Days seven and eight both started with a great free breakfast at the Inn of the Governors. With shops not opening till 10:00 we spent the first hour window shopping. Once opened they were all fair game for our closer inspection. Between pottery, jewelry, bronze castings, paintings and other indian art, one could spend a week taking everything in. I especially enjoy the pottery from Santa Clara and San Ildefonso, along with old indian pawn jewelry. Barb enjoys everything and buys nothing. How am I so lucky?
The afternoon of day 8 took us to the St. Francis Cathedral and Loretto Chapel. With the mystery circular staircase the chapel is the most interesting. Ascending to the choir loft, the staircase completes two 360 degree turns without central support or any fastenings. The story is that one day a carpenter appeared, built the staircase and then left. Well worth seeing when in Santa Fe.
Lunch each day was back at the hotel, where a $15 daily credit covered the bill. Ok, with beers it almost covered the bill. Afternoons were in the mid 90's, so a little time in the air conditioned room helped us get ready for an afternoon stroll.
Dinner on day 7 was at La Cafe Sena. The interior courtyard made for a very enjoyable dining experience and the food, as expected, was very good. Dinner the next night was the old reliable Blue Corn Cafe. Due to the mid 90 temps, we opted for the second floor outdoor patio. With a table overlooking the street we had a great view and nice breeze. And again good food.
Even though we have been to Santa Fe many times, it was a great visit and we will be back again.
Day 9 was a drive from Santa Fe to Dodge City. The day started as usual with breakfast at the hotel with Frank and then we were off about 7:30. Although the drive up interstate 25 is usually a nice start to any trip, today's was marred by heavy smoke from nearby fires.
A quick stop in Las Vegas (not Nevada) for gas and then off to Springer. It was in Springer that I put my short cut reputation on the line by turning east on highway 56. While Barb fretted I saved 32 miles and 37 minutes. The next 326 miles had a variety of scenery and no rest stops. Dry brown fields, cattle, corn, antelope, hay, rivers without water, broken windmills, wheat and circle irrigation were the order of the day. Towns were small and looked old. They were. Boise City, OK and Meade, KS had a little history to them.
Boise City is not only the hometown of actress Vera Miles (Psycho, The Searchers, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance), but also the only city in the continental United States to be bombed during World War II. Seems that a B-17 crew got a little disoriented during a practice bomb run and mistook the lights of the city for the target. No one was injured by the practice bombs. Meade was the hideout of the bank and train robbing Dalton gang, who were active in the 1890's. The home is still available for viewing at 592 S. Pearlette Street, should you be in the area.
98 degrees when we arrived in Dodge City. After checking into our hotel we had a little dinner and now I'm here at the keyboard. Tomorrow we are off to Olathe, KS for a visit with friends Mike and Julie. 466 miles today.
Loretto Chapel Staircase
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