Ancient ruins in the Taos Valley indicate that people lived here nearly 1000 years ago. The two structures called Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house) are said to be of similar age. They are considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the USA. The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe—earth mixed with water and straw, then either poured into forms or made into sun-dried bricks. The walls are several feet thick. The roofs of each of the five stories are supported by large timbers—vigas—hauled down from the mountain forests.
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The day we went to Taos Pueblo (about 1-1/2 North of Santa Fe), there was a light dusting of snow on the mountains . . . |
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and more was on the way. You can actually see the snow coming from miles away. Mercy, was it cold. The smell of pinion & cedar fires filled the air. So, we followed the smoke to a small room inside the pueblo and there we met . . . |
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Wings. He had been up on top of the pueblo taking a picture of the mountain behind him. He welcomed us and before we left, he gave us a picture of what he termed "him and his best friends." Thank you Wings for a beautiful visit. |
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Chris and Cindy share a hug on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos. |