Northern New Mexico

I have an unspoken love affair with the Four Corner's region of the United States. A little treasure pocket of this vast place is in New Mexico. There are no words for this high-desert, tree covered land with a diversity of landscapes and horizons to make your mind wander for ages. About five years ago, I did a solo road trip through the Taos landscape.

This Spring of 2015, I left the high speed pace of the freeway and ventured on those back roads of  Route 285 towards Ojo Caliente and North to Colorado.  My main mission on this day was to visit the Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. I, of course, prefer a natural hot spring but I have heard great things about this gem located in a remote area North of Los Alamos.

photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/anchormanusa/

It was a crisp, chilly February morning when I decided to go. Just a light dusting of snow on the ground surrounded over ELEVEN pools filled with healing waters.  Actually, Ojo is the only hot springs in the world with four different types of mineral water including lithia, iron, soda and arsenic! Oh, did I mention there was a mud pool too !? The decor, the ambiance, and the natural environment was like heaven on Earth. It was also a relief that the hot springs encouraged a "Whisper Zone" to enjoy the peacefulness and uniqueness of this place.

Time escaped me this morning. What a treat ! Highly recommended !  

Onwards towards Durango and passing through Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

The Other Way by North Face

The call to explore is in every one of us, but the act is a different story. Many people are unwilling to seek out those places where failure is more likely than success, the places we put our so-called passions to the test.

But we go there. We go to that lonely fork between security and difficulty, because that’s where we finally see whether this is something we truly love, or just some pretty pictures and nice-sounding posts built to bolster our egos.

We believe the truest version of ourselves stands well beyond comfort’s perimeter. Shed skin. Lose blood. Find ourselves gasping for breath and drenched in sweat and still not even close to halfway there.

Most people prefer comfort in their lives, forgetting that difficulty is actually what nourishes the human spirit. Risk. Fear. Doubt. The unknown. Now we’re beginning to feel the beating heart of experience. It’s not necessarily the way everyone would choose to live. But it’s our way. The Other Way.   https://vimeo.com/137904852

4 Corners - Onward to Jemez Springs

What state was I in now? I couldn't really remember. Arizona or Oh Yeah ! I'm in New Mexico !
I had hot springs on my mind and headed towards a tiny pueblo called Jemez.  It is one of 19 federally recognized Pueblos in New Mexico with a population of 3,400. I love these off beat places.

 

My kind of high desert, small town with character. The hot springs were closed (?) but I was hungry and wandered over to the Los Ojos Restaurant and Saloon. Upon my first steps walking in, I was in love with place. This place was established in 1947 and serves up cold beer and delicious homemade New Mexican cuisine.


I sat at the bar and chatted with the friendly bartender and relished in the Western décor and atmosphere. Filled my belly with green Chile enchiladas and continued my drive with Shady Jr flapping with his Xmas hat towards Los Alamos.

4 Corners Road Trip - Chaco Culture Historical Site

From Utah I traveled to New Mexico in a few hours and headed towards the remote area of Chaco Culture National Historical Site of the National Park Service. I have wanted to go here for years, but well, it's a bit out of the way and you need some time. There was some recent rain and had to cross a wash that was flowing with water but arrived to the mysterious ruins in the morning.  

You could spend eons here exploring the ancient ruins where thousands of people lived between 850 and 1250 AD. The construction and architecture is the finest around.  What was at the heart of this center?  Pueblo descendants say that Chaco was a special gathering place where many peoples and clans converged to share their ceremonies, traditions, and knowledge.

4 Corners Road Trip - Hovenweep

Living in the 4 corners area of the Southwest is an adventurous and visual treat. It really is possible to have it all. Mountains and desert. What else do you need? Oh yeah, an ocean.

After arriving home from South America, my itchy feet got the best to me and I headed out on a solo woman road trip, again. Travelling in the off season is the way to do it. I chose the frigid month of February, but that wasn't going to stop me. Less crowds and seeing the landscape covered in white dreamy snow left places and sights burning with a different feel.

I headed from Moab, Utah first to Hovenweep National Monument. A little known place and out of the way treasure. At one time, over 2,500 people lived here between 1200-1300 A.D. Towers are standing along the cliff edge. The trail was a bit icy and snowy but I literally was the only one visiting. The silence and magic of canyon country speaks words upon words to your imagination of the people that once lived here.

Next stop was heading through the actual "4 corners" where New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado meet. Even though there is a "monument" there, it was closed. Lonely snow covered highways were the norm. After Utah I headed towards New Mexico. 

Expanding My Horizons

Big News ! Expanding my realm and making a hobby and something that I just simply enjoy doing, and turning that into something more! 

I was recently selected as a "Campsite Correspondant" for The Campsite Blog. !!! I get to submit articles, photos, thoughts, musings, recipes, and gear reviews for them.  Please follow them and look for my posts ! 

Click to read the article showcasing my new mission !!!!!

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Their website mission states:

The Campsite Blog is a reflection of all that is “WONDERFUL”

brought to you around our virtual campfire. 

From creative ideas that spur adventure, dispatches of our own travel experiences, to subjects of conversation and debate, The Campsite is all about sharing and learning from one another just as we would sitting around that cozy campfire. Readers should walk away feeling they have been a part of our campsite – bring ideas away to enhance their own experiences or even know that – yep – we can all relate to life’s inner journeys in this outdoor world! We strive to discover amazing like-minded peeps with a desire to feed their souls with adventure and travel experiences, and anyone looking to answer the insatiable questions surrounding why they do what they do and why life is made of mountains and canyons.

You can expect to find some outdoor gear, product and book reviews, as well as recipes to fuel adventure, mixed in with the deeper thinking discussion. We have a few surprises up our sleeves too – those will be revealed soon! Join us for Stoke the Fire, a monthly column in which readers share the most captivating links, photos, articles and videos they’ve recently seen on the internet {all Campsite-related, of course}.

Lima & Home

 

After Cuzco, I took the short plane ride back to the busy city of Lima in Peru. I was nearing the end of my trip and was not looking forward to my final plane ride home. I spent my last day or two roaming the streets of Lima. As I write this in retrospect, I realize that my trip ended six months ago! When I look through my pictures I am reminded of the experiences and still feel some what in awe of what I have seen and done. 

Traveling is a privilege and I can never take it for granted. It was hard to return home. The post-traveling blues had set in for at least one week. I arrived back to snowy and cold South-Eastern Utah with a horrible sinus infection. It only took a few weeks of idleness before I got the itch to hit the open road for a mini-trip through the four corners. Travel on !

Spontaneity

 

the river going through the small town of Agua Calientes

Note: I'm not sure about the social media circuit, but I'm trying out Twitter for a while. Follow me here:  https://twitter.com/junipers333 
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After Macchu Pichu, I traveled the lovely Peru Rail train back to Cusco. Well, you have to take the train to and from the small town of Agua Calientes. But what a joy to sit back and enjoy a train ride !


Once back to Cusco, I had some extra days that I planned just to relax and chill. I'm always on a budget and was trying not to spend money the few days. So I wound up spending hours walking around the city, the markets, and striking up random conservations and attempting to practice my Spanish.  I wandered over to the "artsy" part of Cusco called San Blas. Little did I know, that they were honoring the patron saint San Blas. Most folks are of Catholic religion and they sure knew how to celebrate!

CUY also known as guinea pig ... to eat

 

Fresh food was being cooked and shared, beers were flowing, the young and old were dancing in the streets, and bands were blasting traditional music. It was a blast ! The parade began and followed through out the streets. It's days like this when I just happen to stumble across something so authentic and cultural just out the blue that I love. You really don't know where or what the day will bring when you travel !! Celebrate LIFE !

my other fancy meal treat. Vino from Argentina and a Cheese Empanada.

Machu Picchu

We've all heard of it. Machu Picchu. We've seen photos and heard the stories of the mighty Incas building their fortress. I made sure to buy my ticket the day before and didn't know that you are able to hike to the top of a large rock (but those tickets were all ready sold out.) I boarded the first bus at 5:30 AM to beat the rush.

 

The ancient city was still in layers of fog adding a mystical touch. My breath was taken away. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe I was witnessing it and my very own two feet were here ! I went on "Super Bowl Sunday". I thought about American life back home, people sitting on their couch, stuffing their bellies with gross food, watching commercials. I was glad to be away from all of that nonsense.

I'll let the photos speak for the magic of this place.

You know all those things you have always wanted to do? 

Well, go do it !

Goals

'Tis always wise to have goals in life. 

Sacred Valley

50 cent cheese empandas baked in a traditional oven

Take your time. There is no need to rush from one destination to the next. No need to hurry. Relax and enjoy the moment. I am lucky because I get to "walk" to work with my coffee in my hand on a little path and it only takes me five minutes. Not a long commute ! I look at the sky, the clouds, the sun, and let my senses enjoy my five minute morning walking meditation. I listen to the birds, I watch the rabbits and lizards go about their own morning routine. A great way to start each and every day on my way to work.  

I also chose the slow path of travel on my journey to Machu-Picchu. I didn't want to join a crowded, fast-paced tour. I wanted to go at my own pace and soak up the experience in the Sacred Valley. Spending one night or two in each little unique village along the way. It took me about four days to get to Machu-Picchu on this route.  I would experiene the similarities and differences at each village market. Most folks zip by these places in their tour bus or shuttled van. I chose the different, slower pace, and don't regret one second of it. 

the bread section in a local market

Summer Love

Summers are filled with love and weddings ! 

I found this delightful Buddhist Wedding Poem today:

Unlimited Friendliness

This is what should be done by the man who is wise,
who seeks the good, and who knows the meaning of the place of peace.
Let him be strenuous, upright, and truly straight, without conceit of self,
easily contented and joyous, free of cares;
let him not be submerged by the things of the world;
let him not take upon himself the burden of worldly goods;
let his senses be controlled; let him be wise but not puffed up,
and let him not desire great possessions even for his family.
Let him do nothing that is mean or that the wise would reprove.
May all beings be happy and at their ease!
May they be joyous and live in safety!
All beings, whether weak or strong—omitting none—in high, middle, or low
realms of existence,
small or great, visible or invisible, near or far away, born or to be born–
may all beings be happy and at their ease! Let none deceive another, or
despise any being in any state!

Let none by anger or ill-will wish harm to another!
Even as a mother watches over and protects her child, her only child,
so with a boundless mind should one cherish all living beings,
radiating friendliness over the entire world, above, below, and all around
without limit.
So let him cultivate a boundless good will towards the entire world,
uncramped, free from ill will or enmity.
Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all his waking hours,
let him establish this mindfulness of good will, which men call the highest
state!
Abandoning vain discussions, having a clear vision, free from sense
appetites,
he who is made perfect will never again know rebirth.

~ The Buddha

Courage

I've been thinking lately of the simple phrase, "Just Try".  This was brought to my attention by one awesome lady that I just learned about, her name is Hazel Findlay.  She is an amazing young woman rock climber. She is down to earth and an inspiration to a beginner rock climber like myself.  Watch her video of "Just giving it a go."  http://www.epictv.com/media/podcast/hazel-findlays-secret-to-freeing-el-cap---just-try-%7C-cedar-wright-climbing-reels-ep-7/601534

Since I've moved to the deserts of the Southwest, how could I not give rock climbing a try. I live in a town where everyone has a harness always available in the back seat and ready to go for any sort of adventure that usually involves ropes and/or a helmet. Rock climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, base jumping, sky divers, hiking, backpacking, ancient ruin and rock art hunting. You name it, it is here. So, why not just TRY ? Moving to a new town where you don't know anyone is hard of course. But, my move to the deserts about two years ago has only expanded my life tremendously.  I've pushed my boundaries, both physically and mentally, I've made new friends and bonds with people of all ages and walks of life, and due to expanding my hobbies and outdoor pursuits I have found a new sense of confidence and courage. I only hope to grow and challenge myself in numerous, unexpected ways as the years go on.
 

MOab Friends !

I am a firm believer of removing the fear, negativity, pessimism, and the unknowns, and just going for it !  Instead I think of words like: courage, positivity, optimism, and more sunsets, sunrises, full moons, and rainbows to be witnessed first hand.


Inspirational Video Time:
Thousand Year Journey: Oregon to Patagonia on a Bicycle