New Mexico Weekenders

It takes time to explore 1000 years of history, and our weekenders will only give you glimpses of a past and present that fascinate everyone - prehistoric and Native cultures, Spanish heritage, Old Wild West - and of a future that makes everyone dream - astronomy, aviation and aerostation - all this in the most varied climates and landscapes. Yet, these 2-3 days expeditions are definitely interesting, and perfect for those of you who don't have much time to go and explore our beautiful state of New Mexico, as well as practice photography. This is your opportunity to do both, with the guidance of a professional photographer.
And if the dates are not convenient to you, let us know and tell us when you could go - we might be able to accommodate you with a customized weekender just for you!

"Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to explore New Mexico and the chance to experience a new photographic journey. I had a great time."
C. K. (Indiana)


GHOST RANCH, OJO CALIENTE HOT SPRINGS and HIGH ROAD TO TAOS
May 30 - June 1, 2008
2 days/1 night $465 (sat-sun); 3 days/2 nights $679 (fri-sun); per person, based on single occupancy.
Group size: 3 to 6
You provide your own transportation.


"Pictures, regardless of how they are created and recreated, are intended to be looked at. This brings to the forefront not the technology of imaging, which of course is important, but rather what we might call the eyenology (seeing)."
Henri Cartier-Bresson (French photographer 1908-2004)

Friday (D)
We meet in Espanola in early afternoon, then drive to Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, passing through the beautiful Rio Chama Valley, the land that inspired painter Georgia O'Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams. A hike on the Chimney Rock Trail (moderate hike) gives us many opportunities to photograph spectacular scenery of canyons and plateaus. We enjoy a gourmet picnic on the rocks, while waiting for sunset. (An alternate easier hike may be substituted to fit participants' hiking level.)

We then head off to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs and check-in at the historic hotel. The spa has many natural geothermal pools of various mineral waters in which to soothe our sore muscles and rejuvenate our souls. Deemed sacred by indigenous Native Americans, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs has been a gathering place and a source of healing for hundreds of years. Now's our turn! Provided there are a minimum of 3 participants, we'll enjoy soaking under a starry sky in our own secluded outdoor pool complete with kiva fireplace and native flute music.


Saturday (B,L,D)
We enjoy a leisurely morning at the spa. The mud bath area offers many fun photo ops between participants. After check-out at 11:00AM, we drive to Rancho de Chimayo restaurant where 2-day participants meet us for lunch. This restored century-old adobe home turned into a restaurant serves the best sopapillas and delicious New Mexican cuisine.
After lunch, we visit the Santuario de Chimayo, a religious and Easter pilgrimage site, rendered famous by the miraculous dirt people dig from a hole in the church.
In the afternoon we take the High Road to Taos, passing through the romantic mountain villages of Truchas and Las Trampas, meeting artists in their studios. Photo stop at Ranchos de Taos to photograph the famous adobe church of St Francis de Assisi.
We arrive in Taos in the evening and check in at hotel and enjoy a wine & cheese reception before dinner at the hotel restaurant. Native American dancers perform in the evening.

Sunday (B,L)
In the early morning we visit Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site and a National Historic landmark. The multi-storied adobe structure has been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years.
Hotel check-out and visit of Taos, its Plaza, shops and curios giving us many opportunities to use our creativity. Lunch in Taos. An interesting option afterwards is to visit Kit Carson's home turned into a museum (entrance fee not included). In mid afternoon, we drive back to Albuquerque.

Weekender Cost: $465 to $679
Reservations: A $300 per person deposit is required to secure a place on this weekender, which can be paid via Paypal or by check. The balance is due 30 days prior to beginning of weekender.
If less than 3 participants sign up, a small-group supplement of $125 p.p. will apply, or the weekender may be cancelled.

Cost includes: Hotel accommodations based on single occupancy; meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner); Hot Springs pools; Taos Pueblo fees including entrance and one camera; services of tour leader; all taxes.
Bottled water will be available at all times.

Cost does NOT include: Transportation to/from your home city (you provide your own transportation - own vehicle or rental), alcoholic beverages (except as indicated in itinerary), items of personal nature and incidentals, entrance fees at Kit Carson's Museum, tips.

For complete details, see our General Information page.