Packed and ready to head home, we did not get far down the road when we saw signs pointing to an alpaca ranch in Mora, New Mexico. We headed down the road, and am I glad we did. I would like to spend more time at the Victory Alpaca Ranch.
From what I understand, they have daytime activities for children and visitors. There is also a shop to buy woven textiles and yarn.
Be still my heart! I loved seeing the alpacas. Aren’t they cute?
On this road, was an old stone barn. When I saw it, my heart skipped a beat. I dearly love this barn, and think it is gorgeous. Isn’t it strange how a short side trip down a little road can make such a big impression? That is how I feel about the road to the Victory Alpaca Ranch. I haven’t forgotten the experience.
Next stop was Las Vegas, New Mexico. I liked this town, and could spend more time there. There are over 900 Registered Historic Places in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Go figure?
Master of the Cabin had told to see the Montezuma Castle in Las Vegas. Originally it was a premier railroad resort hotel. Then for many years it was a Jesuit monastery. At the present, it is the home of USA – United World College. The late Armand Hammer (of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda fame) bought Montezuma Castle, and now it is a college preparatory school for students from around the world. Past presidents of the UWC include Lord Louis Mountbatten and Prince Charles.
Wow! We certainly didn’t expect this impressive castle nestled in the hills.
Next stop was the town plaza. First we visited the Historic Plaza Hotel which has been lovingly restored. Located inside the hotel is the Landmark Grill. It was a good place to eat lunch.
Friend BB was the winner with her killer BLT. She thinks it was the best she has ever eaten. All of the food was reasonably priced and tasty.
Shopping in Las Vegas was good, and the prices were more reasonable than the prices in Santa Fe and Taos. (Of course by this time, we had already spent most of our spare change, but it was fun to look.) I especially enjoyed shopping at the Plaza Antiques.
One thingI know we missed in Las Vegas, New Mexico was the Rough Riders Collection (as in Teddy Roosevelt) at the City of Las Vegas Museum (I here tell it is very interesting.).
Needless to say, we had to get on the road.
Next stop Canyon, Texas. This was new territory for someone in our group, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to the Musical Drama Texas in Palo Dura Canyon.
Palo Dura Canyon holds a special place in my heart. It was on a picnic in the canyon that I first met Ever-Lovin’ – the love of my life.
Palo Dura is called the Grand Canyon of Texas. It is breathtakingly beautiful. If you have not seen it, you must go. The big sky can literally make me bawl-eyed.
Look at this. We met a descendant of Quanah Parker. If you go early, you can hear him speak.
This is the backdrop for the Musical Drama Texas. The show has changed from the last time I visited the play. (Of course that was twenty something years ago, and things do change.) The play still tells of the trials of the early settlers to this region, but no longer do they play the 1812 Overture and fire the cannons. Of course the setting in the canyon is beyond wonderful. During the first half, I admit I was disappointed, but the second half more than made up for the lackluster first half of the show. After the sun set, there was spectacular lighting, Walt Disney World type special effects, and major fireworks. In my book, the musical Texas is highly recommended.
Warning, be careful how you exit the show. The young traffic director with a flashlight motioned for us to go right. Okay, but this did not seem to be the way we entered the canyon. There was a van in front of us, and since we had no clue, and young traffic director had motioned for us to go to the right, we followed said van. Then the van turned off on a little side road. We were now the leader of the small pack (two or three cars were behind us). Suddenly there were no cars following us, and we were crossing a dry creek bed. This was not the way we entered, and we were the only ones on this road. Do you realize how DARK it is in the canyon at 10:30 at night? Carefully we made a U-turn, and followed the road that led us back to the theater entrance. All’s well that ends well, and we did make it to our motel for a good night’s sleep. (Voice of experience: Do get motel reservations in advance if you want to stay in Canyon, Texas. With activities at the college and visitors to Palo Dura, the motels fill up. Before going out to the canyon, we got the last available room.)
Love and blessings,
Lanabird
Tomorrow morning I am going to make a breakfast casserole for Ever-Lovin’. It is the one The Mrs. made for us one morning at the cabin, and it was so easy and good. In fact, it was so good, and I was so busy eating it that I didn’t get a picture of it. Looking forward to sharing the recipe with you.
Thank you for reading my blog.