We had both heard about Taos for years. Today we went there. When we go anywhere, we always enjoy the voyage, often as much as the destination, and today was no exception. This car sported a sample of the wind-vanes crafted by the owner. We are in Santa Fe, after all.
The roadside art in New Mexico is always enjoyable. In addition to this toad, there were depictions of horned lizards, rabbits, and numerous other animals.
When we see an overpass in the distance, we can hardly wait to get close enough to make out the decorative designs on it.
This dancer was particularly nice.
A few miles north of Santa Fe is Camel Rock. Most of the drive was scenic and interesting.
Other parts, not so much.
Rock fences lined the uphill side of the road. In many places, it was clear that they had done their job.
Our first stop in Taos was the Visitor Center. They gave us a wonderful graphic map and pointed out the highlights for our short visit. Based on this information we drove through Taos to the bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge. This Zia sun graced the bridge structure.
This is the view south from the Bridge. Note the rain and the snow in the mountains in the distance. At its center, the bridge is 650 feet above the surface of the water. It is the second highest cantilever bridge in the United States. Scenery like this make it easy to see why this area was so favored by Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe.
Lovely and interesting as the surrounding area was, Taos was somewhat disappointing. Much kitschier than we had hoped. However, Penny found a fabulous quilt shop and her favorite moccasins at another shop.
This is the entrance to the San Francisco de Asis church at Ranchos de Taos. It was a favorite of Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe. It is one of the most photographed churches in the world.
Every spring, the locals turn out to refresh the adobe.
At the side of the church was this statue of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Note the necklaces that have been hung around the neck and hands of the baby Jesus.
You may recognize the back of the church from the famous Ansel Adams photograph, taken from the other corner. I would never have the hubris to try to duplicate his photo. Besides, there was an ugly black car in the spot where Adams would have stood to take the photo. We also didn't have any sun light.
Most, but not all, of the surrounding structures have been restored and maintained. It is always good to see a place for ourselves so that we have the full context of the area. It makes mention of the place in literature or views on TV or film more interesting.
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