DAY SIX

TUCUMCARI, NM - TAOS, NM - SANTA FE, NM

309.8 miles. Left Tucumcari: 10:15am, Arrived Santa Fe: 6pm.

Today we spent the entire day exploring New Mexico. We woke up in Tucumcari, and began the trek up to Taos. It was about 3 hours, and we were very surprised by the variety in landscape. At first, it was mostly desert-ish, and as we got more and more north the trees thickened and turned into evergreens. It was very mountainous, and there were a few scenic overlooks. 

Once we got to Taos, we stopped at Cuevas Cafe, a delicious Mexican/New Mexican restaurant where I got shrimp enchiladas and Kenny got a combination platter.

Lunch at Cuevas

Kenny said it was the best meal of the trip so far (though he has said that after every meal.) After, we drove over to Taos Pueblos, the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States. We walked around there for a bit, and I have never really seen anything like it. People still live there now, so it was interesting to be touring the area of people's homes. 

Taos Pueblos

From there, we drove back through Taos, and onto what's called the High Road to Taos, through Chimayo, down to Santa Fe. I was really amazed at how many different sorts of landscapes that New Mexico holds, and was in awe by the beauty of all of them. 

Santuario de Chimayo

Chimayo

We eventually reached Santa Fe, where we checked into a Days Inn, and then went into the downtown area. We went over to the Santa Fe plaza, which was holding a big outdoor concert, and it seemed like everyone from the area was there. We walked around the city a bit, which is almost entirely build in the Pueblos architectural style, and it comes together to give off a really great vibe. The amount of art galleries are almost overwhelming (especially along Canyon Road) but I think it's really great that so much importance is put on the arts in this city.

St Francis of Assisi church in Santa Fe

Downtown Santa Fe

I really want to thank everyone that's been reading my blog, I can't believe the response that it's gotten! I created this mainly so my parents and some family members could follow along, but am super excited about everyone that checks this out! So many people contributed towards this trip, whether it was through generous gifts, travel recommendations and tips, or encouragement! I hope my blog always proves to be enjoyable for readers, and it means so much that y'all are interested! With that, I also must apologize for times when my posting is lacking, and my thoughts cut short - driving cross country is super tiring!! (Even with Kenny doing most of the driving.) I'm trying my best to get these out every night, and will soon be posting the rest of my photos on Facebook. Anyone that knows me can believe that I already have 800 photos from my first 6 days on the road! Good night!