos.  The church at the Taos Pueblo is one the "must see" sights.

 

Taos, New Mexico

9.18.17

chamisa

 

A beautiful fall day in Santa Fe with chamisa in full bloom.

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

9.17.2017

a great whisperer

an even better listener

 

Located high on the mountain overlooking Madrid, the cemetery reflects the town's history.  Madrid started as a mining town, became a ghost town and then was "discovered."  Its mining shacks became residences for artists and others.  The cemetery has traditional gravestones from the 1920s but newer markers are more individual.  No one is quite sure of when Endious Self was born (1927 - 37?) but know he died in 2012.  The site is ringed with Corona beer bottles and a metal cowboy hat wreathed in barb wire shades Endious' resting place.

 

Madrid, New Mexico

9.16.2017

sisters

 

After photographing the sunrise at Sprague Lake, I was surprised by a small herd of elk headed my way.  This pair of fawns paused to play right in front of me.

 

Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado

8.16.2017