Santa Fe final blog: Bandelier National Monument

 I will be honest with you.  I was feeling somewhat disappointed in my Santa Fe trip.  I had not gotten to see the Taos Pueblo, I had missed most of the birds, I had not see the Georgia O'Keefe museum, and I had not gotten my great New Mexico Steak.  And it was Monday night, our second-to-last night.  We had decided to spend time on Canyon Road the next morning, and then spend the afternoon packing up.  I suddenly thought to myself: Susan loves to walk, and we haven't had a nice hike together.  So late that night, I proposed that we go to Bandelier National Monument, and take the mile-long circle hike through the site.  And Susan agreed. 

And it turned out to be the most rewarding day of our trip.  It was the best way we could have spent our final day, the trip to the National Parks site was breathtaking through the mountains, the hike was absolutely awe-inspiring. The day was the usual Santa Fe brilliant sunlight and matchless blue sky, the hike was in 70-degree bliss, and we came home exhausted and so much happier.  It made the trip. 

The trip from Santa Fe was through the first awe-inspiring mountains and rocks of the trip. 

The beginning of the hike was a paved path out to the Pajarito Plateau, home of all the 
natural, and man-made cave dwellings, and the stone remains of the village of
Tyuonyi.

A large Kiva, originally covered over, and the site of religious ceremonies, and thie
introduction of young men into the village traditions.

Tyuonyi

There was a side trail leading up into the cave dwellings, with ladders in place
for the curious.  I am afraid I don't have the balance I once had, so I opted not to try the 
ladders.  

There were numerous petroglyphs. 

The look back the way we came. 

The hike was a long circle, with the first half along the face of the rock, and the second half crossing
the stream, and returning in the woods in shade.  A wonderful relief from the incredible sunlight, 
and a wonderful change, with views of the mountain through the trees. 

As you leave the monument, there is an overlook back down and up 
Frijoles Canyon, home of the the site.   Spectacular. 
I can't emphasize enough the wonder and magic of the place. 
For anyone interested in Native American history, art and 
culture, as well as mountains, rocks and nature, it is a must-see.