New Mexico or Bust!
New Mexico or Bust!
New Mexico or bust, and it almost was, as the airport security alarm went off on my son's friend, as his carry-on went through the security belt. As the alarm rang out, security had already pounced on the bag, "wanding" and searching it with an alarming thoroughness.
I looked at the young man who was in our care, as he was being detained by airport security. With his baggy pants and jacket, I eyed him in a different way than I had just a bit ago, when his grandmother signed over temporary guardianship to us for the trip.
His amazing talent as a cross-country runner had earned him a trip to the national finals. My son, earning a spot as well, couldn't have been more excited about the trip. Now our excitement melded into a different type of excitement, as airport security approached my husband and me. What had we suddenly found ourselves responsible for?
All Pictures by Bev Lemley ~ all rights reserved
The Airport Security line grew longer ~ and it seemed more curious and impatient!
Airport security re-wanded pant legs and book bags and carry-ons and anything else that had an "on" to it!
Almost as crazy as the alarm sounded, we were finally given the all-clear. New Mexico or Bust!
New Mexico's Beauty ~ oh, my! America the Beautiful!
Albuquerque, New Mexico, here we come!
Ready for race day? - Another stumbling block ~ Who can run in New Mexico's high altitude?!
Actually, who trained for it?
Proud Mama and Papa
Our runners from NC finished the race!
Go, Champions!
Recovered from the race yet? Let's head to Sante Fe!
Beautiful snow-capped Sandias Mountains ~ how many miles away is it?
Time to head back to Albuquerque ~ Let's take a shortcut and do some sight-seeing!
Ghost Town ~ hmm, we are in the middle of ~ how far are we from Albuquerque?
Visit Madrid, New Mexico, a beautiful town with a rich history and amazing craftsmanship!
Visit Ghost Town Trading Post to see what special items they offer ~ or just pay a visit!
Perfect timing! An arts and crafts event in Madrid, New Mexico
Stone Artist Joshua Gannon
A local artisan that crafts small and large fountains, table top fountains, benches, soap dishes, flower vases, basalt bowls, and sinks, even tables ~ all out of rock.
Pay Range West Stone Artisian Joshua Gannon a visit! Be sure to check out the Other artisans ~ their skills are unique, perhaps not found anywhere else, including steel structures, and artists who paint local scenes and other creative things.
"In Honor of All Vicitims of Violence and Terrorism ~ May We Know Peace One Day"
Amen!
A Cross ~ on a hill as we head back into the mountains
This was a good sign! How far are we from the hotel? And it's getting dark? And we need gas?
How far is it?
According to Wikipedia, the Sandias are 1.5 billion, with a "B" years old!
Where are we?!
Yikes!
We didn't know it, but we had hit the Scenic Turquoise Trail ~ with that sky ~ I can see why!
What?! Our gas tank is how low?!
Keeping watch!
What? It's going to be a LONG walk?!
This rock formation is home to what?!
We just turned the corner ~ and WOW!
Wow, New Mexico, you take the crown for sunsets!
Farewell Postcard
It may have been farewell to New Mexico early the next morning, but the memories of the most awesome sunset I have ever seen will stay with me always. New Mexico, we love you!
Credits
Pictures by Bev Lemley ~ All rights reserved. Facts by Wikipedia.
© 2012 Beverly Lemley
