Cochiti Pueblo, Cochiti COE, and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

We had one more day in Santa Fe so we headed south to Cochiti Pueblo. There is a huge earthen dam which creates Cochiti Lake.

We stopped at the Visitor Center for a quick look. They have snacks and other items for sale.

And we found out a little more about the Dam.

Our goal on this day was the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.

However, we ran into a little problem. Harley was with us since we planned to be gone all day. And Harley was not allowed into the monument even if I stayed in the car with him. I would have been happy to do that since I have been here before. The ranger offered me a card with someone in the pueblo who would board dogs but I wasn't about to leave Harley with someone I didn't know. So Plan B went into effect. I drove us to the Cochiti COE park which we planned to visit next since it was only a couple of miles away. Harley and I stayed there while Carolyn and Mary Jane headed back to Tent Rocks. No problem.

These are Carolyn's pictures as are most of the pictures from this trip. Mary Jane provided the car, I drove, and Carolyn took pictures.....it all works out for everyone.

As you can see, these rocks are very unique. They look like Tepees and they are also located on a reservation. Some of them have little "caps" on the top which helps to keep the softer rock below from disintegrating.

Mary Jane loves rock formations so I knew she would enjoy seeing these again. There are places to sit so I knew it wouldn't be a problem if Carolyn wanted to hike.

And she did.......

Some places the hiking is very easy but others are a little more challenging.

In the meantime, Harley and I were sitting at the observation point above the camping areas at the lake. We didn't mind at all as the weather was beautiful and we had lots to look at. We watched RVs come and go. We talked to people visiting the point and hikers going past with their dogs. Time passed very quickly.

When Carolyn and Mary Jane came back, we drove down to the picnic area and had lunch. We also toured the different camping areas. It really is a nice COE park and includes sites with electric, water and electric, and no hookups. If you come, you want to make sure you have plenty of water hose as some of the water hookups are a distance from the pad.

Next, we headed over to the Turquoise Trail. We intended to drive about down as far as Madrid. You may remember Madrid if you ever saw the movie "Wild Hogs" with Tim Allen and John Travolta. It is a family favorite at our house from grandparents to grandkids.

It is a unique little town which actually was well known before the movie since it is part of the Turquoise Trail.

Lots of unique and quirky things to see and do.

Jewelry for sale by artisans is plentiful.

This is the famous Maggie's Diner from the movie. Unfortunately you can't have lunch there as it has never actually been a diner. They sell lots of T-shirts and other souvenirs.

There are lots of bed and breakfasts as well as shops.

This is the town outhouse. It is pretty unique. There is no smell whatsoever even though it is an outhouse. As you sit, you will feel a gentle breeze blowing under you. I guess it has to do with the stacks on the top.

We decided we needed something to drink and possibly something to eat.

I mentioned how great a root beer float would be and.....there it was on the menu.  Wow, $6????

We all decided that it would suffice for both drink and food. What a great choice. It was huge and fabulous!

And even micro-brewed.  Definitely recommend it.

Harley liked this place as well as dogs are welcome on the patio and they brought him a bowl of water and a cookie. They even have a little doggie menu but Harley is on a special diet so he was happy to get the dog cookie and watch all the people.

Now this is a town that really cares about their pets.

Motorcycles love riding the Truquoise Trail and there were lots of them in town.

We headed back north after Madrid but stopped in Cerrillos on the way.

A quiet place with interesting buildings.

And an outdoor oven although it is either new or not well used.

It was another great day in New Mexico.