Santa Fe

Austin-->Santa Fe

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

(play this song whilst reading, post commercial)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub_m2iGf0xc

Santa Fe is my kind of place. Meandering through town, mountains surrounding everything. This morning I woke up and left the Rancheros Campground directly after brushing my teeth. I went to a mechanic about my car overheating but the only diagnosis they had was to replace the thermostat and gasket. I'm going to put it off.

I drove up a winding road to the Santa Fe ski area for a hike. I wanted to get to the top and a few gentlemen pointed me in the right direction. Up I went, straight up, under the stationary chair lifts and abandoned snow drifts. I made it to the top huffing and puffing, but I made it. The view of Santa Fe below was certainly one to remark upon, the valley is completely flat and reminded me of scenes in movies where couples go up to a lookout to make out. Only much higher up. 12,000 feet actually, I was proud.

I jogged down the mountain while listening to Wye Oak, zig zagging the trail as it was so steep. On my way down I passed another woman hiking. She congratulated me on my accomplishment and stated that I had inspired her to continue onward. I wished her luck, made it down to my car, and back down the winding road into town.

I found the Georgia O'Keefe museum and was impressed and inspired by her life and work. Although she made me feel guilty for not practicing as much art along my journey as she did abroad, I am convinced that several paintings will be inspired by this trip.

After the museum I picked up some apples and mac n' cheese from whole foods and went back to the campground. I tried out my new coleman stove which fortunately works and am sitting here on my picnic bench feeling full bellied and happy. Tan skin, sun bleached hair on my shoulder in the Santa Fe sun set.