Thursday 29th Sept, 2022: Taos and the Enchanted Circle

Thursday was moving day for the Oil Drippers. After 4 nights at the Inn of the Governors in Santa Fe, we were to move on to Espanola, about 30 minutes north. It was also to be the longest driving day of the tour, as we planned to take the "High Road" to Taos, visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and complete the Enchanted Circle drive before heading south to Espanola.

Four of the six cars took the High Road to Taos, with a fifth joining us in Taos. The high road was a pleasant scenic drive, though certainly not as scary as we had been (mischievously?) led to believe.


Great views from the high point of the High Road



We enjoyed the company of a Monarch? Butterfly at the viewing point

Having completed the drive into Taos, Rick and Christine went off to explore the ski area to the north before later joining us at the gorge bridge. Meanwhile, we visited the 18th century church San Francisco de Asis before having lunch nearby.


Debbie, Lloyd and Michael at the entrance to the church grounds



The next stop on our tour was the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge just outside Taos. AT 650 feet above the river below, the bridge is the 2nd highest in the US Highway System. 


View of the river 650 feet below

It's a little unnerving the way the bridge shakes as traffic passes behind you!

The last part of the day's adventure was to complete the "Enchanted Circle" which loops around the high mountains with Taos at the southermost end. The highest point on the route was 9820ft above sea level. We passed through ski resort towns, and got to see many wonderful views of the forests on the mountains who's leaves had started to turn. The road was twisty in places and a great drive.


Our drive to the hotel "The Inn at the Delta" in Espanola was fraught with delays caused by road works but we eventually arrived. This is a great property, with large comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.


Five Es and an F in the parking lot



As Mary and Drew, and Christine and Rick are heading home on Friday, we met for a final dinner this evening in Espanola. We said good bye to our friends and hope to see them again in a future trip.

Everyone together for dinner in Espanola: Clockwise around the table from "6 O'Clock" Debbie, Jade, Christine, Mary, Drew, Michael, Lloyd, Rick, David, Geo


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