Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

When coming to Santa Fe, it was Shirley's wish to visit some of the sites that featured the artist, Georgia O'Keefe. Her paintings are sought after around the world (if you can find one for sale). Accordingly, we spent the day traveling to Abiquiu, to visit the educational visitor center, and then on to Ghost Ranch (just down the road) where she spent the last 50 yrs of her life. We did visit her museum in Santa Fe but, of course, no photo's were permitted. The following photo's were taken from this visitors center and Ghost Ranch. Pretty easy to see why she chose to spend the rest of her life here.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

Entrance to O'keefe's educational/visitor center (about 1 1/2 miles from Ghost Ranch).

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

A look at the grounds in back of the visitors center.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

A photo of the visitors viewing room as seen in the next two photo's.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

One of the views from the visitor center grounds.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

Sorry about the line wires but just could not move enough to get them out of the way. But a nice backyard view from the visitors center.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

On the way to Ghost Ranch (just after entering the dirt road to the ranch) we came upon this long abandoned house with no markings of explanation abouts its history. But thought it was worth a post anyway.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

A closer look.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

A look at Ghost Ranch as we entered from the road just off Hwy 84.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

Another "backyard" view from the ranch property.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

A look at the visitor center on the actual ranch property.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

Right next to Ghost Ranch is a Corps of Engineers recreational area that has facilities for day use as well as full hook-up RV sites with great views. Abiquiu Lake is such a great place to spend the day (or a week or so) if you have the time.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

Although the ride to this lake is about 1 hour from Santa Fe, it is one of the prettiest around.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM

A look from a different angle.

Santa Fe, NM

One of the must see day trips is a visit to the Santa Fe Plaza shopping district. There is just about everything to please everyone when visiting. This photo was taken as we entered the Plaza area. Thats a wooden burro on the left.

Santa Fe, NM

A typical view of the Santa Fe shopping district. This area is at least twice the size of Albuquerque's old town. What makes this place so unique are the numerous art galleries in and around the Plaza district.

Santa Fe, NM

Took this photo as the above structure is actually a multi story parking lot. Seems everything in the Plaza district must adhere to the "southwest" theme of architecture.

Santa Fe, NM

This church is right in the middle of the Plaza district and well worth a visit.

Santa Fe, NM

A look from the street while walking toward this magnificent church.

Santa Fe, NM

A photo of just one of the unique statues on the Basilica church grounds.

Santa Fe, NM

Came upon this interesting shop that has lots of things like silk flowers seen above as well as the ceramic peppers on the right wall.

Santa Fe, NM

This shop has all kinds of things made of ceramic and/or plastic. Virtually all of the fruits & veggies you could think of. Thought the above display was an interesting collection.

Santa Fe, NM

While walking past the various shops came upon this old guy who certainly appears to be at his regular place in front of his owners store.

Trailer Ranch RV, Santa Fe, NM

Continuing on our travels north, we have arrived in Santa Fe, NM and are staying at Trailer Ranch RV which is the only RV park actually in the city itself. Not a bad park - a couple pics noted below.

Trailer Ranch RV, Santa Fe, NM

Looking at the entrance road - that building on the right is the restrooms (w/showers) and laundry facilities.

Trailer Ranch RV, Santa Fe, NM

A photo of the pool. Thats one of the guests just floating around when I took this pic.

Old Town - Albuquerque

Before we left Albuquerque, wanted to make sure we paid Old Town a visit. Some really cool stuff can be found if you have a place to put it, which we do not. Have included a few pics of our day trip visit.

Old Town - Albuquerque

For those wishing to know, this explains the guy on the horse.

Old Town - Albuquerque

Right in the center of Old Town is a really cool church. Thought it best to take this photo rather to explain it.

Old Town - Albuquerque

The main entrance for this church. Everything is well maintained and worth the time to look around.

Old Town - Albuquerque

Photo of a second entrance into the church.

Old Town - Albuquerque

Another look at the courtyard area.

Old Town - Albuquerque

A photo at one of the more updated shopping squares in Old Town (about a 15 shops).

Old Town - Albuquerque

A typical courtyard square consisting of 5-6 shops.

Old Town - Albuquerque

In the center are some of the street vendors selling their wares. Some pretty unique and interesting items can be found. Also a little cheaper than the shops themselves.

Old Town - Albuquerque

In the middle of Old Town is a small park and gazebo. Nice place to cool off.

Albuquerque, NM

As we continue our travels northward from Ruidoso, NM, decided on a short stay in Albuquerque. The above photo is looking eastward at the city and Sandia mountains in the background. City altitude in right at 5000 ft which certainly makes for a four season climate.

Enchanted Trails RV Park - Albuquerque, NM

While we are only staying here for a few days, this park is located west of Albuquerque right on historic Route 66 (along side of I-40).

Enchanted Trails RV Park - Albuquerque, NM

A look at the entrance road to the RV sites. Not a bad little park.

Enchanted Trails RV Park - Albuquerque, NM

This park has a fairly decent pool (w/jacuzzi) for those staying long enough to enjoy. It seems that a lot of RVr's only spend a day or so and then continue on to other destinations.

Enchanted Trails RV Park - Albuquerque, NM

The above photo shows a 1947 Hudson with a "teardrop" trailer (50's model). These little trailers provided a bed with a small campstove type cooking area under the rear lift up door lid.

Enchanted Trails RV Park - Albuquerque, NM

A typical thunderhead formation over the Sandia mountain range. Most of the southwest incurs thunderstorms during the summer months on a fairly regular basis.

Ruidoso, NM

The above is a photo of Hwy 48 (Sudderth Dr), the main roadway through Ruidoso. Quite a few shops run for over a mile with plenty of great dinning locations as well. This town reminds me of Incline Village at Lake Tahoe. Ruidoso has lots of summer tourists (6500 ft) that are escaping the heat as well as a very busy ski season all winter.

Ruidoso, NM

Another look a the highway running through this mountain town. That 2 story wooden structure to the right is a very unusual furniture store with various type of chairs, table sets, sofa's, etc. all made from natural wood (very high end stuff for sure).

Ruidoso, NM

While in Ruidoso, a visit to the Inn of the Mountain Gods, is a great day trip (owned by the Mescalero/Apache Indian tribe). This is one of the premiere four star resorts in the region. Besides casino gambling and a great health spa/fitness center, this resort has an 18 hole championship golf course (rated in the top 35 in the nation) and, for those so inclined, a hunting safari for large game (elk, etc).

Ruidoso, NM

When you come into the resort entrance area you see a really neat water/metal art feature. Of course thats my better half.

Ruidoso, NM

A closer look at the metal artwork.

Ruidoso, NM

The resorts lake is really quite large and is well stocked to provide guests a positive fishing experience. The next photo shows the lobby area and this lake is just beyond the glass.

Ruidoso, NM

A look at the lobby area. Just below the glass area (lower level) is a lounge and great restaurant.

Ruidoso, NM

Looking from the back of the resort (N/W) provides a great view of the Gila National Forest. The ski area is just to the left of Apache Mountain (as you can see, its high enough to be above the tree line).