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New Mexico truly is the Land of Enchanment
New Mexico is both geographically and culturally diverse. Native Americans, Spaniards, Mexicans and the white settlers have all made New Mexico what it is today. We noticed this right away as we drove by Indian reservations, signs in the Spanish language, adobe homes and McDonalds. The landscape was breathtaking as we drove through flatlands and then up into mountains and forests to the mountain home of our friends, Jan and Dave Houser.
When we woke up in the morning, we were greeted by 6 inches of fresh snow. We were able to see for the first time, the view from Jan and Dave's back porch. It was nothing but mountains and forests for as far as the eye could see.
Jan and Dave took us around the nearby town of Ruidoso, home of the Ruidoso Downs racetrack. On Labor Day, the track hosts the All-American Futurity horse race which has a purse of over one million dollars. We visited the Museum of the Horse and learned a lot about this big horse race, as well as the Native Americans of New Mexico and the lives of the early settlers. Here Rich is inspecting a real live chuck wagon.
Nearby Ruidoso is the beautiful, state of the art Spencer Theater which is adorned with beautiful blown glass creations by Seattle artist, Dale Chihuly. We have also seen his work in the the old city of Jerusalem and in the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Here is Jan and Rich in front of the Crystal Lobby.
Our second morning, we took the four dogs out for a walk in the back woods of Jan and Dave's house. The morning frost glittered like diamonds on the hillside.
Dave and Rich enjoy the morning walk.
After a very relaxing two days in the mountains, we headed north to As we drove out of the mountains we enjoyed more breathtaking views of New Mexico.
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We
did not arrive to Jan and Dave's until late in the evening. The rain was
beginning to turn into snow in the mountains, and we were very happy to be in a
warm, dry, cozy house. Jan and Dave made us some good southwestern
burritos, and we stayed up late sharing travel stories. Jan and Dave are
photographers/journalists. We met them while we were in Norway this past
summer. They have managed to make a life of exciting travel into a
lucrative career.
