Turkey and Arsenic

New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico doesn’t seem like it’s that high up because it’s surrounded by a vast flat plain, but it sits at 7,000 ft.  It’s another 2,000 ft to reach the famed ski area above it. It was cold at night when we were there over Thanksgiving - down to 17F - but we were happily plugged in and very comfortable.  

Managed to still smoke the Turkey even if it was just the breast.

There’s a famous bridge over a gorge which we had to cross on our way to the post-Thanksgiving treat I’d lined up. Despite what the GPS was telling us there was no indication we were on the approach to this “second highest bridge on the US Highway system”.  All I could see was that vast plain.

See that dark stripe in the middle and the light bit in the center?

And then there it was.  650 feet above the Rio Grande which cut this narrow gorge over I don’t know how many years.  It was the original “Bridge to Nowhere” when it was built in 1965 because funding did not exist to continue the road on the other side.



Dan braved the bridge on foot while I stayed firmly and somewhat nervously planted on terra firma.




Then it was on to the treat - Ojo Caliente, one of the oldest hot springs spas in the country, for a chance to soak away the holiday excesses.  There are 4 different mineral pools, including lithia (to relieve depression and aid digestion), soda (digestive) and iron (blood and immune system), and we tried them all, but our favorite turned out to be the arsenic pool.  Yep.  We had a good long soak in arsenic.  It’s supposed to be good for arthritis, stomach ulcers and the skin.  And poisoning rats and other pests.  The Borgias found it very useful.  Napoleon Bonaparte was rumored to have been slowly poisoned with it, contributing to the gastric cancer that it’s believed caused his death.

That’s the Arsenic pool on the left.
























We’re still alive and kicking though, and ready for the next round.  


Comments

  1. The Language LadyDecember 6, 2021 at 7:02 AM

    Bravo, Pippa! 5 emoji claps for you and Dan braving the toxins and soaking up more adventures on the Road to Somewhere ... Tally ho!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trailer Trash MamaDecember 9, 2021 at 6:22 AM

      Thanks my friend! We’re slowly making our way towards the Grand Canyon - another bucket list destination for me.

      Delete
  2. Kathryn WadsworthDecember 6, 2021 at 8:35 AM

    I am loving your adventures! This latest one leaves me feeling home-sick for New Mexico, where I lived (in Santa Fe) for 30 years. Oh how Ojo Caliente has changed since my days there! Continue to have a fabulous adventure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trailer Trash MamaDecember 9, 2021 at 6:23 AM

      Oh wow! Didn’t know you’d lived in Santa Fe. I can see why you miss it. The food alone!

      Delete
  3. Jim BDecember 6, 2021 at 11:13 AM

    Beautiful and bright photos, especially the one of you. The Rio Grande Gorge must be a surprise to those previously unaware of it as they precipitously enter and then hover over a vast expanse of air. I like that the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs has a kaleidoscope of uniquely specialized pools that tempt and dare you to enter them. I heard of a couple of women who put bluing in their swimming pool that gave it a striking, deep color. They dove in. When they finally popped up after the refreshing plunge, they saw each other with skin, head-to-toe, like fine Easter eggs, an evenly applied deep blue. The spring's pools, on the other hand, are radically different chemical brews a-bubblin and a-grinnin. They dove in. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Carolyn PDecember 7, 2021 at 11:18 AM

    I have so been enjoying your posts and photos! Looks like you are having a marvelous time!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trailer Trash MamaDecember 9, 2021 at 6:24 AM

      We mostly are Carolyn. There are the times when this trailer feels VERY small though!

      Delete

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