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<\/a><\/p>\nFriday was a busy day.<\/p>\n
We started at the Petroglyph National Monument where they say there are over 20,000 ancient petroglyphs. \u00a0We did not hike\u00a0all of their trails to see “all” of the petroglyphs, but we did visit three trails and saw some interesting items.<\/p>\n
We then visited the Pueblo Cultural Center, which represents all 19 New Mexico Pueblos — each a distinct entity with separate lands and languages, but similar belief structures and probably similar ancient origins. \u00a0It was a very interesting and moving experience, focusing on the common beliefs of these peoples and on their history — which of course includes problems with the Spanish, Mexican, and American authorities. \u00a0The Center was extremely well done, and we came away richer for the experience.<\/p>\n Rounding off the day for Friday, we went to Sandia Peak. \u00a0This is a peak with an elevation of 10,378 (almost a mile above downtown Albuquerque) and is accessed by the worlds longest commercial ariel tramway. \u00a0The views were breathtaking. \u00a0We hiked a short portion of the crestline trail, which was also breathtaking as we attempted to hike at over 10,000 feet! \u00a0Some rain storms rolled in over parts of ABQ which provided additional visual interest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saturday we went to Acoma Pueblo – Sky City. \u00a0This is a mesa top settlement\u00a0that has been occupied since the 13th century and is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America. \u00a0The Acoma people practice a matriarchal property system (the wife\/mother owns everything, so the children are always provided for). \u00a0All of the 500+ dwellings on the mesa are privately owned by members of the Acoma community, so there was a mixture of well maintained and not-so-well maintained dwellings. \u00a0Since there is no running water or electricity, many of the dwellings are only occupied at the time of festivals or special events. \u00a0Single ladders indicate entrances to private homes; double ladders are entrances to Kivas. \u00a0The views from the mesa were fantastic.<\/p>\n Also, the scenery on the drive to and from the mesa was amazing!<\/p>\n The RV Park we stayed at near ABQ was a delight. \u00a0Close enough to town to be convenient, but on the edge of the high desert. \u00a0They had a variety of “classic” cars and trailers.<\/p>\n Sunday we drove to Bosque del Apache NWR and got set up. \u00a0Monday we started training in the visitor’s center and on the 57,331 acre refuge. \u00a0While on the trails we saw several new-to-us species of birds: \u00a0White Fronted Goose, White Faced Ibis, American Avocet, and Mexican Duck among them. \u00a0We also saw a group of about 20 Wild Turkeys, 4 Mule Deer, plus both coyote and mountain lion scat. \u00a0Talk about exciting!!!<\/p>\n The staff and other volunteers have been very welcoming and friendly. \u00a0We were absolutely surprised when one of the other volunteer couples is Kathy & Bob Hailey — Kathy was a volunteer with us at Casa Grande Ruins NM. \u00a0We will continue our training on Thursday and will begin our regular schedule next weekend.<\/p>\n Next Post<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Previous Post<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" September 5, 2016 After leaving Sedona we headed to Albuquerque for a couple days of “vacation” before starting our new volunteer position at Bosque del Apache. \u00a0Our first surprise was the driving distance from one to the other — over 375 miles and with a time change about 8 hours! We had friends who had … Continue reading Albuquerque NM<\/span> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a><\/a>\u00a0<\/a> <\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> <\/a> <\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/a>\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n
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