This week we will continue on our trip of the southwest.

We made our way to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the capitol of New Mexico, and the fourth largest city in the state. Here we found a unique mix of old world charm with a contemporary vibe. Santa Fe includes a rich history melding Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures. whose influences are apparent everywhere in more than 250 restaurants, architecture and art.

We stopped at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and took a step-on local guide to the various neighborhoods, including a walk downtown to the center square to visit some of the local artisans.

Our last stop was at the St Francis Cathedral and Loretto Chapel, built in 1850. The Loretto Chapel was originally an all girls school started by the nuns who were encouraged to build their own special chapel. Upon completion they discovered there was no way to to access the choir loft.

Legend has it that a man on a donkey with a tool box appeared looking for work. Months later an elegant spruce spiral staircase was completed. Built with two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. There are no nails and only pegs were used for this structure. He disappeared without pay or thanks. It still remains a mystery.

Now the church serves as a popular museum and wedding site.

The site of the academy was sold in 1975 and now is now a favorite spa and inn, which is attached to the church and where our lodging was for our visit.

Leaving the New Mexico area, we found our way to Colorado Springs, Colorado where we saw the Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark built in 1971.

It’s a dramatic view, featuring towering sandstone rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies.

We made our way to Kearney Nebraska, and the Great Platte River Road Archway. Extending over one of America’s busiest interstate highways, this museum presents 170 years of transportation history with detailed displays and harrowing stories as we made the journey.

As we headed home from another part of our great country, we felt we have so much to see and do, as we look for another destination for another year.