Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque New Mexico

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a excellent place to delve into the distinct history, traditions and artwork of each of the 19 tribes of Pueblos. The center features authentic dance performances, and impressive gift shop as well as a Native fusion restaurant.  It is located here near down town Albuquerque. For more information beyond our pictures you can go to http://www.indianpueblo.org

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock, National Monument

The bureau of land Management and the Pueblo de Cochiti Native American tribe named the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks a national monument in 2001. The word Kasha-Katuwe name comes from a language spoken by the Cochiti Pueblo Tribe (one of 19 Pueblo Tribes in New Mexico) and means "white Cliffs". The mountain consist of large as well as small tent like shaped rocks that have with stood time but at the same time are very fragile. This Native American Reservation is located about 45 mile North of Albuquerque NM and a little South West of Santa Fe about 25 miles. It is in the Jemez Mountains.  

There are 2 trails through the area (Slot Canyon and Cave Loop Trail). The trail through Slot Canyon is narrow and in places only two-way. But it is spectacular view as it twist back and forth too the highest of the Tent Rocks Mountain. The Cave Loop takes you to a Cave which archeologists suggest was carved out in the soft volcanic rock and used for shelter. In addition to hiking this area is know for bird watching and for the plans and trees that are in the Monument area.

We went up both trials but only went half way up Slot Canyon as it got very steep and close more that we wanted to climb. Our pictures will give an indication of the beauty of the whole area (City of Cochiti, Lake Cochita, and the Rio Grande Dam near he city) as well as the Monument ,

In Slot Canyon looking  up

Beginning of Slot Canyon

Entrance of the Cave on Cave Loop

 
The following pictures are outside of the park in and around the town of Cochiti.

The down side (or back side) of The Rio Grande Dam.  On the other side is Cochiti Lake 

Cochiti Lake and Dam on the right

Traveling the Historic TURQUOISE TRAIL

One of our day trips consisted of what is referred to as the "Turquoise Trail". In our case it started in Albuquerque and took us up I-25 interstate to Santa Fe which is on the West side of the Sandia Mountain. We then took Hi way 14 from Santa Fe back to Albuquerque (62 miles) on the East side of the Sandia Mountain. This Hi way is actually called  the "Turquoise Trail". Some of the little towns  (Cerrillos, Madrid and Golden) we went through took us back in time when all were mining towns but are now alive with art, crafts, theater, music, museums, hiking, and restaurants. Along the Turquoise Trail prehistoric peoples made there homes here. Spanish missionaries explored the area and battles were fought over the land. Outlaws and Confederate soldiers camped in the area. Kit Carson marched Navajo people along the trail in their "Long Walk" to incarceration at Fort Summer. Scenic views, diverse cultures, extensive history and great outdoor opportunities continue to entice visitors down this journey. As you know if you have been following our blog we love old churches and architecture of old building. We were blessed with both along this trail as you will see our pictures below.

The first town we came to. It only has around 500 people who live here. It is now know for its Cerrillos Turquoise

Old San Joe Church well preserved and used by locals

Front of church building

Some great Architecture

More old but great Architecture in town

Old Adobe building

Amtrak station in town 

Old Town Albuquerque New Mexico

Back in the early 80's when I once  visited 0ld Town Albuquerque I was a little concerned from a safety perspective.  The city has done wonders with the Old Historical Old Town and I did not feel safety was an issue beyond what one would find in any city.. It is an experience that one would be remiss if they did not check it out while visiting the area. It is a serene village that has been the focal point of the community life since 1706. Discover quit hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens, balconies as well as the over 150 shops, boutiques, galleries, artist studios and places to dine.
It has for more than 3 centuries been the crossroads of the Southwest.  In addition it is home of many families whose ancestors founded the town.

Old Store building just off the Old Town square

La Placita Restaurant with Native Americans selling wares in front

Inside La Placita Restaurant where we eat. Love the Old tree in the middle.

Old San Felipe Chruch (We love Old Church along the way)

Route 66 Summerfest in Albuquerque New Mexico

 Route 66 of course begin or ending which ever ways you look at it) in Chicago and ran all the way to Los Angles California. Sharon and I have traveled much of this old Mother Road (as it is some times referred to) as well as visited many of the different Museums and other celebrations along the way. We really like the old neon signs, vintage hotels spread out from town to town along the Old 66 Route.

When we arrived here in Albuquerque they were having a "Route 66 Summerfest" This is a annual fest to celebrate the Old Mother Road Trail. As the trail blazed the west it become a bustling thoroughfare for Albuquerque, beginning in the 1930s.Their have been new improvements combined with vintage signage that guides one through 3 of Albuquerque historical neighborhoods and entertainments districts along Route 66: Old Town, Downtown and Nob Hill. 

As I am a car buff my main interest was some of the Old Restored cars that covered several blocks through Central Street in Nob Hill.

Central street blocked off for 4 blocks for the Route 66 Auto display

And Old bus that I thought was unique

57 Chevy in middle that I am partial to as I have had 3 of them

An Old VW pickup. We had not seem one before and though it was unique

49 Chevy pickup . I use to won one much like this one

56 Chevy

An Old car that we loved but I do not remember the make or year

Old Chevy Roaster,  I  believe in the range of 39

Ford Mustang

57 Chevy

49 Chevy like my dad use to own

66 Pontiac GTO. I  ordered a new one when I graduated from College 

I just like Old Roasters

The area where we attended the Summerfest