New Mexico Gallery Live

I’ve added a New Mexico gallery following my travels there earlier this year. New Mexico is classic American road trip country and for good reason.  Empty two lane highways surrounded by stunning cowboy country and dramatic skies make up its DNA. The state is full of history and culture ranging from ancient to Americana.   

This trip took me off the beaten path to the Salinas Pueblos Missions and El Santuario de Chimayo. Pictured here is the Abo Mission, which is part one of three pueblos included in the Salinas Pueblos National Monument. The pueblos range from 20-30 miles apart and communities lived here as recently as 300 years ago. I practically had each to myself, a welcomed rarity.

Other destinations photographed include Taos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque and the Turquoise Trail among others.

I’m caught up for now with portfolio updates but not for long with some upcoming international and domestic travels planned. 

The Healing Powers of El Santuario de Chimayo New Mexico

Known locally as the Lourdes of America, El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico is a pilgrimage site for those seeking its healing powers. Tens of thousands of religious pilgrims make there way to this national historic landmark during Holy Week walking from as far as Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque. There is a constant stream of worshipers throughout the year.  

It is believed that in 1810 on Good Friday a friar saw a light and dug into the ground from where it emanated and found a large wooden crucifix. Dirt from the hole where it was discovered is believed to heal the sick and disabled. An adobe church was built above the site and houses a chapel that sits above the small hole where visitors collect the dirt to heal ailments. Rows of crutches and braces of the healed line the walls of a prayer room just outside the sacred chapel. 

Chimayo is located about 30 miles north of Santa Fe. You can also take the high road from Taos to get there.

Monsoon Season New Mexico Style

Monsoon season in New Mexico’s Estancia Valley was in full force this month. Each afternoon around 2 p.m. like clockwork enormous and apocalyptic clouds gathered setting the stage for epic thunderstorms.

At times 4-5 could be seen at once across the unobstructed views of the landscape, which is more than 6,000 feet above sea level. They dropped as much as an inch of rain in less than half an hour before retiring for the day. The rain is much needed in this part of the USA.

New Mexico Bound

I’m flying to New Mexico today for a week. I like to get my Americana on during the summer and take a road trip somewhere in the USA.

I won’t be staying in one of the retro hotels located on Route 66 pictured here. I’ll be crashing and visiting with friends who live on a former cattle ranch located somewhere in between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, which will be among the places I photograph.

Their great, grandfather homesteaded the ranch in 1918. They converted the barn into an art studio after they inherited the land and live and work on the homestead when not traveling to art shows. The husband and wife duo create hand blown glass art. Check out Robbins Ranch to see their work. 

Homes From Around The World

The architectural styles of homes unique to a particular region or city are often travel icons. 

The decadent Victorian homes referred to as Painted Ladies say San Francisco as much as the Golden Gate Bridge.

Though in the same country the adobe homes of New Mexico and other parts of the Southwestern United States couldn’t be any more different than the Victorian beauties of San Francisco. Their architectural roots are Native American and the material used to build them suited to dry, hot climates. 

More than a few colonial Mexican cities have been named UNESCO World Heritage sites due in large part to their stunning architecture. This colorful casita in Guanajuato may look small from the outside but don’t be fooled. Homes of this genre regularly feature an outdoor central courtyard and are long and spacious.   

Like the casitas of Mexico, Hutong homes found in Beijing, China also appear small from the outside and feature a courtyard lifestyle.

What style home is unique to the part of the world you live in?

Doors From Around The World

How many times have you wondered what is behind some of the more intriguing doors you come across when traveling?

This large wooden door of the Capilla de la Expiacion in the Plaza de Santo Domingo in Mexico City dwarfs the woman walking by.

This door with the American flag and handprints can be found in Taos Pueblo, New Mexico.

Certain countries consistently have the most beautiful doors. Morocco is one. The one pictured here is in the medina of Essaouira and features the perfect Moroccan blue.

India is another country that does not disappoint in the door department. Fit for royalty it resides in the City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Which of the above doors would you like to open?

Retro Motel Signs Route 66

I can’t say I would be tempted to stay in some of the motels located along Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A few are houses of ill repute and the illegal drug trade while others have been shut down for these reasons.

But the kitschy Americana signs of a bygone era are art of the Atomic Age. They represent the great American road trip for which Route 66 is the icon. The famed highway, which runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, was the main artery for travel by car before freeways and interstates superseded it during the second half of last century.

I love how the services offered remain retro--color cable TV, for example. Do they even make black and white televisions anymore? There were no signs for free wifi.

It was a well spent afternoon in the blazing August heat photographing them.

Many of the motels are being torn down although there is a movement to restore and preserve some to their former glory.

Madrid, New Mexico

The Turquoise Trail cuts through the middle of Madrid, New Mexico a former mining town in the Ortiz Mountains inhabited by artists, hippies and bikers. Once a ghost town Madrid got a second lease on life in the 1970s when artists started to move in. Art galleries, shops and coffee houses as well as the locals now occupy what were once humble miners’ homes.

The vibe is crunchy eclectic with a bit of small town attitude - That’s a fancy camera lady. The rebellious along with the eccentric would feel at home here. Harley riders park their bikes outside the Mineshaft Tavern, a proper roadhouse. The front porch appears to function as the town square.

Dozens of art galleries feature a variety of art including Native American, photography, pottery and pop art depicting the Southwest. One store features hundreds of vintage cowboy boots and rodeo wear.

Not far from a street called Peaceful Way residents have fashioned former railroad cars into an abode. Part of the former coalmine is now a museum.

Madrid is a place to spend an afternoon or stop on the way for a few hours if you are driving the scenic Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque to New Mexico.

Santa Fe’s Oldest

Santa Fe, New Mexico the USA’s oldest state capital also boasts the oldest church, house and continuously occupied building. All were built in the 1600s.

Located on the Old Santa Fe Trail the San Miguel Mission or Chapel still holds mass every Sunday. Indians from Mexico built the original structure, which has been modified over the centuries.

Across the road at 215 East De Vargas Street the oldest house is a classic adobe and brick structure. It is said to have paranormal activity.

The oldest continuously occupied public building, the Palace of the Governors is located on Santa Fe’s main Plaza. It dates from the early 1600s and was originally the seat of government for the Spanish colony Nuevo Mexico. Today it serves as a history museum. On most days Native American’s from nearby pueblos sell handicrafts and jewelery under its awning.

All are located in the historic center within easy walking distance of each other. Those used to living at sea level note that Santa Fe rises to 7,000 feet so it may take a day or two to adjust. Drink plenty of water. The altitude and relatively sparse population (approximately 60,000+ residents) keep the skies a brilliant pollution free blue.

Signs of New Mexico

New Mexico is road trip country. Its two lane rural roads cut through ranch land and mountains. And you’ll often be alone save a pick up truck or two. The naming of the routes can be quite literal and representative of the American Southwest.

An accurate description this was indeed a back road.

I don’t think Tumbleweed Road has changed much since its inception. Surrounded by open plains it must be the perfect breeding ground for this American icon.

Western Road is lined with horse and cattle ranches.

Peaceful Way is located in Madrid a former mining town now inhabited by artists, hippies and bikers.

New Mexico Bound

I thought I could survive the summer without getting on a plane. But the hotter it gets the louder the city gets so a flight was booked to New Mexico just over a week ago.

Looking forward to spending time with good friends who gave up city life years ago to set up an art studio on a former ranch. Quite a lifestyle change. Imagine almost stepping on a rattlesnake on your way to put out the trash in the morning? Photography will of course be a top priority and plenty is planned in that department. Can’t wait to drive a car on empty two-laned highways. What is summer without a good road trip? I’ll have plenty to post when I return and have posts lined up in my absence. In the meantime have a great weekend.

Shoes From Around The World

Observing what people wear on their feet can tell you a lot about a culture. A combination of custom and necessity footwear can also reveal a person’s status, profession and sense of style.

Wooden shoes are the footwear of choice when wearing a kimono in Japan. Even trendy Tokyo stays true to its roots where you find pairs of these for sale everywhere.

Morocco’s leather slippers are handmade, comfortable and work as well with a kaftan as they do with a pair of jeans. These were spotted in Marrakesh’s souk, where you will be spoiled for choice.

The ultimate example of the pain endured by women for the sake of shoes are small silk slippers worn for centuries by China’s elite bound footed women. They are now sold as souvenirs, in this instance at Hong Kong’s Cat Street Market.

Nothing says American Southwest like a pair of cowboy boots. These were on display in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Previous Posts In This Series:
Grafitti
Laundry
Mailboxes
Mosques

Summer In The City

I'm itching for a road trip. I tend not to travel as much during the summer. Most of my travel takes place in the fall, when the peak tourist season has ended, the crowds have left and flights and accommodations are cheaper. Autumn skies are often blue and clear and best for photography. A camera kit is much lighter to carry without having to navigate throngs of tourists in the steaming heat.

Summer is also the best time to be in New York City for the natives who choose to stay behind. It empties out on weekends as droves of residents flee the heat for the beaches and assorted retreats within a two-hour journey.

But riding home on the No. 6 today I was thinking of the luxurious open highways of New Mexico, where the above photograph was taken. It's time to plot an escape and squeeze a trip in before summer's end and my peak travel season begins.