Saturday, Sept 11 Having not been able to go into the Sante Fe Plaza yesterday (no dogs allowed during the special event) we headed out to return at 9:00 this morning. We were pretty sure the parking would be easy and the plaza would just be stirring; It already was in full swing! The temperature was in the low 70’s and it seemed to be a perfect time to check it out. Our first stop was a shaded little park right next to The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. There was a beautiful series of bronze tablets that told the story of Santa Fe – it is hard to believe that it started in the late 1500’s! The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi was built from 1869-1886. It is a Catholic Cathedral with a working schedule – but it also has tons of tourists at any given time . . . and a gift shop. Next stop was the Loretto Chapel. The chapel was commissioned by the sisters of Loretto for their Girl’s School Loretto Academy in 1873. It was known for its miraculous spiral staircase which rises 20’ to the choir loft, while making two full turns. There are no center or side supports. The wooden staircase is held together by pegs and glue. The staircase is a remarkable feat of workmasnship as it defies modern architectural dictates! Google it! There is a really fantastic story that surrounds the staircase. We reached a string of food tents surrounding the Plaza and chose one for the Navajo Tacos. Indian fry bread (fried up in front of you) topped with meat and beans . . . and all things taco! We scored the last shaded bench in the park, and sat down to eat! Just across the street was the shaded portal fronting the north side of the Governor’s Palace where native artists from more than 41 pueblos and tribes spread a blanket and sell their goods. We vividly remember this from our visit over 20 years ago. Around the Plaza, due to the special event, there were also tents of artisans selling their crafts: woodworking, carvings, weavings, leather-works, jewelry, pottery, paintings . . . all native Indian inspired. I remember when I used to yearn to make purchases at every single craft stall! Now that I can afford them, I settle for taking pictures and . . . saving $! On the way back to the campground we stopped at a large supermarket to restock. At the Silvermine, when shade had reached a spot we could sit out, we met several dog-walkers and our new neighbors - - this all resulted in some nice exchanges about travels. In fact, the conversations lasted so long, we didn’t settled down to cook and eat until 8:00!
1 Comment
Michael Miller
9/12/2021 04:08:43 pm
Sue is foaming at the mouth as the Indian fry bread is tops on her southwestern must eat list. Love the photos. The staircase is always being written up on various woodworking magazines.
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |