FTJ, Entry 79: Pueblos in Pecos, Reconnecting in Durango

Okay, going to try and do a fast catch-up. We spent a day out at the Pecos National Historical Park, where there are extensive ruins of an indian pueblo. In short, the description of this place is as follows:

Pecos National Historical Park preserves more than 12,000 years of rich cultural history, including Pecos Pueblo and Spanish mission ruins, the ruts of the Santa Fe Trail, the Forked Lighting Ranch, and the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass.

Regarding the pueblo ruins, apparently the Spanish, disappointed that this area held no real riches, still sent missionaries to convert the Indians living together at Pecos Pueblo. The invaders built an elaborate mission ("convento") -- with towers, buttresses, and a complex layout of antechambers. But the conversion didn't really take. Decades of Spanish demands and Indian resentments culminated in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, when the Indians coordinated across numerous pueblos and drove the Spaniards back to Mexico. The Indians killed the mission priest and destroyed the church. And that was that.

The remaining ruins are fascinating. Some photos from the trip:

The pueblo once spread over this area and more, housing 3,000 people.

Yikes! We kept ourselves and the dogs on the trail.

Look how cute Lucy looks.

At right, a lovely interior doorway left from the original mission. Below left, the ruins of the
mission convento built by the Spaniards.

Us at the ruins of the convento.

We climbed down a few reconstructed kivas, round underground ceremonial rooms used by the Indians centuries ago. Don't know why this photo comes out horizontal every time! Maybe I look better sideways....

Anniversary Serenade

Lucky us, we spent our 15th wedding anniversary with our great pals Joyce and Dave at La Cantina, a lovely little restaurant off the main plaza in Santa Fe. We knew the place featured entertainment during dinner, but had no idea that our waitress, Stephanie, was part of it. She stepped away from our table and began to sing like an angel, along with three other wait staff/singers. I cried, naturally. She sang "Don't Rain on My Parade" right off the bat, which got my waterworks started.

In the courtyard of La Cantina

Stephanie sings! And she brings us booze and food. What a gal!

Awww....so cute!

 
 

On to Durango -- and a Reunion with Friends

Our next trip was to Durango, CO. The views, as usual, were spectacular.

The snow-capped San Juan mountains in the distance.

   

Our RV park, Alpen Rose, situated between two red mountains. Gorgeous views from every angle.

We actually escaped the usual winds most of our stay here. Do you believe the color of the sky?

In Durango, we were super-excited to reconnect with Lori Cole and Steve Salka, a great couple we had met while in Key West last December. They have a stunning ranch outside Durango, and we visited them, their dogs, their horses, their amazing home, their gorgeous antique cars, and other sundry toys. What a great time -- and what terrific, super accomplished, open-hearted people. Thanks again, Lori and Steve -- how lucky we are to have met you. Much love from us!

The very lucky (and great looking) couple!

The back of their home, with a small view of their BIG Jayco RV.
You should see the interior (of the house AND the RV).

Just look at this magnificent ranch!

Lori and Steve have plenty of TOYS -- a cherry '57 T-bird convertible (the gorgeous redhead drives a gorgeous red convertible, of course!); a perfect black DeSoto gangster car (I think from the 30s); and I believe the only REO (forgot the year, unfortunately -- 1930s, no doubt) of this vintage in existence in the U.S. (Hope I got these descriptions somewhat right, Steve.)

And check out the REALTommy Gun -- love it! They also have a boat and ATVs, and other great playthings. Beau was enthralled.

  For my part, I wanted the horses. So lovely, so sweet.

Above left, Beau checks out Steve's numerous medals and commendations.
He is a much-decorated Navy SEAL.

Friday night dinner in downtown Durango, Cosmo restaurant. What a great time.

We capped off the day with a dinner for the four of us, Steve and Lori, and Lori's very beautiful daughter Jamie (group photo above).  Had a fantastic time -- everyone talked a blue streak and laughed and shared and got to know one another better. 

And we promised to stay in touch. Maybe there will be six of us on the road some day soon!

Whew. I am tired. Will end this interminable posting to prep for the next one (I am still behind), which will cover our scary/terrific trip to Silverton, CO; the little cattle drive that stopped us in our tracks on the way to Utah (SO cool); and the amazing Monument Valley. Oh yes -- and the continuing saga of the seemingly never-ending swirling gusting typhooning freaking wind, filled with penetrating dust and grit and dirt. As a bonus, in Utah, it blows RED dirt. Our RV is full of it. Check it out:

There's always a downside, I suppose, to on-the-road freedom.

Tanks, Panky

PS - I have taken so many photos that my camera finally died, in protest.