Rocky Mountain High, Colorado

After a good sleep in Santa Fe National Forest, we packed up shop, and headed north through the mountainous pass towards Colorado. Santa Fe was only the beginning of the quaint Native American villages we were about to encounter. As we made our way up Highway 84, we altered our route to pass through La Puebla. An antique store caught our eye, but after we made a U-turn, we found that it was closed. Disappointed, we hopped back into Black Sal en route to Truchas. Here, we struck gold, or more literally, turquoise. Although we weren't the only shoppers in this local artist consignment store, we felt a sense of pride, knowing we hadn't succumb to the tourist trap shops that sell high volumes of highly priced, mass produced art. Peter bought a beautiful turquoise bracelet and Wolf walked away with a hand made birthday card which oozed style. Blasting music, we were excited for our next stop, Taos. Wolf's mom had only great things to say about this high-elevation artist community. As we approached the town, tourists flooded the streets and raided the overpriced novelty shops. With gifts safely bubble wrapped in the car, and knowledge from Deadwood, we pushed B Sal into 5th gear and kept driving. 

A shot of the scenic highway as we headed north to our gift stops and small artist towns.

The local artist consignment store in Truchas. Located on a mountainside in Santa Fe National Park, this store sold art from over fifteen local artists in a twenty mile radius. Each artist was supplied a display where you could view their art and learn more about the vision and history of the artists. Each collection had a uniqueness ranging from hand crafted jewelry to paintings to sculptures to abstract art. We spent our time viewing the work and reading about each personality.

Peter cutting a deal with the shop owner. We were now veterans at wheeling and dealing and after she made a call to the artist Peter was purchasing his bracelet from, he knocked an undisclosed amount off the price. Happy one-year anniversary, Katie! 

Arrived in Taos. Loved the architecture of the town, but as we said, didn't stop.

The consistent traffic in Taos.

The road turning greener as we climb to 10,000 feet en route to Colorado.

Out of nowhere, we crossed the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. We stood in the middle while the passing cars shook the sidewalk. The queasiness never subsided. 

A Grande warm-up to the Grand Canyon.

Only a few miles after the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, we began to see these crazy structures. This photo may look like run-of-the-mill scenery, but in the distance, you can spot one of the most unique houses we had ever seen. Apparently, New Mexico is host to the largest "Earthship Biotecture" homes in the United States. These houses are 100% self-sufficient and built solely of recycled materials. Check them out. 

Getting closer to the Colorado border.

-------------------------------------------

We said goodbye to New Mexico and hello to Colorado as we continued on to our final resting spot, Pagosa Springs. We were only seventeen miles away when break lights halted our progress. Just north of Chromo, Colorado, an ill-advised uphill pass resulted in a three car collision where fortunately no one was seriously injured, but unfortunately blocked the two-lane Highway 84. Peter and The Wolf do not sit idly and wait, we travel on. We took two county roads laced with loose gravel around the accident. It was a great move that saved us an hour.

Thanks for the warm welcome Colorado. 

When we arrived in Pagosa Springs, we found a small motel near the downtown area. For the first time on the trip, Peter and The Wolf separated for hours as Wolf went to Bear Creek Saloon to watch Chip and the Eagles, while Peter stayed behind to celebrate his one-year anniversary with his girlfriend, Katie. 

This is where the magic happened. Peter and Katie shared a Thai dinner and a bottle of wine as they enjoyed a romantic Skype dinner. A great way to spend the night together. 

John Denver - "Rocky Mountain High"