An Inspired Cook

Week No. 3 . . . The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an 83-mile loop through the mountains, valleys, mesa’s and national forestland of Northern New Mexico.  The loop goes from Taos to Questa to Red River to Eagle Nest to Angel Fire and back around to Taos. This picture was taken along the Rio Grande River between Espanola and Taos.  Taos had by far the best fall colors with the Cottonwood trees ablaze with golden leaves.  Most of these pictures were taken as we were driving but we did stop occasionally to capture some panoramic photos.  Along the way the scenery changes from the Taos colors to the valleys of Angel Fire.  The lake at Eagle Nest is so picturesque with the sparkling blue water with the hilltop landscape in the background.  Red River is a tourist haven nestled in the mountains with pine trees, rivers and ponds.  It’s always cooler up in the northern part of the state and a great getaway to cool off in the summer month’s or enjoy skiing in the winter.  Taos is one of my favorite places on earth.  It’s the most charming little town with unique local artists displaying their works in and around town. Whenever you visit New Mexico this might be the perfect place to start.

New Mexico has some of the oldest churches in the country.  This rock church caught my eye as we drove by.

South of Taos is the Rio Grande Gorge that you can see for miles and miles.

This is west of Angel Fire.  We stopped to take a panoramic of the area.  There is a turnoff to go to Angel Fire but we continued on to Eagles Nest.

The lake at Eagles Nest

We stopped at a picnic sight just west of Red River to have our lunch.

What a beautiful spot!

Sharing our picnic lunch with the blue jays.

Some scenic views on the way home.