Blessed Kateri stands in front of the Cathedral Baslicia of Santa Fe (photo credit: Rose Muenker)

Robins serenade us, pinyon pine branches sway in the breeze, the weather teases with snow one day, spring the next, and the air is pure — life is great at Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground, our “home” for the next several months.

Santa Fe’s historic plaza is only a 15-minute drive away. We reacquainted ourselves with some of Santa Fe’s major attractions last week.

The bronze statue of Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680) charms me. She was the first North American Indian to be beatifed. An Algonquian-Mohawk of New York State, Blessed Kateri was canonized in October 2012. This beautiful statue stands in front of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francise of Assisi in the historic plaza.

I adore the historic adobe architecture found on buildings like the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Historic adobe architecture graces the Santa Fe plaza. Photo credit: Rose Muenker.

Filled with Native American blankets, pottery, sundry imports and souvenirs, the Jackalope is a fun attraction as well as a shopping mecca for bargain hunters.

Blown glass garden art surround a historic stagecoach in the entry of Jackalope, a favorite shopping destination. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

It’s a great place to pick up Mexican throw rugs–about the only additional thing we dare add to the limited square footage of our RV.

The canyon walls’ colorful layers reveal Grand Canyon’s geological history. Photo Credit: Rose Muenker

Revisiting the Grand Canyon was the highlight of our travels to Santa Fe. The vistas from the South Rim were as amazing and awe-inspiring to me this time as every other time I’ve seen them. Capturing them on camera is near impossible for amateur photographers like me, but at least these cell phone images document our visit.

David photographs the South Rim on a wintry March day. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Snow dusted rock ledges and shaded forest floors — a reminder that it’s still winter. Bracing winds whipped about. Even so, the park was busy, especially with travelers from Asia.

Visitors peer into the Grand Canyon from Mather Point. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

When I caught sight of the Colorado River deep in the canyon, I marveled at my stamina and nerve 12 years ago when I backpacked from the North Rim to the South Rim with three other women. It was a journey I treasure for its insights into my life as well as for the experience of being surrounded by such extraordinary grandeur.

Sonya waits in the car while David takes photos of the Grand Canyon. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Our dog, Sonya, put up with our numerous stops to admire the view and take photos. Later she joined us on the paved Rim Trail, which permits dogs. She’s a people magnet, bringing smiles to passersby and attracting people eager to pet her and strike up a conversation.

We are now comfortably situated in our spring and summer “home” in Santa Fe after a safe and joyful 650-mile road trip.

Devil Dog Road sign on Interstate 40 in Arizona. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

This exit sign stirred memories (nightmares?) of when our sweet dog Sonya was a puppy. She lived in constant, frenzied motion. Our only peace came when she was sleeping.

At obedience training, the instructor said she was like a Tasmanian devil and nicknamed her Devil Dog. Ah, not fair! No way were we going to let that horrible nickname stick! We had no desire for here to think she needed to live up to it for years to come!

About age 3, her frenzy toned down. She sped around in controlled motion. At age 7, she started to mellow. (It’s all relative, of course.)

Sonya travels in her road warrior travel gear. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Now 12 years old, Sonya still has lots of spunk and energy. And, to our delight, she has matured into a sweet, easy-going companion. She would much rather be chasing squirrels or birds than traveling in the RV — the rhythm of the road unnerves her. But she does fine with the help of her ThunderShirt, which calms her much like a snuggly calms a baby, and her safety harness.

She continues to shower us with affection and amuse us with her antics and curiosity. I hope we do the same for her.

Cruisin’ Route 66 – Photo credit: Rose Muenker

We’ve settled into an RV park in Williams, AZ, Gateway to the Grand Canyon, with plans to explore as much of the South Rim as we can tomorrow.

Historic US 66 goes right down the main street of Williams, AZ, so you can “cruise Route 66″ right here.

Town clock in Williams, AZ. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The town’s “gateway” location and the Grand Canyon Railway keep it thriving. It has galleries, fun shops and lot of places to eat with cuisine ranging from barbeque to Thai, Italian and Mexican. The homemade pies at Pine Country Restaurant looked tantalizing but we restrained ourselves.

The town clock chimes every quarter-hour. A couple of quaint hotels, including the Red Garter, occupy buildings dating from the 1890s. And motels in vintage 1950s buildings line historic Route 66.

Red Garter Hotel, Williams, AZ. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The last time we visited the South Rim was some 10 years ago when I backpacked rim-to-rim with three other women. While I crossed the canyon, David hiked his favorite areas along the South Rim.

Tomorrow we’ll take in the vista from the rim’s many viewpoints and leave hiking into the canyon for another time.

After exploring the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Oregon and the magical desert landscapes of Death Valley, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon, Zion, the Grand Canyon and many other wondrous locales, we are heading east.

Santa Fe will be our spring and summer home. We’re eager to reacquaint ourselves with the area’s rich Pueblo Indian, Hispanic and Anglo cultural roots, bask in the creative arts, and explore ancient ruins — and to savor New Mexico’s delectable cuisine!

Have you been in Santa Fe lately? Please let us know your must-do recommendations!

May your 2013 be filled with abundant love and joy, robust health and prosperity!

Our love to you,

Rose, David & Sonha

View from our “summer home” – Bristlecone Ridge

More than two months have passed since we left Tropic, Utah, our home for 5 months. As we bundle up against the winter chill of northwest Nevada and watch the sun set shortly after 4pm, revisiting our delightful time in Tropic is as warming as sipping a steaming cup of cocoa.

Southern Utah’s magical landscape, dramatic monsoons, fresh air and quietude created a memorable setting. And the people we connected with warmed our hearts. Here are some of the people and places that made our stay special:

Extraordinary celestial events: the annular solar eclipse, the Venus Transit, the huge sky carpeted with the Milky Way, constellations and countless stars

Our first evening at Stone Canyon Inn: watching the solar eclipse through protective glasses with the owners Dixie and Mike Burbidge and many members of their beautiful family

Dixie’s energy, enthusiasm and generosity, her upbeat, can-do approach, and her talent for focusing on the possible, not the limitations.

Being in an area infused with prosperity consciousness, which helped us expand ours.

Our co-worker Annette, whom we nicknamed Bountiful Buckets, who generously shared the abundance of her yard and gardens: flavorful homegrown tomatoes, cherries, squash, peaches and other delicious produce.

A fun team of co-workers led by fabulous Thad, always ready with tunes to keep us singing and laughing.

Interacting with travelers from so many different countries: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil, New Zealand, the Netherlands…

Hiking among the magical, whimsical hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Watching a huge full moon rise and gradually illuminate the fanciful stone formations of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Jack rabbits hopping at sonic speed; the flash of blue as pinyon jays flit from tree to tree; chipmunks scurrying across the sandy terrain.

Double rainbows arcing across the valley after a raucous storm.

The intricate patterns and shapes of the rugged, slick rock landscape in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Rare ribbons of greenery in the dry desert.

Scenery around every turn that made my eyes pop open and my heart soar.

The awesome beauty of Bristlecone Ridge greeting me every morning.

Becoming pros at preparing gourmet breakfasts for 12 guests. David’s homemade cinnamon rolls have no peer!

Ending the day watching dramatic, colorful sunsets over Powell Point.

Exploring our “backyard” with dear friends and relatives who traveled here to share fun time with us.

Royalty gathers at Queen’s Garden in Bryce Canyon National Park. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The patio at Stone Canyon Inn hummed with joyful conversations the other night as a dozen guests gathered with drinks and appetizers to watch Powell Point glow under the setting sun. They hailed from Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and Virginia. Their common denominator was the love for travel and experiencing different cultures, landscapes and foods.

It tickled me how much the scene reminded me of the gathering of human-like hoodoos at Queen’s Garden in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Watching the guests enjoy each others’ company made me wish that all interactions among people from different countries were so free, fun and untainted by political, social or economic differences.

But then I pulled myself back to the joyful scene in front of me and basked in the beauty of it.

Lower Calf Falls Trail winds through canyon with thick green river reeds and grasses. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

On a “cooler” summer day, we head into Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument to hike the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail.  Sheer rock walls rise on each side. Thick riparian vegetation covers the canyon floor. Our feet sink into the trail’s deep red sand, with the occasional respite of solid rock underfoot.

Rock formations top the canyon walls. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The canyon displays a variety of colors, textures and shapes…

The trail leads through reeds and grasses sustained by Calf Creek that grow higher than David’s height of 6’3″. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

… and some amusing human touches to the landscape.

Hikers have added “teeth” to this split rock and nature has put dead twigs on top, making it look like a hilarious, gap-toothed, wild-haired rock monster. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Although the temperature stays around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the intense sun and heat radiating from the rocks makes it feel much hotter. Even our dog Sonya has to take rest breaks in the shade.  About halfway up the 3-mile trek, the creek is close enough for her to jump in and cool off her paws.

Relief comes when we reach Lower Calf Falls at the end of the trail.

A family braves the icy cold water that pools below Lower Calf Creek Falls. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Some hikers planned ahead and wore swimming attire. I’m content with wading and pouring water on my head to cool down.

Sonya jumped right in, eager to fetch sticks and swim.

The air current stirred up by the force of Calf Creek Falls blows Sonya’s ears straight out to the side. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

On the return, we catch sight of prehistoric granaries high in the canyon walls and a red pictograph of three huge figures on the other side of the wide canyon.

This pictograph of three figures midway up the opposite canyon wall is barely discernible to the naked eye. I’m amazed at how well my little camera captured it. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Delightfully weary after our 6-mile round-trip hike, we reach the trailhead at Calf Creek Campground and ease into the car.

From a roadside viewpoint atop the canyon wall, we can hear the laughter of hikers cooling off at Calf Creek Falls and see the trail we hiked below. Photo credit: Rose Muenker

Before heading home, we continue east on Scenic Highway 12 to an overlook where we can get a bird’s-eye view of the canyon. Even better, we can see the trail we hiked and hear the glee and laughter of hikers reveling in the refreshing coolness of Lower Calf Creek Falls!

What we enjoyed on this hike is just a smidgeon of the treasures hidden within 1.9 million-acre Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument. Utah’s Scenic Highway 12 leads through spectacular, other-worldly landscape as does U.S. Hwy. 89. If you get to southern Utah, be sure to include a road trip through Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument, and a hike or two, on your itinerary!

A glorious rainbow arcs over the town of Tropic, Utah, with Powell’s Point in Escalante National Monument as its backdrop, after an afternoon rainstorm.
Photo credit: Rose Muenker

The monsoon season, as the locals call it, has arrived in southern Utah. While heavy afternoon rains may dampen the spirits of tourists in Bryce Canyon National Park, I relish them.

Dark, brooding clouds gather in the sky and then drop buckets of water on the parched earth below. The temperature drops at least 10 degrees. Thunder growls; lightning flashes. The rain plays on our RV rooftop like a passionate percussionist.

Then the storm suddenly stops. Sun peeks around the clouds. And a glorious rainbow arcs across the sky.

Shortly, any sign of rain has disappeared—no puddles, no water gushing down washes. But the colors of the rocks and trees look fresh and crisp. The world looks brighter.

Ah, afternoon rain storms in the desert—how lovely they are!