The Road to San Diego -- New Mexico

Day one was one big long drive. Kansas City to Taos, NM. Roadside Mexican food in Springer, NM that evening was dissappointing. Arrived at the campground around 10:00 p.m. and pitched the tent in the dark. Pretty cold that night -- I would guess the temperature was in the thirties. Sleep did not come easily.

Day two in Taos was quite nice. After cold cereal and Turkish tea for a late breakfast, spent the early part of the day poking around art galleries in Taos. Discovered a place called "Wired?" -- great coffees, T2 internet access, and the best bathroom in Taos. As clouds were rolling over Taos, went for a 6 mile run through town. After a mile or two warm up, began bounding up and down hills, coasting through neighborhoods of quaint authentic adobe homes and more modern "pueblo-style" stucco'd wannabe's. The rain started just as I finished my run. After a stop at WalMart (Evil Empire!) for a warmer sleeping bag, and some groceries, followed by dinner, had a nice, sufficiently warm night and plenty of sleep.

Day three began with cold cereal and instant espresso (not bad!). After another hour or so spent at "Wired?", headed out of Taos. Stopped at the Ranchos de Taos, the most photographed and painted New Mexican church of St. Francis of Assisi. The almost abstract nature of the building is always impressive. Drove on into Santa Fe. Picnic'd near the Plaza in the center of Santa Fe, and snooped around a few shops there as well. Discovered a little French antique shop with the most amazing hand-blown Venetian glass light fixtures, and almost next door, the Wyeth-Hurd(?) gallery (a print of Andrew Wyeth's, "Sarah's World", hangs in our living room). As the day was getting on, headed on down to Albuquerque. After checking into the Super 8 on Coors road (keeping costs down), went for an easy 3 mile run down Coors road. Let's just say this section of Albuquerque is not exactly runner-friendly. Discovered a great Mexican restaurant on Gibson Rd. "Cervantes" served up some of the best Mexican food I've had in Albuquerque (the prickly-pear margarita was pretty good too!). Slept very well that night.

Day four was another driving day. Headed South on I-25. Picked up some extra-hot salsa in Hatch, took the cut-off to Demming, and headed West on I-10 to Tucson, Arizona.