Day Three

I got up at seven and went for a run. There’s a trail here I like that runs along the old railroad tracks, an arroyo and past the Santa Fe High School.





























I’ve run this trail when it was in full bloom of desert spring, but today it was kind of ordinary, with only a few scattered flowers.
















When I got back to our room, Dan had called a horseback riding place in Cerrillos.

















Their rates were quite reasonable and we booked an 11:00 ride.

What fun! We went out for two hours, just us, our horses, and an Aussie wrangler who kept up a steady stream of amusing banter. The landscape was incredible as we rode the foothills and dry arroyos outside Santa Fe.


































My horse, Red, was a little hard to handle at times.
















He was anxious to run, and wanted to be in the lead. But I managed him okay, and had a great time cantering through the desert countryside. I ended up with a little sunburn on my forehead after the ride, though, because I had only put sunscreen on my nose, thinking I would wear a hat. Little did I know the wind would be so strong! Hence the dorky bandana. Hey, it kept the wind out of my hair, even if it didn't keep the sun off me!
















After our ride, we went into Madrid, but most of the cafes weren’t open on weekdays yet, so I guess their tourist season hasn’t officially begun. So we had lunch on the plaza in Santa Fe, instead, and browsed the Indian wares in front of the old Governor’s palace afterwards. I bought a silver and turquoise bracelet, since I have lots of turquoise earrings and necklaces, but no bracelets.

Near the plaza we saw one of the cutest things ever-- a white mouse sitting placidly on the back of a tabby cat, snoozing in loaf position on the back of a black dog. The man who was showing off these critters said they had raised each other, hence thier bond. I was just mad I didn't have my camera with me. But I dropped a few dollars in the guy's tip jar and petted each of the animals.

Then we bought gifts for co-workers at Jackalope, went back to our room and took a nap. I hadn’t slept well the night before and was exhausted!

Tonight was takeout from Whole Foods again. We’re trying to stay light, since we know our resolve to eat right and exercise will weaken the longer we’re away from home. But for now, we’re furthering the cause of healthy living by booking ourselves into a mountaintop spa for tomorrow night. We were going to camp, but with a 60% chance of rain, this sounds a lot more fun!