Los Alamos

So its been a few days since I have had access to this thing and I do have places to go but here's what has briefly happened the past few days.

We left Santa Fe to go to Hyde Park for a couple days. The park was nice and we were close to the city and was able to see Canyon rd. which has hundreds of art galleries. Stopped into Photo-Eye book store/gallery as well as other local shops. Later that night, Mark Andrus and I decided to photograph the stars for an hour doing 8 minute exposures with our cameras. Later, a group of art students and us decided to go on...a "little" hike. It was about 10:30pm when we finished photographing/started our hike and we didn't get back until 1am....it was rough considering the last meal I ate was around 7pm and we didn't have water on us. It ended up being about a 3 mile hike up the circle trail...aka pain in the ass. but when we reached the top, Mark and I decided to take more photos while we were up there.

The past 2 days we have been at Bandolier National Park. WE got lost coming here and before hand we saw tent rocks which is about 2 hours away. Before entering Bandolier we enter Los Alamos, which is were the National Laboratories are. Research on nuclear weapons are done here and there are security cameras all around town, 3 security checkpoints, and a lot of stores...but not a lot of people. Very creepy area. But at the park yesterday, Mark, Kate, Nicole and I hiked 13 miles!!! BY far the most demanding thing I have done in a while. The signs that were posted definitely did not state the miles right or the time.

If feels great though to be hiking almost everyday for the exercise, but me and a few others are starting to feel too touristy. We have actually had TOO much to do and I haven't really been focusing on what I specifically want out of this trip. Today though I have been sitting in a coffee shop charging my computer, 3 camera batteries, my cell, and other AA and AAA batteries so I can last another week without electricity. (without running the car as well for the power converter). I don't plan on doing anything today but reading and developing ideas for this trip. But also today we are out of Bando and heading towards the Redondo campgrounds...if we can find it haha.

I also have to mention I have not showered since last Tuesday!!! It hasn't been TOO bad since I have been using baby wipes, but still...a shower is necessary. I might go next door to the YMCA and pay $3-#5 for a shower. The next time we reach a hotel will not be until Saturday when we are at Flagstaff, Arizona. That's all for right now.

ciao