Well, the Land of Enchantment caravan is over! Wayne, Barbara, Shelly and I had a wonderful time sharing this beautiful state with everyone over the last 3 weeks. The weatherman cooperated (thank you Wayne, the no-rainman weatherman), the caravaners were terrific and New Mexico eagerly shared its beauty and culture with us. Shelly's quiz proved that everyone learned a lot and the photos in our album are a testament to the fact that we all enjoyed ourselves.

We hope that everyone has safe travels and, until we meet again, have miles of smiles!

Kim, Shelly, Wayne and Barbara

Day 20 Final Show October 15, 2006
The gentle hum of diesel engines was heard early this morning as the cool and damp night was slowly giving way to dawn. You could already see the flames lighting up the field as the balloons sleepily laid on thier sides and started to fill with air. It seemed as though all 700 balloons were on the field to bid us good-bye.
We bundled up and headed outside to see the last of the morning mass ascensions. Although you could watch the balloons from your coach, there is a special atmosphere of excitement and awe as you stand among the balloons and watch them ascend and gather in the air. Thirty minutes ago it looked like the ascension would not happen, now the sun is breaking through and it looks like the weather will hold for a few hours.

Some of our old friends were back in the mass of balloons this morning and others could not make it off the ground. It is a beautiful sight to leave Albuquerque with. We all gathered by the Pollock's coach for morning pastries and final farewells. We have become a family over this 20 plus days and parting is bitter-sweet. My mind has started the transition...I am thinking about things on the home front and the trip back to Texas. As I review the last three weeks, it is difficult to believe we have experienced all that is listed below. The coming months will leave me wanting to go back and dig more deeply into the culture and history of New Mexico. In the mean time, I will join everyone here in just thanking God for the blessings of the trip and the fine fellowship we enjoyed.
Till next caravan... Linda Barron

Day 19 Balloon Fiesta October 14, 2006
What could have been a rainy, dull day turned out to be a great day for everyone. The day started overcast and looking like rain. It was difficult to get good photos of the ascension because of the heavy, dark clouds. We had a group of our ladies go on a balloon trip today...as usual they were traffic stoppers! Sally Richardson and Doll (her sister), Barbara McCrae, and Dee Irwin went up early this morning with threatening skies and a bit more wind than we have seen lately. The Balloonist took every precaution and it was decided everything was good for the flight. We stood on the observation point by the RV's and watched as they took off and sailed away. Their one hour flight turned into one hour and forty five minutes as the pilot had trouble with the wind. Finding an appropriate landing place became a priority when it became clear they would not make it back to Balloon Park or the area where the chase car was located. There were not many choices: a roof top, the street or high power lines. Being a good pilot he chose the highway. The landing was smooth and traffic made room for the descending balloon. The landing went well and the good natured New Mexicans got out of their vehicles to help clear the balloon from the road...apparently they have seen this before! The ladies returned to the RV Park safely and with a great story to tell. Barbara remarked that she never felt like things were out of control or that she was in any danger.
This was a perfect day for sightseeing, resting or just getting caught up with work around the coach. There was a little rain and enough wind to feel the coach’s tremor. Our next event was scheduled for 4:45 pm…we were to gather next to the Pollock’s coach and grill some steaks. As you can see, these were no ordinary steaks! Thank you Clare Hauenstein for choosing the best for the group! We had a wonderful final evening together and enjoyed the food.

In the midst of our celebration, we recognized 6 members for having had birthdays over the course of the caravan: Ken Abbott (83), Louis Griffin (75), Don Preston (71), Jim Law (65), Joann Bush (62) and the baby of the group…our fearless leader, Kim Pollock (58). In case you have started adding the numbers I will save you time. The total years among these six individuals are 414 years! Here is a photo of those who are still with the caravan. Missing are Joann Bush and Louis Griffin.


We had an opportunity to express our gratefulness to our wagonmasters (the Pollock’s and the McCray’s) for an incredible trip. It is impossible to put into words the marvels and wonders we experienced because of the detailed planning and pre-caravan checking. Shelly gave us lectures on each important stop and prepared packets for us for each site visited. Ken organized and encouraged everyone. He was computer guru and Blog master. Wayne was Mr. Fix-it and many of us were grateful recipients of his mastery of ‘coach mechanics’. Barbara, like Shelly did everything and was everywhere, tirelessly serving all those who were part of the caravan. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!
Two couples joined us for the Albuquerque part of the caravan they are: The Halfich's (below) and

The Hudson's.


In the background I hear the fireworks going off and can see them from my coach. The smoke passes among the coaches and leaves sulfur like smell that lets us know the evening, and our trip is coming to an end. We have been blessed as a group. I pray everyone will drive carefully to their next destination and have much time to reminisce about the great Land of Enchantment caravan we had.

Day 18 Balloon Fiesta and Sandia Peak October 13, 2006

We started off the morning with another incredible display of balloon special shapes, followed by the Ridgeline key grab competition. Some of the balloons were different from the day before and some the same. The weather was beautiful highlighting the vivid colors of the balloons against a deep blue sky. I have included some new photos.

At 10:15 we car pooled to Sandia Peak and had lunch at the “base camp” before ascending on the tram. Sandia Peak stands 10,378 feet above sea level. The world’s longest tramway took us over the 2.7 miles of travel in an ascent of over 4,000 feet. The terrain rapidly changed from the desert floor to the varied mountain landscapes which protect bears, mountain lions and other natural inhabitants of the Cibola National Forest.


From the peak we were able to view almost 11,000 square miles of panoramic New Mexico scenery! The day was clear and most everyone was able to take some unforgettable photographs. A ranger is present at the top during tram operation hours. At night a tram attendant sleeps at the top so he can bring the tram down for the first run of the day. The peak is also the starting point for the vast ski slopes which are very popular in the winter.


All too soon we took the tram back down the mountain. As we looked at the tram route ahead, it seemed a straight drop down! The decent was as slow and controlled as the climb. We left the grounds and headed back for a full evening.
Tonight we were invited by Monaco International to join them for cocktails and snacks. We found our way over to the VIP area they occupied and were heartily welcomed to their campsite. Wagon masters Homer & Lady Dell Martin:

and Jim & Kay Martin (no relation), set a bountiful table and hosted the event.


All had a wonderful time!
Later, we departed and went back to our section of Balloon Park for the Glowdeo and Afterglow fireworks. It was another great day!

Day 17 Balloon Fiesta October 12, 2006

Today is a day best said in pictures. Here are some photos from our first day at the fiesta. I am having some difficulty adding photos, so please check back for more. From a small gathering of 13 balloons in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has grown to become the largest balloon event in the world. Held each year during the first week in October, the Balloon Fiesta brings over 700 balloons, over 1,000 pilots and tens of thousands of spectators. By 1978 Albuquerque was playing host to the world's largest ballooning event (273 entries that year alone). Today the Balloon Fiesta includes such special events as the weekend and Wednesday mass ascensions, Balloon Glow, Night Magic Glow, and the Special Shape Rodeo and Special Shape Glowdeo where more than 100 uniquely shaped balloons participate.
The Balloon Fiesta is unusual among large events, we mingle on the launch field with the pilots and chase crews. Some of us were members of chase crews for the events. The “Albuquerque Box,” often lets balloonists take off and land right back at the Balloon Fiesta Park. Prevailing lower winds blow south for takeoff, with northern moving winds a few hundred feet up, creating the “Box.” We saw this in the morning launch. Many of the balloons circled the field and came back in the 'box'. There were thousands of people on the launch field early this morning and this evening. The evening ended with several 'all flames' and finally a fireworks display. What an incredible display for first timers...I expect it is as awesome for repeat attenders a it is for the novice.

Day 16 El Morrow to Acoma to Balloon Fiesta (144 miles) October 11, 2006

This morning was an early start for us as we cleared the RV Park at El Morro starting at 7:30 AM. The big surprise was the amount of frost and ice on the awnings of the RV's. It was about 36 degrees as we headed out. Within a short period of time, the sun rose and the temperature moderated to the low 70's.
We traveled around 70 miles to reach th Acoma Pueblo (Sky City). We looked at this elevated city and all I could think about was 'another climb'! Not this time! This time we met our guide and rode up the hill in a nice mini-bus. The scenery was incredible...I do believe it was the best pueblo we have visited. The pueblo is inhabited year round by only 70 persons. It is used for celebrations and special events by the rest of the Zuni tribes who have moved about 12 miles up the road. There was a special charm to this pueblo as it displayed various periods of archetecture. The homes are simple and the craftsmen display their wares to visitors.


The view from the top of the pueblo encompassed the entire valley area. You could see where we parked our RV's and the horizon seemed limitless in its vastness. We were served a nice lunch at the visitors center and sat chatting about what we had witnessed. Soon it was time to depart.
The rest of the trip to Balloon Park went easy with beautiful weather. We parked in the VIP RV area and settled in for four nights of dry camping. At 6 PM we gathered for our pot luck dinner. Again, the food was the best and the fellowship comfortable. Shelly ended the evening with her promised test. If you ever doubted the fact that she is a teacher, she gave us a 30 question quiz encompassing the entire trip thus far. The winner, missing only 3 questions, was Marcia Ronken! Congratualtions!!
Tomorrow will be the Dawn Patrol at 5:45 AM, so we will all call it an early evening!

Day 15 Zuni Day October 10,2006

Another day of carpooling to an exotic site! Today was Zuni Day…we visited the 418,000 acre Zuni Pueblo. The pueblo elevation ranges from 6000 feet in the lowest elevations to 8000 feet on the western slope of the Continental Divide. The Zuni are governed by an elected Governor, Lt. Governor and a six member tribal council. Elections are held every four years.
For the last three hundred years, most of the Indians had lived in a single village, the Pueblo of Zuni. Within the boundaries often small, rather cramped reservation are smaller farming villages at Pescado, Nutria, and Ojo Caliente, established in the eighteenth century. In recent years these have been occupied only during the time of planting and harvest. Beyond the boundaries of the reservation, there are ancient sites and sacred points of pilgrimage central to Zuni life and history.
Our group is large so we split into two groups. While one group was visiting the silversmith the other visited the pottery craftsman in her home. We watched with fascination as the jeweler explained and demonstrated their craft. A husband-wife team, the two jewelers work hand in hand to create beautiful in-laid pieces of jewelry in the ancient Zuni tradition.


The potter also did her work in the ancient tradition, no wheel or pre-cleaned clay. They go out to the mountains and collect the hardened clay which will yield the appropriate colors. The clay is processed by hand and the pottery molded and formed in the same way. Each craftsman displayed and sold their own items.


Next on the agenda was a traditional Zuni lunch at the home of one of the Native American living on the pueblo. It looked like the family cleared the large living area they had in their home and fitted it with tables to accommodate our group. The home was simple with white washed adobe walls and a fairly modern kitchen. Many of the local crafts were displayed on walls and shelves. Our lunch consisted of a tamale, salad, beans and Zuni sourdough bread. Desert was a type of bread pudding…all delicious! Here is a photo of our hosts at the Pueblo:


After lunch we did some shopping and then returned to our RV Park. People engaged in various activities and eventually settled into preparing for the trip tomorrow to Acoma and the Balloon Park. (Pictures to follow)

Rainy Day Mondays

About 20 hearty souls braved the elements to spend the afternoon exploring the Volcano and Ice Caves located along Scenic Highway 53. New Mexico is known as the Volcano State and is covered with a lot of evidence of his violent past. Everywhere you look around this area you can see lava and volcano cones reminding us of what it once must have been like to live here.

Our first hike was a 1/2 mile uphill climb around the circumference of an extinct volcano. When we topped the lip, we were able to peer several hundred feet down into the center of the caldara. It did not take a lot of imagination to picture the smoke and ash spewing out of this crater. It was well worth the windy, rainsoaked hike to the peak to peer over the edge of this artifact from the past.

After we descended, we took a shorter hike to see the Ice Cave. This natural phenomon is a cave about one hundred feet below the surface of the ground. The spring and fall rains flow down into it where they are frozen and remain frozen year around. Currently there are about 11 feet of ice in the cave with about 3-4 inches being added every year. You do not think of year around ice in a cave in New Mexico but it is here!

After that, we bundled up into our vehicles and headed back to our camp sites to dry off.

DAY 14 EL MORRO October 9, 2006


By 10 AM this morning, we were all up and ready for our self guided tour of El Morro National Monument. We packed a lunch and headed for our picnic in the park. It sounds a lot more sedentary than it was, to get to enjoy our lunch we had to climb up the mesa to the ruins. Climb we did!! Over dirt paths, huge rocks and some water traps :-) Looking back on it, it does not seem quite as difficult as it was at the time. I was thankful for my camera as I could stop when I was out of breath and claim a photo opportunity! The rough rock formations and deep caverns and crevices were a photographers dream. Before the climb, the ranger gave us some printed information to guide us through the climb. There were incredible inscriptions from those who had

passed by this way as early as the late 1600's. Many inscriptions were from the civil war era and many older indian inscriptions.


In the distance we could see the darkening skies indicating some bad weather headed our way so we accelerated our descent.
We reached the ranger station and welcome center just as the light rain started. By the time we reached our coaches, the storm began, canceling our car pool to the ice caves and volcano (I dare say there were some who were just as content to call it a day after the first climb, no names!). Some hearty members of the group went to the ice caves on their own.

This evenings dinner and entertainment were a fine cap to the day. We drove about 5 miles down the road to a small RV camp and restaurant where we enjoyed a Mexican dinner and entertainment by a cowboy poet named Ken Moore.


Navajo weavers were the second part of our program for the night (May and Louise). May was the narrator and explained the process of hand shearing, hand carting and hand spinning the wool from the Charro sheep. Louise, the weaver, continuously wove a beautiful rug during the explanation.

We are all looking forward to the special trips tomorrow to the Zuni Pueblo.

DAY 13 GALLUP TO EL MORRO OCTOBER 8 (58 MILES)

By 9 AM everyone was ready to go to our next adventure! We departed in waves. Wave one left early to scope out the RV park and have the parkers ready to help us into the assigned spots. El Morro RV Park is a rustic park with 30 amp service and dirt and gravel parking. Needless to say, after the rains last night certain areas were muddy and slippery. Our coach was the lucky one to be assigned a spot that was not ‘habitable’. We got stuck in the mud and went deeper every time we tried to get out.


As soon as enough coaches were safely parked in other sites, some of the men came to dig and pull us out. A group of jeeps gathered, but it was Kim Pollock’s Jeep that had the proper tow equipment. With Stan Jones being point man Kim had us out in no time. It just added to the adventure of the journey…a modern wagon train stuck in the mud!
Everyone quickly settled and set out for one of two destinations: the Zuni Fall Festival or the Wolf Preserve. Both groups enjoyed their tours and came back with many memories to share. Back at the RV Park, The “Five Freshmen” couples on this trip gave a cocktail party. The Barron’s, Law’s, Vanzzano’s, the Ronken’s and the Pierce’s shared drink and snacks with the group at the Ancient Way RV Park reception center. We set up outside, it was cool and breezy. We had some rain, but it passed quickly and we went on to the presentation of awards and dinner. Dinner at the RV Park was BBQ beef, beans and sour dough bread (made by Zuni’s, only tribe make sour dough bread). Dessert was ice cream cones. By the end of dinner it began to rain quite heavily, so we all headed back to our coaches to rest for the trip to El Morro National Monument tomorrow.

Day 12. Free Day in Gallup October 7, 2006

Welcome to Bob and Jan Hudson! We are pleased to have you both with us for the remainder of our caravan! They are both native Californians who winter in Arizona. They are no strangers to MIM and have been on 4 Monaco in Motion Caravans. We look forward to getting to know them better.

We started today with a great breakfast provided by the RV park. It was followed by a play written and produced by Shelly Pollock. The play involved many of our travelers and was intended to give us a look at life on an Indian trading post. It was fun for all and very entertaining.

Today was a free day for us in Gallup. Gallup, New Mexico is in McKinley County, and is 116 miles West of Rio Ranchero and 238 miles NE of Phoenix, Arizona. The city has a population of 20,209. In Gallup, about 45% of adults are married. Large households are normal (average family size 5 persons). In 2000, Gallup had a median family income of $39,197.

The first order of business was shopping!! Shopping can be fun even if you are just looking and getting acquainted with the arts and crafts of the area. We went to Richardson’s, a shop which sells old and new Native American jewelry, rugs and other artifacts. Just looking at the incredible silverwork wasfascinatingg. Again, the people were wonderful. It is the end of the tourist season, so there are good deals all over. We were given good information throughout the caravan to assist in all purchases so we could be ‘intelligent’ shoppers.

Tonight we had dinner at the famous El Rancho Restaurant. There was a nice shop in the restaurant and the atmosphere was very local. Everyone was comfortable and took their time eating dinner and fellowshipping with each other. The dinner was excellent and followed by a Navajo history and geology lesson by Shelly. Tomorrow when we go to El Morrow, this information will be helpful in understanding the Native Americans there.

Ranger Matthew LeDuc explains some of the details of the Pueblo Benito

Day 11 Chaco to Gallup (176 miles) October 6, 2006

Today began with an early tour of the Chaco Canyon Memorial Park, part of the National Parks. We were up early on a day which looked quite threatening for poor weather. We set out in car pools and drove the 25 miles of dirt/partly paved roads that lead to the Memorial Park.

It had rained heavily the night before so the roads were muddy and wet. We arrived at the Historic Park at about 9:30 and spent some time in the reception center and gift shop. They had an excellent selection of books and reference materials. Several walls displayed some of the history of the Pueblo Benito and Anasazi who inhabited the area. There were many questions about the history of this tribe and what happened to them. Most of what is known is speculation based on archaeological word of mouth stories from the Navajo tribes who claim ancestor's with the Anasazi.

The ruins were majestic and left you with more questions than answers. Where did the materials to built this edifice come from? How was the wood carried so far with no horses or even the wheel introduced to the pueble culture? What happened to the inhabitants? What were the various 'rooms' used for?
All in all this was a great tour. The rain held off until we were finished and on our way to Gallup.
We were given the options of two routes to make the 176 mile trip to Gallup, a scenic route and the regular route (also very scenic, but about 25 miles shorter). There was a group that took each road. There was a storm brewing and it was readily visible on the horizon. We thought it would pass by and miss us, but it caught both groups (we were traveling parallel roads to the same destination).
Some ran into heavy hail and rain, both ran into storms. All coaches arrived safely at Gallup.

The USA RV Park is a very nice facility. Parking was easy and the staff very hospitible. At 7 pm we gathered for dinner. The RV park provided a meal of ribs, corn on the cob, baked potato, Texas toast and ice cream for desert. It was very filling and very good. Everyone broke up after dinner and returned to their coaches, satisified and thankful for another wonderful day.

Day 10 Chama to Chaco (141 miles) October 5, 2006

Today we tried to get an early start and make the drive to to the Nageezi Navajo Center. The skies were cloudy and it was in the low 50's when we departed. The "parkers" went first so they could prepare for all the coaches and lead us into the appropriate spots. The first group after that left at 8:15. At about 10:30 the rain started, it was light and not a hindrance to the drive. We averaged about 35-40 mph on the roads, so it was a nice drive.
We stopped to fuel up and then went on to the Nageezi Center. Everyone arrived in groups. We settled in and spent the afternoon caring for things around the coach. Heavy rains and thunderstorms started around 3:30 and threatened to cancel our potluck. Some quick thinking by one of the ladies got us permission to use the Center for our dinner. It was a wonderful dinner (no hamburger helper or boxed macaroni and cheese)! Everyone had their fill and there were leftovers. Thank you to everyone for a great dinner!
After dinner, Shelly Pollock gave a brief history of the Pueblos and the Anasazi's of the Southwest. She had handouts and made it possible for anyone to understand. Shelly also talked about the Pueblo history after the Spanards arrived. Her brief history covered from 6500 BC to the opening of casinos in the 1980's! It was a good day and we are better prepared to view the Chaco Canyon National Monument tomorrow thanks to the history lesson tonight. We will be traveling over 25 miles of dirt roads in our toads to get to the Monument. Everyone is ready for the ride!
Shelly recommended three books for those interested in further study:
1.) In Search of the Old Ones by David Roberts
2.) Po'Pay: Leader of the first American Revolution by Joe Sando and Herman Agoyo
3.) Pueblos of the Rio Grande by Daniel Gibson
More photos of todays events to follow.

The beautiful golden aspens covered the hills of our steam train trip as we weaved back and forth between Colorado and New Mexico. Even though we were just past the peak season, we felt very fortunate to be able to experience this majestic mountain journey back into time.

What a day!

Day 9: CHAMA TRAIN RIDE! October 4, 2006


Every time I think this has been the best day ever, we have another spectacular event. Today was the Chama train ride. We started out early (again) and walked or carpooled to the train station in town. The first leg of the trip was by bus. We gathered in a chartered bus and headed to Antonita, Colorado where we were to pick up the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. We drove through the Cumbres Pass on the four percent upgrade and picked up the train in Antonito.
This railroad is America’s longest and highest narrow gauge (3 feet between rails) railroad. It is also one of the best preserved railroad museums in the nation. The rail passes over the spectacular Toltec Gorge, the 10015 foot Cumbres Pass and down the 4 % grade back to Chama. When we reached the station at Osier, Colorado, we were pleased to find a dining hall that served really good food. The menu choices were: a full turkey dinner, meatloaf, or soup and salad. The food was plentiful and good. We enjoyed the stop and the chance to relax and view the surroundings. The gift shop at the stop displayed a sign that read, “Shoplifters will have to walk back to Chama” … a good deterrent!
This was an all day train trip. We arrived back at the RV Park around 5 pm. This is to be bonfire tonight. The camp owners re-scheduled this event because we were all going to be out last night. The perfect ending to an exciting day. Tomorrow we head out early on our trip from Chama to Chaco (141 miles). Since we will probably be out of range for my internet provider, I will have to rely on someone to assist me again. The entry may be a little late, but it will be there! Here are some photos of the journey. Do not forget to check the photo site for more.

Day 8: Taos to Chama October 3, 2006

This morning all went well as we set off in 4 waves of coaches to Chama, NM, a 99 mile trip. The trip was beautiful as the Aspens were in full bloom and changed the color of the landscape from brown to green and yellow. The early morning temperature was 46 degrees, but it is warming up quickly. On our route we passed through Kit Carson National Park and El Vado State Park and reached an elevation of 10550 feet. It was a wonderful trip full of fall mountain beauty. No matter how many mountain ranges I see, I am impressed with the fact that they are all different and magnificently unique.

On the way to Chama we stopped in Los Ojos to see a small church and visit Tierra Wools. As soon as we rounded the corner, the San Jose Church came into view. As you can see by the photos below, the over 100 year old church is was a fine place to stop and visit.


Tierra Wools was fun and interesting. We saw a film and then toured the facility. There was something woven for everyone’s taste from rugs to shawls and hats. All the wool used is from the Churro sheep (we saw some of these at the Rancho de las Golondrinas) and is hand spun and dyed in natural colors. The weavers were all very experienced and came from as far away as England to live here and practice the Native American craft and patterns. We had some time to shop and enjoy learning about some of the difficult patterns.

We drove the rest of the way to Chama and the Rio Chama RV Park. The setting of the park is so beautiful none of us want to leave (until it snows that is!). The Railroad theme is carried out throughout this park. A river runs alongside the RV park and a railroad trestle over the water. There were so many photo opportunities and we took advantage of every one! I have a few photos posted to this section…be sure to see the photo link to see more. As soon as we set up our coaches, Sonny and Sally Richardson hosted a reception by the water while we waited for the 4 pm train to cross the bridge. Everyone was in their Western wear and ready for the rest of the evening. Here the hosts and Shelly enjoy a good time.

The 4 pm train finally arrives and everyone gathers to see it.

Tom Irwin takes a siesta…he’ll rest anywhere! Gene Barron and Glenn Ronken await arrival of the train.


The McCrays (Wayne and Barbara) and the Jones’ (Stan and Barbara) enjoy the pre-dinner party.

After the train passed, everyone car pooled to the Chuck Wagon dinner and show at the Elk Horn Lodge. We had a wonderful meal of BBQ brisket, corn on the cob, cornbread, baked potato and beans. We were entertained, cowboy style, with some early country music. The couple who own the lodge purchased it seven years ago. They moved here from Atlanta to fulfill a dream of theirs to have a place in the West where they could cook, entertain and be hospitable to visitors from all over. I think they accomplished their goal!
Another day passed and another reminder of how blessed we all are to have the opportunity and the means to enjoy our friends and traveling companions on a trip like this.

DAY 7 TAOS October 2

Today was a great day on our own. Everyone did something interesting; visiting museums, art displays, scenery, or just resting up for tomorrows trip.
This evening was the Red Team Dinner. It was wonderful! We had chicken breasts, BBQ, cole slaw, baked beans, and green beans. For desert we had a choice of NY cheesecake, topped cheesecake or Italian Cream Cake. All had a grand time. Shelly finally had time to do her turquoise talk! I am ready to go shopping now!
Tomorrow we head out on a 99 mile trip to Chama. More about this tomorrow.
Here are some of the couples from this evenings dinner. We will try to get a photo of each couple by the end of the trip.
Don and Norma Preston: Full timers as of this year.

Jack and Tina Sangalli: National Director, Monacos In Motion

Glenn and Marcia Ronken: From Ohio and retired fire-fighter.

Sid and Claire Hauenstein: Sid is from Washington and Claire from New York and a breast cancer survivor!

Stan and Barbara Jones: High School sweethearts from southern California

Wayne and Barbara McCray: Have traveled all 50 states and now winter in Texas.

Terry and Donna Walters: Regional Director for Region 1, Monaco International

Day 6 (part 2) Bandelier and Chimayo October 1


This was no ordinary night out for dinner. The wagonmasters found a lovely 40 year old, traditional restaurant with excellent cuisine.
The Chimayó valley extends from the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the Rio Grande valley. The name Chimayó is from the Tewá Indian language meaning red flaking stone. In October 1965, the home of Hermenegildo and Trinidad Jaramillo became Restauranté Rancho de Chimayó. Their restaurant has preserved the rich traditions of their proud culture.
The setting is romantic. Fireplaces and family photographs decorate the white washed adobe walls. The terraced patio provides an enchanting place to dine outdoors. The Jaramillo family restored the Hacienda and now has seven guest rooms all opening onto the courtyard. Check out their website at:

http://www.ranchodechimayo.com/

Here are some photos from the front entrance with its sculptures and chili peppers.
Dee and Tom Irwin

Gail and Sally enjoying margaritas

Peter and Anita Pierce

Jim and Clare Law

Kim and Shelly relaxing

Day 6 Bandelier and Chimayo October 1

Today was all about people. First of all we received the news that Sandy Bush passed away in peaceful surroundings with his family all around him. We all stopped while at the El Santuario de Chimayo church and sat in the outside sanctuary. There we honored Sandy and Joann Bush with our memories and prayer.
Today was our carpool of approximately 150 miles round trip from Taos to Bandelier National Monument, El Santuario de Chimayo, dinner at Rancho de Chimayo and back to Taos. The National Monument was beautiful and we climbed up to see the areas where the cliff dwellers lived. The area was beautiful for photos and fun. Below are pictures of the group assembling for a photo, the group assembled, Shelly Pollock’s leg, and Sonny and Sally Richardson.




Next was the church, El Santuario de Chimayo pictured above. This historic church has a lovely sanctuary, outdoor chapel, and outdoor stone stations of the Cross. We stayed here for awhile, walked the ancient grounds and had our memorial service. I do not think any of us will soon forget this visit.
We left the Santuario and went on to the Rancho de Chimayo for dinner. We had to wait awhile to be seated so Margaritas were in order! These were perhaps the best Margaritas we have had! The dinner was wonderful! At the restrauant we had a surprise as a guest joined us for the duration of the trip. Nancy, the daughter of Gail and Dick Vazzano, joined us for dinner. We will be seeing alot of her so Welcome Nancy!


The rest of the information and photos will be included with Day 7 narrative. Have a great day!!

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Sandy Bush yesterday, Oct 1, 2006. We will all miss very much his smiling face, great personality, willingness to help others and his quick wit. He and his wife Joann were long time members of Monacos in Motion having led several caravans and participated in many others.

Sandy and Joann were involved in the Land of Enchantment caravan from the beginning. Over 18 months ago, Shelly and I met with them to lay out the original route for this caravan. It was a week later that he received the news of his illness and had to bow out of the planning process. But I know that even though he had many more important things to be thinking about, he would have immediately stepped in to help should we have needed him.

Sandy beat the odds for over a year past the time the doctors told him he had left. When he and Joann joined us down in Albuquerque two weeks before the caravan, he looked super. No one could imagine what he had been through the past 18 months by talking to him. During that week, he jumped in and helped with the final planning of our caravan. That was the kind of guy he was. We all knew that he would make it all the way through the next three weeks.

But two days into our trip, it became obvious that the cancer that had invaded his body was finally beginning to dominate. He and Joann left Santa Fe last Thursday after we all had a chance to hug him and say goodbye. But he would not leave until he did a final walk-around for several of his friends coaches to make sure that everything was in good mechanical order. He passed away with his family in Denver on Sunday.

Sandy will always be an inspiration to me not only for his willingness to help others and his cheery disposition, but also for how he handled the news of his illness and the tireless work he did to help others faced with the same news that had been so rudely forced on him.

We therefore would like to dedicate this Caravan we are on to the memory of Sandy Bush, friend, resource and mentor always.

Kim & Shelly

While a bunch of us were exploring some of the many cliff dwellings in Bandolier National Monument, Jack Sangalli saved the day when he single handedly
tackeled a vicious western diamondback rattle snake posed to attach unwary hikers.

Yo da man Jack!

(ps - we did inform Jack that in the event he was bitten on any part of his body, we were under no circumstances willing to suck the poison out...)





Photos courtesy Glenn Ronken and Kim Pollock

Day 5 Santa Fe to Taos 30 September

Well it was up early and off to Taos today! By 8:45 you could hear all the motors humming and rearing to go. With several potential coach problem looming, all mechanical issues were headed off and we had a great start in waves. Thanks to Wayne (Miracle Man) McCray we were able to get our slide in! All he did was walk in the door and ZAP! the slide worked. His mere presence saved the day….thank you Wayne.

We were coach number 2 in the second wave. Jim and Clare Law were the leaders and Roger and Frye Ray were the tails. It was an incredibly beautiful trip from Santa Fe to Taos. The little bit of fall color that was available was vibrant and sharp contrast to the dry brown and green hue of the terrain.


We arrived in Taos and began looking for our turn on Estes Road when we saw, standing on the corner waving her arms, none but Shelly Pollock! As we rounded the corner and began looking for the assigned sights there was Kim Pollock giving assignments and directing coaches. Jack Sangalli completed the team as he helped us all into our correct spaces without incident. Thank you all for your service and tireless efforts to make the trip comfortable.

We all quickly set up the coaches, met our assigned car pool partners and headed out to the Taos Pueblo for the feast of San Geronimo. You will not see any photos of the event because we could not bring cameras or cell phones on the reservation. Photos of the Pueblo may be accessed on the web at

http://www.taospueblo.com/photoalbum/index.php

It will be well worth the browsing to see some of what we saw. The photos on this site are by local artists and include seasonal photos.

After tasting some of the Pueblo’s delicacies, watching pole dancing and milling around with the visitors and residents, we took transportation back to the parking lot. Leaving the parking lot was a feat in itself. We (the Barron’s and the Jones’s) decided to take a Native Americans advice and go out the back way and make a left turn where the rest of the world was making a right. Stan was fearless as he drove his new Jeep Grand Cherokee off onto a dirt road. Only a few other adventurous 4 wheel drive vehicles made the journey with us. This was like the Rubicon! As Stan ventured into the rugged unknown he fearlessly declared that it was about time he had a few dents on this vehicle. We made it to the main road after about 6 miles on the rugged road…the more tossing, the more he enjoyed it. On the main road, his tire inflation indicator began flashing and he watched his tire pressure go 25 lbs, 24, 23, 22 and then we found a gas station. A tire change was in order. Barbara got out the book, Gene got the tools, Stan got under the Jeep and I got my camera! Ten minutes and we were on the road to the Apple Tree Restraurant!

The Apple Tree was a wonderful place for dinner! The food was excellent, the company grand and we sang happy birthday once more to Don Preston. More photos may be seen as posted by Sonny Richardson.
All in all it was a tiring but wonderful day! We will certainly sleep well tonight! Linda Barron

Day 4 Santa Fe September 29

Today was a day of rest and relaxation for most of us. The weather was beautiful again and the day was perfect for going into town to see the sights we have not had time for.
The day began with the men’s breakfast. In the photos below you will see Glen Ronken, Gene Barron, Stan and Barbara Jones, and Jim Law. They were up early and fixed a memorable Mexican breakfast for us. Each cooked, prepared and then cleaned up after the feast. Our grateful thanks for a wonderful beginning of the day!





Some stayed and relaxed in their coaches preparing for the journey tomorrow and some traveled. Some of the sights seen were Los Almos, Museum Hill, the market, and some of the galleries in Santa Fe.
This evening we all met for a presentation by Shelly on Pueblo etiquette and review of the schedule for the next few days. We will be leaving tomorrow in waves beginning at 9:00 for the two hour trip to Taos. After Shelly’s presentation, Peter and Anita Pierce again sponsored a craft evening for us. After seeing the wonderful baskets that came home last night, more men joined us for this craft…soap rock sculpting. In the pictures below, you will see the progress made by Dick and Gail Vazzano, Ken and Laverne Abbott, Norma Preston, Gene Barron and Bill and JeanAnn Miller! This was a fun craft! Thank you to the Pierce’s for coming up with such creative native arts.



One last note today…tomorrow is Don Prestons 71st birthday! He seems in shock that we knew! Happy Birthday Don!
Linda Barron

Day 3 September 28 Santa Fe By: Linda Barron
…"that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit" Eph 3:16
This day we said goodbye to two couples who had hoped to make the entire journey with us. Sandy and Joann Bush broke camp early this morning to return home and seek further medical assistance. Louis and Sallilu Griffin left late last evening and have also returned for medical reasons. Our prayers are with both families, especially Sandy and Sallilu, and we will take you with us throughout our journey.
Today was another full day! We started at 9:30 traveling to El Rancho De Las Golondrinas (the Ranch of the Swallows), a trip of about eight miles from the RV park. We couldn'’t ask for better weather. Temperatures were in the high 60's and low 70'’s with a mild breeze, perfect for walking the ranch. Las Golondrinas was founded in the early 1700'’s as a stopping place along the El Camino Real (the Royal Road to Mexico City) and was the last stop before reaching the end of the Santa Fe trail. The Ranch is 200 acres and is a living history museum. Our guide, Ed, was knowledgeable and patient as we huffed and puffed up and down hills. The sights and smells made us feel as though we had transcended time.

The inner courtyard displayed the fortress walls that were required by royal decree for any structure in the territory. The ladders were used to patrol the wall. The height and width of the walls are similar to that of the Alamo. The kitchen (below) had many unique features…such as a shepherd's bed for newborn animals to be kept out of poor weather. We have come a long way with conveniences, but this certainly reminds us of how little you need to have a home.

All features of the ranch that are not original were recreated exactly as they were in the 1700's. Every attempt is made to keep the old historic atmosphere alive. At the mill, the men seemed especially interested in the water wheel that was located underground. Can you recognize anyone by their ‘unique features’ in the photo below??

As we walked the ranch we came to an old schoolhouse. For many of us some of the contents were reminiscent of early childhood. The blackboard contained realistic period lessons and you could just visualize the children sitting at the desks.
Then came lunch! The food was excellent with a choice of beef or chicken enchiladas, beans and Spanish rice. Everyone enjoyed the break and the nourishment. Below, Gail and Dick Vanzanno and Clare Law help themselves to some of the goodies. Desert was a fabulous apple cobbler!

After lunch we were all ready for a nap, but our guide was merciless as he drove us onward and upward! Some of the other sights included the house that was built to film "“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". Although the home fits the earlier period it is meant to portray, it was built in the 1970'’s.
One of the most interesting sights was the Morado (meeting place). This recreation of an actual Morado would be the home of the Catholic sect of the Franciscan Monks called the Penitentes. We were treated to a special lecture and visual demonstration of how the groups lived and worked. The Penitentes are still in existence and number about 2000. Their Morano'’s are secluded and no visitors are allowed. A complete history has been compiled and is available on the web. The book is titled, Penitentes of the Southwest, by Alice Corban Henderson. It was written around 1930 and is the most concise history available.
Our guide, Ann Murdy, has studied many Hispanic religious cultures and ceremonies and has an excellent web site to view some of her photos. The web site is http://www.pbase.com\annmurdy . Everyone enjoyed their tour and the food. Below, Kim & Shelly Pollock, Barbara McCray and Ken Abbott enjoy some of the humor of our guide, Ed. More photos may be accessed on this web site. See the links to the right.

We returned to the RV park after the tour and had some free time until 6:30 when Shelly Pollock gave a very interesting talk about Navajo rugs and other Navajo woven products. It was very helpful and informative!
Shelly was followed by Anita Pierce (left) as she led the group in the ancient Native art of basket weaving. We all now are experts at basket weaving and may proudly display our novice products! I know we are all anxious to get some rest tomorrow and see more sights but NOT before enjoying the breakfast the men will cook and serve in the morning!!

Sonny and his fond memories of his school days....

The Land of Enchantment caravan on Day 2. Can you tell who has had the most margaritas?

We are cookin! Check out our photo album for the caravan at

Caravan Photo Album

- be sure to bookmark the link. Jack, Sonny and Linda are the official web team and they are doing an outstanding job of recording our adventure. Please let them know how you think they are doing.

The link also appears in the Links section of the blog.

Kim

Day 2 : September 27 Santa Fe

We have all just returned to our ‘homes’ after an exciting and invigorating day two of our trip. Everyone is a bit tired but full of the wonderful happenings and sights of Santa Fe.
The first day of the carpool went well (we finally got the couple accountability numbers right after the third try) and we arrived in Santa Fe at about 9:30 for our trolley ride and tour of the city. The tour guides were interesting, had a sense of humor and were well informed. Our tour completed around 11:00 and gave us time
to go back and see some of the sights on our own. We met for lunch at the famous LaFonda (The inn at the end of the Santa Fe Trail) at noon. Its famous pueblo style Spanish architecture and décor with latilla ceilings was the perfect setting for a relaxing lunch. The meal was equal to the setting…fine in every detail.
After lunch we all met at the Palace of the Governors that features a Native American artisan market on the Portal. This is the oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States, constructed in 1610. After a guided tour of the interior of the Palace, we browsed the market on the portal. Metalwork, pottery, jewelry, sand painting, leatherwork and other goods were for sale by the native artisans who created them. We enjoyed talking with the craftsmen and purchasing some of the unique items on display.
There were many sites to see. Some went on to see the Miraculous Staircase at the Loretto Chapel (built in the 1870’s); it is believed to be the first Gothic structure west of the Mississippi. The staircase and its building were the object of a Hollywood film staring Barbara Hershey called “The Staircase”.
Others went to some of the famous galleries in town. The San Miguel Mission is the oldest church in the US, built in 1610 and worth the walk through. One of the proudest possessions of the Catholic Church in the US is the La Conquistadora,
Our Lady of Peace. This statue, only 34 inches high, dates back to the 12th Century when it was carried on a pole in the wars between the Christians and Moors in Spain. It is housed at the Basilica of St. Francis and taken out on a pole for the festival every year.
The day ended with a wonderful evening with food provided by the best cooks in New Mexico…our own caravaners! The potluck Hors d’oerves, great margaritas, and fine fellowship sent us all back to our coaches thankful for the blessings of the day. A special “thank you” to all the organizers and workers who make it all look so easy and comfortable for us!

The Adventure Begins

WOW!!!
What a great start to this wonderful journey through the Land of Enchantment! On this beautiful, balmy day, our group of forty-one people from all over the United States gathered together to share fellowship, stories and food. This group has no shortage of "power shoppers"! By the time the socializing began, we already had tips on the best places to go and some of the great pottery selections available at the various pueblos. The one thing we all have in common??? Our Monaco coaches! After settling in and setting up, we met in an open air portico for margaritas and stories of our eventful trips to arrive in Santa Fe. After some introductory games and remarks, we gathered inside for a catered Mexican dinner.

Our enthusiastic wagonmasters, Kim and Shelly Pollock, arranged a fun "getting to now you" game that started us off in anticipation of what will follow. One of the questions asked on the first evening was, "What is one thing you have done that no one else has?" In response to this question we had amazing stories from those who
climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, catapulted off an aircraft carrier, met on match.com, flew the last bombing flight in WWII, bun slid in Antarctica, witnessed the final days of the Soviet Union from Moscow, walked across the border between Austria and Hungry, and many more! One thing for certain, this is a well traveled, experienced group of people who are out to have a great time in New Mexico! And this is only day one...!

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

a picture for you

This is our home for the beginning of our caravan - Santa Fe Skies RV Park. Right now, our 20 Monaco coaches are safely tucked in for the night awaiting our upcoming adventure.