We traveled back to New Mexico last week on a last-minute summer trip. We just packed our bags, got in the car and took off. We had no specific plans, no formal reservations, nada. Schedules are for cowards I say. I know New Mexico well so we had a general idea of what was head, but it was fun to take to the road and see what unfolded. We visited and/or stayed in Santa Fe, Taos, Abiquiu and Albuquerque. I fell in love with the Abiquiu area, especially the Chama River. I'd never spent much time here until now. Many call it O'Keeffe Country for this is where the artist, Georgia O'Keeffe lived and worked. As a high schooler and a college student in New Mexico, I was introduced to (and quickly became a fan of) O'Keeffe through a series of posters her artwork adorned for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. Not exactly a formal education in the high arts, I know. She was ours, New Mexico claimed her. So it was interesting to see what she claimed for herself. I am reminded of a quote of hers about the distinctive mesa called the Pedernal; "It's my private mountain, It belongs to me. God told me if I painted it
enough, I could have it." Abiquiu isn't that far from Santa Fe in terms of miles, but it feels so remote, so different. The area is stunning, secretive, serene. We stayed at the Abiquiu Inn, site of tall cottonwoods and cool adobe casitas. We explored the village of Abiquiu, Chama, Ghost Ranch, the White Place and other magnificent spots. It's a unique place for your soul. You will feel bliss here.
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| Cottonwoods protect The Abiquiu Inn |
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| This is simply called The White Place |
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| Rancho de Taos |
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| Trees shroud Georgia O'Keeffe's Abiquiu home |
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| summer pear in a peaceful Abiquiu backyard on the hill. |
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| El Farolito in El Rito. Great green chile at this total dive. |
