Spring Break Trip to Los Alamos

We just got back from two nights in Los Alamos, an incredibly beautiful place and one unlike anywhere else I've been.  High atop a mesa with the Jemez Mountains behind and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the horizon, there are amazing views in all directions--and so many good hiking opportunities, I wish we could have stayed for a whole week!

Sunrise from the park next to our B&B

On Tuesday morning we explored Bandelier National Monument, where you can really get up close to the ancient pueblo ruins.  You can even climb up ladders to enter some of the pueblo rooms!

We did the main loop trail as well as the trail to Alcove House, which ends in a climb up 140 feet of steps and ladders to a reconstructed kiva.

One of several ladders to the top

That hike wore Benji out...

In the afternoon, we went to the science museum in downtown Los Alamos to learn more about the history of the town (and the Manhattan Project) as well as the work going on at the Los Alamos National Laboratory today.  Here Benji and I are with J. Robert Oppenheimer:

We finished the day with a walk to the city park...

 ...then a drive to the White Rock Overlook.  What a stunning view of the Rio Grande valley and the mountains beyond!

Come on Benji, give us a smile...

There it is!

...and then some gelato.  :)

Today, after another great breakfast at the North Road Inn, we said goodbye to Los Alamos and drove to Tent Rocks National Monument near Cochiti Pueblo.  The hiking trail there led us through a landscape that could have come out of a Dr. Seuss book--as well as an amazing slot canyon.  Benji had been sick and fussy through much of the trip, but he really enjoyed this hike!

After leaving Tent Rocks, we headed home but stopped in Grants to see our Rehoboth neighbor who is there for rehab.  Benji loved seeing his friend Mr. Fred!

 On this trip, I learned several important things, including:

1.  When traveling with a sick baby, always bring your humidifier...and lots of Tylenol...and Motrin.  Yes, we had a few rough nights.

2.  Backpack baby carriers are an amazing invention!

3.  We need to get out and see more of New Mexico!  There is so much beauty around us here!