New Mexico

May 19-21
UA786 IAH-ABQ, UA4526 ABQ-DEN, UA1155 DEN-IAH

There is something about desert landscapes that is uniquely different, and mountain desert-scapes are particularly beautiful.  It had been a few years since our last trip to New Mexico and decided it would be fun to go back.  We flew into Albuquerque, explored the nearby mountains, and then headed to Santa Fe.  We stayed in a nice resort just outside of town in the desert that had a cool vibe of fire pits and s’mores.  For extra fun, our friend Karen from Houston came along for the trip.

May 20

After breakfast, we headed east of town and up Sandia Mountain in the Cibola National Forest.  As part of the adventure we took the somewhat rough Hwy 165 dirt road to complete the circuit rather than backtracking.  Although it was a bumpy ride, the scenery was worth it and there was a nice short hike to a cave along the route.  Finally, after checking into the hotel, we continued to Santa Fe to explore and grab a nice dinner before heading back to the resort.

Mountain view from Sandia Park

Looking east towards South Mountain

The sprawling city of Albuquerque

Hazy, but beautiful view from the peak

Highway cutting through the desert

Karen supervising our short hike

Fence protecting my lookout

Lush green contrasts the desert

Antennas taking advantage of the mountain elevation

Desert cactus from our hike

The Lensic Performing Arts Center in Sante Fe

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Santa Fe adobe and art at Museum of Contemporary Art

More art on the streets

Fireside drinks and s'mores

After a full day around New Mexico, we ended with a relaxing drink by the fire before checking out for the night.

May 21

For our last day we stuck close to the resort and explored the beautiful grounds and surrounding trail.

Morning hike around the resort

Tom inspecting the New Mexican grasshopper

Hummingbird making the most of the feeder's nectar

After a relaxing day we made our way back to the airport for our flights home.