Albuquerque
We followed Interstate 40 the short distance to Albuquerque the next morning. It was only a two hour drive. Just before Albuquerque we again dropped off onto old Route 66 which gradually gave way to Tramway Blvd as it winds through the outskirts of Old Town. Or was I lost again? But my sweetheart yells Stop! so I know a Starbucks must be near. We stop for a mocha latte and enjoy the cool weather and the view of the mountains. This trip to Albuquerque I want to take the tram to the top of Sandia Peak. Years ago, while in the race horse business, I would dream of this ride. But like most people who live around race horses, I didn’t have the money for the ride to the top. This time I would make it.
The Sandia Peak Tramway is the world's longest passenger Double Reversible Passenger Aerial Tramway. It also has the world's third longest single span. It stretches from the Northeast edge of Albuquerque to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains. The total length of the Tramway is 2.7 miles and reaches an elevation of 10,378 feet. The Sandia Mountains are a mountain range located immediately to the east of the city. Sandía means watermelon in Spanish and is popularly believed to be a reference to the reddish color of the mountains at sunset. It was lunch time, so we enjoyed the High Finance Café at the top of Sandia Peak. Good food, great view. But so much for the high altitude, my sweetheart says “shopping"
Old Town, Albuquerque follows the traditional Spanish pattern of a central plaza and church surrounded by homes and businesses. We strolled through the plaza shopped in the market square. I got a small pottery bowl by someone whose grandmother was call Maria, Maria had some her pottery there but it was out of my price range. We stayed at one of the historic down town hotels; Hotel Blue. It reminded me of some guys standing on a balcony pointing at where James Earl Ray was.

Like New Orleans, Old Town Albuquerque has romantic hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and wrought iron benches that beckon you to stop, have a glass of wine and watch the world go by. The light rain that afternoon just made the New Mexico sunset that much prettier.