4 Bandelier NM & Valles Caldera

It's another early start. Shirley and I met Patrick for breakfast burritos and tacos then headed north to Bandelier National Monument. We hiked to cliff dwellings and pueblo ruins. We are beginning to learn about the people who lived in the area in the 1300's and their lives.
Lunch was really tasty at the Visitor Center Cafe. I totally recommend it.
We drove on to Los Alamos. I was just curious to see the community. Patrick told us about some of the research labs, etc. There were guards at the entrance to the city. "Take No Pictures!"
After leaving Los Alamos we stopped along the road to take pictures of the aspens. They were the only trees changing colors. I used this opportunity to use "Intentional Camera Movement", aka ICM, to get a painterly effect of the trees.
Valles Caldera National Monument is next on our route. A domain volcano which is monitored for volcanic activity. No worries, the Yellowstone super volcano will blow before this one. It was near closing time so we couldn't explore the area more.
We drove back to Rio Rancho to pick up Judy and go to dinner at their favorite "Ranch Cafe". Patrick and Judy were staying with friends whose house had a beautiful view of the ABQ city lights as the evening set in.Read more