Canyon Road…. the “art and soul of Santa Fe“. This iconic road was a dirt trail for almost 250 years. Today it is home to more than 100 of the world’s finest art galleries. As Al and I stroll this mile-long road, we take in the historic architecture.
Canyon Road is narrow and quickly turns into a “one way only”. Each building is different and home to a unique artist. Some galleries display art in the front yards. It’s a cold, February day and there’s almost no traffic. Al and I feel as if we’re walking in a residential neighborhood, but the “open” signs and business names displayed say otherwise.
The narrow road, the old buildings, the history, and a strong Spanish influence conjures up memories of New Orleans; so alike, yet so different. However, Santa Fe also has the artistic, metaphysical aspects of Sedona. Yes, Santa Fe is a little New Orleans and a little Sedona with a flair all its own.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is well-known for delicious restaurants with world-renowned chefs. Al read an article about the Compound Restaurant and wants to give it a try. I have a taste for some spicy “New Mexican” food, but there’s always tomorrow. The Compound Restaurant is located in what once was a “house” as are the majority of businesses on Canyon Road. The southwest interior is cozy and warm….very welcome on this cold winter day. The menu is definitely gourmet. Al orders a chicken snitzel topped with a light lemon sauce and capers. Me? Well, remember when I said I had a taste for some traditional Santa Fe cuisine? I just couldn’t find anything on the menu that piqued my appetite and therefore I order a burger with some yummy guacamole on the side. Delicious it was.
But…….the best was the butter. Nope, I’m not usually a fan of butter. No Paula Deen here. Al on the other hand…..he likes a little bread with his butter. He and Paula would get along great. I would normally pass on the bread and butter before a meal, but I’m hungry. After all, we’ve walked around Santa Fe for the past three hours in temps barely reaching 40 degrees.
I go in for a small sample of bread with whipped butter……OMG……I have to contain myself from acting like Meg Ryan during her cafe moment in the movie When Harry met Sally. Al dives in……again, OMG…. “No hon, please don’t moan”. Al and I devour the bread and butter in a rather pornographic way, refraining from making sounds of ecstasy and licking our fingers in public. The waiter asks if we would like more. In unison and rather abruptly we respond, “NO, but thank you”. We agree, we could’ve made a meal on the bread and butter alone.
Feeling rather satisfied :-), Al and I are ready to explore more sites. When we step outside, we are greeted by a nasty cold wind. That iffy weather, is no longer iffy. The weather has arrived in a full frontal assault. Its time for Plan B; we stay in the truck and drive around making notes for another day.
We return to the RV around three in the afternoon and discuss activities for the next day. Mother Nature has not been very amenable these past few weeks in regards to our excursions. We come up with a Plan A and a Plan B and decide to make a final decision in the morning.
Morning arrives and Plan B it is. With trepidation, we pack up and roll out-of-town about 9:30 in the morning. No Santa Fe vittles for me today. Those blustery winds that blew through Santa Fe, brought snow and ice further to the north and over Raton Pass. The weather forecast for the next five days shows a series of storms with high winds passing through. We have a small window of opportunity to embark on the four-hour drive home.
By the time we hit Raton Pass, the sun has melted any remnants of snow and ice on the road. We’ve learned from experience to drive passes during the middle of the day, when the sun has had a chance to warm the road. We picked a great day to head home. Perfect weather and little traffic. BUT, sure wish we were still out there gallivanting around the country…..in time my dear, in time!
Live Laugh RV 