New Mexico

Beautiful ruins in the high desert: Pecos National Historical Park

DG Creations, New Mexico, Photography, Surf N Pixels

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Not much survives from the Pecos Pueblo in New Mexico aside from some mission ruins and kivas, underground spots where ceremonies and rituals were performed.

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One of the kivas from below

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Mountain view

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Evocative message — one man’s trash is an archeologist’s treasure

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People were shorter then — these doorways are quite low

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Mission ruin against the beautiful blue sky

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Fun facts: Actress Greer Garson and her oilman husband donated land from their Forked Lightning Ranch for the creation of the Pecos National Monument in 1965, which was later expanded to the Pecos National Historical Park. Jane Fonda now owns the Forked Lightning Ranch, which is apparently on the market for $19.5 million.

Natives selling jewelry on the plaza: A tradition still going strong

Art, DG Creations, New Mexico, Photography, Surf N Pixels

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It had been years since I visited Santa Fe so I was hoping that the Native American ladies and gentlemen were still selling jewelry outside the Palace of the Governors.

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Happily, they were.

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And business seemed strong…

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Especially over the weekend, when the weather was unusually warm in Santa Fe.

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I did my part, buying some earrings and learning a few distinctions about different types of turquoise in the process.

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I will definitely return next time I’m nearby. You should do the same.