Day 9, Wednesday, May 14, 2014: Albuquerque to Bernalillo

Word of the day:  "Oops," as in I almost forgot to post.  We left the HIE Eubank Rd and proceeded down Central Avenue (aka old US-66), getting our last glimpse at what remains of the iconic old motels from the heyday of the "Mother Road."  Stopped in Old Town, did some shopping, sat on the Plaza, and had a great meal at the Church Street B&B, said to be the oldest house in Albuquerque.

Entry to Church Street Cafe

We crossed the Rio Grande and headed north through Corrales and Rio Rancho to Bernalillo.  One of the best secrets of Bernalillo is the Coronado State Historic Site.  This is an old pueblo, one that was "visited" (read occupied) by Coronado's expedition.  Its Tiwa-speaking descendents now live in nearby Santa Ana and Sandia pueblos. 

One of the great things about this site is the salvaged murals from a kiva, and the reproduced ones in an elevated square kiva (up a ladder, down a ladder - tours with a guide only & no photos).  There's a great view of the Rio Grande & Sandia Mountains.

Sandra's concerned about the ladder

Laundry done and getting ready for Chaco in the AM.