Getting Closer to Home

September 10, 2007

As we left Longmont, it was cloudy and rainy. Then just as we crossed the New Mexico border, the sky turned blue with fluffy white clouds. Temp - 75°.

There is a most interesting place in a few miles south of Raton, New Mexico. Heading in the direction of Philmont Scout Camp, Tom was eager to see the NRA Whittington Center. Rolling hills and numerous valleys full of mule deer comprise this enormous enclave of shooting ranges.

We pulled into the motor home campground, alongside several of the competitors (also camped) of this week’s “1000 Yard” shooting competition. My eyes widened as we drove by one campsite where a competitor was cleaning his equipment right there on his picnic table: rifles, sights, clips, stand, the whole nine yards.


Tom could not resist. He paid the daily fee ($15) and we drove to two of the several ranges designated for pistols. Tom did well; he hit two silhouettes, and a bull’s eye; and on that note of victory, we quit.

September 11, 2007

We are camped almost right next to the Santa Fe Trail (in fact just ½ mile from us is a statue of a scout on the actual trail. We were amused that the statue was Charlton Heston portraying a "scout" on the trail; he has figured prominently in the history of the NRA).

Sunshine and open road beckoned. So we went to explore Raton, NM, and Trinidad, CO, and observe the architecture of these historical towns. Adobe and brick dominate the old buildings. Trinidad has blocks and blocks of bricked streets. Both towns have beautiful vistas of the mountains, valleys, and plains that define this wild, rugged area of northeast New Mexico and southeastern Colorado.

Hail greeted us as we returned to our NRA campsite. In this open country, rain can be seen from miles away. After the hail, the sun came out, and Tom took the opportunity to wash the car and motor home. But more rain was observed heading our way; it arrived; then, a double rainbow appeared. The temperature dropped, and our electricity went off. Listening to thunder in the distance, I knew this weather pattern is ­standard procedure here in early fall.

September 12

On the road again, we had a reminiscent visit to Philmont Scout Camp. Tom and Brian were here in 1990 to backpack for 10 days in the mountains with Troop 125, while Lynn and Katie attended leadership training and day camp.

As we had anticipated, the old motor home turned 100,000 miles on the road to Philmont. Those who know us, know we are proud to own our vehicles until they pretty much bite the dust, so we were sure to document this event.


We stopped in Cimmaron to have breakfast at the old Saint James Hotel. a major landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. It has an impressive roster of visitors– Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Annie Oakley, Bat Masterson, Buffalo Bill Cody,and Doc Holliday to name only a few. At least 26 people were killed in “shoot-outs” in the 1800s in this wild West locale. We explored both levels of the hotel, seeing photos of these outlaws and lawmen; but we were not visited by the “ghost” that is said to occupy Room 18, which is padlocked, and never rented out. There are several bullet holes in the tin ceiling of the old saloon and dining room. Everything is well-restored; this is a wonderful historic place to find and explore.



Then on to Santa Fe, one of my most favorite places in the world, where adobe houses and western scenery dominate the landscape in this unique, fascinating town.




First on the order of business here was to find someone who repaired Roman shades, since one of ours had broken, leaving us “exposed” on our port side. Tom called around and found David, who asked us to bring the shade to his home on Upper Canyon Road. His house was built of adobe, tucked into the side of the canyon, quite rustic and quintessential “Santa Fe.” It was located at the end of a day-care parking lot, down a dirt road. David was was 60ish, had long graying hair, and worked many jobs, window shade-repairing being one of them (he was also a DJ for events, and a property manager). We left the shade with him, and went to dine at Diego’s, David’s recommendation for the best Southwestern cuisine in Santa Fe. He was right.

September 13


Up the highway from Santa Fe is the village of Chimayo. There you will find the beautiful little Sanctuario de Chimayo, the Catholic church renowned for it’s “healing dirt.” It is a peaceful, spirit-filled place which we revisit whenever we are in this area. The town is also known for weaving shops that recreate original Chimayo Indian designs in rugs, cloths, and clothing.

Then we explored Los Alamos, New Mexico, where the atomic bomb was created by the world's most renowned scientists, resulting in the end of World War II. This town is dubbed “the town that never was,” due to the fact that no one working or living here was allowed to indicate that this army-created town on the remote plateau existed at all. Everyone’s mail was sent to a Post Office box in Santa Fe. Children born at Los Alamos had the Santa Fe P. O. Box number listed as “Place of Birth” on the birth certificates. It was a massive secret undertaking by the United States, that proved successful in that it ended the war – but it also opened up an era of frightening destruction. We passed by the Los Alamos High School and noted they were called “The Hilltoppers.” Tom said, wryly, “They should have called themselves “The Atomic Bombs.”

Later, in the evening, we picked up our Roman shade, completely restrung, at David’s workshop, and experienced again the simple beauty and solitude of his Santa Fe canyon-side lifestyle.

At least 15 years ago, Lynn found a quaint item here, and has been looking for more of them ever since - and thanks to a savvy shop owner on the Plaza, we were directed to a "flea market" that he thought might have this item of interest. Friday morning, we went there and yes! the tin can candle holders were there; except, the artist had painted them. So we ordered several "natural" ones to be sent home to Houston. After that, we looked at the myriad of merchandise at "Jackalope-Artesanos" on Cerrillos Road (take note shopper friends, don't miss this place!), but I had found my "grail", and really did not need another thing.

We left Santa Fe, knowing that we'll want to return when we can, not to do any special thing, just to experience again the environment of colors, charming architecture, and very nice people .

Driving through Roswell, New Mexico, we saw the high school, and wondered what their mascot was - the "Aliens" ? We continued south to Carlsbad, where we stopped for the night. (This town's high school mascot is "the Caveman.")