Tsankawi ~ Return Trail 1

What can I say? We were too focused on getting me down this 12 foot ladder to take a picture from the top looking down. Something I regret now! However, this ladder photo taken by Henley Graphics will give you an idea of what it was like for me to face my fear. You can see the footprint at the bottom of the photo. That is where the trail abruptly ends and the ladder begins. But it was a welcome option to taking these footholds down or perhaps I should say toeholds! These and steep step trails were used to access the mesa top on a daily basis, the women carrying babies on their backs and/or containers of water.

Tsankawi ~ Atop the Mesa

Atop the mesa we enjoyed a wonderful view of the surrounding two canyons and distant mountains, the Jemez mountains on one side and the Sangre de Cristo mountains on the other. The Jemez range was created by volcanic activity a million years ago, the activity that created a giant ash cloud that blanketed the area and eventually formed the soft tuff rock. Rivers carved through the rock leaving the mesas that dot the landscape.

Tsankawi ~ Going Up

After enjoying the view from the top of the lower mesa we continued on to where the loop trail began. If you click on this image to enlarge it you can see where the trail branches. The trail to the left ascends the mesa and the trail to the right along the ledge is the return trail. I think it was at this point, looking up at the trail that I said to Buz, "I am not sure I am up to this." and he said, "Well, let's go a little bit and see how it is." I was reminded of the movie, What About Bob and decided to take it in baby steps.

Tsankawi 1

Tsankawi (sank-ah Wee) was built in the 1400's by the Anasazi Pueblo Indians. In the Tewa language the name means,"village between two canyons at the clump of round sharp cacti."

A fellow workshop classmate who lives in Santa Fe recommended visiting this prehistoric site northwest of Santa Fe, considered sacred by many local pueblo people. She described it as magical and recommended going on a weekday when we could experience it without crowds. She said it was an easy hike, though not an easy place to find.

High Road to Taos: Taos

Two Birds and a Cross

We continued on the trip to Taos where we walked around the town, visiting some of the galleries and shops. Before heading home we stopped in Rancho de Taos to snap a few photos of the iconic St Francisco de Assis Mission Church that was the subject of several O"Keefe paintings as well as photographs by Paul Strand and Ansel Adams.

High Road to Taos: Truchas & Penasco

We began seeing the snow-covered Truchas Peaks to the east as we headed toward the town of Truchas. At 13,000 ft. plus, they tower 5600 ft. above the town that is perched on the side of a deep canyon. Several of the buildings seem to be precariously placed on the rim and I was nervous just looking at them as we approached the town. This would not be the place for me to settle with my fear of heights.

High Road to Taos: Cordova

The next town on the high road was Chimayo, home of the famous church, Santuario de Chimayo, where pilgrims come to pray for healing. It was Sunday and Mother's Day and we could not get anywhere near the site so we continued on our way to the town of Cordova, known for its woodcarvers.