Georgia O'Keefe Country

Today we set off early again to go to Georgia O'Keefe country. Georgia O'Keefe is one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. For 2 decades she spent part of most years living and working  in  Northern New Mexico.  She had a home in Albiquiu. En route past Tesuque I  took some photos of the bridges with native symbols and native language.

We had been on a lot of the route before but had not seen Black Mesa. Black Mesa is a volcanic plug, the innards if an erupted volcano whose outer shell has eroded.

During thunderstorms  it becomes particularly dark and threatening.  In Tewa, it is called Tunyo, a spot alone. It is said to be the home of a giant who Tewa mothers say will punish naughty children.



We had already heard about the Puye Cliff Dwellings but had not visited so we took a little detour to see them.

We passed the Santa Clara Pueblo, went through Espanola and Hernandez and on to Abiquiu where we stopped for coffee and one of their biscochitos, New Mexico's traditional cookie flavoured with star anise and cinnamon. We had a good rummage in the gift shop but refrained from buying.

 Santa Rosa de Lima was built around 1744 for the Spanish settlement of the same name. Constant raids by the Utes and the Comanches caused the settlement to be abandoned in 1747.

At this stage we had enough of the route and we headed home. We need an early night because we have to be up before dawn to go to the balloon fiesta. At present the weather is a bit dicey so we hope it will go ahead.