We spent the day touring Albuquerque. We visited the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center. The Center traces the history of the Pueblo Indians, their culture, environment, foods, and craft work. There were a simple people whose lives were deeply connected both spiritually and physically to the Earth. We then visited the International Balloon Museum. Each October, Albuquerque serves as the site for the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Over 700 balloonists come from all over the world come to participate in this two week event. The Museum had a collection of early balloons dating back to the dirigible up to modern balloons. We learned that each balloonist has a chase team to provide support. These individuals must follow the balloon wherever it goes and be prepared to assist it when landing. This sounded to me to be a lot of fun! We then had lunch at Diner66 which is located on the famous Route 66. The diner was right out of the 50’s with the décor, the menu and the way the employees were dressed. Our hamburgers and milk shares were terrific! After the lunch we felt a need for some exercise, so we walked along a trail that runs next to the Rio Grande river. It was too windy to consider riding our bikes.
This evening we were planing on riding the Sandia Peak Tramway. This 2.7 mile journey to 10, 378 foot Sandia Peak is on the world's longest unsupported span. Unfortunately, high winds cancelled the tram from operating. We watched a wind gage register at times up to 45 miles per hour winds. So, we were disappointed on not having the experience of riding this tram, but also thankful the operators were thinking safety first.
More later . . .
Thomas wants to know what flavor was the shake?
ReplyDeleteElise was wondering how deep were the caverns and did you have to wear a hardhat? Did the Indians use the caverns for shelter? Have there been any artifacts discovered?
Jen wants to know how the caverns were formed and are they currently exploring new areas?
Julia was wondering what Pueblo babies eat?
The balloon basket seems to still be on the ground Ellen. You two are making me want to take another road trip. All those neat sights are missed when you fly
ReplyDeleteThomas, Grandma and I shared a Turtle Sundae. It was very, very, good.
ReplyDeleteElise, The caverns are as deep as a 70 story building. We were more than 700 feet below the ground. If the distance from the floor in your living room to the ceiling is 10 feet, we were that distance 70 times!!! No, we did not have to wear a hardhat. But, there were many areas where I had to bend down in order to get past the tops of the rocks without hitting my head. I do not believe the indians used these caverns for shelter. However, caverns were used for shelter in many other areas of the country.
Jen, there is a very interesting story about how the caverns were formed. Ground water seeped through the surface and down through rock layers. The rock layers were reefs from seas many years ago. The water mixed with minerals and oil products and formed sulfuric acid with ate away at the rock to form the caverns.
Julia, milk from their mothers, maize, and wild berries.
Wanda, sounds like you are ready for a road trip!