Taos New Mexico- On your bucket list?

I always love seeing the national and international news post stories about the wonder and beauty that is Taos. If you have been here, you know. If you haven't...what are you waiting for? The Taos mention is an excerpt from The Huffington Post's article, Bucket List Places You Need To See In The Next Decade. Click on the link for the other nine places to visit.

Taos, New Mexico

PETER PTSCHELINZEW/GETTY IMAGES

Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is so much more than just a ski mountain. Rugged and remote, Taos is famous for its breathtaking scenery and the "legendary light" that has inspired artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. Taos has always had a sort of mystique about it. In 2013, billionaire Louis Bacon bought the mountain from its founders the Blake family, promising this lovably weathered mountain would get a "much-needed shot in the arm," as The New York Times put it. This year, a chair lift opened to Kachina Peak, which had previously only been accessible by a hike. Thirty-five acres of new tree skiing opened, too, and the village's ski lodge also got an upgrade. Ski Taos in the next 10 years to take advantage of these new developments, and also to experience the unique charm of the place while it lasts.

My best,
diane
May 6, 2015

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A Spring Hike- The Elliott Barker Trail

We decided to take Mosey on a hike last week. Mose is our beloved golden retriever who was diagnosed last December with cancer. In January the Radiologist gave him a prognosis of one to two months. The Oncologist said  "Who knows? He has a slow growing tumor. It could be months or even...if we are really lucky...a year or two." Six months in he is doing ok. The only symptom is heavy panting when he is a little bit winded due to the mass that surrounds his heart, lungs and esophagus. So we took it really easy the first few months...scared he was going to die any minute. Now we are taking more of a "bucket list" mentality. Making smart choices but finding activities that he loves and modifying to make it as easy as possible. Hiking is an example.

Mosey has always loved to go on hikes with us...but he just cannot do anything strenuous any more. So when we read about the Elliot Barker Trail in the Taos News a few weeks ago we knew we found a winner. As described by the paper:

"Climbing high above the Moreno Valley, the Elliott Barker Trail offers spectacular views of Angel Fire and Wheeler Peak. This system of trails was built through the cooperation of a citizen group from Angel Fire and the Carson National Forest. Connecting old logging roads and animal paths, the trails provide hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities through the ponderosa pine and aspen forest.

There are a variety of choices from the trailhead, which is located at approximately 8,500 feet, at the bottom of Palo Flechado Pass on US 64. For a short hike and a good picnic spot, continue from the trailhead straight ahead across the meadow and through the opening in the wooden fence. A small pond is visible just ahead."

Meadow? Short Hike? Picnic Spot?  Sold.  We went...We enjoyed...Mosey found the pond and two seconds later was happily swimming with a huge smile on his face. What a perfect day.

This is a beautiful hike. Late May delivered grass, wildflowers and warm temperatures. One day we will complete the entire hike (approximately 5 miles) to see more of the beautiful views. The article states:

"To continue higher, turn right and climb into the forest. There are aspen trees leafing in this section and signs of elk. Views of Angel Fire and the Moreno Valley open to your left and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial is visible in the valley. Back over your shoulder are views of the Wheeler Peak ridge to the north. After a total of three miles from the start, the trail crosses the Bull Springs Meadows at 9,500 feet."

To read the complete article which includes the trail's history click here. And, whether you live here or plan to visit check out this beautiful hike. I sent these photos to my parents and my Dad said "Pine trees? Grass? Lots of green? This is not what I think of when I think of New Mexico. I think sage."  Well we do have lots of sage but this is Taos too. Everywhere you look it is beautiful. Hiking around Taos is the perfect way to enjoy the varied terrain.  Come and see for yourself.

DIRECTIONS

The trailhead is located 19.6 miles east on Kit Carson (US 64) from Taos Plaza. Go over Palo Flechado Pass. At the bottom of the hill and after mile marker 274, turn right into the trailhead. To start out from the top of the pass, park near the Palo Flechado historic sign and cross the highway to enter the trail area.

My best,
diane
May 30 , 2014

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Saturday in May

This is what a perfect Saturday in May in Taos looks like:

Start the morning at the first Taos Farmers' Market of the year.  While there is not a lot of fresh produce yet, there were plenty of greens, carrots, spring garlic, fresh baked goods, honey, grass fed beef, pork and lamb, eggs, and veggie starts.

spring garlic

After shopping at the market it is off to brunch at a new favorite, Old Martina's Hall in Ranchos de Taos.  This building has such amazing history and restoring the building and opening the restaurant was a multi-year struggle.  Read about the history here.  If you plan to visit Taos, do make a stop here for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Peter had the steak and eggs

I had the huevos rancheros with red chile (delicious)

After brunch we wandered across the street to visit St Francisco de Asis Church, the iconic Catholic church that was built in the late 1700's.  You will find many paintings and photographs of this beautiful building but, if you get the chance, visit in person.

While in St Francis Plaza, we visited one of our favorite galleries...Two Graces.  They had an antique 7 foot cross for sale at an unbelievable price.  I instantly fell in love and knew it would be perfect in our dining room.  (This makes loads of sense if you live in an old adobe in Taos).  We snapped it up and had the interesting experience of loading it in the jeep, carrying it in the house and placing on a banco between the vigas for support. (A banco is a built-in plastered bench, typically in front of kiva fireplaces, along low walls, and under windows. Vigas are large (6- to 12-plus inches in diameter) usually peeled round logs used as ceiling beams regularly spaced across the width of the room. In traditional Southwestern architecture, the exposed interior vigas, along with latillas, decking, or even plaster, form a strong design element at the ceiling. A classic feature of Santa Fe style, they often are exposed outside, too, protruding through the exterior walls.)* courtesy Su Casa magazine.  

The cross looks perfect, we are well fed and stocked with food for the weekend and it is only 1:00 pm.  I think we will get the dog and go on a hike...or check out the craft fair....or drive up to Arroyo Secco...so many choices.  I love Taos!

my best,
diane
May 11, 2013

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Bud break in Taos

flowering trees, may 2013

So, yesterday was May 1st.  May Day. A day celebrating Springtime...green grass, flowers blooming, spring produce like asparagus, peas, greens, fava beans, strawberries, green garlic, leeks, rhubarb...you get the point.  A result of all that "April Showers bring May flowers" lore.  Except if you live in Taos, New Mexico.  At an elevation of 7000 feet and zone 4-5 we are a bit (ok, a lot) behind what I am used to from California.  In fact I have to learn a whole new way to garden.

bud break, late april 2013

I have been taking a series of classes from Melinda at Morning Star Farm, located in Arroyo Secco, just a few miles from the town of Taos.  The classes have covered topics such as:

GARDEN BASICS
Location, setting up a new garden, or continuing on with an existing plot. Water, soil preparation, soil fertility, compost ideas and suggestions.

WHAT TO PLANT & WHEN TO PLANT IT, here in the Taos Valley

SEASON EXTENSION TECHNIQUES
Get started earlier in the season and grow crops late into the fall with these ideas and suggestions.

greenhouse-Morning Star Farm April 2013

The main points of gardening in Taos seem to be plant later (or build a greenhouse)...row covers till summer...then shade cloths for just about everything.  We combat cold weather till May or June (it sometimes snows in May here), a short growing season, loads of sun in July and August and wind, wind, wind.  Otherwise, growing conditions are perfect.

notes from my class reflect what grows, when to plant and how to care for  Spring and Summer produce in Taos

That last bit of sarcasm is not really warranted   Our farmers' market is packed with amazing produce from May through October (same as Napa).  There are beautiful gardens throughout the county.  I recently joined Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos, which was formed in 1949.  Each month there is a meeting featuring a guest speaker or a tour of local gardens.  I look forward to telling you more about this wonderful organization in future posts.

The hollyhock was selected as the official flower of Los Jardineros in 1949, the first year of the club. Members collected hollyhock seeds for planting along streets, alleyways, and throughout the countryside around Taos. (from the Los Jardineros website)

Currently our yard is dirt and has not been gardened in 30 years.  This is part of the property that we just bought...adjacent to our home...and containing the ruin I have discussed in previous posts.  We are just starting to plan the restoration, addition and landscaping projects that will take the next few years to complete.  We will probably not be able to start the garden until next year.  Until then I will dream, learn as much as I can about gardening in this zone, climate & elevation, visit as many public and private gardens as I can, and share with you the beauty that is Summer and Fall  (Winter & Spring) in Taos, New Mexico.  

Happy May!  What is growing in your area this month?

my best,
diane
May 3, 2013  

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