Santa Fe

October 7 Santa Fe

Had a late start today. Drove to the Old Santa Fe Trail but we started at the wrong end of the road. Enroute we found the Museums and then we found the downtown part of the Trail. Spent the day walking around in the old town. Saw the San Miguel Mission that is the oldest church structure in the USA and was built in 1610. Then on to the Loretto Chapel and the miraculous staircase. The staircase is twenty-two feet high, and has thirty-three steps forming two complete circular turns of 360 degrees each - without a center support. There were absolutely no nails used. The entire structure is held together with wooden pegs. The hardwood is spliced in seven places on the inside, and in nine on the outside. Each piece forms a perfect curve. No-one has ever discovered who the craftsman was who built the staircase.

When I was in Santa Fe twenty years ago, Debbie and I stayed at the La Fonda (A National Trust Historic Hotel of America.) We decided that since it was Marg’s last day with us, we would have a lovely lunch and went to the La Fonda for lunch. When the Santa Fe was founded in 1607, official records show that a “fonda”  or inn, was among the first businesses to be established. In 1920 the present “La Fonda” was built. It is an adobe structure as are most of the buildings in the central part of town. Many famous people have resided here over the years. Lunch has really delicious and we all ended up with desserts!!!

Continued with the walk after lunch. The shops were full of the most fantastic local artist’s work in silver, copper and pottery.