Monday, January 31, 2011

Alternative Spring Break New Mexico 2010 {& 2011?}

Last spring break Kyle and I participated in an Alternative Spring Break with the ECM. We went to Abiquiu, New Mexico and stayed on Ghost Ranch. It was absolutely beautiful and filled with history {Georgia O' Keefe did her paintings there!} In our free time we hiked trails into canyons and small caves and we climbed mesas. It was so unbelievably beautiful. When we weren't hiking or climbing things we were cleaning up the ranch {raking leaves, shoveling snow, painting cabins for the summer, cleaning the dining hall}, visiting a mosque {pulling boulders out of the ground to help build a retaining wall and eating lunch in the mosque while learning more about Islam}, Clearing Asequias {traditional agricultural ditches in the village}, and exploring the local culture, art and food {really really yummy food!} 
This year we are pretty sure we want to go back. It was an amazing travel experience and it was such a bargain! $300 for everything but meals along the way and souvenirs! 

Here are some pictures!


Beautiful Ghost Ranch

Chimney Rock

At the flat part of the mesa right across from Chimney Rock!


Everyone!

Around the Ranch
A Beautiful Mesa! 

Hiking to Box Canyon

Frozen water in Box Canyon

 It was huge! :)

Blizzard on the way back! So beautiful!

Covered in Snow!

Beautiful!

Boulder removal to build a retaining wall at the mosque

The Morada.

A Beautiful and Lucky Shot.

The most delicious lunch! 

Prickly Pear Frozen Lemonade. Delicious. 


Ready to go back! {Here's To Hoping!}

Alex