We got up this morning without snow on the ground and our water was flowing. It was a chilly morning but the sun was shining but there was some clouds.
We took the High Road to Taos passing through little towns and ascending mountains. We stopped in the town of Chimayo.
El Santuario (The Shrine)was built between 1814 and 1816 and was privately owned until 1929 when some folks from Santa Fe bought it and turned it over to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. In 1810 a farmer, Bernardo Abeyta, while praying saw a light emanating from the soil. After investigating Bernardo found a cross. The cross is now kept inside the chapel. Legend says that there are healing powers in the earth surrounding the cross. Pilgrims come to touch the dirt in a pit inside the chapel casting off crutches and braces which line the walls. Photographs could not be taken inside the chapel. There were a series of sacred paintings on the walls and behind the altar that were colorful and somewhat primitive but beautiful.
Our second stop in Chimayo was at the Ortego Weaving Compound. There were all sizes of weavings from small coasters to large rugs and also some clothing- jackets and coats for men and women. There was a room set up with about 6 looms but no one was weaving today.
Weaving is done at this location as well as by others in the area. Not seeing any sheep in the area I question where they got the wool and was told it came from Ohio. There is not enough water in this area to handle the dying process of the wool.
We continued our travels further north and higher up the mountain. There was snow on the ground most of the way. As we got into the higher elevation the snow was fairly deep and the tall ponderosa pines were drooping with snow on the limbs. The roads were clear. It was an absolutely beautiful drive.
When we got to Taos we stopped at the visitor center. They recommended a restaurant,
Michael's Kitchen, that we ate lunch at and enjoyed it. We walked about the old town area stopping in some of the little shops.
Our return route followed the Rio Grande much of the way back to Espanola. This is also a scenic route and a little shorter.
