Biosphere, river canyons, and amazing native architecture

Let me tell you about our “hotel” last night. The Luna Mystica is unique, inasmuch as all the rooms are actually mobile homes scattered over several acres. It was astonishing and cozy.

Arriving at night

Waking up in the morning, with the beautiful and serene surroundings was refreshing, and motivating enough for Gianna to do a yoga session in the outdoors.

Our respective trailers, Castor and Pollux

In my last blog, I mentioned that we drove by a huge subdivision of interred homes, called Earthship Biosphere. We were both curious enough to want to learn more, so we made that our first stop of the day. I cannot explain all the functions of this community in this short blog, but I urge you, if interested, to google “Earthship Biosphere Taos” to learn more.

In short, an Earthship home is a home built to be 100 percent self-sufficient. No, it is not just a hippie abode, some of these homes can cost up to millions of dollars and can be absolutely beautiful.

They have huge indoor gardens to grow plants for ambiance, and all types of fruits and vegetables, from bananas to fig trees. Water is collected from the roof and channeled to the home, and, once used, it is recycled, along with all waste, to feed the thriving plants; electricity is provided by solar panels. There are vents in the roof for ventilation, and the entire south-facing side is made up of glass panels to illuminate and heat the house. It was quite a learning experience. I truly would not mind living in one of these homes.

Our day continued with a visit to the incredible Rio Grande gorge. We could not get onto the bridge to take the best pictures, as it was being worked on, but we were able to get to the edge, nonetheless.

Then it was on to Taos Pueblo, undoubtedly the most photographed New Mexico landmark. It is awe-inspiring how this community has kept this place pristine, without changing its appearance.

Wood, straw, soil, and water are the only materials used in the construction of these homes, yet, they have survived for centuries.

Hard-working locals can be seen re-stuccoing their homes, staining their wooden beams, mostly taking pride in what has rightly been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We had lunch at the Luna restaurant in the La Fonda hotel. A bit pricey, but absolutely exquisite.

It was then on to Santa Fe, along the super scenic Taos Road which flanks the Rio Grande.

Camel Rock, near the town of Pojoaque

I am not much of a herbivore, but Gianna took me to a vegetarian/vegan restaurant for dinner, once in Santa Fe, and I quite enjoyed my meal there.

I have visited these places time and time again, but never tire of them.

As always, thanks for following us along. More tomorrow..