Abiquiu and the Chama Valley

Around 7:15am Thomas and I left Santa Fe and headed north for a day trip. We decided to take a drive to Abiquiu and up to Chama and do some letterboxing along the way. The drive through Pojoaque, Espanola and up to Abiquiu was peaceful and quiet. We stopped at Bode's General Store for some snacks and a quick break. Then we continued on and turned off US84 onto FR151 and drove 13 miles to Christ in the Desert Monastery. We parked near the guesthouse and then walked up the road toward the monastery. Just after passing the guesthouse we turned onto a dirt path and walked down to the Rio Chama. At this point we looked for Archangel Raphael at Monastery of Christ in the Desert by Kit. This was a quick and easy find and we sat near the river while stamping in. After the box was back in place we walked a little along the river and then headed back to the car and back towards US84. About five miles from the highway we stopped at the Big Eddy Boat Take-Out and took another walk along the river. After our walk it was time to get back onto US84 and continue our drive.

Our next stop was only about a mile and a half up the road at Echo Amphitheater. We turned in, paid our fee and parked. Then we went in search of War and Peace by RNR. This was a short walk and an easy find. I took the box to a picnic table to stamp in. When I finished stamping in and put the box back in its hiding spot Thomas and I walked the rest of the way to the amphitheater. We did the requisite echo-ing and just sat and relaxed for a bit. After about 15 minutes we headed back to the car and continued on. We didn't stop again until we reached Chama. Once in town we decided to stop for some lunch. We ended up eating at High Country Restaurant. Our lunch was delicious and we had a nice and relaxing time. An hour later it was time to complete our trip and start our drive home. The next box we looked for was Cumbres and Toltec by ArnoldZiffel and it was hidden just a short distance from the restaurant at the Visitor Center. We parked and I went around back, found the junipers and the box. I took it back to the car to stamp in. Once I had stamped in and replaced the box we drove on to the last box of the day. We took US64 west heading for Dulce. About eight miles or so from Chama we arrived at an historical marker for the Continental Divide. We parked here and I looked for and easily found Dulce Great Divide Alien Breeder Vats by Wronghat. Again, I stamped in at the car. When the box was back in place it was time to head home.

 We had a great day trip. It was an incredibly beautiful New Mexico day in Abiquiu and the Chama Valley and we thoroughly enjoyed our drive. The trip back home was uneventful and quick. Thanks to all who planted boxes in that area - we loved them all.