Though today was to be a “town day,” we changed plans and went to Puye Cliff Dwellings, about an hour north and west of Santa Fe. It is operated by the Santa Clara Puebloans, direct descendants of the earlier residents. We had been here before, years ago and looked forward to another visit. “Puye” means “where rabbits gather.” A guide today told us the name came from the number of rabbits here that are seen at some times of the year in groupings. On...

We decided to stay in town today and to try to avoid the weekend crowds. It seemed like a good day to walk to the Cross of the Martyrs, which we had been told was the best place in Santa Fe for a sunset photo. It would be about a one mile walk they said. There would be a slight incline, they said. In fact there was a slight incline as we walked the several blocks to the gateway. From there, it was a climb. In fact, the top is about 110 feet (11 floors) in eleva...

With no plans for lunch, we decided on a whim as we walked past La Foda to go in to lunch at their La Plazuela restaurant. Bob had a Reuben, and I had tortilla soup: Roasted tomato-pasilla chile chicken broth, pulled chicken, Mexican cheeses, avocado, lime tortilla strips. The way it was served surprised me. The waitress brought a soup plate with a small tower composed of everything except the broth and tortilla strips. The strips were around it, and she poured t...

We stopped by SAF and were able to pick up our “real” car, one much more comfortable for Bob! We finished off the evening by sharing Nachos Royals at the Inn and then lighting the first fire in our fireplace. This is one of th things I enjoy most.. Ah, the fragrance of pinion pine! I think we will sleep well tonight!

When we called the car rental company this morningto check, the representative said they wouldn’t have a car for us until after 4 pm. We took off in the smaller car—not very comfortable for Bob—for a location two hours south and 10 degrees warmer (55 rather than 45 degrees). Our first stop was the Owl Bar and Cafe in the tiny town of San Antonio, NM, for their famous chili cheeseburger—always good, and always messy! Our main destination was Bosque de...