Bring your Heart to White Sands

The first time I went to White Sands, NM it was the end of summer, and I was really amazed by this white desert. Although it is a desert and a 'moving one,'

some plants have succeeded in surviving. Yes it is moving, because as with any dune, the wind is a huge factor, and makes the landscape change and move, which of course becomes a big problem to maintain the paths and roads within this exceptional area.

Here, again, you are confronted with the immensity and the very long work of time through the landscape.

When in this desert, you are definitely inspired towards meditation and rejuvenation. If you are looking for some inspiration, it is a fabulous place to reconnect with nature and, by simply being in the moment, enjoying this unique site, immensity, and calm.

Even in the middle of the hottest summer days, when touching the sand, about ½ inch under, it is cold; the sand is such a pure white, that it deflects the sun heat.

So be careful, don't get lost and stay too late in this fascinating beauty, or the cold will get you at dusk...

White Sands' dune

Our trip in Sedona, AZ

I'd like to share with you the beauty, magic and energy of Sedona, from our trip in April. Sedona is Always a Unique and empowering experience. You are in direct connection with Mother Earth, but it's also the Old west...with its abandoned mines...

Have you ever been to Sedona, AZ. What is your favorite experience there?

Surrounded by beauty: Abiquiu

Abiquiu is located north west of Santa Fe, NM.

While we were watching Europe and the East coast dealing with 'El Nino' and an unusual amount of snow and storms, New Mexico was waiting for more snow to fully enjoy our ski resorts!

Meanwhile this gave us the opportunity to share a ride with my friends Fred and Sol in a stunning and inspiring landscape.

We went horseback riding last week in Georgia O'Keeffe country. Breathtaking views, petroglyphs, and nice company. Abiquiu is an area that I especially like and where you can easily rejuvenate.

New Mexico is said to be “the land of enchantment”, and it takes on all its meaning when you are in Abiquiu. This land and the surrounding area are absolutely gorgeous, magical! You feel the sacred of Mother Earth.

The shape of the mesa, the hills, and the colors, everything is inspiring.
It inspired many painters; Georgia O’Keeffe is the most well known. In fact, it is difficult not to talk about Georgia O’Keeffe when talking about Abiquiu and vice versa.

O'Keeffe was fond of this landscape and painted it many times, especially ‘the Cerro Pedernal’. She even wrote to her friend that: ”God told her that if she painted it enough, he would give it to her” – Her ashes were scattered on its top.

For those who do not know Georgia O’Keeffe well, do not miss the museum dedicated to her in Santa Fe. She is a major American artist, and this museum pays her a beautiful tribute.

Abiquiu includes a reservoir that creates a lake and enhances the view of the beautiful surroundings. It became a recreation area where many come to enjoy themselves during the warm months of summer.

During winter, horseback riding in the area is extremely enjoyable. It feels like you are blending with nature, being one with the horse among such beauty. Whether you are an artist or not, you can’t help but be inspired.

There are many hikes in the Abiquiu area, short or long and strenuous, there is something for everyone. You can also spend a few days there just relaxing and reconnecting with this sacred nature.

Ghost Ranch is a famous retreat and educational center where you can stay. This site was once a hiding place for two men who stole horses. To be sure nobody would come there, they spread the word that ghosts haunted this place. The name stuck!

Buckskin gulch, Vermillon Cliffs, Az.

Buckskin Gulch is an area in Vermillon Cliffs, in North Arizona. We did this hike on a very nice day, it was around 90 degre temperature. Pretty hot. We got an incredible dark blue sky. But the most incredible was really the landscape, not very lush but stunning by the sandstone and the different tint and colors.
It was difficult to walk fast, beacause I wanted to photographed everything, and enjoy each different 'paysage', landscape, roch.




This hike is not a very difficult one, it takes about 3 hours to arrive to Paria/Wire Pass. It's very sandy, so you have to have good shoes to walk comfortably. and I really recommend you to wear pants! lots of spiny thistle, ouch!
After an hour, we just didn't pay to much attention but our legs looked like....hedgehog.

Before stopping for lunch we just took some time to take them off!




After a pretty long walk in the sun, we were really happy to reach the Paria Canyon and walked in the shade of the smooth beautiful rock.
It was slightly muddy, but nothing annoying.

This part of the hike was totally different from the beginning, and we like it as much!

We were happy to finally reach the crossing of paths, were we stop for lunch, and admired the petroglyphs




Petroglyphs were numerous in this area, include some more recent, with signature...










We didn't want to go back through the same way, so we took Wire Pass, which is much shorter, but again, amazing rocks and landscape!
This time, we even need to do some climbing because the paths between the canyon is extremely narrow, about shoulder width sometimes, and boulders are blocking the way. But nothing impossible!
Very pleasant hike.

And to finish the day we enjoyed our hotel, where we take some time enjoy the swimming pool and the Jacuzzi to relax our muscles, and be prepared for another hike the next day...

International Balloon Fiesta

the Albuquerque international Fiesta ends tomorrow, don't miss it!