Just a few miles from us (as the raven flies) are the magnificent Quarai ruins. There is a poignant history of the building of this church in the 17th century, when Native Americans were pressed into service by Spanish missionaries. After completing the structure, The Pueblo Indians provided food and help over many years to the Franciscans.
The structure was deserted in the early 1670s, but the remains have an austere beauty and not surprising, amazing acoustics. My brother Alex and I, during his visit 3 years ago performed an impromptu, resonant duet of “You are my Sunshine” inside the structure.
On this weekend visit to Quarai we spotted an owl on her nest high in the structure of the ruins, her mate just above as a lookout.
Heavenly Hiking
With the warm New Mexico sun beating on our backs and the lush cottonwood trees lining the way, my daughter-in-law Diana and I took off on our own private hike in the surrounding hills.
We feasted our senses on this glorious New Mexico day. There were delightful pink wood roses perfuming the air for acres and lizards soaking up the sun. We traveled over red rock “steps” on the primitive trail that overlooked the ruins, with dozens of cottonwood trees in full summer leaf.
My son David and their younger kids stayed behind to play “Star Wars,” on a picnic table – AKA the “Millennium Falcon.” Teenage Ada read her book. Everyone was happy.
It was balmy. Warm with steady breezes. A perfect, perfect day.
Where are your favorite places to walk on a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Your Animal Loving Artist,
Merry
You look so young!
Thank you! 70 years young! – Merry
Morning Merry! As another person has mentioned your new hair style; my first impression is that it so becomes you! I also enjoy tagging along on your adventures in NM through your emails to us. It takes me back to some of the trips my husband & I took to the southwest before his passing. You have such a flair for writing making it seem like we’re right there with you. I always LOVE to see the wildlife you encounter! My hikes now only include looking for the wild bunnies who are in a patch of woods behind my senior apt that I am so grateful still exist. Indeed it was a beautiful Sunday day for exploring. Thank you for sharing these memorable times with us! All the best from Wa state, Charlene
Hi Charlene! Thanks for the complement on my hair! I got out of hand during the past year, but this is the way I normally like wearing it. I’m happy my posts take you back to your own explorations in the SW with your husband. We have wild bunnies too! Jack rabbits that run, and bunnies that hop. Have a wonderful week!
Hi Mary, I don’t know when you got your hair cut but I LOVE it!
Haha! Mountainair NM. Town of about 800. So lucky to have a great hairdresser here!
Love this blog.
Thank you, Nancy! So nice to see you coming by!
MERRY! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful state with us and for all of your inspiring emails. I don’t thank you enough for the bits of “sunshine” you bring into our lives! You truly are an inspiration; and while I don’t walk on a “lazy Sunday afternoon,” I do walk 5 miles each day in the overnight when I am alone with my thoughts, among the bunnies, possums, raccoons, and occasional owl.
Best wishes, Joyce
Ah, Joyce, how sweet of you to say! WOW 5 miles a day is a long walk! I’m lucky to get in 2 miles most days. Your environment sounds wonderful.