Last weekend, for the first time since 2019, I escaped the confines of the Earth’s surface and got on a plane. I flew from Portland, OR to Albuquerque, NM – into a totally different biological environment.
My former partner, Steve, is a Park Ranger at Bandelier National Monument. He escaped his weekly routine at the Park to accompany me to the museum in Santa Fe, a fabulous dinner, and the opera (Debussy’s Pelléas and Mélisande).
The next day, he invited me to his workplace for a tour of the cliff dwellings, a hike in the wilderness, and an encounter with a juvenile black bear in its natural habitat. (That last item was mostly a surprise.)
scillagrace 
Wonderful place and photos 🙂
Thanks, Sofia!
You found the perfect quote to close your post this week Priscilla. Looks like the perfect getaway, and always great to spend time with a trusted friend. Terrific post.
Thanks, Tina!
Wow, perfect quote. Great escape, and you were fortunate to have a top-notch guide.
Thanks for hosting this week, Dan!
Definitely different from your stomping grounds. I am sure the bear was more frightened than you were. I hope so anyway. I usually works out for the best that way. What a treat to have your own guide. Santa Fe is the most wonderful city to explore. And I am a little envious that your friend is a ranger at Bandolier. A fabulous park!!!
I hope to go back, maybe in the fall at the end of the season. 🙂
Yes. Love it there myself and maybe do the drive through Taos.
Priscilla, you bounded out to a great adventure. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I surely did, Anne! 🙂
Awesome ripples! 👍
Thanks, John!
Quite a change of environment! Enjoyed your photographs!
Thanks! 🙂
Unbound indeed, and with a perfect guide! I am sure you had a great time, and that final quote says it all.
I did, thanks Ann-Christine!
Time with a good friend and in beautiful places. What’s not to love? Thanks for sharing the feeling.
janet
Glad to share blessings with the wider community! 🙂
Love this place and captivating clicks!
Thanks, Philo!