Today felt like one of those long, full travel days that somehow still leaves you energized. Santa Fe Skies RV Park continues to be a comfortable home base—quiet, breezy, and perched just high enough to catch those evening winds that roll across the desert. The weather has stayed hot, with a few scattered bursts of rain and wind after sunset. Total miles since leaving home: about 530. Not bad for the first stretch of the summer journey.

Today we made the drive down to Albuquerque for an Isotopes baseball game at Rio Grande Credit Union Stadium on the University of New Mexico campus. It was a fun, easy outing - good energy, friendly fans, and a stadium that feels just the right size for a summer afternoon. I’ve already drafted my review of the game and the stadium, and you can read it here
Isotopes Baseball

Back at the RV, we kept Nala comfortable by using our Waggle Monitor System, which tracks temperature, humidity, and air quality and sends alerts if anything drifts out of range. It’s been reassuring to have those real‑time updates. We also installed two Blink cameras so we can check on her anytime. Between the two systems, we’re worrying less and enjoying our outings more. Technology isn’t always my favorite thing, but this setup has been a gift.

On Thursday, the 25th we wandered around the Santa Fe Plaza and we visited the Loretto Chapel to see the famous “miraculous staircase.” The story behind it is dramatic—some might say a whopper—but the craftsmanship is undeniably beautiful. If you’re curious, the gist of the legend is easy to find in this Loretto Chapel article.
Loretto Chapel Staircase

On Friday, June 26, I spent several hours at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture on Museum Hill. It’s close to the Wheelwright Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the Café on Museum Hill. I lingered especially long in the Native American ceramic gallery, where a docent shared recommendations for places to eat and explore around Santa Fe. We also spent a lot of talking time about how expensive to open and operate a modern museum and how hard it is to take proper care of artifacts. I’ll be writing a full museum review soon—there was so much to take in.

Santa Fe continues to surprise me with its food scene!
Lunch at The Shed on the Plaza was a bit disappointing—crowded, rushed, and not quite the atmosphere I hoped for. I don’t think its the “local secret“ any more and was just too touristy. But a trip to Airport Road redeemed everything. This stretch, known as “Little Chihuahua” or the “Taco Trail,” is lined with taco trucks and small Mexican food stands. I tried a taco al pastor (“shepherd style”) and it was delicious—simple, flavorful, and exactly what I wanted. The sheer number of taco trucks on Airport Road made me laugh -- Santa Fe takes its tacos very seriuosly!
But the best meal I had so far, though, was at the Café on Museum Hill. Fresh, thoughtful food with a view. A review of this restaurant is coming soon.

Looking Ahead
Tomorrow I’m planning to find a place to get my hair cut, then head back to Museum Hill to visit the Museum of International Folk Art. The afternoon is open—Santa Fe always seems to fill those hours with something unexpected. Things not to forget: Canyon Road galleries, Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, and maybe—just maybe—a ceramic pot or Navajo weaving to bring home.