Albuquerque - the Necessary and the Enlightening

We leave Santa Fe because we have an appointment.

Just out of Tombstone our windshield took a hit from a small rock. While in Roswell I contacted our insurance who scheduled a replacement in Albuquerque. That appointment is Thursday.

We arrive on time at 8 AM but of course we can't just leave it and go. The rubber seal was not sent with the windshield and adhesive, and I have to call the company because it's an insurance job. I get voicemail.

At breakfast I get a call back with promises that the part will be delivered on Friday, and the shop has already told us they can't get to it until Tuesday. We'll move the motorhome back to the park and start over next week.

Except when we return they have the rubber off the windshield and scaffolding set up. One of the owners thinks the existing rubber can be reused so we're back to our original plan. We appreciate that they want to get us back in our home tomorrow.

Anderson Glass in Albuquerque, NM

After the frustrating morning we head to the peace and quiet of Petroglyph National Monument.

At the visitors center we learn the park is in three different areas around Albuquerque - none of them at the VC. 

Boca Negra is the closest with two separate trails. The first one goes straight up a steep lava bed. My pulse rate elevates just looking at it. Let's take the other one!

We take our time finding numerous petroglyphs among the large lava rocks and tiny birds. The interpretive signs are interesting, sharing what is thought to be the meaning of what is told on the rock. It is called the Macaw Trail for the distinct drawing about midway through.

The most beautiful song from this little one

Nearly invisible among the bushes

Walking along the small wash and among the ancient rock art is enjoyable and calming, even with others on the trails. Looking in the other direction, the encroachment of suburbia is somewhat depressing.

Because our home has to stay overnight for the sealant to cure we brought our things to stay at a hotel. I have one criteria - a large bath tub!

We get a suite and the jacuzzi tub is almost too big. Still, I enjoy the long soak a Lot :-)))

We laugh at all the wasted space in these two rooms - more square footage than our home which we already miss.

Friday morning we partake of the free breakfast, take our time getting out the door, and drive around downtown and Old Town and by the Rio Grande. Our dear friend Lynn lived here for several years. We lost him to cancer a couple years ago, and are still sad that we can't surprise him at his home. 

His sister Stacy, also a good friend who lives in California, knows we're in the area and reaches out. Bill asks for Lynn's old address and we drive by.

Wishing he was there to greet us

It's noon and time to pick up the motorhome.

Except it's not ready. Arrrghh. The used rubber didn't seal properly, and when we arrive the new windshield is in, but they are removing the sealant to start over.

Fortunately the new rubber arrives as promised and we just have to stay in a hotel another night. Neither of us are happy at the delay, but we try to make the best of it.

Lunch at the new Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is very good and we take advantage of being at a small local museum. After a couple exhibits Bill and Tessa opt for relaxing in the Jeep.

But I enjoy this wonderful center filled with the pride of its people. History, artifacts, story-telling, art, and a great deal of information on the nine pueblos of New Mexico.

Lovely restaurant

Many talented artists are displayed

Tiny pieces I could fit in our home!

Woven artifacts from the pueblos

The exhibit space is nicely done

How we respond to challenges......

This painting took up an entire wall, and is my favorite

Beautiful alabaster sculptures in the small courtyard

Two large rooms explain the traditions and government of the nine pueblos - it is very well done

It all begins inside us

When you're in the Albuquerque area I strongly recommend taking the time to visit this newest addition. It is more than worth the $5 and 90 minutes.

Since we have to find a hotel for the night I suggest we find one close to good margaritas. As good a criteria as any I think. Bill finds that the Hotel Albuquerque's restaurant is known for its margaritas so that's where we go.

No exaggeration, their margaritas are the best I've had......so we have a few :-)

Our room is lovely, with city views we're no longer used to. It's a nice change, although we're anxious to get back to our own home.

Downtown Albuquerque

I like our other yard better

City lights under a bright moon

 We go to bed hoping for good news in the morning.