We left Ojo Caliente for Taos. On our way out we stopped to take a picture of a charming little chapel we had often passed when walking Apollo.

When we reached the Rio Grande River we got out of the van to look down into the deep gorge with its rushing waters. A small group of venders were gathered by the side of the road selling their wares when Joanne noticed a shrine. One of the venders said it was dedicated to his daughter who died in a car crash 3 years ago at the age of 18. He keeps vigil every day.

Our next stop was Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.  The multistoried adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years.

A guide showed us around and spoke to us about the history and challenges facing the community today. She spoke appreciatively about former President Nixon who she credits for their national designation. Today, she said their biggest problem is maintaining their water. With so much development going on in nearby Taos, their ancient sources of water are being drained.

We walked around the village looking at the various artists’ works accompanied by several local dogs who took a liking to Apollo. We struck up a conversation with the artists from Taos Pueblo Native Fires, Tseme and her husband, and purchased a small micaceous bowl.

 We went on to Taos where we had a terrific Mexican lunch at Michael’s, one of the most popular eating places in the town. We walked around in and out of the many shops and galleries which flow from one to another. Joanne stopped to watch an artist at work and struck up a conversation with another local artist who said he was from New Jersey. By this time Mitch had entered the store. It didn’t take long before the two realized that they had both gone to Union High School and Mitch had graduated with his older brother, Ralph. David Borenstein is an accomplished painter and owner of the Renaissance Fine Art Gallery.

 Mitch with David Borenstein

At the end of the day we went looking for a campground. Mitch had found one on-line that was quite rustic but he  thought it would be suitable. Directions took us up into the mountains. When we got there no one was around except for one young family living in an RV full-time. After we chose a campsite on snow covered ground we realized that the water had been turned off and the bathrooms were locked for the winter season. Joanne was resistant to staying there but Mitch still held out hope that he could make it work. He asked the young couple where we could get water and use of a bathroom. They told him, “in the owner’s house.” To get the water Mitch would have to borrow 2 fifty foot extension hoses from the owner and would have to find his way around since the owner was blind. Mitch himself was beginning to have his doubts but decided to check out the bathroom in the owner’s basement. After he saw that the toilet seat was held together with duck tape he had a change of heart. He couldn’t bear to tell Joanne what he found out and just said “We’re getting out of here.” We headed back to Ojo to camp there again.