Bandelier

On Tuesday June 2nd, we drove up to Bandelier National Park for our first hike in the area. It was an absolutely stunning day and we were luck enough to get there early so we missed a lot of the foot traffic. The majority of the hike is on a narrow paved walkway, which runs along most of the the Ansazi dwellings, but we also decided to hike up to the top of the ridge overlooking the main park which was a lot of effort given the steep switchbacks and the altitude (over 7000 feet). It was beautiful and well worth the effort.

All set for a hike


Papa, as Sherpa, and Sofia all set for our first hike


The Big Kiva, which would have a roof over the top and was a communal meeting area


Overlooking Tyuonyi (Qu-weh-nee) which was once two stories tall and consisted of over 400 rooms!


One of the many caves dwellings


Sofia and Papa in one of the cave dwellings we could visit


A view of Tyuonyi from above


Hiking up


At the top - Sofia watches and plays with ants (they are HUGE in New Mexico, but don't bite) and stink bugs (she never got sprayed luckily)


The views hiking down


It started to rain for a minute, so we put up the rain gear - so cute!


One of the Anasazi dwelling areas - the holes in the cliff were supports for their roof/floors - CK and Sofia are at the far right

Bandelier (continued)

After we saw the last of the Anasazi dwellings on the path, we walked to Alcove House, which is a dwelling cave area that is 140 feet off the canyon floor - we had to take several (VERY SCARY) ladders and stone stairways to get to it - and CK did it with Sofia on his back! I could hardly do it solo (the ladders were bolted in, but it was still scary). The interesting aspect of Alcove House is that they have found evidence that it supported a good amount of people, but it is unclear why they lived in such a location.

Sofia was a trooper throughout the day and sang or babbled for most of the hike. Once we were in the car, she was fast asleep within minutes so we drove up to Los Alamos and visited the Bradbury Science Museum. After a too-quick visit, we returned to Santa Fe, showered and visited Cowgirl Cafe - yum!

Alcove House from the canyon floor - this picture doesn't do it justice


CK and Sofia heading up....


All of us inside Alcove House


CK and Sofia heading down


Heading down on the next ladder - luckily we got through just as that big group of high schoolers wanted to go up!


I took over Sherpa duty for the last mile - I don't know how CK did it!

Lavender Lover

This is one of those stories that Sofia will hate to hear when she's older.... Aunt and Uncle have a beautiful lavender plant growing in front of their casita that was nearly blooming while we were there. Sofia loved brushing her hand across the top of the lavender head's and then smelling that lovely scent. However, one evening she took the sniffing a bit too far when she got one of the flower buds stuck up her nose! Of course, I was convinced we had to call 'someone' or go to a doctor, and CK simply went outside and told Sofia to blow her nose - which she did, but she first took a deep breath in to blow her nose. This caused the flower bud to disappear.....until just prior to dinner when a large sneeze dislodged the offender!

Brushing the lavender...


...and smelling! Ahhhh!


Smelling the lavender


This is actually when it happened!


Sofia's nose and the offender

Tent Rocks

On Thursday June 4th, we headed out to one of the most impressive places we've ever hiked - tent rocks. It was a fairly intensive hike up to the top and after every turn it seemed to be even more impressive (thus, I took over 200 pictures!). CK, with Sofia in tow, was serenaded with "Pop Goes the Weasel," "Tug, Tug, Choo, Choo, Off we go....," and "People on the Bus." It was a beautiful day for a hike and we rested at the top with water and PB&J sandwiches. It was a stunning view and we spent a while taking in the sights before hiking down.

Just getting started - soon we'd be on top of that point above Ck's head


At the bottom of Tent Rocks


Going through a narrow area


Mommy


Such beautiful views


Tent Rocks, with the mountains in the background


Papa and Sofia at the top


The three of us at the top


PB&J break


Looking back - I love the clouds

Tent Rocks (Continued)

The hike down from the top was just as spectacular, especially as the light changed. We visited a cave at the base of Tent Rocks, which our guide book didn't really explain other than it was likely occupied by the Anasazi. After we made it to the car, Sofia quickly fell asleep so we decided to drive to Old Town Albuquerque to see a bit of the city. The Plaza is very large and comfortable, with tons of little shops and restaurant - it was pleasantly surprising. After a scoop of ice cream and some window shopping, we headed back to Santa Fe. Once at "Santa Fe home" as Sofia called it, we showered and headed out to dinner.


Yet another view of Tent Rocks


Papa and Sofia


Walking through the narrows


The cave at the bottom of Tent Rocks


"Small" Tent Rocks near the end of the hike


Papa and Sofia at the Plaza in Old Town Albuquerque


Sofia throws a penny into the wishing well


Off to dinner that night in Santa Fe

Ah, Cute!

Here are a few random pictures of Sofia from vacation that we just had to post!

This is one of my favorite pictures from vacation - It's such a great reminder of our morning Cafe Pasqual's outings. CK is busy reading about the world, Sofia is busy drawing, and behind the camera, I'm enjoying one great cup of coffee.....


Sofia playing with her favorite things - her bus, pine cones, Green Beup-Beup, and her trains....


At dinner! Such happy smiles!


CK has started making funny faces at Sofia, which she thinks is absolutely hilarious! She tries to copy him, which we think is hilarious! She is convinced if she pulls on her ears, her tongue will come out and her eyes will cross (that's what Papa does!)

Train Ride

On Saturday June 6th we took a train ride from Santa Fe to Lamy, NM - I don't know who was more excited Sofia or me!! The train cabins were from the 1920s and were really beautiful. A flat car was between the two cabins so we could really get a great view of the area as we went along. It was beautiful to watch the landscape pass by and see an area that we wouldn't have likely visited. Before boarding the train, we walked through the Santa Fe Farmer's Market which was full of gorgeous produce and lots of treats and crafts. We bought some delicious fruit-topped flatbreads for our trip (even though CK made us a full breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and fruit before we left)! The trip lasted about an hour, during which time Sofia took a nap on CK's chest.

All set for our train trip


Mommy and trains


There it goes! Papa and Sofia watch the Rail Runner Express depart the station


Papa, Sofia and the Santa Fe train station


Here we go!


With Mommy


Yum, snacks! We bought these wonderful fruit-topped flat breads at the farmer's market just before we left


Checking out the views with Papa


Hanging out with Mommy


Nap time!


The beautiful landscape along the way