Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
8.21.2016
1.03.2016
January 3, 2003
Steffen sent an email today with this photo from his and Emi's wedding in Oaxaca, today in 2003:
7.12.2015
So, we went to Minnesota, then.
Paul, Tess, and Audrey got their annual cabin at Camp Van Vac in Ely, Minnesota, and we got away for a few days to join them.
Traveled to MSP on a Sunday, arriving a bit early — but still not early enough to make it to the inexplicably-closing-early-that-Sunday-only IKEA, which mocked Monica from our hotel room. Had considered trying to get a start on the four-hour drive early or stay someplace downtown and enjoy that scene, but figuring correctly we'd just be tired, stayed by the airport with the goal of an early start Monday.
Which kind of didn't happen, but still early enough before IKEA opened. Stopped to take a break, as apparently everyone does, at Tobie's, where we grabbed a pint of fresh strawberries from their farm stand. And then on to a side trip to Duluth, stroll the lakeside walk, visit the Trading Company get smoked meat for lunch and to bring to the cabin.
Returning to the car around 3:00, programming in the final destination to the GPS, informed that it was more than three hours away … odd, because while Duluth was a bit of a side trip, we'd already covered two hours. Happily, though, as it adjusted to our location and learned the terrain, we watched our ETA creep down to 4:55.
Greeted by the bunch at their lakeside cabin; camp was built in the '10s, theirs was probably one of the earliest. Literally 20 (my) paces from Burtside Lake. Got our tour, bearings, and for walleye that had been swimming days earlier and homemade totchos. Then passed the evening sitting lakeside. Which is how we spent a lot of the time there.
Tuesday arrived a bit gray with what looked like the highest chance of rain for the upcoming days, so after a hearty breakfast, headed into town to the International Wolf Center. Displays, presentations, movies — and the viewing area, where you can see them doing their wolf thing:
Then wandered Ely, getting a little lunch and checking out the gear stores. Back at the Camp, Paul and Monica went to work on the ping pong table Paul bought the day before to replace the Camp's that had broken. Tess took that opportunity to get me out on a sea kayak on the lake. Went without mishap, tooling around the edge of the camp, accompanied by Audrey and her friend swimming along. Brats with green chile for dinner.
Wednesday, decided to reserve a motorboat to explore the lake in the afternoon. Paul and Audrey took it out for shakedown, Mon and Tess worked on the puzzle, I took some time to make a dent in The Southern Reach Trilogy (appropriate setting for a weird sci-fi about an mysterious, encroaching wilderness). Afternoon expedition took us to the far end of the lake, spotting a loon giving her young a ride (no camera!), and then to "Divers' Rock," where Audrey (and, eventually Paul) could take the 10'+ plunge. Later, I took the opportunity of hanging out lakeside to try a swim in the water — the the amusement of at least one of the Minnesotans, found it too cold.
Later Thursday morning, Tess took Mon out on the kayak, Paul and I headed into town to restock. Spent some time in the yurt playing ping pong as they returned. Sat and fed the chipmunks some more until our reservation at Burntside Lodge. Even though just a few minutes early, they still weren't ready; we settled into the bar, checked out their menu, and just stayed there for the evening. Retrieving Audrey in the swimming area later at dusk — which was like 10:00 — was the only time we even encountered mosquitos.
Up early (well, earlier then we'd been up) Friday for the drive straight back to the cities to fly out; all travel calculations worked out well, and we arrived home to the housesitter's assessment:
3.05.2015
What's this "Winter" we keep hearing about?
We were due to fly to Austin today for STAPLE! this weekend but got the call yesterday from American that our morning flight had been cancelled. Were able to rebook a later one; in retrospect, it should've occurred if the first flight of the day was cancelled, the second one didn't have much of a chance either, and we should've seen that call this morning coming. We just became more travel victims of the storm, and when they couldn't find a flight that gave us enough time there, we just called the whole thing off.
After the couple hours that was, got burritos and went up to the saddleback on Sun Mountain.
After the couple hours that was, got burritos and went up to the saddleback on Sun Mountain.
6.22.2014
Taos Adventure
Our friend Turner's house- and dogsitting outside of Taos, so we decided to get out of town for a little visit. First chance, after years, to test out the big bed Mon made for the car. Performed without incident, but not sure Cheyenne ever settled in on the hour-plus drive up.
Turned off the main road well before Taos, onto a small road winding through some awfully green land. Almost swampy at times. Was that a red-winged blackbird?
Arrived at the house late morning, greeted by Turner. It was time for "his" dogs' walks: Otto, the little black heeler-chow-oid, and Zeke, the greyhound. Zeke, as it turns out, has the ear tattoos, but was probably bred to be a hunting dog — very different build.
Their path takes them through a couple meadows and down to the little river, the source of all the green. Otto, bounding off leash all around; Cheyenne, head down, found a path and had to walk on it. Zeke … I'm not entirely sure. He was balky, grudgingly agreed to go along, but I never saw as I was out in front getting pulled along by Cheyenne.
She walked a little into the river, a bit unsteady on the rock bottom, but she likes walking through water. But. So. Many. Mosquitos. We hastily returned to the house. A beautiful, two-story house, we all agreed kind of a mix of Hamptons by way of New Mexico. Didn't need to wonder long where the dogs fit in there, once we saw the giant sectional in the living room covered by sheets to accommodate them.
Passed the afternoon grilling, chatting, catching up. Slathered on the bug repellent and led Cheyenne on a mission to specifically walk in and through the river, but she didn't care for walking on the rocks. Zeke, so overwhelmed by mosquitos, just returned.
We headed home soon after, but not after having to chase Otto out of the open-for-packing-up car twice, and once when he just jumped through the window. A little tired.
Turned off the main road well before Taos, onto a small road winding through some awfully green land. Almost swampy at times. Was that a red-winged blackbird?
Arrived at the house late morning, greeted by Turner. It was time for "his" dogs' walks: Otto, the little black heeler-chow-oid, and Zeke, the greyhound. Zeke, as it turns out, has the ear tattoos, but was probably bred to be a hunting dog — very different build.
Their path takes them through a couple meadows and down to the little river, the source of all the green. Otto, bounding off leash all around; Cheyenne, head down, found a path and had to walk on it. Zeke … I'm not entirely sure. He was balky, grudgingly agreed to go along, but I never saw as I was out in front getting pulled along by Cheyenne.
She walked a little into the river, a bit unsteady on the rock bottom, but she likes walking through water. But. So. Many. Mosquitos. We hastily returned to the house. A beautiful, two-story house, we all agreed kind of a mix of Hamptons by way of New Mexico. Didn't need to wonder long where the dogs fit in there, once we saw the giant sectional in the living room covered by sheets to accommodate them.
Passed the afternoon grilling, chatting, catching up. Slathered on the bug repellent and led Cheyenne on a mission to specifically walk in and through the river, but she didn't care for walking on the rocks. Zeke, so overwhelmed by mosquitos, just returned.
We headed home soon after, but not after having to chase Otto out of the open-for-packing-up car twice, and once when he just jumped through the window. A little tired.
3.04.2014
Back from Austin
A great return to STAPLE! after too many years away and a visit with Carol and Doug. More later, but first …
on the way, we found this:
but seeing this on the radio just seemed redundant:
on the way, we found this:
but seeing this on the radio just seemed redundant:
7.31.2012
3.11.2012
6.16.2011
Comicpalooza 2011
So, then, our trip to Comicpalooza in Houston Memorial Day weekend; almost a month later, and as our attention is turning to our appearance at ACE.
2:00 departure out of ABQ meant that we dropped the dog at Camp P__. and still had plenty of time. Quick two hours into HOU, almost a half-hour waiting for bags (free on Southwest, so three suitcases of books from 7000 BC), then to the hotel. Rob and Amanda were still on the road from Austin and it wasn't dinner time yet. At cons, have found it's valuable to learn what's in the neighborhood — so when the time comes to get a group out to dinner, or to finder a cheaper lunch venue, you're not completely lost.
Hotel's connected to the convention center, but still about a three-block walk to where the con was. Though there was supposed to be the option to load in, only saw a few frantic looking con staff around, and the big hall was still be cleared out of the previous exhibitors. Downstairs and out … into the 100° weather, with about 75% humidity. Forgotten what that's like. Walked a few blocks, scoped out the area — a downtown business district, also forgotten what that's like.
Back to await our friends' arrival at the bar seemed much more sensible. Where we noticed that all the other people in the hotel didn't really seem like the typical comic con crowd. Sure, all guys, but more fit, kind of athletic … and that's when we pieced together that logo on display, NAGVA was at the convention center, too. When Rob arrived, we figured out the way to a Vietnamese restaurant he'd been to last year, walked there for dinner and visiting.
Next morning, I was anxious; our info packet had dire warnings about being set up in time for the VIP entrance at the risk of losing table space. That hall we saw the previous night … wasn't much more cleared out. Found a con volunteer, himself looking for his badge, to show us that the big empty hall was where the roller derby and Quidditch would be, the dealers room was actually on the other side. Located our table … disturbingly over on the far side of things, quested to get our badges, got set up as the other dealers and eventually attendees found their way in.
The con was experimenting with a new layout; you could see the line of reasoning, the good intentions. The entry to the con started you in Artists' Alley, which was kind of a switchback of turns past the tables, ultimately depositing you at the entry to the booths and other exhibitors. Thing was, we were another turn past a big table and away from that entry; our position near the food concession meant we got some wandering by, but it wasn't a successful day. Good time visiting with Scott and Anthony, exhibiting at their first con. We'd been cautioned that Friday would be slow, and Saturday last year was huge, but I walked off that evening eyeing all the unoccupied tables.
The previous night, we'd located a likely candidate for a group dinner. These things, as they often do, grew as friends invited friends and next thing you know you're in charge of feeding a whole bunch you've never even met before. Though there was a wait, we got a table and setup that accommodated our group; even, kind of per Miss Manners, we managed to split up the people who all came together so we got to know the new folks we were dining with.
Next morning, tried out the nearby mall's food court; only one restaurant was open, but it had breakfast tacos. Again, we were too early at the con, but already talking to organizers about moving. It was clear that we were going to get passed by (the original intention was for gaming to be over in that corner, but it just wound up being cafeteria tables). Egged on and overly caffeinated, I got us into an open table.
Where we discovered it wasn't the location, it was us. No, actually, nobody in Artists' Alley was having a good time. I don't think the setup can entirely be blamed, there just wasn't buying happening — now the third con this year that, either from experience or anecdotally, was a dramatic dropoff from the previous. Dinner that evening, we just headed downtown, over by the Chron's presses with Charles and Karen, who we'd met at STAPLE. Found our way to a fun, outdoor spot for a second night of fish tacos and passed an enjoyable evening on, as it turns out, their anniversary.
By Sunday, there wasn't much incentive to get going early, but we had to pack up and check out. Lingered over breakfast with other exhibitors, and then to the table. Where the day passed … a few people who promised to return did, visited with our neighbor Mark, but it went slowly. Packed up, last goodbyes, out into the heat, and back to the airport.
The dog had apparently spent pretty much all the time outside except for eating. I think she was so tired, she couldn't object to returning. Monday was a slow, easy day for all of us. Didn't do much beyond posting the con photos at Flickr and making that still movie thing.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Since then, a lot of yardwork and house organizing and cleaning as well as starting grilling season. I was at a fencing clinic last Saturday as Monica was on Mouth of Wonder's pledge show. We headed out with Stacy, Jim, and Bernice to see the AlphaCats last show at the El Dorado.
And, pretty much as I'm posting this, Mon's parents and Oma should be arriving into Albuquerque. They'll be here Friday–Monday for their first visit to Santa Fe.
Any photos that have both of us: by Rob
2:00 departure out of ABQ meant that we dropped the dog at Camp P__. and still had plenty of time. Quick two hours into HOU, almost a half-hour waiting for bags (free on Southwest, so three suitcases of books from 7000 BC), then to the hotel. Rob and Amanda were still on the road from Austin and it wasn't dinner time yet. At cons, have found it's valuable to learn what's in the neighborhood — so when the time comes to get a group out to dinner, or to finder a cheaper lunch venue, you're not completely lost.
Hotel's connected to the convention center, but still about a three-block walk to where the con was. Though there was supposed to be the option to load in, only saw a few frantic looking con staff around, and the big hall was still be cleared out of the previous exhibitors. Downstairs and out … into the 100° weather, with about 75% humidity. Forgotten what that's like. Walked a few blocks, scoped out the area — a downtown business district, also forgotten what that's like.
Back to await our friends' arrival at the bar seemed much more sensible. Where we noticed that all the other people in the hotel didn't really seem like the typical comic con crowd. Sure, all guys, but more fit, kind of athletic … and that's when we pieced together that logo on display, NAGVA was at the convention center, too. When Rob arrived, we figured out the way to a Vietnamese restaurant he'd been to last year, walked there for dinner and visiting.
Next morning, I was anxious; our info packet had dire warnings about being set up in time for the VIP entrance at the risk of losing table space. That hall we saw the previous night … wasn't much more cleared out. Found a con volunteer, himself looking for his badge, to show us that the big empty hall was where the roller derby and Quidditch would be, the dealers room was actually on the other side. Located our table … disturbingly over on the far side of things, quested to get our badges, got set up as the other dealers and eventually attendees found their way in.
The con was experimenting with a new layout; you could see the line of reasoning, the good intentions. The entry to the con started you in Artists' Alley, which was kind of a switchback of turns past the tables, ultimately depositing you at the entry to the booths and other exhibitors. Thing was, we were another turn past a big table and away from that entry; our position near the food concession meant we got some wandering by, but it wasn't a successful day. Good time visiting with Scott and Anthony, exhibiting at their first con. We'd been cautioned that Friday would be slow, and Saturday last year was huge, but I walked off that evening eyeing all the unoccupied tables.
The previous night, we'd located a likely candidate for a group dinner. These things, as they often do, grew as friends invited friends and next thing you know you're in charge of feeding a whole bunch you've never even met before. Though there was a wait, we got a table and setup that accommodated our group; even, kind of per Miss Manners, we managed to split up the people who all came together so we got to know the new folks we were dining with.
Next morning, tried out the nearby mall's food court; only one restaurant was open, but it had breakfast tacos. Again, we were too early at the con, but already talking to organizers about moving. It was clear that we were going to get passed by (the original intention was for gaming to be over in that corner, but it just wound up being cafeteria tables). Egged on and overly caffeinated, I got us into an open table.
Where we discovered it wasn't the location, it was us. No, actually, nobody in Artists' Alley was having a good time. I don't think the setup can entirely be blamed, there just wasn't buying happening — now the third con this year that, either from experience or anecdotally, was a dramatic dropoff from the previous. Dinner that evening, we just headed downtown, over by the Chron's presses with Charles and Karen, who we'd met at STAPLE. Found our way to a fun, outdoor spot for a second night of fish tacos and passed an enjoyable evening on, as it turns out, their anniversary.
By Sunday, there wasn't much incentive to get going early, but we had to pack up and check out. Lingered over breakfast with other exhibitors, and then to the table. Where the day passed … a few people who promised to return did, visited with our neighbor Mark, but it went slowly. Packed up, last goodbyes, out into the heat, and back to the airport.
The dog had apparently spent pretty much all the time outside except for eating. I think she was so tired, she couldn't object to returning. Monday was a slow, easy day for all of us. Didn't do much beyond posting the con photos at Flickr and making that still movie thing.
-=-=-=-=-=-
Since then, a lot of yardwork and house organizing and cleaning as well as starting grilling season. I was at a fencing clinic last Saturday as Monica was on Mouth of Wonder's pledge show. We headed out with Stacy, Jim, and Bernice to see the AlphaCats last show at the El Dorado.
And, pretty much as I'm posting this, Mon's parents and Oma should be arriving into Albuquerque. They'll be here Friday–Monday for their first visit to Santa Fe.
Any photos that have both of us: by Rob
3.13.2011
This Year's Austin Trip
Two major discoveries — well, not discoveries to a lot of people, and not really that new to me — made some differences this year: rolling and breakfast tacos:
When Liz was packing to depart, everything was rolled to go into the suitcase. I'd also read the NYT article that prompted it, but hadn't yet put into practice yet. I do love my packing cubes, all organize-y and stuff, but the rolling does make a huge difference.
And breakfast tacos. They were mentioned in response to a question our first year; I thought, "we've got breakfast burritos here, what's the big deal?" Last year, we tried some out, and then that article appeared with the guide and history. So this year, jumped full-on into the whole breakfast taco thing, and am a convert. Cheap, tasty, varied. We need that stuff here.
Easy departure out of SAF, arrival into AUS Friday night. The trip on I-35 during rush hour was enough of a novelty that the traffic wasn't a big ordeal. To the con hotel, a little time to rest, then out to dinner with Rob and his assistant Amanda. Since we were early for reservations and they needed to be caffeinated, the inevitable annual stop at Kick Butt, where there looked to be a school of rock kind of performance going on. Then a terrific dinner and visiting at Chez Zee.
Returned to Elsi's for Saturday's breakfast tacos in the gray windy morning, then to the newly renamed Marchesa for this year's STAPLE!. A slow start that never really picked up … was it the beautiful sunny day that turned out? The reduced urgency of a two-day event? Didn't matter, we had some great neighbors, so had plenty of fun.
On one side, Samax, who warned us he could talk. David, who we met last year in Phoenix, came with Charles and Karen, who brought their sense of humor. Behind us, Chet and Julie, new to the con scene, had beautiful products and plenty of stories. Rob and Amanda, a few tables down. Shopping for sequels of Guinea, P.I. and Buffalo Speedway.
Again, the con organized a dinner at Franklin Barbecue (apparently in that location for their last night). The espresso barbecue sauce was on the tables, the portions were generous, but it was awfully cold. Dinner with David, Charles, and Karen was rushed. I was smug because I was the only one who finished; next morning, I was seeing their wisdom.
Sunday began with … you should see where this is going … breakfast tacos. At one of Torchy's locations, at the trailer park near Rob's. Leisurely start to what turned out to be a leisurely kind of day at the show again. No matter, much fun still. Kabobs for dinner with Rob, graciously acting as tour guide one last time.
We took some time getting out Monday after going out for … wait for it … breakfast tacos at Rosie's Tamale House (I think my favorite of the trip). We were moving hotels so we could stay more downtown Austin. A planned culture outing, the only museum open in the cluster on/near the UT campus was The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Yes, it was Texas-sized — a lot of reading, but educational.
We'd splurged on a room at the Kimber Modern, one of the boutique hotels near South Congress. Figured it suited our sensibilities, and we'd try a night at this sort of thing (which, like most memes, is hitting the real cities and only barely filtering its way here).
Amazing. Noted subsequently by Carol, seems kind of sterile — but actually nicely integrated with nature, with some very human touches. Big, beautiful courtyard; by the time we returned from a stroll of SoCo, hung out there for their little reception. Out to Perla's for seafood dinner at the bar, just around the corner. Next morning, though there was a (dangerously healthy) breakfast provided, walked over to Jo's for … breakfast tacos. With a noon checkout, we just sat around the courtyard, reading and hanging out, 'til about 11:53.
Then to the Blanton, by way of lunch at Chi'Lantro. At the museum, their, we're assuming, art project of knitted tree cozies; certainly not needed on the warm morning.
Couple hours in the exhibits. We both loved the entryway, an installation that references Judd.
And over to the Henry Ransom Center to see their Gutenberg and collection of their writers' papers.
Time for cupcakes, then on the road out to Carol and Doug's. Doug's sister-in-law's there for a while in the process of moving; Saralee joined us for a wonderful dinner.
Next morning, we lingered, toured the winery that's coming together — by our visit next year, we should be barrel tasting their own wine — and meeting Juliet(te?), Carol's new horse (not the one that threw her) and visiting with Shine.
Quick trip out to Pedernales Falls, where there was really no water.
It's forbidden, but we figured pretty safe, to venture out into the middle of the river. Beautiful in its own way, only the riverbed exposed; an hour or so scrambling around the rocks. Errands and to Saralee's house.
Visiting there for a while, touring her new lovely home, then dinner with the family again. Time for some sitting and reading before bed. Next morning, we had a leisurely start with time for more visiting and walking around before the — again, thankfully uneventful — trip home. Where the dogsitter and the housesitter had things well under control.
When Liz was packing to depart, everything was rolled to go into the suitcase. I'd also read the NYT article that prompted it, but hadn't yet put into practice yet. I do love my packing cubes, all organize-y and stuff, but the rolling does make a huge difference.
And breakfast tacos. They were mentioned in response to a question our first year; I thought, "we've got breakfast burritos here, what's the big deal?" Last year, we tried some out, and then that article appeared with the guide and history. So this year, jumped full-on into the whole breakfast taco thing, and am a convert. Cheap, tasty, varied. We need that stuff here.
Easy departure out of SAF, arrival into AUS Friday night. The trip on I-35 during rush hour was enough of a novelty that the traffic wasn't a big ordeal. To the con hotel, a little time to rest, then out to dinner with Rob and his assistant Amanda. Since we were early for reservations and they needed to be caffeinated, the inevitable annual stop at Kick Butt, where there looked to be a school of rock kind of performance going on. Then a terrific dinner and visiting at Chez Zee.
Returned to Elsi's for Saturday's breakfast tacos in the gray windy morning, then to the newly renamed Marchesa for this year's STAPLE!. A slow start that never really picked up … was it the beautiful sunny day that turned out? The reduced urgency of a two-day event? Didn't matter, we had some great neighbors, so had plenty of fun.
On one side, Samax, who warned us he could talk. David, who we met last year in Phoenix, came with Charles and Karen, who brought their sense of humor. Behind us, Chet and Julie, new to the con scene, had beautiful products and plenty of stories. Rob and Amanda, a few tables down. Shopping for sequels of Guinea, P.I. and Buffalo Speedway.
Again, the con organized a dinner at Franklin Barbecue (apparently in that location for their last night). The espresso barbecue sauce was on the tables, the portions were generous, but it was awfully cold. Dinner with David, Charles, and Karen was rushed. I was smug because I was the only one who finished; next morning, I was seeing their wisdom.
Sunday began with … you should see where this is going … breakfast tacos. At one of Torchy's locations, at the trailer park near Rob's. Leisurely start to what turned out to be a leisurely kind of day at the show again. No matter, much fun still. Kabobs for dinner with Rob, graciously acting as tour guide one last time.
We took some time getting out Monday after going out for … wait for it … breakfast tacos at Rosie's Tamale House (I think my favorite of the trip). We were moving hotels so we could stay more downtown Austin. A planned culture outing, the only museum open in the cluster on/near the UT campus was The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Yes, it was Texas-sized — a lot of reading, but educational.
We'd splurged on a room at the Kimber Modern, one of the boutique hotels near South Congress. Figured it suited our sensibilities, and we'd try a night at this sort of thing (which, like most memes, is hitting the real cities and only barely filtering its way here).
Amazing. Noted subsequently by Carol, seems kind of sterile — but actually nicely integrated with nature, with some very human touches. Big, beautiful courtyard; by the time we returned from a stroll of SoCo, hung out there for their little reception. Out to Perla's for seafood dinner at the bar, just around the corner. Next morning, though there was a (dangerously healthy) breakfast provided, walked over to Jo's for … breakfast tacos. With a noon checkout, we just sat around the courtyard, reading and hanging out, 'til about 11:53.
Then to the Blanton, by way of lunch at Chi'Lantro. At the museum, their, we're assuming, art project of knitted tree cozies; certainly not needed on the warm morning.
Couple hours in the exhibits. We both loved the entryway, an installation that references Judd.
And over to the Henry Ransom Center to see their Gutenberg and collection of their writers' papers.
Time for cupcakes, then on the road out to Carol and Doug's. Doug's sister-in-law's there for a while in the process of moving; Saralee joined us for a wonderful dinner.
Next morning, we lingered, toured the winery that's coming together — by our visit next year, we should be barrel tasting their own wine — and meeting Juliet(te?), Carol's new horse (not the one that threw her) and visiting with Shine.
Quick trip out to Pedernales Falls, where there was really no water.
It's forbidden, but we figured pretty safe, to venture out into the middle of the river. Beautiful in its own way, only the riverbed exposed; an hour or so scrambling around the rocks. Errands and to Saralee's house.
Visiting there for a while, touring her new lovely home, then dinner with the family again. Time for some sitting and reading before bed. Next morning, we had a leisurely start with time for more visiting and walking around before the — again, thankfully uneventful — trip home. Where the dogsitter and the housesitter had things well under control.
3.11.2011
Pedernales Falls
Early afternoon, Wednesday. We're in the middle of the river. The falls were not falling.
We're also trying to reconstruct the proper pronunciation; per the locals, there's fewer syllables than you'd think.
3.10.2011
6.23.2010
So, That Vacation Thing, Then
Let's see if I can piece this together now. As noted last year, this blog's kind of taken the place of the travel journal I used to keep. Which I'm regretting even more. Especially since, a couple days after returning, decided that writing would have been an ideal use of my time while passenging.
This was the first full-week vacation we've managed to schedule together since 2006. Trying to come up with somewhere to go, realized that there was plenty we wanted to in the region. Rented a car and planned a trip north and west.
Thursday (before) Woke up with a sore throat. Meant that I was looking at a cold and a few more days where it just lingers, draining my energy.
Friday (before) If I wasn't leaving on vacation, I would've taken this as a sick day.
Saturday Even though we weren't traveling yet, we were on vacation. Started by taking Cheyenne out to The Tart's Treats for breakfast, then onto El Rancho De Las Golondrinas. GCNM had a table at the spring festival event there. Under a tree, but a heat wave was beginning. It was hot.
A couple hours there, then home for naps for 2/3 of us. A chef friend of Stacy's was in from New York on a whirlwind visit, so we were over there for a nice dinner party for the evening. Fun, great conversation, good way to kick off the trip.
Sunday Due to drop Cheyenne off at the dogsitter's (Camp P__.) late morning, then head on from there. I was dragging, it was a late start. Had never settled on an activity to do while leaving town. We socialized at Camp P__., didn't get to laundering and packing until afternoon. We just needed to be in Cuba by evening, and, other than a stop at the Railyard on the way out, that's all we really did. Once there, some pie at a diner, a little walk around town, and called it a night.
Monday About an hour-and-a-half into Chaco Cultural National Historical Park, checked in at the temporary visitors yurt to find out about trails and programs. Aiming for a 2:00 guided tour left us time for a hike before and the one that took us up and along the mesa sounded good — stretch the legs, get an overview. The morning's clouds were lifting and the sun was fully out, but at least the ground hadn't been baking all this time. However, after the scramble up, the walk along the exposed mesa edge, watching Monica disappearing into the distance, suggested that actually we just do the shorter trail, leading us to overlook the afternoon's tour destination: Pueblo Bonito.
Time to rest and for lunch before the afternoon's tour, led by a ranger who's been with the park for more than 20 years. And the central point of his tour was really, "we don't know." Over the years, so many conclusions have been drawn that have proven to be poorly supported, so many observations based on faulty data, so much archeology that, we know now, destroyed more than it preserved, that there's a lot of mystery surrounding even just what this structure was used for. Three centuries of construction, with a network of hundreds of rooms that had no light or ventilation accessed through one narrow passage, around a central courtyard with one tree, among hundreds of other, less elaborate sites in an area where the climate now is just as harsh as it was in 850. The tour went over two hours, longer than advertised — fascinating, but left us scrambling to get out and on the road. The evening's destination was Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, about a three-hour drive plus whatever it took once we got inside the park.
Having learned from Big Bend how, at these big western parks, the trails and activities are often well beyond the entry station, opted to stay in the park at the lodge. Assured that a late check-in wouldn't be a problem, but I failed to clarify how late the park itself was open. As it turned out, not a problem, about 45 minutes winding through and around the mesas to the lodge. Where, also to our relief, the restaurant was still open. Enjoyed a big, fancy dinner, watching the deer outside in the fading light. Our small room was just fine for us, with a little balcony. Read through the park's brochures, made a plan for a couple guided tours the next morning.
Tuesday Enjoyed some coffee out on the balcony, then to the awesome '60s-era visitors center to get our tour tickets; there are really two mesas where most of the activities are, and rather than overextend ourselves, chose to spend our time at Chapin Mesa. Booked two tours, back-to-back, and figured we'd improvise the rest. First stop was at the little museum there, a beautiful CCC building filled with great, old dioramas and displays (I just loved all the buildings and want to know more about the history of the park). First tour was at the Cliff Palace, climbing down some stairs to the structures in the shelter of an overhang. Similar themes to Chaco, but more's known (or at least reasonably conjectured) about the purposes and the way of life there. Tours ran every half-hour, around 40 people; there was a group ahead of us, as well as archeologists working on the site. Our ranger told us to, rather than wish for solitude, imagine that all the activity was probably more indicative of what life was like there. Farming would happen on the mesa top, hunting and tree-cutting (until the resources were exhausted) below. Likely concurrent with the end of habitation at Chaco, probably influenced by and possibly constructed by people who came from there. For centuries, people lived in the hundreds of dwellings that dot the area, until (likely) drought and overuse of land forced them away, where they became the Pueblo people of the region.
At the conclusion of the tour, had to dash off to the next one at Balcony House. In the larger sense, covered the same topics, though in a different setting that allowed us to more access to the building itself. Probably could've made do with just one tour, but was valuable to get a different ranger's take on it and take time in the cliff dwellings.
Back to the museum, a quick look at the reconstructed kiva at Spruce Tree House, and then back to to the room. Cleaned and rested up, then to the rooftop lounge at the lodge for some drinks and views; dinner, learned the lesson the night before, and ate light to save room for dessert. And early enough to catch a ranger presentation after.
Wednesday On the suggestion of a couple we met at Monday's dinner, to the Petroglyph Point Trail first thing in the morning. Dropped us below the edge of the mesa and around a couple of them to, after about an hour-and-a-half, an amazing wall of petroglyphs.
The trip back was more direct, on the mesa top, and a quick, easier return. Then on the road out to Durango.
Found our way to the Caboose Motel, recommended by Tim. On the main drag but a bit outside of town, but there's a free trolley that runs though the evening that took us right downtown. Some strolling the streets and the stores, then to Cosmopolitan for a terrific light dinner at the bar.
Thursday Started with a big breakfast, then on the road to Ojo Caliente. Took us though Pagosa Springs and Chama, where we made brief stops to walk around and change drivers and then the scenic route along 64 through Carson National Forest. I guess I was hoping for more on this drive, and we probably could've planned something along the way, but it was a lot of time on the road. Whole days spent in transit still kind of irk me, though I realize that they're necessary to get to these great locations. Arrival into Ojo with some time to soak (though it was still really hot, even in the shade) helped mitigate.
There's been remodeling and building and expanding going on at the hot springs for years, now there's a new reception area for the lodging and the spa. The old hotel's gotten a nice renovation that still keeps its character, and now sports a wine bar, we passed our dinner there with a colorful local.
Friday Checked out of the hotel but stayed on at the spa, where a few of the kinks (sign-in locations, lockers) still speak to the less-fancy days. Some soaking before massages, then time for reading in the hammocks. Light lunch, then on the road home. In retrospect, probably should've taken another day in Durango and done some of the outdoor activities there, but it was nice to get home, relaxed and with time to ease back into the real world. Upon calling Camp P__. to arrange for pickup, was told, "your gal's outside hunting lizards." We're always afraid Cheyenne's going to like it better there, with the big open yard and wraparound porch with dog beds, but she was happy to see us, and, I think, glad to get back to her home and her bed.
And After As noted, we tried to do as little as possible for the rest of the weekend. It's been a bunch of chores since, cleaning and organizing in the house, yard activities and weeding (more on that later), getting a tooth crowned. Was off Friday, dog and I took little hike up Monte Del Sol, a little too late in the morning to beat the heat. So, again, thwarted in making it all the way to to the top.
This was the first full-week vacation we've managed to schedule together since 2006. Trying to come up with somewhere to go, realized that there was plenty we wanted to in the region. Rented a car and planned a trip north and west.
Thursday (before) Woke up with a sore throat. Meant that I was looking at a cold and a few more days where it just lingers, draining my energy.
Friday (before) If I wasn't leaving on vacation, I would've taken this as a sick day.
Saturday Even though we weren't traveling yet, we were on vacation. Started by taking Cheyenne out to The Tart's Treats for breakfast, then onto El Rancho De Las Golondrinas. GCNM had a table at the spring festival event there. Under a tree, but a heat wave was beginning. It was hot.
A couple hours there, then home for naps for 2/3 of us. A chef friend of Stacy's was in from New York on a whirlwind visit, so we were over there for a nice dinner party for the evening. Fun, great conversation, good way to kick off the trip.
Sunday Due to drop Cheyenne off at the dogsitter's (Camp P__.) late morning, then head on from there. I was dragging, it was a late start. Had never settled on an activity to do while leaving town. We socialized at Camp P__., didn't get to laundering and packing until afternoon. We just needed to be in Cuba by evening, and, other than a stop at the Railyard on the way out, that's all we really did. Once there, some pie at a diner, a little walk around town, and called it a night.
Monday About an hour-and-a-half into Chaco Cultural National Historical Park, checked in at the temporary visitors yurt to find out about trails and programs. Aiming for a 2:00 guided tour left us time for a hike before and the one that took us up and along the mesa sounded good — stretch the legs, get an overview. The morning's clouds were lifting and the sun was fully out, but at least the ground hadn't been baking all this time. However, after the scramble up, the walk along the exposed mesa edge, watching Monica disappearing into the distance, suggested that actually we just do the shorter trail, leading us to overlook the afternoon's tour destination: Pueblo Bonito.
Time to rest and for lunch before the afternoon's tour, led by a ranger who's been with the park for more than 20 years. And the central point of his tour was really, "we don't know." Over the years, so many conclusions have been drawn that have proven to be poorly supported, so many observations based on faulty data, so much archeology that, we know now, destroyed more than it preserved, that there's a lot of mystery surrounding even just what this structure was used for. Three centuries of construction, with a network of hundreds of rooms that had no light or ventilation accessed through one narrow passage, around a central courtyard with one tree, among hundreds of other, less elaborate sites in an area where the climate now is just as harsh as it was in 850. The tour went over two hours, longer than advertised — fascinating, but left us scrambling to get out and on the road. The evening's destination was Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, about a three-hour drive plus whatever it took once we got inside the park.
Having learned from Big Bend how, at these big western parks, the trails and activities are often well beyond the entry station, opted to stay in the park at the lodge. Assured that a late check-in wouldn't be a problem, but I failed to clarify how late the park itself was open. As it turned out, not a problem, about 45 minutes winding through and around the mesas to the lodge. Where, also to our relief, the restaurant was still open. Enjoyed a big, fancy dinner, watching the deer outside in the fading light. Our small room was just fine for us, with a little balcony. Read through the park's brochures, made a plan for a couple guided tours the next morning.
Tuesday Enjoyed some coffee out on the balcony, then to the awesome '60s-era visitors center to get our tour tickets; there are really two mesas where most of the activities are, and rather than overextend ourselves, chose to spend our time at Chapin Mesa. Booked two tours, back-to-back, and figured we'd improvise the rest. First stop was at the little museum there, a beautiful CCC building filled with great, old dioramas and displays (I just loved all the buildings and want to know more about the history of the park). First tour was at the Cliff Palace, climbing down some stairs to the structures in the shelter of an overhang. Similar themes to Chaco, but more's known (or at least reasonably conjectured) about the purposes and the way of life there. Tours ran every half-hour, around 40 people; there was a group ahead of us, as well as archeologists working on the site. Our ranger told us to, rather than wish for solitude, imagine that all the activity was probably more indicative of what life was like there. Farming would happen on the mesa top, hunting and tree-cutting (until the resources were exhausted) below. Likely concurrent with the end of habitation at Chaco, probably influenced by and possibly constructed by people who came from there. For centuries, people lived in the hundreds of dwellings that dot the area, until (likely) drought and overuse of land forced them away, where they became the Pueblo people of the region.
At the conclusion of the tour, had to dash off to the next one at Balcony House. In the larger sense, covered the same topics, though in a different setting that allowed us to more access to the building itself. Probably could've made do with just one tour, but was valuable to get a different ranger's take on it and take time in the cliff dwellings.
Back to the museum, a quick look at the reconstructed kiva at Spruce Tree House, and then back to to the room. Cleaned and rested up, then to the rooftop lounge at the lodge for some drinks and views; dinner, learned the lesson the night before, and ate light to save room for dessert. And early enough to catch a ranger presentation after.
Wednesday On the suggestion of a couple we met at Monday's dinner, to the Petroglyph Point Trail first thing in the morning. Dropped us below the edge of the mesa and around a couple of them to, after about an hour-and-a-half, an amazing wall of petroglyphs.
The trip back was more direct, on the mesa top, and a quick, easier return. Then on the road out to Durango.
Found our way to the Caboose Motel, recommended by Tim. On the main drag but a bit outside of town, but there's a free trolley that runs though the evening that took us right downtown. Some strolling the streets and the stores, then to Cosmopolitan for a terrific light dinner at the bar.
Thursday Started with a big breakfast, then on the road to Ojo Caliente. Took us though Pagosa Springs and Chama, where we made brief stops to walk around and change drivers and then the scenic route along 64 through Carson National Forest. I guess I was hoping for more on this drive, and we probably could've planned something along the way, but it was a lot of time on the road. Whole days spent in transit still kind of irk me, though I realize that they're necessary to get to these great locations. Arrival into Ojo with some time to soak (though it was still really hot, even in the shade) helped mitigate.
There's been remodeling and building and expanding going on at the hot springs for years, now there's a new reception area for the lodging and the spa. The old hotel's gotten a nice renovation that still keeps its character, and now sports a wine bar, we passed our dinner there with a colorful local.
Friday Checked out of the hotel but stayed on at the spa, where a few of the kinks (sign-in locations, lockers) still speak to the less-fancy days. Some soaking before massages, then time for reading in the hammocks. Light lunch, then on the road home. In retrospect, probably should've taken another day in Durango and done some of the outdoor activities there, but it was nice to get home, relaxed and with time to ease back into the real world. Upon calling Camp P__. to arrange for pickup, was told, "your gal's outside hunting lizards." We're always afraid Cheyenne's going to like it better there, with the big open yard and wraparound porch with dog beds, but she was happy to see us, and, I think, glad to get back to her home and her bed.
And After As noted, we tried to do as little as possible for the rest of the weekend. It's been a bunch of chores since, cleaning and organizing in the house, yard activities and weeding (more on that later), getting a tooth crowned. Was off Friday, dog and I took little hike up Monte Del Sol, a little too late in the morning to beat the heat. So, again, thwarted in making it all the way to to the top.
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