Good stuff, John. Liz and I were in Santa Fe last month for Liz’s birthday, and we stopped for a drink in Madrid while traveling to Albuquerque. Wish we had seen the cemetery! Great dive into the area’s fascinating history- look forward to reading the next installments.
Wow, what a trip you and Leslie conquered. So much history, thanks for the history lessons and the descriptions of your adventure. I bet it was a bit of a shock when you arrived at your Hipcamp and there was a "Land of the Dead" burial ground as a backdrop. I loved the realness of the Bent's Old Fort; so glad that visitors need to park a good distance away to allow for the walk into the fort. Thanks for taking us along on your wonderful trip. I'm waiting for the next installment.
For the first time, John, I can say I have been to every spot you described. I went there as a 16-year-old and hated it. Took me a few years and a lovely book (“Bless Me Ultima” by Rudy Anaya) to get my head out of my ass. I have so many stories.
Ah yes, your old stomping ground. There are some places in the West that just bowl you over immediately, but I feel like New Mexico requires patience to fully appreciate. It has beautiful landscapes, a rich human history — where else in this country can you visit a community that's been continuously occupied for a thousand years? — but it's a back-roads kind of place. Would love to hear some of your stories some time.
What a wonderfully historical and cultural look at an important part of our country. Thanks, John, for taking me along vicariously!
Glad you enjoyed it, Tina!
Good stuff, John. Liz and I were in Santa Fe last month for Liz’s birthday, and we stopped for a drink in Madrid while traveling to Albuquerque. Wish we had seen the cemetery! Great dive into the area’s fascinating history- look forward to reading the next installments.
Thanks, Jason. Yes, you and Liz would have loved the Madrid cemetery. You need to check it out next time you find yourselves in the neighborhood!
Hi John,
Wow, what a trip you and Leslie conquered. So much history, thanks for the history lessons and the descriptions of your adventure. I bet it was a bit of a shock when you arrived at your Hipcamp and there was a "Land of the Dead" burial ground as a backdrop. I loved the realness of the Bent's Old Fort; so glad that visitors need to park a good distance away to allow for the walk into the fort. Thanks for taking us along on your wonderful trip. I'm waiting for the next installment.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jill! We were certainly surprised by the cemetery, but it turned out to be a remarkable experience.
For the first time, John, I can say I have been to every spot you described. I went there as a 16-year-old and hated it. Took me a few years and a lovely book (“Bless Me Ultima” by Rudy Anaya) to get my head out of my ass. I have so many stories.
Ah yes, your old stomping ground. There are some places in the West that just bowl you over immediately, but I feel like New Mexico requires patience to fully appreciate. It has beautiful landscapes, a rich human history — where else in this country can you visit a community that's been continuously occupied for a thousand years? — but it's a back-roads kind of place. Would love to hear some of your stories some time.