Historic Trail, Birds, Lava Flow, Petroglyphs

 – And, Green Chili Cheeseburger

Visible from I-25, a dramatic sculpture points skyward marking the access road to the El Camino Real International Heritage Center. Located approximately 100 miles south of Albuquerque, the interpretive center transports visitors along the 1500-mile “Royal Road” during  more than five centuries of history.

We spent twice as much time at the El Camino Real Center as planned. A 15-minute film relates background information before we wind our way through the informative exhibits.

Stepping out to the observation deck we overlook a stretch of the National Historic Trail. A well placed bench encourages  quiet respite while reflecting on the trail’s significance. A short nature trail highlights local desert vegetation.

We made a quick stop at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The site deserves much more time and our past visits have been more comprehensive. Upon exiting the car in the visitor center parking lot the first thing Bob notes is the chorus of a multitude of song birds. We especially like to visit this birding paradise in January and February when thousands of sandhill cranes and Canada geese escape the northern climes.

Upon arrival in the small town of San Antonio (New Mexico) there’s no doubt we’ll make a stop at the Owl Cafe and Bar known far and wide for their green chili cheeseburger.  The exterior would never entice me to stop but their reputation and past experiences confirm this is the place for a delicious lunch.

More to come:

• Valley of Fires
• Three Rivers Petroglyphs