Taos

As we make our way back East - we stopped in Taos, NM for a couple of days. We stayed in a suite in a converted old woodworking shop- with original wood beams, tile, adobe and a kiva fireplace. We enjoyed the wonderful view of Taos mountain from the porch. The place, the American Artists Gallery House was perfectly situated to explore Taos!

Low Road

We took the "Low Road" through the valleys along the Rio Grande River from Taos to Santa Fe. It was a beautiful warm and sunny day and we spent a little time walking along the river enjoying the beautiful scenery, watching the fisherman and kayakers on the river.

High Road to Taos

After lunch in Santa Fe - we drove the 56 mile High Road to Taos - Scenic Byway. It winds through high desert, mountain ranges, forests, farms, Spanish Land Grant villages , Pueblo Indian villages, and a few historical religious sites. The landscape was significantly different than what we saw on the Low Road we took to Santa Fe.

El Santuario de Chimayó

We stopped at the El Santuario de Chimayó, which in addition to being a national historic landmark is also a classic example of Spanish Colonial architecture and one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the United States ( attracting over 300,000 pilgrims a year),and is referred to as the Lourdes of America. The story of what draws the pilgrims for healing can be found below: https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/el_santuario_de_chimayo.html

It is said that the earth at Chimayo can be mixed with water to make mud and eaten or applied to the skin in order to heal a person of an ailment. There is a small pit with a shovel where believers are welcome to take some of the "holy dirt" with them. As you approach the well room with the holy dirt, rows of canes fill the walls - as well as pictures, cards and trinkets relating to requests for, and testimonials of, healing in adjoining prayer rooms.

The grounds were beautiful and serene and the art within the chapel gorgeous. We did not take pictures within the chapel and well room, where the request to not photograph was posted. We enjoyed the faith and hope in the atmosphere as well as the beauty of the church and shrine. We did not take any of the holy dirt- as we both felt we already have had our fair share of miracles.

San Francisco de Asís Mission Church

San Francisco de Asís Mission Church is also a national historic landmark - due to its historic and architectural significance.