The Land of Enchantment

We have been in New Mexico one week and are having a wonderful time.  We are staying in Taos, a beautiful desert city ringed by mountains.  We have gone on several beautiful rides and also did some hiking.  Joseph says he likes the riding here the best because he can drive and also see the scenery. 

One of the most popular rides in the area is the Enchanted Circle.  A must stop on the Enchanted Circle is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire.  The Memorial was built in 1971 by the parents of a soldier who was killed in an ambush in Vietnam.  This was the first memorial dedicated to Vietnam veterans.  Remember, this was a time when veterans returning from Vietnam did not receive a lot of respect from their fellow countrymen.  The father, Victor Westphall, PhD, spent much time at the memorial visiting with returning veterans and their families.  One morning, he arrived at the chapel to find a note scrawled on a piece of scrap plywood.  It said, "Why did you lock the doors when I needed to come in?"  Since that day, the doors to the chapel have never been locked.

 
This statue is entitled "Dear Mom and Dad" and depcits a soldier faced with the dilemma of writing home to his family.  What can he say about what he's doing that they will understand?

Edward, this picture is here for you:

For some reason I have always loved the desert.  Maybe it is because I grew up where everything was so green!  Here are a few more pictures.

A stream along a hiking trail.

Another hiking trail.

St. Francis de Asis Church.