Shopping, Sculpture and Frivolity

We weren’t the only ones kicking up our heels in Santa Fe today. We met these high steppers created by Jim Agius at Ventana Gallery on Canyon Road. We stopped at the venerable gallery to see the whimsical watercolors of Tom Noble and enjoyed the works of numerous other artists. Memorable to Bob where the mixed media creations of Debra Corbett.

Shopping started with a quick visit to a true Santa Fe original - Jackalope. We didn’t wander the multiple buildings and acres of pottery and “stuff”. Our purpose was the broad selection of World Music. New CDs play as I write.

Bob always likes to stop at Books and More Books to check out the shelves of used art books. Brushes and a book by artist Nancy Reyner were purchased  at Artisan on Cerrilios Road.

In the afternoon we drove out to Tesuque Village for a leisurely stroll through the sculpture gardens at Shidoni Foundry and Galleries. The variety of styles, materials and creativity never ceases to amaze. We note numerous additions since our last visit seven months ago. A great way to spend a sunny spring afternoon.

New to us, but certainly not to the locals, was dinner at Andiamo! in the Rail Yard District. The highly recommended crispy polenta in a rosemary gorgonzola sauce did not disappoint for a starter. The well-dressed Caesar Salad was fresh and enough for both of us. Bob finished off his eggplant Parmesan with tomato basil spaghetti. As much as I liked the linguine with spicy grilled shrimp there is a box of leftovers going home with me tomorrow. We passed on dessert, however, the tiramisu looked most promising. Next time.

The big decision of the evening is a choice between relaxing in our favorite room at Inn at Vanessie or drinks and jazz piano next door. Frivolity anyone?

We start the week with a typical Yackel “vacation” day – on the go.                

• New Mexico Fabric & Foam                 

• R.L. Cox Fur & Hide

• Albuquerque Aquarium

• Rio Grande Botanical Gardens

• Old Town Albuquerque

• Yucca Art Gallery

• Romero Street Ice Cream                 

• Old Corrales Church

• Corrales Bosque Gallery

• Garcia’s Kitchen

• Page 1One Bookstore

• Trader Joe’s

• Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

After a bit of shopping for projects at home the day was too beautiful to spend inside museums. Instead, we head to ABQ BioPark. The Botanical Gardens was fairly new the last time we visited; interesting to see growing maturity and development. Plantings show springtime promise and the garden’s expansions include a Heritage Farm. Children’s enthusiasm radiated throughout the aquarium, “Mommy, the shark has BIG teeth,” from a bug-eyed three year old or a ten-year-old explaining about blue blood of the horseshoe crab used in medical research. The circular tank of Moon Jellies mesmerizes visitors of all ages.

Nearby Old Town attracts us for our next stop. We like seeking out unique shops tucked in quiet courtyards and patios. A find this trip was Yucca Art Gallery a showcase for Albuquerque’s oldest artist co-op. Works of forty local artisans include jewelry, pottery, weavings, woodworks and a wide variety of painting media and genre.

Next destination – the rural village of Corrales, a historic adobe church and another co-op art gallery. After a brief stop by our hotel we’re off to dinner and more shopping before capping the day with a frozen yogurt. Time to rejuvenate for tomorrow – another “vacation” day.

When You Go: Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau

When an attitude adjustment is needed we find it easy to change scenes with a trip to New Mexico. Bob said he needed to get away, relax, enjoy good food and take pictures. After an easy Sunday drive we’ve settled into a Staybridge Suite in Albuquerque where we’ve spotted green willows and blooming fruit trees. How refreshing after a series of snow storms in Denver.

Picture taking today focused on an old adobe church east of Santa Fe. Bob’s successfully completed watercolors of Nuestra Senora De La Luz at Canoncito. We’ve never before been here in early spring before the trees have leaved. Perhaps a new painting will soon be in the works.

We stopped in Las Vegas, NM for lunch. Trip Advisor list’s Charlie’s Bakery and Cafe as the #1 restaurant in Las Vegas. We’d been here years ago and it was time for a revisit, we weren’t disappointed. Old timers remember Charlie’s as the “Spic & Span” az the sign on the building  still attests.

Charlie’s is open until 3pm, both the breakfast and lunch menu were available. We both chose the “Fluffy” – a handmade sopapilla stuffed with fluffy eggs and your choice of meats (bacon, ham, chorizo or sausage, steak for $1 more), smothered with either red or green chile and served with either hash browns or pipits. While we waited we watched a very busy lady making the fresh tortillas served and sold at Charlie’s. Our plates were delivered hot and so enticing I failed to think of taking a picture. The serving was too large for travelers needing to spend a few more hours in the car so we both have boxes in the hotel frig.

At the cash register I ordered two of their iced sugar cookies shaped as shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day. Bob had his immediately and I wolfed mine down while Bob was filling the car with gas. The best sugar cookie I’ve had in a very long time! We were temped to go back for a dozen but we resisted. But, I will remember the next time we’re anywhere near Las Vegas, NM.

Gunnison County, Colorado glistens in golden glory. We made a circle trip from Mt. Crested Butte south on CO135 to Gunnison, returning via Ohio Creek Road and Kebler Pass Road back to Crested Butte for an early dinner at the Last Steep. A drive to the west side of Kebler Pass for evening pictures concluded the day’s photography. Stream side willows, massive rows of giant hay rolls, cattle roundups, aspen groves covering entire mountain slopes, jagged peaks, and curious clouds provided an awesome autumn day.

A real mix of weather as we drove from Denver to Crested Butte, Colorado today. Sunshine as we left Denver, the clouds and rain in the city’s forecast had already reached the foothills with periodic sun breaks. While the groves of aspen on Kenosa Pass are past their prime there’s still some nice color when we catch one of those sun breaks. As we turn south at Fairplay we’re thankful we’re not headed north across Hoosier Pass to Breckenridge – clouds are thick and black. Mountain peaks and ridges dusted with snow warn of the coming winter.

Enjoyed a beefy lunch at Quincy’s in Buena Vista. Although the menu is limited the quality is very good. They were slammed with noon hour business but our waitress couldn’t have tried harder. We’ll definitely stop here in the future.

Aspen, willows and cottonwoods in autumn glory graced the slopes as we headed up Cottonwood Pass, west of Buena Vista. A short side road ramble to Cottonwood Lake rewarded with great color, smooth dirt road and little traffic. Temperature atop the pass was a nippy 43 degrees with a stiff breeze and threatening skies along the mountain ranges to the northwest.

By the time we reached Taylor Reservoir the sun had won the battle. Road construction through the Taylor Canyon seems to always be a given. This year’s project stretches for eight miles, today requiring slowly following a pilot car. At least we lucked out and only had to wait a few minutes for our turn through.

The final ten miles into Crested Butte offer a sunny promise of the outstanding scenery and color we’ll enjoy in the coming days.

Son, Eric, joined us for fried chicken dinner at Slogar’s, a long time Crested Butte favorite. (See a full review at The Slogar…) The family-style service includes relish tray including spiced pear slices, cottage cheese, slaw, homemade tomato chutney, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn in cream, warm biscuits, honey butter, strawberry jam and, of course, skillet fried chicken. We waddle away from the table nearly in a food coma but oh, so satisfied.

Colorado is glistening in autumn glory – the aspen are golden and the elk are bugling. However, we all must be alert, every elderly driver needing to relinquist their license is out on the roads. Watch for large sedans inching along 30 mph under the speed limit, sudden stops, turning right from the left hand lane and parking in traffic lanes. You’ve been warned, stay  alert and safe. Enjoy autumn splendor in Colorful Colorado.

Telluride, Colorado

Some claim the town’s name comes from, “To Hell You Ride”. Cyclists in the USA Pro Challenge rode into the popular resort town yesterday afternoon in a blaze of glory from cheering fans after a 125.7 mile ride from Durango. Fortunately we can experience Telluride without such a trek. I’m reminded of the many summertime adventures found in the region.

The spectacular mountain setting draws outdoor lovers – casual walkers to extreme adventurers. With dozens of challenging trails and terrain, mountain bikers make Telluride a destination. The free gondola that connects Mountain Village with the town of Telluride is outfitted with bike racks during summer months. The San Juan Scenic Byway gives road cyclists the same opportunity the pros faced climbing to 10,222′ altitude on Lizard Head Pass.

Hiking, fishing, rafting, 4-wheeling, rock climbing, bouldering – an entire summer’s worth of possibilities. Less rugged options also abound. Golf, spa treatments, shopping and, of course, plenty of dining. Float above the picturesque valley in a hot air balloon, relax and soak up the rays poolside or challenge the family to disc golf.

Park the car, ride the FREE gondola between the valley nestled  town and the resorts of Mountain Village. After just one trip you’ll agree that locals have the best commute imaginable. Some of the gondola cars are even pet friendly.

Delve into the regions history with a walking tour of the National Historic Landmark District of Victorian homes, downtown storefronts and mining relics. The New Sheridan Hotel was constructed in 1895 after the original Sheridan burned down. Recent renovations keep the hotel a hub of activity in restaurants, Telluride’s oldest bar and 26 award-winning guest rooms.

As if scenery, history and outdoor sports weren’t enough Telluride fills the summer and fall calendar with weekend festivals. Still coming in 2012:

The Ride: Telluride’s Rock Festival – Aug. 25-26

Telluride Film Festival – Aug. 31-Sept. 3

Imogene Pass Run – Sept. 8

19th Annual Blues & Brews – Sept. 14-16

Mountain to Dessert Ride – Sept. 22

Fall Tilt Bike Race – Oct.6

Taos Gates and Doors

What’s behind the adobe walls of Northern New Mexico? Almost as intriguing are the doors and gates that allow entrance behind those adobe walls. From ornate to functional the entryways display  individualism and originality. We find elaborate carvings such as those in the Fechin House and others that seem to have survived years of neglect.

Color adds to the interest and appeal. Blues predominate in many shades and tints. The label Taos Blue is often applied but there seems to be no agreement as to the exact hue.

There are no rules or standards, neon green or cherry red, arched or perfectly squared off, anything goes. These doors and gates lead to public and private gardens, homes, shops, restaurants,galleries, museums, and churches. And, for some we don’t know what’s behind the adobe walls.

Slideshow

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July 20-22

Century old traditions continue in Taos Plaza July 20-22, 2012 with Fiestas de Taos. Parades, music, royalty, music, food, music, dance and more music. Opening ceremonies for Fiesta Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday evening.

Colorfully clad children Parade Saturday morning. Families spread blankets to claim shady spots for the day of kid activities, shopping, entertainment and festival food. A dozen musical groups throughout the day until the Plaza closes at 10pm.

Sunday morning begins with the St. Francis Choir at 9am. The Historical Parade at twelve noon on Sunday brings Taos traffic to a halt.

A historical carousel known as Tio Vivo has been a key part ofFiesta every year since 1939. The only one of it’s kind active in the United States, the 19th-century “Flying Jenny” first arrived in Taos in 1896

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The Taos Lions Club maintains the priceless treasure that they feel belongs to the children of Taos. The club covers the large maintenance costs and hours of volunteerism so that children attending Fiesta can enjoy free rides on Tio Vivo .

Ranchos de Taos

We joined friends Dolores and Orell for dinner at the Trading Post Cafe tonight. Unbeknownst to any of us the Italian restaurant offers Mangia Festa, 3 course meals between 4- 6pm, Tuesday – Thursday for only $12. Such a deal!

The Mangia Festa features a cup of soup of the day, salad and the choice from six pasta entrees or pizza of the day. Pasta offerings include farfallel primavera, pasta bolognese, fettuccine alla carbonara, angel hair pasta with chicken and mushrooms in gorgonzola cream, portabello mushroom raviolis and penne arrabbiata.

Tonight’s soup was a chilled cream of avocado which Bob (surprisingly) really liked. Next was a fresh green salad with creamy Italian dressing. Bob and I both ordered the carbonara, on the advice of local friends, and were not disappointed. Dolores and Orell had the angel hair pasta dish. The servings were not large but the three courses were a very nice balance.

When Bob and I had dinner here on Saturday night we indulged in the marvelous flan. Because I baked a peach and cherry crostada today we bypassed the Trading Post desserts – with regrets.

They have an excellent pastry chef and there are many selections each day. If I’d known we were going to the Trading Post Cafe I would have put off my baking until tomorrow. Although that might not have worked because Bob says he’s going back tomorrow night for round two of Mangia Festa!