Taos

New
Mexico
Taos
May 2001

I had become complacent with the "relative urbanization" of Colorado, and when going thru (uphill) the Carson National Forest, I kept watching the gas gauge going down, down..., and nothing but pristine forest (no gas stations) in sight. Conserving fuel, I coasted down several miles from the summit and found a rural gas station about 20 miles outside of Taos.

The landscape changes rapidly in this area, and upon leaving Carson National Forest, I had a 10 mile drive thru a dry, parched, desert environment, before encountering the pastures in the photo above.
Pictured at the base of the mountain is the town of Taos, New Mexico, a haven for the arts. While I am glad to have taken the time to visit, I liked the character and surroundings of Sedona over Taos - but that's just my opinion.
Upon leaving Taos, I came across the Rio Grand River, which has its beginnings in the Rocky Mountains and eventually forms the border between Texas and Mexico.

My trip thru New Mexico was coming to a close. I was fascinated by the openness of the Colorado Plateau and surprised by the greenery of the San Juan Mountains. Santa Fe reminded me of Sedona, with their remarkable continuity of architecture, nestled in an area that supports a variety of small trees. While I did not see too much of Santa Fe, what I did see was very impressive.
Lastly, it was on to Albuquerque and a flight back to home, Jacksonville, Florida. Hopefully you have enjoyed this cyber travel as much as I enjoyed the real thing - and having the opportunity to share it with you.

Chuck Allan
Jacksonville, Florida
May 2001