First thing, both Jen and I agree we could never live here because of the pain involved in typing the name: Albuquerque.  It turns out, I did live here, briefly when I was two-three years old. My brother Mike was born here. After the drive up across West Texas and through Carlsbad, to see the Sandia Mountains looming took our breath away!

But it did not bring memories flooding back. The last time I was here was the legendary Downs Family cross country trip of ’69.  Charlie Manson and Chappaquiddick. Proud Mary and Bad Moon Rising on the radio. This time an incredible wind storm that buffeted all of New Mexico greeted our arrival.  We’ve been looking forward to time here in the rift valley of Albuquerque–spell it real fast three times–for weeks. Easter Week, after all, in an area of the country Catholicized centuries ago by the Spanish.  Those carriers of the Good News, as well as the Inquisition, to cover both ends of the religious spectrum.

We were joined here by Jen’s sister Kristy, her husband Chris, and of course our five-year-old niece! They were here for a week on Spring Break from Maryland, touring the rugged, harsh countryside with us. We spent hours at Petroglyph National Monument, where 700 or so years ago ancestors of today’s Native Americans carved intricate, sometimes whimsical, and always mysterious shapes and symbols in the desert’s basalt rock.

We also spooked ourselves on a ghost walk in Old Albuquerque and frolicked in the Explora Children’s Museum.  Of course, the little guys weren’t nervous at all!

We journeyed up to the northeast to Jemez Springs, where we finally caught some fish, and to Bandolier National Monument, and the ancient caves of the Indians, deep in the canyon crevices. We also checked out the Saturday art scene and Farmer’s Market in Santa Fe.

Aunt Kristy got a flat from a goathead burr, and we found a great bike store to do the repair. The most amazing event occurred sometime in the wee hours of Easter Sunday morning, when the Easter Bunny tracked us down and hid baskets, and eggs loaded with prizes, all over the motor home!

Our first visit from family was a resounding success.  So! Who’s next to join us?