A by-gone era

Even though American pop culture wasn't really part of my world as a kid, like pretty much every child of the 60's and 70's, I knew what the Route 66 was.  And like most kids of my era, I thought it would be pretty cool to one day cruise along the Route in a red Mustang.

Well, it wasn't a red Mustang, but it was red.  And true, not much exists of that wonderful old iconic highway, but the little stretches here and there allow a glimpse not only into the old US but also the joy of cruising the 'Mother Road'.

Route 66 was originally established in 1926 running from Chicago, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, before ending at Los Angeles.  It was a major path for those migrating west during the 1930s.  The Route essentially acted as the main street of many communities which it passed through or which sprung up on its curbs.  Sadly, much of it has now disappeared under the 6 lanes of tarmac that is the Interstate Highway. But you can still take a detour here and there and not only see some amazing country but also pass through some quirky, weird and wonderful little towns.  There are some cafes I would probably give a miss, and I can't guarantee the fuel supply, but it is a fun way to travel through the west and far more interesting than the endless white line of the Interstate!

Canyon Grandeur

Words can’t truly do justice to the Grand Canyon; nor in fact can a photo.  But I shall do my best for those who haven’t had the opportunity to drink in this place even if for a moment. 

It is absolutely breathtaking. 

There is a trail stop on the South Rim walk called “Ooh Aah” point and that is just perfect.  You really do have an ooh-aah moment when you first walk up the rise to the rim.  It swallows you up and snatches the breath from your lips when you first look from rim to rim and try to grasp what you are seeing.  The sheer magnificence is almost too much to comprehend and that results in silence.   The human eye is overwhelmed with trying to capture it all I think.  

I walked up the trail early morning in winter so for me the colours were all contrasting.  Crisp white newly fallen snow against the ochre reds and buttery yellows of the cliffs and canyon walls sprinkled with wisps of greenery.  I have no doubt that in spring or summer the colours are completely different again.  It does feel unique though to experience the Arizona desert and its Grand Canyon in winter with snow falling.  While the -13 degrees makes it a very chilly hike and perhaps drags you away from the rim sooner than those who see it in summer, a winter’s view is a gift that just challenges you to return.

This is one of mother earth’s true jewels and is perfect in every way.

The journey so far - Trip Map.

Santa Fe Magic

So I have fallen in love with Santa Fe, New Mexico.  This city and its surrounds is truly beautiful and a sprinkling of snow just adds to it.    The place is chock full of arts and culture.  Art galleries of all persuasions; jewellery artisans everywhere; and Indian culture on every corner.  The architecture is perfect too; adobe style can be found in all the residential and public buildings.  Even the shopping complexes are in adobe style and this just creates a personality and character that is unique.  We had a couple of days in Santa Fe and were fortunate to be able to enjoy the Christmas Eve Farolitos Festival in Canyon Road.  Farolitos are luminous brown paper bags of candles and sand.  They line the roof tops and streets throughout the city.  Just beautiful.  It started to snow Christmas Eve while we were out walking so for us that was just perfect.

In the surrounding hills, you will find fabulous little villages and culturally significant sites. As well as an atomic research facility (Los Alomos) and ghost towns.

Put Santa Fe on any trip to the US if you can - its not to be missed.

Puye Cliff Dwellings

The Puye Cliff Dwellings are the ancient ancestral home of the Santa Clara Pueblo people and are simply breathtaking.  These ancient homes sit atop the Pajarito Plateau overlooking the mountains and the Rio Grande valley.

I was absolutely blown away by not only the beauty and peacefulness of the place but also the manner in which the Santa Clara people have protected and preserved their heritage.

The cliffs are made of soft volcanic rock which the ancestors were able to sculpt for their homes.  Hand holds and stair cases weave up the cliffs to the Mesa on top where further villagers lived.  The view from the top provides a 360 panorama of the sacred mountains and allows an insight into life back then.  People lived here from around 900AD but with increasing population and lessening water sources, the Santa Clara people moved to the Rio Grande valley below and have continued to build their community there ever since.

This place has been an absolute highlight for me so far because of the spirituality, beauty and profound passion of the people.  The Santa Clara hold true to their traditions, language and sense of community but so willingly welcome visitors to their ancient lands.

Our trip so far: Map