I spent a pleasant week in the mountains of northern New Mexico near Red River last week. It's always good to get out of North Texas in August and kick back at 10,000 feet where the days are warm and the nights are cool. I made a special effort to go see the two low bridges above and below Taos. Prior to 1968 when the now famous "High Bridge" was built over the Rio Grande Gorge outside of Taos these two bridges were the only way to get across the river. The John Dunn Bridge near Arroyo Hondo north of Taos is still very much in use and is also a popular drop off for the 16 mile Class 4 whitewater run down river. South of Taos the Taos Junction bridge is also a popular camping and water sports spot.

To the east of Red River I visited the old Kit Carson ranch at Rayado Settlement which is now owned by the Boy Scouts. It is operated as a living museum teaching skills and practices that were common 150 years ago. The employees dress in period costume and teach Scouts and Venturers blacksmithing, tomahawk throwing, goat milking, carpentry and other useful skills. The museum at Philmont Scout Ranch is worth a visit as is the tour through Villa Philmonte. This 28,400 square foot villa was built as the summer home for oil baron Waite Phillips.

Finally I got to visit Plaza Blanca which was made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe when she produced some paintings of the place. It is truly a remarkable place. It is also very difficult to find. There are no signs or directions until you are actually standing in front of the area. It is a beautiful place to visit and photograph and has a mystical air about it.

Some of my photos from this trip are here.