Taos and Earthships, NM

Our next day trip out of Santa Fe is to Taos and the surrounding area. The Taos Pueblo has been continuously occupied for nearly a millennium and is believed to have been originally built between 1000 and 1450 AD.  The town of Taos was founded by Nuevo Mexico's Governor Fernando Chacon in 1795. Mexico ceded the region to the United States following the Mexican-American War in 1848. Starting around 1899 artists started making their homes and studios around Taos. In fact the Taos' art colony has attracted such legendary artists as Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams.

Georgia O'Keeffe has been one of my favorite artists since I was an undergraduate at Oregon State University, when I happened across an exhibit of her work in the Student Union. Her painting entitled Ram's Head and White Hollyhock completely captivated me.

Later in graduate school, while living in a guest cottage on an estate in Atherton, the lady of the house was hosting a party in Georgia O'Keeffe's honor. I got to meet her in person as she was being taken to the gala.  Much to my utter amazement, she was a truly nice person and took a personal interest in my art and encouraged me to continue working. Even though I never got to see her again, I never forgot that brief meeting.

New Mexico's wonderful highway art

Driving north to Taos

 

Camel Rock

Lower Taos Canyon

Taos (bottom left) with the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains

The town of Taos is a magnet for skiers in the winters and tourists year round. I love the Pueblo Revival style of architecture the town has kept alive.

Hotel La Fonda

This old camper is at home here

Casa Plaza Kit Carson shopping center

As we wander around on foot, we come across the Six Hand Hat Company - famous for its hand made custom hats.  Both Jill and I fall in love with a lovely blue hat, but the price tag of $525+ gives both of us pause (especially me who is very good at losing hats).  Needless to say we are both no sales, much to Peter and Mark's relief. The owner's son is in the shop and is delighted that Enzo is with us.

Six Hand Hat Shop

Owner's son with Enzo

Kids' ride outside a shop

For many years I have been interested in sustainable architecture and have known about the Earthship Biotecture group. These homes use passive solar designs built out of old discarded tires, recycled bottles and using the ancient technique of rammed earth. We have tried to visit this project several times over our travels through New Mexico, but each time they were either closed or not allowing visitors.  We call ahead and yes, we are in luck - they are open today. So we leave Taos for their Visitor Center. As we drive up, we notice a large yellow school bus with some grade school kids hanging around.  Thinking nothing of it except it looks like a school field trip, we walk up to the door just as a man is hanging up a CLOSED sign. Confused I plea to be let in as we called ahead and was told they are open. The man just shakes his head in frustration and tells us the kids have overwhelmed the septic system causing it to back up raw sewage into the Visitor Center.  Looks like we won't be seeing any of the interiors today... {sigh}. They do have nightly rentals. Maybe next time we'll try a night and get a better feel for what it's like to live in one of these homes or even take one of their workshops.

Leaving Taos

Earthship Biotecture

Entrance to Visitors Center

Swallowing our disappointment, we wander around looking at different homes in this development.

Rammed earth with recycled glass bottles

Homemade wind generator

Rain water catchment system

 

Passive and active solar systems

Well built passive solar home

Massive structures are heat sinks

On our way back to Santa Fe, we stop at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. It's a lovely hot springs, but none of the pools are quite hot enough for our tastes.  Still - it's a fun stop and we all appreciate taking time off from our fun packed schedule. 

Ojo Caliente Hot Springs