None of that happened:(
Nate and I both ended up getting sick...but at different times. We should have predicted so. It figures that when one releases from stress sometimes one falls apart...or in our case, times two.
Our one and only attempt at camping (our first night) took place on a lovely spot along the Rio Grande in Taos, New Mexico. But, it fell on the same day that a sudden cold snap took over the area...it was 29 degrees at night and 42 degrees and hailing at day!!!
The beginnings of a sore throat and achiness had started to take effect. So, we weighed our options. We attempted to carry on with our sight seeing plans for two more days. We spent one night at a mineral hot springs (in a historic hotel, thank you very much Mr. cold snap) and another at a friend's place at our beloved Ghost Ranch. We even pilgrimaged to the sacred healing spot at the old spanish sanctuario in Chimayo. Nate and I rubbed holy dirt all over my neck! We ate well. My sinuses became a great excuse to eat spicy New Mexican food. Rancho de Chimayo jalapeno poppers were just what doctor Nate ordered. Though the scenery was picturesque and we tried to make the best of it, I felt miserable.
Nate in the arsenic hot spring (109 degrees!) at Ojo Caliente
Ghost Ranch painted rocks
Sanctuario de Chimayo
One plan did work out as expected. It just ended up being, shall we say, an extended stay. We reunited with dear friends in Albuquerque, the Yelas. We had hoped to briefly visit them at some point. But feeling yucky, we called on them earlier than scheduled and ended up staying a week! Time at their house is always restful and jovial. The casa bubbles with the excitement of 3 boys, ages 19-12. We always spend a lot of time around the table with great food and in good conversation. Their support of our lives and ministry is a great source of strength. We made the best of it by sharing in various events that took place in their lives that week and participating in their new church.
Extended time with them became the unexpected gift of the trip.
Flamingos at the Albuquerque Zoo
We thought we would stay till I felt better and then head out on our adventure. But on the day I finally had a clear head and some more energy, Nate got sick! He still is not feeling his best. So...like sad puppy dogs we decided to head home. The Yelas would have been happy to have us another week, but we felt like major party poopers. Our remaining six days off became a 'staycation' at home...full of take-out, Redbox movies, and super sleep time with Javy in the big bed.
I am reminded to count our blessings. Down time was good. Family time with the Yelas was great. Snuggle time at home was nice.
But we are a bit disappointed. Communing with the grand western landscape and getting more acquainted with our pop-up camper will have to wait.
Maybe we were too ambitious. Nate tells me that perhaps next week we should start small...maybe we will take an overnighter on our day off??? In the mountains less than an hour away from home, that is. No major hikes or native monument tours. Just spaghetti on the camp stove, some light reading, a few board games, and some rest. Sounds good.
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