Today Española feels as though it is a series of highways and strip malls, with no center, despite its glorious setting and its remarkable history. I’m sorry, but it’s true. It sits right on the Rio Grande and there is no city park or any clear access anywhere to the river!
Southwest History
The Española Valley, Part 1, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo
That first capital of the United States was, in fact, established at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. This detail required some untangling, as several different modern-day places have claimed the first capital as their own.
Dennis Hopper in Taos
“In the late 1960s at the height of his career, Dennis Hopper left Hollywood for artistic bohemia in New Mexico. His daughter looks back on a man in search of free expression and a more contemplative way of life.” This from the NYT tmagazine blog.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s White Place
I did not set out seeking Georgia as so many seem to do. I just went on a hike with friends. It didn’t occur to me until days later that we were in Georgia O’Keeffe’s White Place.
Saying Goodbye to Mabel
Haunted wouldn’t be a term I would use. I don’t think when one loved as much as Mabel did, when one believed in things greater than herself and was committed to creating something beautiful, something better, for those of us coming along behind, those people don’t haunt.
On the Road in New Mexico: The Old Mill and Salman Raspberry Ranch
On the way back to Truchas from our road trip to Las Vegas we stopped along side the road at the site of an old mill. Today the Salman Raspberry Ranch is famous for its fresh raspberries.
On the Road in New Mexico: The Other Las Vegas
I entered into the old Wild West via the historic town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, settled fully 70 years before that OTHER Las Vegas, a child of glitz and glitter. This Las Vegas is real. It is old.