Today was my second day in Santa Fe, to rest up and take in the sights.  I enjoyed sleeping a little later, and not having to pack everything up was also a special treat.  But the best thing about it was, I got to eat somewhere that was not a gas station!  My first days on the road I have not had much luck with the hotel continintal breakfasts so I end up getting a cheese stick or something stupid.  Not today!  I had breakfast at Luminaria, one of my favorite breakfast spots in the Plaza.  Jac and I have been there before and I was looking foward to a real meal.  I was not disappointed.

After breakfast I walked around the plaza, admiring the architecture and checking out the handmade jewlery that the artisan vendors sell out on the boardwalk at the Palace of the Governors.

After a few hours, even though I had not seen all of the shops, I felt like I had.  You know how one store starts to look like the rest?  I looked over at Gypsy and I felt like if she had toes, she’d be tapping them.  Like, “are we done here yet”?

And then I saw this sign….

I hate to admit it, but I was bored with the Plaza.  I wanted to get out and ride.  I walked past Starbucks and people were sitting inside texting.  I thought, what’s the point of being in a beautiful place like this if you’re not really seeing it?  So I got my keys out, hopped on Gypsy and off we went to find something pretty.

I didn’t really know where I was going and did not have GPS on.  I went down some random county roads and found little art studios out of people’s homes, rustic-looking farms, and my favorite, the daisies by the roadside.

I then ventured on a little more and found an old gas station that was abandoned.  It had a Mobil sign hanging sideways with bullet holes in it.  I realized I wasn’t sure where I was or how to get back.  I eventually figured it out and on the way I stumbled upon a little stand where a lady was selling fry bread.  I put the brakes on and bought some from her, it was so good!  I also happened to find Camel Rock, out in the middle of nowhere.  Pretty cool.

The Pino fire is still burning in the Santa Fe Nat’l forest.  I guess it was started by lightning, which is now pretty much under control but it is still covering the mountains somewhat.

After my little exploration off the beaten path, I decided to head back and get something to eat.  My Uncle David, who lives in Los Alamos recommended The Shed in the Plaza.  My first choice was Cafe Pasqual’s but I knew I was too late for that, you must have reservations for that place but I highly recommend them if you get a chance to go.  The Shed was an excellent second choice though.

Fish Tacos with Avo

After dinner I headed back to my hotel and relaxed, a great rest day indeed.  The weather forecast has surprises for me–thunder storms predicted Friday through Tuesday.  Right on the weekend of the Taos gathering!  Ah well, I do have my rain gear so I am prepared.  But if it’s storming and lightning I won’t be joining a group ride.  I have my hotel there for three days so I’ll grab my book and head to a cafe or take in a museum.  I know whatever happens it will be an experience!  Stay tuned for day 6, heading to Los Alamos and riding the awesome Hwy 4 (voted one of NM’s best motorcycle roads).

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