San Francisco de Asis Mission
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico - July 2009

We called an audible at Great Sand Dunes, deciding to head down into New Mexico for a few days to pick up some sights we’d talked about visiting from time to time. I made a point of routing us through Taos so Darla could get a sense of what it was like. Unfortunately, Taos had other plans. The primary routes through town were largely shut down for the Taos Fiesta Historical Parade. We had a heck of a time just getting to the other side of the city.

Circa 1815
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico - July 2009

Just south of Taos is Ranchos de Taos, a wide spot in the road and home to this historic mission. We stopped to take a look, only later learning that it has been the subject of photographs by no less than Paul Strand and Ansel Adams. Georgia O’Keeffe created four different paintings if it.

The Magic Sky
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico - July 2009

Path to the Cross
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico - July 2009

Resting in the Shade
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico - July 2009- July 2009

There’s Another One!
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico - July 2009- July 2009

The old mission was not the big deal at this stop – at least for a certain Boy. He was more interested in the hawkmoths that were flitting from flower to flower drinking nectar.

Hawkmoth
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico - July 2009

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