Walking in Santa Fe by Cathy

We took a quick trip to Santa Fe to see some friends, Amara and Slade.  We had planned on camping there for three nights, but on the day we were to leave Albuquerque, wind, snow and temperatures in the 20s were projected for Santa Fe.  Because Glen was concerned about the pipes freezing, we left the trailer in Albuquerque and just drove up for the afternoon.

Santa Fe is a beautiful place in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.  The town was founded in 1610 and though it is much smaller than Albuquerque, it is the capitol city of New Mexico.  Of course, all the shops and galleries were closed while we were there, but just from what we saw in the windows, the town is full of creative artists and craftspeople.  I could have spent a lot of money on art had the shops been open so Glen had one reason to thank Covid-19.

The town wraps around the traditional Spanish Plaza.  I was intrigued to discover that the obelisk in the middle of the plaza is the center of controversy similar to the Confederate Memorials in the southern United States.  Native Americans object to its purpose of honoring the Spanish colonists who wrestled the land away from Native Americans and made them slaves.

Buildings are constructed in Pueblo style.  The adobe landmarks and crooked streets are scenic and welcoming.  Many museums including the Historical Museum of New Mexico and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum beckon art and heritage lovers.

I am always intrigued by old churches and would have loved to visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Loretto Chapel with its Historic “floating” staircase but alas, they were closed.  I did get the dogs to pose beneath the statues of St. Francis and Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Indian of North America to be promoted a Saint.

Dogs seemed to be welcome in Santa Fe and when we walked beside the Santa Fe River, (a creek by some standards) I could barely hold Cory back from taking a swim.  The government buildings for the State of New Mexico are located in Santa Fe.  Though modern construction, their style blends with the traditional architecture   Though our visit to Santa Fe was quick and incomplete, a taste was all I needed to know that I want to go back to see more.