From: auntdaisy@earthlink.net
Subject: TravelHound - sniffing out the sights
Date: July 24, 2005 9:54:45 PM PDT
To: amyjunius@6degreesinc.com, sonnova@comcast.net, auralfixasean@yahoo.com, amanda@riverstreet.net, lana.andrews@bydeluxe.com, amynadine13@yahoo.com, fromemma@sbcglobal.net, ailtis@hotmail.com, squee8@comcast.net, aronic7@hotmail.com, ann@annhowley.com, alex@philsfilms.com, and 85 more...

It got chilly last nite and stayed brisk throughout the morning.
I never thought I'd be so grateful to be cold, I was almost giddy.
Much like the first snow just before Christmas,
not that I'd really know
being I'm from L.A. and all,
but that's how it is in my head.

At the Albuquerque RV park a woman named Jackie was instantly smitten with Percy. She's travelling with her husband and their four kids.
Their from New York and once again, I was asked if I was a New Yorker by a New Yorker.

Mom, Dad, is there something you want to tell me? Is my theory of being born a New York Jew correct?
Listen, it's okay, I'm glad my original parents chose the bagels over me, I can't imagine any better folks in the whole wide world!!!

That too would explain the question, "Who the heck does she take after."
She being me, for clarification purposes.

I think I should let everyone know, I'm just kidding, I think the years of wanting to pass me off as someone else's kid
have came and went. If they didn't try and ditch me as a teenager, well then
Maresiedotes and James-O have most definitely earned the sit back, watch and enjoy years!

(Although, I still may be giving them a run for their money.) =)

After Soda Dam Falls (the first time - I'll explain)
I went in for a sandwich and heard someone call out
"Hey Daisy! Where's Percy?" It's a funny sensation to be somewhere you've never been in your life
and have an unfamiliar voice call out your name.

Now the "where's Percy" statement most assuredly par for the course.

It was Jackie, Percy's newest pal. Enjoyed a bit o'bonding time with her family -- they were eating ice cream
(only ONE scoop each, can you believe it!) and I got a little misty for the Mertzels!

Tent Rocks was the next destination I placed on my itinerary.
Saw pictures on the internet -- which is a good thing, because 2 days later still haven't seen them up close and personal.

When studying the map, I noticed a quicker route to these "teepee-shaped formations of Volcanic debris."
Impressively, I even printed out informational tidbits about the area, including directions.
Less impressively, I didn't actually scan the sheet until I had already driven an hour 1/2 into my new found short cut.
The road was VERY narrow and quite bumpy. It was at this time I rummage around and came across this warning
"At Forest Road or the 266 begins the most dangerous part of the trip. In some places 266 is severely washboarded. Unless you're driving a hummer or Sherman Tank, speeds over 10 miles wil rattle your teeth and ruin your shocks."

Interesting. I pulled over to take time to reflect on my current situation. First and foremost on the noteworthy list
I was surrounded by incredible beauty and rather humored at the sight of my Percy Prominent RV in the middle of Sherman Tank country.

Hmmmmm, I got out snapped some photos and took a quiet moment. Just then (answered prayers are soooo fun, especially when instantly gratified. One of the great miracles of life. Try it some time!)

In that moment a white pickup truck came from the opposite direction and Michael pointedly filled me in that the road I was experiencing now was NOTHING compared to what lay ahead. And what lay ahead for me was most likely RV damage and a severe case of being stranded.

Alrightie then, give that man a luggage tag! I thanked him so much, I think I made him nervous -- coulda been the part about calling him an angel, but I did see smile cross his face.

Three hours after departing Soda Dam Waterfall, I found myself right back where I started.
Which was perfect! I was disappointed in myself for not swimming in the hole
(Percy wasn't up for it so I opted to pass too) and I was consuming mass quantities of sugar to counteract the sleepiness.
(Yes, Dad, I did brush.) I pulled over with great resolve, left Percy to hold down the fort and climbed back down those rocks in my flip flops.
Most refreshing, although passerbyers didn't know what to make of me, but I'm certainly used to that by now.




The road to Taos was stunning, passing thru a plethora of landscapes, forests, large open valleys, hillsides and clouds topped with sunset sauce that almost made me drive off the road. (really should stop filming while driving.)


taken WHILE driving, thank you very much!
(I mean, shame on me, that's very dangerous young lady!)


VERY famous church -- my first sight of Taos



being welcomed with open arms into Taos

My day in Taos was filled with new friends who love their dogs,
and quite frankly
loved mine!!!
Percy yet again given the key to the city, well, perhaps the golden biscuit.

Nancy - super delightful store owner in Taos, could not give Percy enough treats.

Kara & Jackie at the Taos Inn invited us to join them for a margarita.
Percy wagging heavily at the idea of having his first alcoholic beverage,
but alas being under age, he was got tipsy on life, knowing that he manifested the invite.

This is where they made Percy "Prince of Taos."

Later Rebecca and her two friends, rats, I hate that I cant' remember their names befriended us along with their dogs, Petey and Momo.
The next morning I met Kara for breakfast and couldn't get enough of those darn delicious green chiles!
Good thing I don't live here, apparently too much Green Chiles takes quite a toll on your insides.

"Getting plugged in" as a friend suggested:

created atmosphere by me at Taos RV Park

created atmosphere by "the Big Guy" at Taos RV Park
(Nice teamwork, no?! -- maybe we oughta go into business together!
Oh wait, I'm pretty sure we already are.)

Off to Santa Fe and cousin Loralee.
(see next update)

And then...

yep, back home

I feel as if I've been rather remiss....
Yes, I've met some delightful folks on the road,
and seen scenery that's made my heart swell,
but nothing's touched me more than all the notes of support and phone calls of encouragement I've
gotten from my family and friends and family of friends!!!
Thank you you SOOOO very much for coming along with me
You know who you are!!!
you're priceless gifts in my life
and as I drive these quiet roads
waves of gratitude continually sweep over me:
for what I've seen, been lucky enough to do
and most importantly what I have
YOU GUYS!!!!
That makes me the luckiest gal in ALL THE LAND!!!
Even if the thought crossed your mind...
wonder how daisy's doin' on the road these days, that counts too.
That kinda stuff makes it over to me.

Wow, granola-y AND sappy.
Mmmmm, sounds like some good makin's for a healthy breakfast.

=)


please tell me you see THIS rainbow!!!