Back in the Saddle Again – Day 7

It felt good to get on the road again for the second half of our journey. Looking forward to new sights, sounds, smells and experiences. 

Pictures tell a thousand words, so without further ado, join me on today’s Southwestern adventure.

Driving through southern Colorado. 

Pit stop in Ft. Garland.

So much greener than I imagined it would be. Exquisite. 

Continuing towards Taos. The scenery is ethereal. 

Near Taos Pueblo. Sheer solitude. 

Arriving at Taos Plaza. The same as I remembered from before. Charming historic plaza. Such a mellow, good vibe here. People are so very friendly and low key. Definitely a new energy here since my last visit. A bit more of a hip factor, even more art, and a slight bohemian flavor. I like it! 

But this was a first for me. A stroll through the John Dunn House Shops. A delightful afternoon perusing the boutiques, people watching, listening to the street musician and trying out the noodle cart.

Cold rice noodles with zucchini, squash, and peanut sauce. DELISH! Elliott really enjoyed the veggies as well. 

The woman who owns this gallery learned to paint in 3-D while studying in Rome. It took her 20 years to perfect her craft. No photos allowed inside but 3-D glasses are provided for full viewing effect. 

Gem and mineral shops. A lamp created within a sanded down, perfectly smooth, stone block. Magnificent! 

The gallery’s resident dog was very welcoming to Elliott. 

A chocolate and coffee bar. 

Apparently this big girl has a thing for small boy dogs. So precious. She couldn’t get enough of Elliott. 

Circled back to the Plaza where one can find all sorts of gifts, jewelry, art and sculptures. 

And another meet and greet. 

The highlight of my afternoon in Taos was the serendipitous taking of this photo where I met the 3 women sitting beneath the statue and engaged in an amusing conversation about road travels and such. Connecting with other adventurers is most definitely one of the best parts of my travels. Sharon, Jan and Penny are kindred souls. Free spirits who have been friends for many years and came together for this road trip. Thank you for sharing your stories and wisdom with me. Safe travels as you continue on down the  road. I hope our paths cross again some day. 

Onward for 73 miles to Santa Fe along side the Rio Grande. Is there a way to bottle the peace and serenity of the open road and these sensational views?   

Rolling through Española with the bikers. 

We made it! The Silver Saddle Motel in Santa Fe. Everything I had hoped for and more.

Classic Americana at its finest. Meet Chuffy. Oh and he lights up at night too. 

Every last detail of this 1953 motel is sheer perfection. 

A vintage trailer now resides in the newly built out back patio. 

The cozy room is clean, comfortable and complete with a small refrigerator, cable tv and free Wi-Fi. 27 rooms in all. Room front parking for your ease and convenience. Oh and free brekkie served until 10am daily. 

The Wild Wild West. This motel is aces! I can’t imagine a better hotel experience in the Santa Fe area. 

Behind the lobby is a small antique shop with a vintage yellow formica table exactly like the one I have but these chairs are fabulous! I need them! 

And Bryan. What a gem! Such a happy, helpful, informative and fun guy. The kind of energy you want around you all the time.  He is the ideal person you want to run your front desk. Had such a nice chat with him. And I owe my Santa Fe night excursion to Meow Wolf all to him. Thank you for being awesome Bryan!  

Disclaimer: Please do yourself a favor and at least Google this place, if not visit for yourself. There is no way I could ever fully describe what you will experience during your time here. Introducing… Meow Wolf. 

The permanent exhibit is called House of Eternal Return. Once you’re here, you will understand why. 

Meow Wolf is an immersive, experiential art installation.  You will enter endless realms through portals such as fireplaces, caves and even the refrigerator. 

This is the family who lives in the house. There is a mystery involved if you want to play along, otherwise just enjoy the mind blowing experience. There is this slightly creepy undertone which makes it all the more titillating. 

Yes, Elliot and I crawled through this fireplace to enter another realm. 

Leaving one realm and returning to the house. Through the refrigerator. Yes. Seriously out of this world cool. 

You are walking, climbing, stepping and touching your way through art. AWESOME! 

Dimly lit caves. 

Walking through a bigger than life, black lit, neon fish tank. 

Note the deep sea diver that lived in every fish tank you had as a child. 

I don’t want to give too much away so I will just take you to the parking lot where there are food trucks and giant sculptures placed, such as this spider. 

Opened in March of 2016, this 22,000 square foot space of mind trip after mind trip awaits you here in Santa Fe. They have private events, DJs and new installations and exhibits coming. You will never forget it and want to return for more immediately. I know I do. 

Good night Santa Fe. 

Home Sweet Bungalow – Day 4

Today was rather simple really. Had a delightful morning with Joanie hanging out at her charming abode and gardens in Grand Junction. Girl talk, catching up and general chitter chatter with my dear sweet friend. Truly nothing finer. 

Bob, is there something you’re trying  to tell us? 

It’s impossible not to fall in love with their two furry kids. Introducing (smiling) Bob. What a good natured kid he is! 

And (Kent’s favorite child), Murphy, who was just the right size to pal around with Elliott. 

It’s always bittersweet saying “so long for now” to my dear friends, but am forever grateful for the time I do get to spend with them, I just get greedy. Can’t help it. Such a wonderful micro visit to Grand Junction. Thank you Joanie and Kent for your hospitality and continued friendship. You simply can’t make old friends. And I cherish mine. 

Hit the road and made it to Denver in just under 4 hours. Not bad at all. Nothing major to report from the 248 mile drive on Eastbound I-70. Although in the interest of full disclosure, other than the scenery, mountain driving wears me out. Steep inclines, steep downhills, and endless sharp twists and turns. Pedal to the metal to get up the hills, hit the brakes driving down the big ones, getting stuck behind a slow car or semi truck in the left lane. Occasional lane closures. I’m sure you can relate. It’s much more intense driving than say a long stretch of open road through the desert. Just not really my cup of tea. But I made great time and without incident. And was so happy to see my precious bungalow!! LOOOK at her. Isn’t she adorable?? 

And Elliott wasted no time getting reacquainted with the yard. Your own grass feels even better, doesn’t it? 

Yard is fantastic! My Columbines look sensational as do my baby trees. Do you know how magnificent it is to stand on my own grass? In my own yard? Pretty damn magnificent! 

Elliott sat proudly on his old perch, looking out over the yard.

And we even had a visit from the Ice Cream Man. Hello! I’ll have a Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Taco and a Birthday Cake, please! Oh the simple things that make me a happy little girl. 

Neighbor Rian (aka Jedi Master dog trainer) stopped by with his two furry friends, Boog and Ellie to chew the fat for a while. Ahhh, so nice. It’s really awesome having cool neighbors. Who actually talk to you. By the way, look at my grass!! Not only is it MINE but look how lush and green it is! Holy WOW! This is not something I get to see where I live in LA. 

Little girl Ellie. Such a sweetheart!

And big boy Boog. Always the ham. 

Living in LA has its upsides (or I wouldn’t still be there), but nothing could ever compare to my own little bungalow. Even if only for a few days, I am so very happy to be here. And now kids, I’m off to dream land. Night night. Sleep tight! 

Hummingbirds, Land Art and Old Friends – Day 3

Spent the morning basking in the glorious Utah sunshine. I took Elliott for a walk around the property and it really is beautiful out here in Green River. So small. So quiet. So peaceful. 

I found a nice seat on the outdoor patio where I could eat my made to order brekkie that was served by Carlos, a super star employee at the River Terrace Inn. His friendly, outgoing and helpful nature totally made up for the lackluster welcome I received upon arrival to an empty front desk where I waited for over 10 minutes for someone to appear in order to check me in the night before. But I digress. As I enjoyed my tasty eggs, toast and hashbrowns I had the pleasure of watching scads of hummingbirds fly up to the feeders placed around the patio. What a treat! I love those magical little creatures. They always remind me of Tinkerbell! 

Thanks to a little help from my new found friend Carlos, I journeyed up a nearby dirt road to a hill where two magnificent land art installations can be found. Designed by Australian artist Andrew Rogers and financed by 89 year old Seattle resident, school teacher and railroad fanatic, Herbert Steiner. “Ratio,” as it is called, is based on the Fibonacci sequence of mathematics. Steiner has an affinity for the solitude of open land he found in Green River and wanted to leave something for future generations to admire. “Ratio” was erected in 2011, while its new companion “Elements,” (meaning the four elements earth, wind, fire and water), came along in 2013. Interesting side note: “Ratio” is capped with 23-karat gold in order to reflect for miles away, as is one of the columns of “Elements.”  Brilliant! Thank you Mr. Steiner for these fascinating art sculptures you have gifted for all to see. 

Surprisingly cool things to see and do in Green River, Utah. Will head back again at some point for a deeper dive. Loved it! Who knew?? 

Today’s agenda only requires a short drive to Grand Junction, thankfully, as I think Elliott and I are growing a bit weary of the longer car rides at this point. 

Head straight for Two Rivers Winery in Grand Junction to meet up with Colin, my old pal from way back in junior high school. 

Between the delectable wine of Colorado’s Western Slope, crackers with fig and olive tapenade and entertaining conversation, time literally flew by. 

Took off from there for a quick stop at Colin’s place near the sensational Book Cliffs. Got introduced to his “laying” chickens, both of which Elliott seemed quite interested in. 

And the good times rolled on… To a (dog friendly) brewery in Palisade with a super cool vibe where I got acquainted with Colin’s gal pal Susan. Good time!

Stunning scenery is everywhere around you. Incredible! 

And last but certainly not least, dinner with Joanie and fam! I love this woman like a sister! I’ve known her forever as she was my older sister’s BFF in high school. She is one of my very favorite people on this earth and I adore time spent with her. Seated next to her is her adorable son, Ben, who is unbelievably tolerant of his parents eccentric (but lovable) ways. 

El Tapatio in Grand Junction is muy muy bueno! Giant portions of mouth watering authentic Mexican cuisine. 

Feast your eyes on the best chicken tortilla soup… Ever!

Pictured below is Joanie’s husband and all around dreamboat (and Fidel Castro’s doppelgänger) and comedian, Kent. And Colin decided to join us as well. What a meal! Surrounded by awesome old friends, delicious food and lots of storytelling and laughter. Loved it!  

Joanie would not divulge how, when or where she learned to tie a knot in a cherry stem with her tongue. Hot sultry Mamacita! 

Grand Junction was an extra stop planned specifically to bathe myself in the love and good vibes of old friends. Time with people like these folks is priceless and I’ll take whatever time I can get, whenever I can get it. Thank you Joanie, Kent, Ben and Colin for infusing your joy, love and free thinking into my soul. I am one exhausted (but happy) girl. Don’t ever pass up the journey for the destination.