October 7, 2016 – Sun, 70 degrees
Miles Today: 68
Miles to Date: 17,540
States to Date: 45
I like the rhythm of constant movement. I’ve never wanted to linger anyplace I’ve visited in my survey course of the United States. Until I came to Ghost Ranch, a dude ranch for the spirit and intellect. Here, I found the New Mexico magic so many herald. The scenery is beautiful, the people are engaging, the facilities are functionally stylish. Beyond that, the air is ambrosia and the light ethereal.
But lingering can be the agenda for another trip; this one is dedicated to rolling. So, after a morning hike up the Cliffside Trail and a terrific breakfast sauced with more interesting conversations with middle aged men penning poems and women painting plein air, I headed down (or is it up?) to Santa Fe. Down because it’s to the south. Up, because it is at 7200 feet elevation – the highest state capital in our nation and the last great height of my trip.
The ride east and south along US 84/285 wasn’t as captivating as yesterday’s trek, but I kept on, climbing against the wind, past Castle Rock, over the crest where the Santa Fe Opera perches, and down to Santa Fe.
The Awkward Pose 