New Mexico Vacation, Day Five--Bandelier and Downtown Santa Fe

Once again trying to beat the heat, we went to Bandelier National Monument in the morning.  Bandelier has remnants of an ancestral Pueblo community with pueblos and cliff dwellings. We got there early enough that we were able to drive into the park and not ride the shuttle with lots of other hot, sweaty people. Also a good move because paths along the cliffs were rather narrow at times and would have been difficult to maneuver with many other people around.

Then we headed back to Santa Fe for a look around downtown. There we visited the Palace of the Governors which was built in 1610 and is one of the oldest public buildings around. Today it holds historical exhibits and is part of the New Mexico History Museum. One of the things that struck me while touring it was that New Mexico was being settled at the same time as Jamestown, Virginia. Having lived in the east most of my life, I thought that Jamestown was the beginning of all European entrance into our country - how Eastocentric. The museum was also hosting a very interesting exhibit on cowboys. What a hard and boring job at times.

A bit more walking took us to the San Miguel Mission Church. Another really old church (1610) that has been operating forever. It had closed earlier in the day, but that didn't matter. A miracle occurred while we were there. We felt rain! The wind stirred up and a few big drops fell! This was the beginning of a break in the weather to cooler temperatures. Yea! We hope it lasts.

Here are a few pictures from today's sights. Until next time...

Wildlife around Bandelier. It seemed as if we saw a lizard every 10 feet.

Remnants of a kiva--central meeting place. Kivas were large stone lined pits in the ground covered with timbers and dirt.

Ward climbing up into a cave room. These were carved into the cliff which is made from tuff--a soft volcanic rock.

On the drive back to Santa Fe, we saw many eroded mesas like this one.

Palace of the Governors. Besides its historic significance, it is known for the native craftsmen who line up to sell their wares.

San Miguel Misson--the oldest active church in the US and the one that brought us rain.