One of the things Heather and I did during out stay in Santa Fe last month was go to The Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe. We’ve seen a lot of O’Keefe’s art over the years but they had a lot of things that were different from what we were used to. (And check the link, they have over 1000 works of art by O’Keefe, over 800 photographs, and other pieces of art from people inside O’Keefe’s circle.)
Black Cross with Red Sky
In the Patio, VIII
Red Hills and Sky
Turns out that O’Keefe was a photographer as well. From what I understand she used a camera to help her remember scenes that she was going to paint later. She was quite prolific artist.
I loved this photo of her cooking, she looks very open and friendly. She didn’t show this side of herself much.
I highly recommend the museum if you happen to be in town.
On our New Mexico vacation I finally got to go see something I had never seen before inside the Loretto Chapel. The chapel, built in the Gothic Revival style, was constructed between 1873 to 1878 and was part of Catholic girls school, the Loretto Academy, that went out of business in the 1960’s. The diocese sold it to a private company in 1968 and the girls school was demolished.
Inside the chapel is this famous miraculous staircase. It is a two full turn spiral staircase ascending to the choir loft at the back of the church. It is a beautiful and impressive sight but I’m pretty sure it is not miraculous. I tell the amazing part to me is that it didn’t have handrails when it was first constructed.
The chapel is now an event space and a kind of museum. There is a small fee for entering and you can take all the non-commercial photos you desire. It is in excellent shape. The altar above is impeccable. If you want you can book your wedding there!!
I love this statue of Jesus. One can go to the gift store to buy candles to burn here.
I’m guessing this is Mary. Again exquisite. I’m a lifelong protestant and their art is all abstract. The art in Catholic churches, chapels, and hospitals, is very emotional and colorful and engaging. (In my opinion.)
The stained glass is gorgeous.
They even had a confessional booth. I asked son Logan if he had anything he wanted to tell me. He said no.
So I’ve been looking at photos of that staircase for decades and finally go to see it!! Check!
El Santuario de Chimayo (The Sanctuary at Chimayo) is a Catholic Church and shrine located in the little town of Chimayo just a few miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was originally built in 1813, and rebuilt since, and is still an active church. For years it has been a pilgrimage destination, especially during Holy Week, for 300,000 or so people a year, many of whom walk long distances to ask for healing and offer prayers of Thanksgiving.
In a little side room to the church is El Pocito a small hole in the ground that contains sacred dirt that some say heals them from various ailments. I went in the room and saw El Pocito. I didn’t take a photo. It felt disrespectful to do so. I went into the church and the interior is beautiful but they explicitly asked for people not to take photos so of course I did not.
According to tradition, in 1810 the landowner, Don Bernardo de Abeyta experienced a vision of the apparition of Our Lord of Esquipulas in his field while plowing. He petitioned the local priest for permission to build the church in 1813 and replaced it with the current building in 1816. Strangely enough the Abeyta family owned the church and lived off the gifts from pilgrims until 1929 when the Spanish Colonial Arts Society in Santa Fe purchased it from the family and donated it to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
It is a beautiful building though it does look more ancient and rustic than the St Francis de Asis Church that we visited earlier that day. The tin caps on the spires give it a lot of character. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1970.
The building is surrounded by a large complex containing a visitor center, gift shop, a sizeable outdoor worship area, and several other chapels. You can see they are geared to greet many people. There is no charge for admission and there is plenty of parking. I have never been to this before even though I had heard about it my whole life. It was a nice visit. Very cool visiting a church that has been active for over 200 years.
In Red River. We enjoyed the Columbine Creek Trail immensely. So I started looking online for another trail that we could do and I found on All-Trails, the Middle Fork Lake Trail. Further from town but about the same distance and elevation except the gravel road to trailhead from the highway is a little over 1 mile long and it says don’t try unless you have a 4WD vehicle. We have a 4WD but I didn’t come out here to get stuck.
So we set out a little later than we planned and got to the gravel road to the trailhead and we came to a water bar in the road. I didn’t want to risk it so we went back to the highway and hiked to the trailhead. That added about 2×1.2 miles or 2.4 total to our excursion. As we hiked it, I saw that I could have gone over it easily with our car. I didn’t feel like hiking 0.4 miles back to the highway so we just kept on walking.
Got to the trailhead and off we went.
It was pretty open for a while. It looked like a fire had gone through years ago or maybe some logging, I don’t know. My Forest Ranger dad would know in a glance what the deal was and he could often tell layers of fires, or disease, and guess at the sequence of all that happened. Me, I can hardly tell one evergreen try from another.
The higher we went, the prettier it got. It looked like a wet year in this stretch of the mountains. Everything was green.
Nice stuff to look at everywhere we went.
Logan was doing pretty good on the hike.
We came to a water crossing just down from a waterfall. We just walked across it. The logs were too slippery and loose for us to trust and water felt good on our feet.
Heather was leading the way and I was bringing up the rear.
Lots of wildflowers
It was almost like somebody had planted them.
All sorts of colors.
As the trail got steeper, we entered a lot of switchbacks. We were at 10,000+ feet and so we each had our own strategy. My wife just charged on ahead. I was doing a rhythm where I was walking until my ears started pounding and then I would stop it stopped. According to my Garmin that put me in a heart rate range of 120 to 128 bpm. Logan just trudged on. It didn’t seem like we would ever get there. I knew from my long distance running days though that if you just keep going, you’ll get there.
And we did. Middle Fork Lake is the prettiest little mountain lake you’ll ever see. Crystal clear and I’m sure ice cold. We rested for a while.
And then started down. (Notice how fast things clouded up.)
We got a mile down the trail and then the rain and lightning started. It got worse and worse, especially the lightning. I personally know two people who have died of lightning. One of them in the mountains of New Mexico so I was a lot more worried about that than the cold rain. We were in the timber though so we kept going. I would have been leery of venturing in the open areas with lightning nearby. And then the hail started. Just a little bit at first but then it started coming down hard. It was maybe pea sized. It got to where it hurt. We stopped for a while and hunkered underneath a scrawny evergreen tree. I didn’t want to get out in the open while it was still hailing because I didn’t know how big the hail stones would get.
So we stayed there hunkered down as the hail peppered us and the wind picked up and got very cold and we were soaking wet. Sorry I wasn’t in the mood for taking photos and the only cameras we had were our cell phones. I thin lightweight long sleeve cover so I put that on even though it was soaking wet also. It seemed that we were hunkered down forever and after a while the hail gradually lessened and eventually stopped so off we went down the mountain.
It was still raining hard and the water was running down the trail about ankle deep. They were nicely constructed trails with water drains but on a switchback the middle drain just dumps the water back on the trail below. But as we continued to go down, the air got warmer and that was nice. When we got to the water crossing below the waterfall that I talked about above, the water was now halfway up to our knees. Nothing to do but go through it. Glad we had hiking sticks.
And then one of the happiest moments of my life; Heather asked me how far we had to go so I took a peek at my watch and I saw it was only 2.3 miles. Dang, I though it was going to be four miles. So yeah, we can do this! And the trail got flatter and wider and the water was less and less. So we made it to the trailhead and walked quickly the remaining 1.2 miles to the car. My main worry was that our car keys being electric wouldn’t work. Heather charged on ahead and by the time we got there she had the car started and warming up.
So we loaded up and took off with the seat heaters on high and the car’s blasting. So I was driving back to our condo and between the cold and the death grip I had on my hiking stick while hunkered down my arms were shaking and I was still freezing. So getting back to the condo and turning on the fireplace and taking showers putting on dry clothes was a wonderful thing.
So we were rookies. I knew better than to go up in the mountains unprepared for bad weather!! I grew up in the mountain west and heard lots about people who did like we did and had to be rescued and in real bad cases bodies were recovered. We took enough water and snacks. We needed rain jackets and waterproof containers for our phones and keys. I’ll be doing some more research before we try this type adventure again.
We decided to take a last minute vacation to New Mexico. Spend a few days at Red River, up in the moutains and then go spend some time in Santa Fe. It has been a long time since we have escaped to the moutains.
Of course we had to drive the endless miles through Oklahoma to the mountains. Including endless waiting for trains where one literally could not see the end of the train!!
But hey we got there, gasping at the 8750 ft elevation but thrilled at the low temperatures. We have been getting baked in Oklahoma lately so the low temps and humidity were welcome.
The food and drink there were not bad.
The Red River winds through town. It is not a big river but the ducks like it. The trout did as well. People were pulling them out pretty regularly. Apparently the city has spent a bunch of money over the years creating “fish parks” narrowing the channel, planting trees and shrubs on the banks. The fish have responded. They like it.
It makes for a chill vibe. People are low key and friendly.
The city has several public fishing ponds.
One day when the family was resting I went venturing for a geocache close to where we were staying.
It was located in a beautiful mountain cemetery right close to town.
One day last week I started out from Turkey Mountain’s upper parking lot and had to check this device. I’d love to have one in case anybody is wondering what to get me for back to school! I’m not going to school but you can buy it for me anyways.
And then I went tot the north end of the parking lot and took this shot of downtown Tulsa. Turkey Mountain is a true urban wilderness. It’s only about six miles to downtown.
And then I took the new Three Pillars Trail over to the Three Ponds. I keep hearing they are the three sisters or the three pearls. So I don’t know about those names but they are definitely ponds so I am using that for now.
They are going to make some great season photographs.
Nice reflections everywhere you look.
I left the ponds and continued westward when I found this fella. I posted this same photo on my Saturday’s Critters post last Saturday. It’ a rat snake, and they are not venomous.
And then went and checked on my most previous employer’s pipeline they are building through the park.
They are doing a good job. The right of way is in good shape and the welders, pipefitters, equipment operators, x-ray hands, and inspectors are not out and about wandering all over the place, poaching deer and fishing the ponds. At least not during working hours.
I’m told that they are going to be done pretty soon and they are going to mulch the right of way and plant a wildflower mix. That sounds good to me.
I went a little bit further and find a couch to relax on. It looked a little firm to me so I just kept moving.
Went down a side trail and had to double back. The pipeline folks were excavating and didn’t want any tourists or know it all retired pipeline engineers.
I passed this little mess. Years ago, Turkey Mountain was an oilfield and the workers had trash pits they covered up. Well they are getting exposed now and the old trash is coming to the surface.
And then I went back to my car. I was hot and tired. It is warm here in Tulsa.
The other day, my bride, Heather and I, got all dressed up and went to an event. A gallery opening for a friend of Heather. Not only that the gallery was at a “coworking space.” Doesn’t that sound hip and with it. It is called WOMPA and is located in an old industrial building on the west side of Tulsa. An old factory or something. They wine and finger foods, and art and cool people, “including Heather and I, or at least Heather.”
A coworking space seems kind of like a hangout place. You can pay a fee and hang out one of the sofas, or pay more and get a cubicle or something. More yet and you get your place with a key and you can even live there.
You can have a party or other events there. It’s all cool.
We had a lot of fun!!
And then a day or two after that. Son, Logan, and I went to a baseball game. The Tulsa Drillers. I love live baseball. Nothing better, nothing worse on television though.
A pre-game brew at the restaurant.
We had some great burgers before the game outside the parka and then walked to ONEOK Field.
I even scored the game. I score all the games where I am in charge of when we leave. Nothing worse than scoring starting at the top of the second inning.
And then in the bottom of the 4th the Drillers were behind 9 to zip. Time to go home is what I say. It was pathetic. Sorry Drillers. We’ll be back.
At the top of the stands we saw this beautiful sunset.
On the way out I saw this beautiful blue motorcycle.
The other day I grabbed up my hiking gear and headed out to Tulsa’s Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness. I took my “grabbers” and a small grocery bag to gather trash. People are pretty good about picking up after themselves so I used to take a small garbage bag but I usually only find an item or two during my hikes.
I took a little side trail pretty soon after the trailhead to find a geocache.
And yep I found it. Another use of grabbers is to grab into places you can’t see so that mr snake doesn’t clamp down on my hand. That would ruin my whole day.
I didn’t see too many critters. A few squirrels maybe, no big critters. I took along my Merlin Bird ID app on the phone. It’s amazing. Turn it on audio mode and it identified: Red-eyed vireo Tufted Titmouse Carolina Wren Northern Cardinal I didn’t see a one of them!! I glimpsed small birds flitting around in the thick woods but I couldn’t vouch for any of them. One I did get a good look at looked like a small woodpecker with a redhead but it wasn’t making any sounds. I don’t know what it is though. It’s kind of frustrating but kind of fun as well. I think being able to spot and ID them will come with practice and patience.
I came upon a fallen tree on one of the small legacy trails. I took a photo of it with my Solocator app which puts the coordinates on the photos and posted it on Turkey Mountain’s facebook page and they had it cleared before I ended my hike. You gotta have the apps folks.
I got to Pepsi Lake and looked around.
I found a mess that somebody left, including a styrofoam cup and some fishing spinner bait packaging. Why can people not haul out what they haul in?
And a Pepsi can, at Pepsi Lake! All the trash fit into my shopping bag that I brought.
I kept heading north and heard some construction type noise. Excited that more trails might be under construction made me hurry to find the source.
It was pipeline construction going on. Ironically my former employer is having to relocate a line because of some highway construction and they cut a deal with my employer before that to lay in their right of way.
That’s not the way the energy industry typically was back in the old days. You had to have sharp elbows to survive. We didn’t spend too much time holding hands and singing Kumbaya with competitors let alone helping each other out. So maybe it is a kinder and gentler industry now?
So I followed the construction from a distance just to make sure that they are doing it right. I guess they are and I was getting tired so I headed back to the parking lot.
Sunday morning I went geocaching in midtown Tulsa roughly along Route 66. I found this cute Little Free Library during my search. A couple of other searches took me to church parking lots. I avoid church parking lots on Sunday mornings. I avoid church also. (Just joking, I haven’t been since covid and have turned into a total heathen since.)
Parks are always a good place for geocaches.
And parking lots, if nobody is around.
A fellow geocacher maybe trying to get a hint on where to look.
Stopped by Route 66. A local business put up another muffler man, only this is a muffler girl. Stella Atom, the Space Cowgirl.
I love the kitschy Route 66 attractions. I don’t like driving Route 66 that much. It sure makes for slow going. Why do that when you are paralleling a nice freeway?
And I finished up at Oaklawn Cemetery. It is the oldest cemetery in Tulsa. The city has spent some considerable time and money excavating some old graves that were suspected to be those of Tulsa Race Massacre victims based on eyewitness accounts. I don’t think they have found anything conclusive yet. They have recovered genetic material and have encouraged local residents who think they may have relatives who were massacre survivors to report any DNA information they have. This past May the city reported that they have determined numerous people who have genetic ties to the bodies that were exhumed. Interestingly, none of the people contacted had any idea that they had relatives buried at Oaklawn or could have possible ties to the Tulsa Race Massacre.
There are other old graves there including several veterans of World War I, like the one above. The 804 Pioneer Infantry was a unit that did construction and maintenance work during the war. The enlisted men were almost all black serving under white officers.
Heather and I attended the Route 66 Roadfest here in Tulsa a few weeks ago. I’ve been in years past but this was her first time. The event has lots of Route 66 information and speakers, displays, and all that and I have seen all that and loved it. This year I was there for the cars and trailers.
They had a group of old travel trailers. They were all dolled up for glamping. When I was a kid, we used similar units for traveling. Talk about tight!! Squeezing a family of five in there. It all worked though. My sister has told me that she felt sorry for my brother and I when Dad got a tent for us to sleep outside. She can rest her conscience. We loved it.
This one had a custom handhold to help get yourself in the trailer. All the old folks checking out the trailers were bumping our heads on the doors.
And here is a two story unit. We went in and shuffled around with everybody else. We didn’t go upstairs. It was very cramped up there.
For the cars. This old Mercury Woody Station Wagon might have been my favorite. Talk about beautiful.
Or maybe this old Chevrolet Corvette Singray might be my favorite.
How about an old Edsel. Very stylish but forever stained by the failure of the cars in the market.
How about a nice Shelby Cobra?
Or a Ford Thunderbird. Lots of Tbirds at the show. That’s my wife right besides the front passenger door.
A heavily modified Chevrolet Camaro.
Lots of chrome to go with the supercharger.
Here is a Chevrolet with a supercharger.
How about gold toned quad carburetors.
This Thunderbird had the best paint job at the show, IMHO.
I especially like the custom hood ornament.
And an old Plymouth Duster. They were all the rage back in the day. A big engine wrapped in a cheap car.
You don’t see too many of them around.
Another old Woody Station Wagoni.
And a vintage Ford Truck. Dad had one similar to this. Except it was yellow.
