New Mexico became the 47th state to join the United States on January 6, 1912. The capital city is Santa Fe. The highest point is Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet.

Wildfire by Santa Fe

Road Trip 2013 - Day 14 - June 24 - Santa Fe (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park)

Santa Fe LodgeVintage roadside sign

From Mesa Verde National Park, our road trip continued east across southern Colorado and then southeast to Santa Fe, New Mexico. While on the return leg of our round trip we were not exactly getting closer to the finish just yet, and that was fine - so much more to see ahead of us!

As we approached Santa Fe, we saw something so common on the western side of the country that is not common at all in the east. A huge plume of smoke was rising from a mountain in the distance, a sign of a raging wildfire. While I understand the importance of (most of) wildfires to the natural world they still instill a lot of respect in me and feelings for people that live in the frequently impacted areas. As with many other forces of nature, it must be a very helpless feeling to watch one of these close to home. It also always makes me think about the balance of things, or the lack of. Right now, in mid-2015, we're witnessing a 3rd year of severe drought in California while Texas went through extreme flooding. And as I am typing this cross-checking weather forecast tropical depression Bill is threatening to repeat that experience. So out of balance, yet so close to each other. It's really only a 1-day drive separating two places experiencing the opposite poles of weather.

Shortly after, a beautiful vintage motel sign came to view and I had to stop.  *** Series Spoiler Alert! *** Being so close to connecting to Route 66, this sign was an early teaser of what I was hoping to see a lot of. The sign was weathered, yet, so bold. Especially the red against the blue sky was an instant eye catcher - well done marketers!

Santa Fe ArchitectureSanta Fe, New Mexico With that craving out of the way, at least for the time being, it was time to finish the driving part of the day and go strolling through the beautiful historic downtown around the Palace of the Governors. Fortunately, finding parking was easy and so was walking the short way from the lot to where we wanted to be.

I am not into shopping at all and the whole Santa Fe experience was all about architecture and colors for me. Both bold, both beautiful!

As it turns out, it was the details of the Adobe buildings that captivated me the most and I will let the photographs do the talking:

Window in the WallSanta Fe, New Mexico Wood and MasonrySanta Fe, New Mexico

Window in the Wall, Santa Fe, New Mexico    -    Wood and Masonry, Santa Fe, New Mexico

The EntranceSanta Fe, New Mexico

The Entrance, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Door LockSanta Fe, New Mexico Door Lock, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you!

References: New Mexico on 50states.com - Santa Fe Lodge - Santa Fe History

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