Getaway To Taos

Sylvia and I love going to Taos at least a couple times each year to relax and soak ourselves into the culture of Northern New Mexico. We always travel the High Road to Taos because it is such an enjoyable and beautiful drive. Nope, we never tire of that trip. One of our stops along the way is to take time to visit Chimayo...we always go the Church and say prayers for family and friends. The feelings of peace and joy we receive within the historic sanctuary is profound, so God is surely good because we are Lutheran and not Catholic...yet we feel as though we are welcome there.

Our getaway usually consist of three days and two nights while staying at the La Fonda on the Plaza. And, we always reserve the same room at the hotel which is the highest room (lots of stair steps) in the building. This historic hotel is full of southwest ambiance and is part of what makes our getaways here so enjoyable. Places like this are why I love the southwest!

This quiet and sleepy little town is full of art galleries and little shops that are fun to browse through on a sunny afternoon. The shops only open when the owners and employees feel like going to work...the hours on the door sign may say 9:00am opening, but it is usually later in the morning before the shop door is unlocked. I can appreciate their lifestyle and priorities.

And, I have to say, there are also fun bars and restaurants that have a mix of locals and tourist who go there for the culture rich environment. Well, mostly they go for the drinks by the sound of the laughter and loud conversations...yep, so much fun.

I sometimes take a fly rod just in case there is a chance to drift a fly and I did that on this trip. Sylvia followed along like a champ taking photos while I cast my fly to the whim of the currents. The water was up and flowing fast this week so not much chance of fooling a trout with a dry fly, but it was so much fun being in the mountain air with running water. Yes, I love our adventures together and this place has always been special for us.

Gear: Winston BIII LS 8' 4wt rod; Bauer SST4 fly reel; #14 flying Black Ant and #14 Stimulator.

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