Back to Arizona

After a couple days in Albuquerque, it is time to move on. My trip back to Arizona will be the first step of my heading home in time to fly to San Antonio with Pam. It will be nice to be home, however briefly.

My main objective is to visit Acoma Pueblo on my way to Holbrook. The Acoma Pueblo is the longest continuously lived in "city" in the U.S. As with most of the Pueblos in this area, the Franciscans brought the Church to Acoma. Our guide, Orlando, gave a fascinating history of the Pueblo, the relationship with the Franciscans, the relationships with other tribes, and life on the Mesa.

Before arriving at Acoma however, I passed another Pueblo named Pueblo de Laguna. Each Pueblo has its own tradition and pottery art forms. Laguna Pueblo is another Franciscan Mission.

Finally I arrived at the Acoma (Sky City) Cultural Center, a new building built with Casino earnings. Our guide, Orlando, spoke of the debate within the tribe about initially opening and now continuing the Casino's operations.

Now my trip to the Mesa. Had to buy a bus pass to the top. Could only visit when accompanied by a guide. Also had to buy a camera pass for any photography on the reservation. And then, couldn't photograph the cemetary or the inside of the Church. So once we got all the ground rules, we were off.

Ever wonder what people did with no plumbing, electricity and living on top of a big rock? Here is your answer:




Oh, the Kiva, which is reserved for men's religious ceremonies does have a generator, and the required large screen TV for sporting events (with no women allowed). Hey, I guess you do what you have to do.

I have attached a few pictures of the Pueblo (click here).

Finally, another buddy. I have always wanted to photograph a Roadrunner. I am sure this is brought on by years of Wiley Coyote and Beep Beep. Well after the Publo visit I had my chance. As I was exiting the freeway, on ran across the road in front of me. I slam on the brakes and slide to a stop. Grab the camera and jump out of the car. Well he had disappeared into the brush. So I climbed back in the car, put away all the camera stuff and headed out very disappointed.

Well, just around the corner, he ran across the road in front of me once again. I slam on the brakes and slide to a stop. Grab the camera and jump out of the car. This time I head into the bushes after him. There were no rattlesnake signs so why not? Well after another 30 minutes crawling around in the dirt and scanning the area with the binoculars, I give up and stand up to head to the car. And what do I see, but Mr.

Roadrunner sitting on a concrete pedestal watching me. >?#)(*^$)@*!#))@$^&%*$(@ bird anyway!

So, this is as good as you get!