This is the second log covering the period while I was volunteering at Aztec. It deals with what else was going on for us during that period - some fun, some not so much.
Jemez Pueblo
Jemez Pueblo Early on in our stay we visit the Jemez Pueblo on their patron saint (San Diego) feast day. The entire population of the village is in the plaza. The two moieties, each with over 150 dancers, in their respective blue and earth skin colouring, take the space in an on-going ceremonial dance that is still in progress when we leave after five hours. It’s an amazing experience and we’re really glad we’ve come. The goodies pictured are given mainly to the singers who accompany each moiety, but as you can see some get thrown to the spectators.
The Bisti/De-Na_Zin Wilderness
We had two visits to different parts of the Bisti Badlands during our time at Aztec. Amazing rock formations and an area well worth a few hours exploration. On our first trip we saw a small herd of alpacas wandering about on the open grasslands we had to cross on our approach.
The Fridge Saga
Yes, that’s the fridge on the floor of the camper and me jumping up and down on it. The fridge gave up the ghost in November and any early ideas of buying a new one went out the window as we realised the fridge is bigger than the camper door. The only way to get a new one in is to remove the slide and that’s not happening! We buy a reconditioned cooling unit and set about the work ourselves. It’s the hardest job we’ve ever done on the camper: there’s about a half centimeter clearance around the fridge. We got the better of it though!
Winter
As the winter arrives the temperatures fall and the snow starts. We’re fortunate to have heated holding tanks but cannot leave either the dump hose open or the water hose attached. We’re getting through six gallons of propane a week just staying warm.
Breakdown
Christmas Eve and we’re on our way to meet up with Eric and Jeanette at Acoma Pueblo when the temperature gauge on the truck suddenly goes through the ceiling. In spite of having to be towed the rest of the way, we make it up to Acoma City for the midnight mass celebration, an amazing mixture of Catholic and Acoma Pueblo cultures in the mission founded by the Spaniards back in 1629.
Coronado Historic Site
As the spring arrives and the weather warms, we set off on a few short trips. Coronado post-dates Aztec and has sections of original murals in the museum and a restored kiva with now-historic replica murals. Well worth a visit.
Pecos National Historical Park
Here the remains of an American Indian Pueblo and a Spanish mission stand side by side highlighting the history of so much of the state.
Angel Peak
The peak itself stands proud of the deeply eroded badlands of Kutz Canyon where the fabled Great North Road, coming out of Chaco, descended on steps before disappearing below. A small primitive campground gives us great views over the area and some limited opportunities to hike.
Navajo Lake
A wonderful change from the desert around Aztec ... and it has a pig launcher!
