Throwback Thursday in Santa FeHowdy from Santa Fe!! Can you believe that we have been on our New Mexico Road Trip for six days already! Today, we wake up in our second private rental house in Santa Fe. Our plans today include: * Nambe Falls * Bison Sightings * Old Town  Road-side stop along the drive to NM We had a lovely stay Monday through Wednesday at our first private rental located in Taos. Lance, the owner was terrific and his place was a delight. Up and at 'em early yesterday, we filled up our gas tanks and set out on the road. We made a few stops along the highway as the views were just too gorgeous to drive by. The kids played musical cars going back and forth between mine and Tanya's. Though I will say, it seemed that Tanya's car was the more "happening'" car to be in since she had tons of music cd's. Or it could be that she is just the more fun cousin :-) Chimayo: |
 Wooden carved Jesus (the photos behind the statue display those individuals healed) |   Rosaries hung by pilgrims |
I have to say, the strong spiritual atmosphere was palpable to me. Surrounded by the natural wonders of the mountains and trees, there is a quiet peace that I found everywhere I encountered on these grounds.
Beautiful state of Mary
Inside one of the sanctuaries - blending of Native American and Catholic culture
One of the reasons this holy place is a destination for pilgrims is the belief of the healing powers it possesses. A Prayer Room displays many "ex-votos" or votive offerings to saints as well as photographs, discarded crutches, and other testimonials of those purportedly healed.
The Santuario is on Juan Medina Drive in Chimayó. It is entered through a walled courtyard. Built of adobe with a bell tower on each side
Outdoor Altar
The history dates back to the early 1800's. The land where the Santuario now stands belonged to Don Bernardo Abeyta. Bernardo Abeyta built a small chapel to the Christ of Esquipulas on the present site around 1810.
On November 15, 1813, he wrote to Father Sebastián Álvarez, the parish priest of Santa Cruz de la Canada, asking him to write to the Episcopal See of Durango for permission to build a bigger church in which the people of El Potrero could worship Jesus as he appeared at Esquipulas and could hear Mass.
On November 15, 1813, he wrote to Father Sebastián Álvarez, the parish priest of Santa Cruz de la Canada, asking him to write to the Episcopal See of Durango for permission to build a bigger church in which the people of El Potrero could worship Jesus as he appeared at Esquipulas and could hear Mass.
The next day, Fr. Álvarez wrote the letter, mentioning that cures were reported and many pilgrims were arriving. On February 8, 1814, Francisco Fernández Valentín, Vicar General of the Diocese of Durango, wrote back with permission.
By 1816 the chapel was replaced by the present church. Photo of inside of church is courtesy of Marshall Henrie as pictures are not permitted inside the church. Our whole gang went inside to have a quiet moment of prayer.
In 1929, the owners were in financial trouble and members of the newly formed Spanish Colonial Arts Society bought the property and donated it to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
El Santuario de Chimayó was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970
It was a very touching and emotional visit for me, who left many prayers of my own.
By 1816 the chapel was replaced by the present church. Photo of inside of church is courtesy of Marshall Henrie as pictures are not permitted inside the church. Our whole gang went inside to have a quiet moment of prayer.
In 1929, the owners were in financial trouble and members of the newly formed Spanish Colonial Arts Society bought the property and donated it to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
El Santuario de Chimayó was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970
It was a very touching and emotional visit for me, who left many prayers of my own.
Bandelier National Monument
I don't think Tanya and I thought we would stay as long as we did at the Sanctuario, but we didn't leave there until after 3:30. We still had another visit to make before arriving at our Santa Fe rental -- Bandelier National Monument.
The kids ready for a hike at Bandelier
I was a little freaked and probably drove Tanya a little crazy, but I was rather concerned about driving on the winding mountainous roads after dark as my night vision is not the greatest. So, the pressure was on to get through this visit before sunset.
 |  Ancient Cave Dwellings |
We checked into the Visitor center at around 4:30. Tanya, as usual, figured out the hiking trails and we were off for an 8 mile drive to the entrance of the trails, where we arrived at around 5pm. We walked over sand, dirt and water amidst some beautiful rock formations and ancient cave dwellings.
I’m going to leave the rest to Tanya to talk about - PLEASE read all about it in her Daily column!
I’m going to leave the rest to Tanya to talk about - PLEASE read all about it in her Daily column!
Gianna with her walking stick through Bandelier National Monument park
 A cousins' hike up the ladders |  Sunset and we are still in the park! |
As we returned to the parking lot and our cars it was starting to get dark and a little drizzly, so I was a bit nervous. But, fortunately, we managed to get out of there just as sunset was beginning and happily, the drive was fine!
Another great day!! The kids had a blast - never knew my girls were so outdoorsy! They really didn't take after their mom.
OH - and don't forget - today is Throwback Thursday and that means Part 5: Beijing and the Ming Tombs of Elisa's Throwback China Trip Adventure.
Meet back here tomorrow for our last full day together in New Mexico!
-E
Another great day!! The kids had a blast - never knew my girls were so outdoorsy! They really didn't take after their mom.
OH - and don't forget - today is Throwback Thursday and that means Part 5: Beijing and the Ming Tombs of Elisa's Throwback China Trip Adventure.
Meet back here tomorrow for our last full day together in New Mexico!
-E
Sightseeing in Santa Fe!
Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, coming to you from the New Mexico state capitol -
Santa Fe!
Santa Fe is the fourth largest city in New Mexico, the oldest capital in the United States, and the second oldest city in the United States!
So full of rich culture and history, that we will excitedly be exploring over the next 2 days!
We arrived here last night, following a full day of sightseeing after leaving Taos.
Santa Fe!
Santa Fe is the fourth largest city in New Mexico, the oldest capital in the United States, and the second oldest city in the United States!
So full of rich culture and history, that we will excitedly be exploring over the next 2 days!
We arrived here last night, following a full day of sightseeing after leaving Taos.
Hitting the road to Chimayo
We took the “scenic route” caravanning through the winding roads of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Northern New Mexico. The views were full of gorgeous autumn colors, and small quaint towns.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Scenic Route
In Chimayo
Arriving at El Santuario de Chimayo after having lunch at the lovely Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant (look for more on this meal over the next 2 Foodie Fridays - I will be doing “A Taste of New Mexico” tomorrow, and Elisa will be doing a full review on Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant next week!)
It was such a peaceful delight to visit this sacred location. Elisa has shared more on El Santuario de Chimayo. Please take the time to read about this important pilgrimage site.
It was such a peaceful delight to visit this sacred location. Elisa has shared more on El Santuario de Chimayo. Please take the time to read about this important pilgrimage site.
El Santuario de Chimayo
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Dominic and I wandered off for a bit in the tiny little town and found another beautiful small church nearby - Capella de Santo Niño de Atocha, with (if you can believe) an ever more beautiful interior than that of El Santuario de Chimayo.
But yet again there were no photos allowed inside.
But yet again there were no photos allowed inside.
Capella de Santo Niño de Atocha
Next up was a quick photo op stop at the Saints & Sinners Sign (where the kids thought we were nuts to schedule - and they were like "Why are we stopping here?!")
And then the long awaited Bandelier National Monument, where these kids were very eager to make it to the ‘Alcove House’, which was a 2.2 mile hike. Having arrived at this Monument close to dusk, I had made it very clear to the kids that because of the time, in order to us to be able to complete this hike and get back before dark, that they needed to avoid goofing around, and that no matter what “Safety” was the number one rule!
We made it!!
Stand by me!
Well each of these little troopers had definitely earned their junior and senior ranger titles, as they hoofed it past the ‘Long House’, through the forest, balanced on rocks and beams of wood across streams, and arrived the first on many ladders to climb up to the ‘Alcove’!
Elisa decided to stay down below and take pictures from the ground level, as I took the 4 kids up the ladders and to the ‘Alcove’.
Elisa decided to stay down below and take pictures from the ground level, as I took the 4 kids up the ladders and to the ‘Alcove’.
Moving on up!
It's climbing time!
They were delighted in their little adventure. Each of their eyes were sparkling with excitement as they proudly climbed to the top. I was/am proud of each of them for doing such a fine job!
More of Bandelier National Monument:
More of Bandelier National Monument:
- Bandelier became a National Monument in 1916.
- Bandelier's human history extends back for over 10,000 years when nomadic hunter-gatherers followed migrating wildlife across the mesas and canyons. By 1150 CE Ancestral Pueblo people began to build more permanent settlements. Reminders of these past times are still evident in the park as are the strong ties of the modern Pueblo people. By 1550 the Ancestral Pueblo people had moved from their homes here to pueblos along the Rio Grande (Cochiti, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo).
Long House
Preserved Pictograph
Click HERE to find out what the newest National Monument being declared will be!
HINT: It’s practically in my backyard!!!
Once our hike was over, we all hopped back in the cars. My car was definitely be-boppin, as we all were belting out tunes!
Things are moving a bit slower this morning, as the kids were up pretty late and thus sleeping late as well.
When we do get outta here, we’ll be packing a lunch and heading to the Pueblo of Nambe.
We'll be taking a short hike to see Nambe Falls, then to and around the Bison Range.
Finally we'll be heading to the Old Town of Santa Fe, where we will visit Kakawa Chocolate House and indulge in what has been named one of the TOP 10 most luxurious places in the WORLD to drink hot chocolate! Yippie!!!
And yes they even have vegan chocolate!!! We are going to be very happy campers :)
Meet us back here tomorrow as we fill you in on all the scoop, sights, and events, and least we forget one of my favorite days of the week "Foodie Friday!"
Don’t forget to read all about Elisa’s TBT in Bejing and the Ming Tombs!
See ya later alligator,
-T
HINT: It’s practically in my backyard!!!
Once our hike was over, we all hopped back in the cars. My car was definitely be-boppin, as we all were belting out tunes!
Things are moving a bit slower this morning, as the kids were up pretty late and thus sleeping late as well.
When we do get outta here, we’ll be packing a lunch and heading to the Pueblo of Nambe.
- The Pueblo of Nambé, one the Tewa-speaking tribes in northern New Mexico, was settled in the earlier part of the 14th century and has been historically known for its strong agriculture, traditional textiles, and pottery production. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 20 miles north of Santa Fe, the Pueblo is almost completely surrounded by non-Indian towns, most of which are Hispanic, and is home to approximately 1,100 members.
We'll be taking a short hike to see Nambe Falls, then to and around the Bison Range.
Finally we'll be heading to the Old Town of Santa Fe, where we will visit Kakawa Chocolate House and indulge in what has been named one of the TOP 10 most luxurious places in the WORLD to drink hot chocolate! Yippie!!!
And yes they even have vegan chocolate!!! We are going to be very happy campers :)
Meet us back here tomorrow as we fill you in on all the scoop, sights, and events, and least we forget one of my favorite days of the week "Foodie Friday!"
Don’t forget to read all about Elisa’s TBT in Bejing and the Ming Tombs!
See ya later alligator,
-T
