An Old Timer’s Perspective

As I ease my weathered bones out of bed on this crisp September morning, I can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement. The calendar may say I’m 80 years old, but my spirit still yearns for adventure like a young colt in springtime. Today’s mission? A leisurely walk around the Santa Fe Plaza, starting and ending along the Santa Fe River walk. It’s the perfect day for it too – blue skies overhead, dotted with white puffy clouds that remind me of the wool on a freshly shorn sheep.

I grab my trusty camera and slip it into my pocket. After all these years, it’s become an extension of myself, always ready to capture the beauty of the American West that never fails to take my breath away. Be it the majestic mountains, the serene alpine valleys, or the wild creatures that call this land home, there’s always something worth preserving through the lens.

Setting Out: The Santa Fe River Walk

As I step out onto the Santa Fe River walk, the gentle burble of water over stones greets my ears. It’s a sound that always takes me back to my younger days, spending countless hours by mountain streams, fishing rod in hand. The Santa Fe River may not be as mighty as some, but it’s got a charm all its own.

I pause to snap a quick photo of the riverbed. This time of year, it’s running low, revealing smooth river rocks that have been shaped by centuries of patient water flow. It reminds me of the old saying we used to have back on the ranch: “Slow and steady wins the race.” Nature’s always been the best teacher when it comes to patience.

As I amble along the river walk, I can’t help but marvel at how the trees lining the banks have started to show hints of gold and orange. Fall’s coming on fast, and soon enough, these cottonwoods will be putting on a show that’d rival any fancy art gallery in town.

Brothers Lane: A Step Back in Time

Turning onto Brothers Lane, I feel like I’ve stepped back in time. The narrow street is lined with adobe buildings, their earth-toned walls a testament to the enduring traditions of this place. It’s a far cry from the wide-open spaces of the ranch, but there’s something comforting about these close-knit streets. They speak of community, of neighbors looking out for each other – values that have always been the backbone of life out West.

I stop to chat with an old-timer tending to a small garden outside his home. We swap stories about the changing seasons and the best time to plant chile peppers. It’s these little moments of connection that make a walk through Santa Fe so special.

Entering Santa Fe Plaza: The Heart of the City

As I round the corner onto the Santa Fe Plaza, I’m struck by the buzz of activity. The Plaza’s been the heart of Santa Fe for over 400 years, and standing here, you can feel the weight of all that history. The adobe Palace of the Governors stretches along one side of the square, its long portal shaded by a wooden roof where Native American artisans display their handcrafted jewelry and pottery.

I take a moment to sit on a bench, soaking in the atmosphere. Tourists and locals alike mill about, their chatter mixing with the strains of a guitarist playing near the central obelisk. It’s a scene I’ve witnessed countless times over the years, but it never gets old. There’s always something new to see, always a fresh perspective to capture through my camera lens.

Art Shops: A Feast for the Eyes

One of the things I love most about Santa Fe Plaza is the abundance of art shops that surround it. As a fella who’s spent most of his life outdoors, I never thought I’d develop such an appreciation for art. But there’s something about the way these artists capture the spirit of the West that speaks to my soul.

I wander into a gallery, my eyes immediately drawn to a large landscape painting. The artist has managed to capture the exact shade of purple that paints the mountains at dusk – a sight I’ve witnessed more times than I can count, but one that still fills me with awe every single time.

In another shop, I find myself mesmerized by a series of photographs showcasing the wildlife of New Mexico. There’s a shot of a majestic elk standing proud in a mountain meadow that takes me right back to my early days of ranching. I can almost hear the bugle call echoing through the valleys.

Loretto Chapel: A Marvel of Architecture

As I continue my stroll, I find myself in front of the Loretto Chapel. Now, I’m not much of a churchgoing man myself, but even I can appreciate the beauty of this place. The Gothic Revival style is a stark contrast to the adobe buildings that dominate Santa Fe, but somehow, it fits right in.

I step inside, and my eyes are immediately drawn to the famous “Miraculous Staircase.” The spiral structure, with no visible means of support, is a testament to the skill of whoever built it. It reminds me of the ingenuity I’ve seen countless times in the backcountry – people making do with what they have and creating something extraordinary.

I take a few moments to sit in one of the pews, letting the quiet wash over me. It’s a different kind of peace than what I find in the mountains, but it’s welcome all the same.

New Mexico History Museum: Stories of the Land

Next on my wanderings is the New Mexico History Museum. Now, some might think an old ranch hand like me wouldn’t have much interest in a place like this, but they’d be dead wrong. The history of this land is woven into every stream I’ve fished, every mountain I’ve climbed, every acre I’ve worked.

I spend a good hour exploring the exhibits, each one shedding light on a different aspect of New Mexico’s rich past. There’s a display about the ancient Puebloan cultures that first called this land home, their pottery and tools a testament to their ingenuity. Another section covers the Spanish colonial period, and I find myself chuckling at some of the old maps. If those early explorers could see how accurately we can pinpoint our location nowadays, they’d hardly believe their eyes.

But it’s the exhibit on ranching and farming in New Mexico that really catches my attention. The old tools and photographs could’ve come straight from my own family’s history. I see a weathered saddle that looks just like the one my granddaddy used to ride, and for a moment, I’m transported back to my childhood, learning the ropes of ranch life at his knee.

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Capturing the Spirit of the West

As the afternoon wears on, I make my way to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Now, I’ll admit, when I first heard about O’Keeffe’s work years ago, I didn’t quite get it. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate how she captured the essence of the New Mexico landscape in her paintings.

Walking through the gallery, I’m struck by how she managed to distill the vast, open spaces of the West down to their purest forms. There’s a painting of a sun-bleached animal skull against a backdrop of rolling hills that takes me right back to long days spent out on the range. It’s a stark reminder of the cycle of life and death that governs everything out here.

I linger in front of a series of paintings depicting the Cerro Pedernal, a flat-topped mountain that O’Keeffe painted time and time again. It reminds me of how the landscapes we love become a part of us over time. Just as that mountain called to O’Keeffe, I’ve got my own special places in the backcountry that I return to year after year, always finding something new to appreciate.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: A Beacon of Faith

As the sun starts to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the plaza, I find myself standing before the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Its Romanesque Revival architecture stands in stark contrast to the adobe buildings surrounding it, yet it feels like an integral part of Santa Fe’s skyline.

I take a moment to capture a few shots of the cathedral’s facade, the late afternoon light bringing out the warm tones of the stone. The statue of St. Francis, surrounded by animals, catches my eye. It reminds me of the deep connection between faith and nature that I’ve observed throughout my life in the West.

Inside, the soaring ceilings and stained glass windows create an atmosphere of reverence. I’m not a religious man myself, but I can appreciate the peace and solemnity of this space. It’s not so different from the feeling I get standing atop a mountain peak, looking out over miles of untouched wilderness.

Reflections on the Day

As I make my way back towards the Santa Fe River walk, the sun is starting to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink that would make Georgia O’Keeffe herself reach for her paintbrush. I pause on the bridge over the river, watching as the fading light dances on the water’s surface.

This day has been a reminder of why I fell in love with the American West all those years ago. It’s a land of contrasts – rugged wilderness and refined art, ancient traditions and modern innovations, all existing side by side. Santa Fe Plaza embodies this spirit, a microcosm of everything that makes this part of the country so special.

As I head home, my camera full of new images and my heart full of memories, I’m already looking forward to my next adventure. Because out here in the West, every day brings something new to discover, whether you’re 18 or 80.

There’s a saying we used to have back on the ranch: “The land doesn’t care how old you are, it’s got stories to tell to anyone willing to listen.” Well, I’m still listening, and I reckon I’ve got a few more stories of my own to tell too. So here’s to many more walks around Santa Fe Plaza, and to all the beauty and history waiting to be captured through my lens.

As the first stars start to twinkle overhead, I can’t help but smile. Tomorrow’s another day in this beautiful corner of the world, and who knows what wonders it might bring? One thing’s for sure – I’ll be out there, camera in hand, ready to capture whatever comes my way.