If I remember correctly, at the end of my last journey post we were through the Panhandle Plains region of Texas. So today’s post begins with, Maruawe, how the Comanche greet us, in their language, as we cross from Texas into New Mexico and drive through the small area where they reside. As in every state there is a sign that welcomes us in. This one says “Welcome To New Mexico – The Land Of Enchantment”. I suppose it could be the Land of Enchantment, as its 121,590 square mile landscape ranges from beautiful rose-colored deserts to broken mesas to stunning snow-capped peaks. The one thing it is in short supply of though, is surface water. As only 250 square miles of the total 121,590 accounts for this. Even though there is so little water, a significant portion of the state is still covered in forested mountain wilderness.
This day, we continued driving another 351 miles to our stop in Gallup, which is approximately 21 miles from the border of Arizona. I am fortunate to be able to look at the scenery as we make our drive. Sadly, however, we stop only briefly and I must be quick to snap a few photos. These are not the best, but they are real, rich in the rose color and blue skies. I would have liked to photo shop out the utilities, but I would so rather keep it real. And reality is that we, no matter where we are, are so accustomed to luxuries like electricity. On my next trip, I intend to get some stunning photos and not put you through ones like these. With that said, thank you for bearing with me on this trip.
Now I am not one to only stare out the window as we drive, even if the scenery is stunningly beautiful. I find it necessary to also use my mind.
So, I take moments in between the images my brain is capturing to try to educate myself to things I may not have known about New Mexico. I thought I would share some of these with you.
I learned that the Native Americans inhabited this area for thousands of years before the Spanish Settlers colonized it in 1598. These Spanish Settlers had named it Nuevo Mexico after the Aztec Valley of Mexico in 1563. The Mexican-American war created the US New Mexico territory and it was later admitted into the union as the 47th state on January 6, 1912. It also is the 5th largest state in the United States, Santa Fe is its capital and cultural center, and it is one of the four states that make up the famed “Four Corners”. The other three are Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.
On our trip we travel through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city. Like all large cities, there is plenty to do in Albuquerque, however, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival every October is surely a sight to see, definitely a bucket list item. And have no fear if you like to stay grounded, as I do, you can observe only – no need to ride. But if you are an adventurer, take a ride and gain a new perspective.
We wave goodbye to Albuquerque, and soon enter the Pueblo Indian Reservation. Guwatsi Hoba is the greeting, in their language, the Pueblos would offer us. Though very short-lived, I did get to browse a shop with artifacts, loved that. Time moves so fast, however, so we must get back on the road. The next area we travel through is the Cibola National Forest. I was shocked to learn that this national forest covers 1.6 million acres in New Mexico, holy smokes that is a lot of acres. It also has elevations that range from 2,700 feet to 11,300 feet. Our travels will keep us in the mid to lower elevations.
Getting towards the end of day one, we make our way just north of the Zuni Indian Reservation (and miss their greeting Keshi) for the final miles into Gallup and our stop for the night. Although we chose not to stay at the famed historic El Rancho Hotel & Motel on Route 66, we did stay close enough to walk over to view the site and have a very good meal in their restaurant. After dinner, and the walk back to our hotel, it is time for sleep. It has been a long day and we have 376 more miles to get to our first visit with friends.
I hope you have been enjoying my trip, next post into Arizona. Any comments?? You know what to do..