Gaining Momentum

Today was absolutely fabulous! A recap of the last three days first and then I'll tell you about today.

After leaving Birmingham with a tummy full of coffee and a great nights sleep, I was off to Little Rock, AR to stay with Katie at her Airbnb room. The drive 418 miles, which included some extra driving to Target to purchase a new camera. I stopped along the Nazchez Place National Parkway in Tupelo. What a great road, similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The history of our country is amazing when you can actually step foot where the action happens. From a book not so much.

Katie's place was wonderful, I was a little bit concerned when I first arrived, since the neighborhood itself did not look all that shipshape. However once I walked into Katie's, I was pleasantly surprised. Katie works from home as a purse maker who sells her goods on Esty and she has a huge sewing room. My room was well decorated and the bed was super comfortable. Katie had chocolates and water by my bedside table. In the morning the coffee pot was just waiting for me.

Pooh enjoying his stay at Katie's

Little Rock to Oklahoma City a mere 378 miles, that's with a stop at Hot Springs National Park. The down town of Hot Springs, AR is wonderful. Definitely a place to return to. I spent about three hours hiking the trails and taking in the view of the bathhouses. The trails are nice quite steep in areas but I did not venture on any long trails. As I finished up Goat Rock Trail it began to rain and continued as I drove to Oklahoma City.

Cartwheel taken at Hot Springs National Park.

A hot spring if you look closely you might see the steam.

One of the original bathhouses

Matt's place, my Airbnb in Oklahoma City was not my best lodging, but it all worked out. Basically you get what you pay for. I did have fun exploring the Mexican Market and bought some pan dulce which made for a great breakfast with my coffee purchased at the local 7/11.

How many of you have eaten cactus?

Pooh on his futon :)

Did you know it is 550 miles from Oklahoma City to Santa Fe? What a long drive. I did break it up by stopping along Route 66. Enjoyed a variety of road side attractions and always love the look on peoples face when I ask them to take my picture and then after they say yes add that I'm going to do a cartwheel.

Oklahoma cartwheel at the National RT 66 museum.

Lucille's Gas station built in 1929 Hydro, OK

Arrived in Santa Fe and pulled into my hostel at Luna and Nova's and have had an entire house to myself for two days. A typical NM styled home with chickens to boot out back. A great find. So back to today June 20, 2017. 

I spent the day exploring Bandelier National Park which sits about 35 miles north of Santa Fe. The trails were like nothing I am accustomed to. Pueblo's, red rock canyons, dry scrub brush and a sky that goes forever. After spending several hours exploring the main park I went over to the White Rock lookout and was able to see a spectacular view of the Rio Grande, then it was on to Tsankawi prehistoric site, part of Bandelier, but about 10 miles away. This part of the park is not visited as much. There are limited trail markers, it was like being on top of the earth. The rain fell just enough to take away the heat. Luckily not thunder, as that is means for returning immediately to your car. I want to say more, but some things you can't explain. You just need to do it. I am fortunate to be able to.

The Rio Grande from White Rock Lookout

Taken by a volunteer ranger at
Bandelier.

She was so close I could have touched her.
 It made my heart pound

One of many pueblos I had an
opportunity to explore

Rain clouds

Maybe your wondering if I went to downtown Santa Fe or maybe not. Well I did and it is a wonderful artistic center of restaurants, museums and shops. Perfect if you like that kind of thing. I spent a couple of hours exploring the architecture and shops, but the true beauty of the area are the natural ones.

Cathedral Basilica

Outdoor art exhibit