Many apologies for skipping a week between Part 9 and today's Part 10. Both Tanya and I were a little overwhelmed with travel and personal to do lists. But, here we are - back in the saddle to talk all about our drive from Albuquerque to Taos on Day 3 of our trip.
With a number of sites and events behind us from our visit to Albuquerque, we will head off on the big road towards Taos. Most of the way, we will be traveling along I-84, but what's going to make this day chock full of fun is that we have a number of stops we will be making along the way. This should also ensure that the kids don't go too batty cooped up in the car.
Our first stop will be the Giant Red Arrow, which is conveniently located next to a Whole Foods. For Vegans (and vegetarians) on the road, that is just what the doctor ordered!! We will be taking lots of pictures in front of this crazy attraction, after loading up on some road food. There really is no historic significance to this offbeat site, located at the intersection of School House Road and Carlisle from my research, but it was constructed to look as though its head became lodged in a stone-and-cement stand. It has now become an iconic site here in Albuquerque.
With a number of sites and events behind us from our visit to Albuquerque, we will head off on the big road towards Taos. Most of the way, we will be traveling along I-84, but what's going to make this day chock full of fun is that we have a number of stops we will be making along the way. This should also ensure that the kids don't go too batty cooped up in the car.
Our first stop will be the Giant Red Arrow, which is conveniently located next to a Whole Foods. For Vegans (and vegetarians) on the road, that is just what the doctor ordered!! We will be taking lots of pictures in front of this crazy attraction, after loading up on some road food. There really is no historic significance to this offbeat site, located at the intersection of School House Road and Carlisle from my research, but it was constructed to look as though its head became lodged in a stone-and-cement stand. It has now become an iconic site here in Albuquerque.
Courtesy DesertUSA
Check out this great site from Roadside America about other offbeat photo-op sites.
As we continue easing' on down the road, we will come upon the Petroglyph National Monument, which is still within Albuquerque. The monument is located within the park where visitors are allowed to hike the Volcanoes as well as the Piedras Marcadas Canyons from sunrise to sunset. Tanya and I haven't discussed yet how extensive our visit will be a this site, so we will leave a little bit up to being spontaneous!
Back in the car and on the road, we will continue Northeast, most likely by way of I-25 towards Taos, our second city destination on our New Mexico road trip. About an hour and 55 minutes drive, we should arrive at Bandelier Monument. This national park closes at 4:30pm, so we will have to be sure we get there by mid-afternoon, if we are going to enjoy walking around a bit.
Within Bandelier's 33,000 acres there are over 70 miles of trail. Some trails are short easy loops while others can encompass many miles and steep rocky switchbacks. If we have the time, I know Tanya would agree, that we would like to do a short trail with the kids (weather permitting, and the 1.2 mile Main Loop trail is recommended as the best one for families.
We will hit our last and final site for the day - Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. This is where Tanya and I have a special treat planned for the kids. We are going to load up on some snacks - hopefully ice cream or another sweet treat. If it's a little chilly, we'll get some hot cocoas and head to Kasha-Katuwe to view the sunset. Hoping to capture some gorgeous photos!
We will head off to our first private rental in Taos, but not before picking up some take out food for dinner for our whole gang. Lord knows, we will need some nourishment and a good night's sleep from our busy day!
So, that's our day of driving!! Can't wait!!!
-Elisa
As we continue easing' on down the road, we will come upon the Petroglyph National Monument, which is still within Albuquerque. The monument is located within the park where visitors are allowed to hike the Volcanoes as well as the Piedras Marcadas Canyons from sunrise to sunset. Tanya and I haven't discussed yet how extensive our visit will be a this site, so we will leave a little bit up to being spontaneous!
Back in the car and on the road, we will continue Northeast, most likely by way of I-25 towards Taos, our second city destination on our New Mexico road trip. About an hour and 55 minutes drive, we should arrive at Bandelier Monument. This national park closes at 4:30pm, so we will have to be sure we get there by mid-afternoon, if we are going to enjoy walking around a bit.
Within Bandelier's 33,000 acres there are over 70 miles of trail. Some trails are short easy loops while others can encompass many miles and steep rocky switchbacks. If we have the time, I know Tanya would agree, that we would like to do a short trail with the kids (weather permitting, and the 1.2 mile Main Loop trail is recommended as the best one for families.
We will hit our last and final site for the day - Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. This is where Tanya and I have a special treat planned for the kids. We are going to load up on some snacks - hopefully ice cream or another sweet treat. If it's a little chilly, we'll get some hot cocoas and head to Kasha-Katuwe to view the sunset. Hoping to capture some gorgeous photos!
We will head off to our first private rental in Taos, but not before picking up some take out food for dinner for our whole gang. Lord knows, we will need some nourishment and a good night's sleep from our busy day!
So, that's our day of driving!! Can't wait!!!
-Elisa
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