A volcanic detour

Having traveled to and through New Mexico numerous times over several decades, my husband Larry had often passed by a sign on US 87 touting Capulin Volcano. But he never stopped to check it out.

That’s where my curiosity comes in. I can’t pass up anything that is part of the National Park System. When I saw that Capulin Volcano is a National Monument, I knew we were about to take a detour.

Intriguing sign that piqued my interest

Actually it’s less than three miles from the main highway, a short drive on NM 325 (30 miles east of Raton on I-25). And well worth a visit.

Capulin Volcano is the result of an eruption 60,000 years ago. Glowing lava spewed high into the sky, solidified, and dropped back to Earth, accumulating around the vent or opening. The eruption produced volcanic rocks that formed Capulin into a cinder cone volcano.

 Early in the eruption, the first of four lava flows spread eastward from the cinder cone’s base. Later eruptions resulted in lava flows on the south, southwest, and west sides of the cone. Super-heated lava flows cooled while lava continued to flow underneath, resulting in interesting ridges that are perpendicular to the flow direction.

Capulin rises over 1,300 feet above the plains, 8,182 feet above sea level. As natural forces changed volcanic rock into soil, plants eventually took root. Prairie grasses, wildflowers, and pine trees began to proliferate. Since the volcano lies at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it straddles two very different habitats--the grassland of the plains and the forest of the mountains.

Lava flows extend on the plains
far beyond the cone.

In addition to getting information at the Visitor Center, you can actually walk on the volcano or venture into its crater. We walked the moderate one-mile loop called Crater Rim Trail. It was our first high altitude adventure on this trip, and we soon learned to go a little slower than our start. On the rim you have sweeping views of lava flows that extend far beyond the park boundary covering almost 16 square miles. If the day is really clear, you might be able to see New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma from the rim trail’s highest point.

The volcano is extinct, so you’re probably safe descending 105 feet to the bottom of the crater on the short Crater Vent Trail. Or take an easy, paved 10-minute nature walk from the Visitor Center for close-up views of prairie landscape and lava formations.

To see rugged lava exposed, venture further on an unpaved one-mile loop called the Lava Flow Trail. Or try Boca Trail, a more strenuous two-mile unpaved loop that navigates lava flows and lakes, lava tubes, and a spatter hill.

Extensive views from the rim of Capulin Volcano

We spent an enjoyable hour traversing this symmetrical cinder volcano and observed nature’s recovery from the fiery eruption over many thousands of years. During our late September visit we saw the beginnings of fall color on the slopes; during spring, wildflowers create a lovely mosaic among the cinders. Picnicking and birding are also popular activities.

Drive roads less taken in Arizona and New Mexico

If you’re the kind of traveler who avoids Interstate freeways in favor of back road adventures, here’s a book you’ll enjoy reading. Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips (Imbrifex Books) by Rick Quinn will guide you through these two states that are full of stunning scenery and interesting landmarks on the roads less traveled.

And there's no better way to scratch the travel itch these days than by taking a road trip in your own car. 

When researching this book for the Roadtrip America series, Quinn drove 11,000 miles and shot 7,000 photographs. The result is expert advice that will help make a road trip through this part of the American southwest a memorable journey, perhaps the best summer vacation for your family.

Memorable is easy, since the region is loaded with natural wonders (Grand Canyon National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands national Monument, Antelope Canyon, etc.), historical and cultural sites (Cliff Dwellings, Petroglyph National Monument, Aztec Ruins National Monument, etc.), and scenic landscapes (Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, Monument Valley, Salt Mission Trail Scenic Byway, etc.).

Although Arizona and New Mexico are full of amazing and notable destinations like these, Quinn's desire is to entice travelers to explore more.

Of course he knows that the fastest way to travel long distances by car in the U.S. is on Interstate highways, so each side trip that he describes begins at an exit off an Interstate and takes the traveler back to an Interstate at the end.

Quinn provides alternative scenic routes from Interstates 10, 17, 40, and 25.  Each of the 25 trips is driveable in a day, so there’s no reason to stick with a boring, quick, point-A-to-point-B drive through. Choose as many detours as time allows for fascinating additions to your road journey.

The book is easy to follow with color-coded pages for routes that are sorted by geographic region. In addition to beautiful color photos, he includes visitor information for parks, attractions, and unusual lodging and dining along the way. A driver who sticks to Interstate travel might never see or even know about many of these. So it becomes a trip of discovery perfect for solo travelers or families looking to get away after months of quarantine--but hoping to avoid crowded cities, beaches, or other popular tourist destination.

A stunning landscape of deserts, mountains, and canyons provides a backdrop for explorations as you travel at a slower pace on recommended two-lane highways. Keep a highlighter handy as you read the book to mark the spots you won’t want to miss. Then plan your road trip through these remarkable Southwestern states.

The book is available from Amazon and other sources.

Three adventures anyone can do

Willing to try something different?  These fun activities will provide thrilling adventures for anyone who loves a new challenge.

Kayaking on a glacial lake in Alaska

If you visit Skagway, Alaska, either on a cruise or on your own, a popular tour combines a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Scenic Railroad with kayaking on a glacier lake.

A most beautiful setting for kayaking in Alaska

You’ll learn history of gold rush days while on the train, and then arrive at pristine Lake Bernard at the edge of the historic town of Fraser in British Columbia, Canada.           

Guides give expert instruction before participants slide into stable, two-person kayaks, zip up the protective covering designed to keep them warm and dry, and paddle onto the glacier-carved lake.  It’s smooth gliding across the same cold, clear water that Klondikers paddled more than a century before. 

We got good at paddling in tandem.

Marvel at vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks surrounding the lake. Paddle over gentle waves to coves, and admire alpine plant life while breathing in crisp mountain air.

Riding in a hot air balloon over Steamboat Springs, Colorado


The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo is a summertime staple of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Visitors can go to the launch grounds early in the morning to watch as balloons inflate—perhaps even joining ground crews in preparing brightly colored balloons for flight. Then watch as gleaming balloons dot the Yampa Valley sky at sunrise.

The Yampa River is a gorgeous place to view hot air balloons
during the Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Rodeo.

After the spectacular professional competition has ended, plan a ride of your own. Several participating hot air balloon companies offer exciting rides over the Yampa Valley with views of the Yampa River and green mountains stretching for miles around. Your pilot might even thrill riders by dipping the basket into Bald Eagle Lake. It’s a special way to experience Steamboat Springs and add to your appreciation of the skilled balloon competitors.

Don't miss the spectacular Balloon Glow at night.

For a different look, attend the Balloon Glow in the evening. Spectators can walk among beautiful displays of tethered balloons that illuminate the evening sky with brilliant colors.

White water rafting in Taos, New Mexico

Prime time for exciting whitewater fun is from late April through early July.  The Taos Box Canyon is one of the premier Class III and IV whitewater runs of North American, if you’re up for the challenge. 

Entirely contained in the black lava walls of the Rio Grande Gorge (which range up to 1000 feet high), the Box begins with two miles of fairly gentle Class I drops—a warm-up before nine miles of more difficult rapids that require precise boat handling. 

Rafting through the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos, New Mexico

You and your mates will learn to paddle as a team, execute 15-foot drops, and flow with the current as you wrap-up the ride with six miles of Class IV drops—with names like Powerline, The Gut, and Pinball. Afterwards, celebrate success and trade splash stories during a provided gourmet lunch.

White water provides a thrilling ride in the Taos Box!

If that sounds like more excitement than you really want, calmer rafting and flat-water trips are also available that show off the natural beauty of the area to the less adventurous or families with young children. 

Photos by Beverly Burmeier and provided by free sites.

 

 

When several generations vacation together

Multi-generational travel—often to celebrate a special anniversary or family reunion-- is one of the fastest growing segments of the vacation industry. But if cruising on a mega-ship or visiting large theme parks with thousands of other people doesn’t meet your idea of quality togetherness, there are other options.

You can quickly replace technological connectivity with personal connectivity when family members bond over shared experiences—and everyone benefits. While travel companies have developed new offerings to appeal to multiple generations traveling together, you can also plan your own fun vacation around excursions such as these:

SPLASH AROUND

Cumberland Lake is the houseboating capital of the U.S.

 Love water activities—but hate sticky saltwater at the beach?  Rent a houseboat on Cumberland Lake in southeastern Kentucky.  Cruise on your private resort, and park in a secluded cove.  Large, luxurious houseboats can easily sleep 12, and several boats can be moored together to accommodate larger groups.

With a little instruction, driving a house boat is easy to learn.

Surprisingly simple to operate, rented boats come with hands-on learning time and two-way radios for help if you have questions.  With fully equipped kitchens, TVs, back-end slides, and gas grills, houseboats offer ready-made entertainment literally right outside the door.  Kids, parents, and grandparents enjoy whiling away the hours with swimming, fishing, and relaxing—then cooking up the day’s catch.

Advantages include only unpacking once (bedrooms have more storage than a typical cruise ship cabin), water and sunshine all day, and clear, star-lit skies at night.  Beautiful scenery is unspoiled by development, since land surrounding Cumberland Lake is owned by the U. S.  Corps of Engineers.  There is no better place to build or maintain family relationships than in your own aquatic paradise.

TREK THE WOODS

Llamas follow a lead without threatening
hikers and carry supplies.

If you love the outdoors but not water wings, try a llama trek. Learn how to lead a llama and how not to invades his personal space. One of the oldest domesticated animals on the planet, llamas are more docile and compliant than horses and make wonderful pack animals.  They are agile, social, and non-threatening for inexperienced trekkers, including children.

Llama treks in Carson National Forest near Red River and throughout northern New Mexico are a terrific multi-generational adventure, with half-day to multi-day excursions (including gourmet organic meals) designed according to weather conditions and needs of the hikers. Enjoy the sights and sounds and feel the peacefulness of the woods while gaining affinity for llamas, knowledge about ecology and the environment, and an appreciation for nature to apply later at home.

GO DUTCH

Holland, Michigan is a town for all seasons and all reasons, especially if windmills, wooden shoes, and Dutch treats are on the agenda.  An unmistakable Dutch influence permeates the town, and Main Street has a decidedly European flavor even though it’s near the shore of Lake Michigan.

Sure, there are windmills in Holland, MI.

Named an All American City, Holland makes a delightful weekend getaway or vacation destination.  Whether you’re looking for beaches and parks in summer, fun festivals and special events such as the weeklong Tulip Festival in spring, farmer’s markets overflowing with produce and flowers in fall, or cross-country skiing in the winter, Holland has it all.  Abundant biking and hiking trails, an active arts community, museums, and shopping in the revitalized downtown area (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) are some of the activities appealing to various family members. 

Take in unique Dutch attractions such as Windmill Island, where you can climb up the last authentic windmill to leave the Netherlands—a working structure built in 1625.  Visit the Dutch Village Theme Park, and listen to the beautifully carved street organ play melodies derived from authentic brown punched paper.  

Houses proudly reflect the Dutch influence in Holland, Michigan.

Watch wooden shoe carving or purchase a traditional blue and white souvenir at DeKlomp Wooden Shoe and Delft Factory.  Then head to Lake Michigan’s shoreline to see Big Red, Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse, and stop to savor bayside cuisine and a harbor view at nearby Piper Restaurant.

PARK IT HERE

Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides many family activities
and beautiful scenery 

Another destination full of family fun is Gatlinburg,Tennessee, a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Waterfalls are abundant, with some right on the highway’s edge for easy viewing and others a leisurely walk away. Summer programs and camps provide hands-on discovery activities for all ages.

Check out the aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN.

Scenic drives throughout the region, nearby white water rafting in summer and zip lining year round, old fashioned hay rides and harvest festivals in fall, and celebrations marking the extensive arts and crafts community throughout the year (especially around Christmas) mean there’s something for everyone. 

Gatlinburg is also known as the nation’s wedding capital after Las Vegas, so there’s another reason to bring the family together.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

5 reasons to visit Albuquerque in autumn

Autumn is a “magical” season in Albuquerque, New Mexico; it’s the time of year that locals look forward to and welcome visitors for a variety of special occasions. Here are five reasons why autumn in Albuquerque is amazing:

Balloon glow attracts visitors during the fiesta.

Albuquerque International BalloonFiesta. More than 500 hot air balloons dot the skies during this annual event. Early risers can witness the mass ascension events, eat world-famous breakfast burritos, and see the sun rise over the Sandia Mountains. In the evenings, balloons stay on the ground for “glow” events, allowing visitors to see these beauties up close. There will also be concerts, competitions and new special shapes, including an orca and a snail. This year’s event runs October 4-12.

Chile Roasting Season Snap, crackle and pop! It’s what you’ll hear when visiting dozens of locations throughout the city where chiles are roasting. Fall is chile harvest season, and visitors will see roasters set up everywhere, from the grocery store to farmers’ markets and restaurants Go to a local restaurant that incorporates them into dishes, from donuts to stuffed sopapillas.

You don't have to look far to find chiles in Albuquerque.

Fall colors from many angles  Albuquerque’s location in a river valley and its altitude – more than a mile high – mean that the city has many deciduous trees, from cottonwood to aspen. To see the trees up close, take a bike tour along the Rio Grande River on the city’s well-known Bosque Trail, a paddling tour on the river, or a breathtaking tram ride to the top of 10,000-foot-high Sandia Mountains. A drive on the Sandia Crest National Scenic Byway to the range’s highest point will provide spectacular fall color.

Perfect weather for a mountain hike

Spectacular weather. Most October days are clear and sunny, with highs in the 70s and lows around 50. Humidity is nearly nonexistent, meaning conditions are ideal for spending time outside. If you’re up early to take in a balloon ride or hike, dress in warm layers for the cool mornings; then peel them off as the sun comes up. Don’t miss the sunsets – some of the most stunning in the world, due to big skies, beautiful clouds, and a landscape featuring mountains that turn watermelon pink as the sun goes down.

Take the tram to the top if Sandia Mountain.

Special Events From pumpkin patches to corn mazes and ghost hunts, Albuquerque is a great city for fall traditions. There are several arts and cultural festivals, including events with a Native American focus and a Greek-inspired celebration. One of the most colorful events in fall is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which is used to honor deceased loved ones. Brightly decorated skulls can be seen everywhere including jewelry, art, and even as face painting!

www.ABQ.org/autumn
Information courtesy of Heather Briganti, Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Los Poblanos in Albuquerque opens new guest rooms in September

The original seven guest rooms and suites were built around the colorful courtyard in a classic New Mexican style with kiva fireplaces, carved ceiling beams, and hardwood floors. New guest suites are scheduled to open mid-September 2010, bringing the total number of rooms and suites to 20, which will allow Los Poblanos Innn to accommodate large family celebrations, retreats, business meetings, and guests attending special events at the Cultural Center.

The new suites have private patios (all the original rooms face the colorful courtyard with ample seating all around). Artisan foods made on-site, original artwork, and lovely views of the fields and gardens (not to mention the Sandia Mountains) are special features of these guest rooms. An outdoor salt water swimming pool will be heated by solar energy.

This expansion will allow more than 80 percent of the gardens and agricultural fields to be preserved in perpetuity. Full amenities and a tasty, healthful breakfast using products grown on the organic farms are provided for guests.

Los Poblanos encompasses sweeping formal gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Rose Greeley. A pond thick with lotus plants almost seems out of place in this desert climate, but delicate pink blossoms confirm its success.

Hundreds of lavender plants create an aromatic ambience and provide oils for soaps and other products used by the inn. These plants have inspired the annual June Lavender Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the country. Even with a variety of activities scheduled year round, many visitors are satisfied with luxuriating in the calm, relaxing ambience of Los Poblanos. What could be more serene than sipping wine in the evening overlooking the lovely courtyard?

Executive director Matthew Rembe’s guided tour of the property is really the best way to learn about all the history tucked inside its buildings. It also helps visitors like Larry and me understand and appreciate the many facets of this jewel.

After our stay, we knew what Rembe meant when he said, “People are just awed by what is here. It’s a New Mexico legacy that we want to leave to the city.”

http://www.lospoblanos.com/

Photos by Beverly Burmeier
Check out more travel articles at www.examiner.com/adventure-travel-in-austin/beverly-burmeier

Los Poblanos Inn in Albuquerque has many perfect reflections

Tranquility trails the long, tree-shaded driveway, reminiscent of an old Southern plantation even though it’s in the Southwest. By the time I reach the house, the city atmosphere has dropped out of my consciousness. Serenity settles around as softly as evening shadows.


Larry and I have arrived at Los Poblanos Inn, just a magical moment away from the sounds of Albuquerque, New Mexico, but a world away in attitude.

A courtyard bursting with red, pink, and white blooms, water cascading from the blue and yellow star-shaped fountain, peacocks strutting and cawing--all transport us to a different time and place. That’s precisely the point because the history of Los Poblanos is inextricably intertwined with the history of Albuquerque on many levels--politics, culture, architecture, and agriculture.

Built more than 70 years ago by Albert and Ruth Simms—both U. S. Congressional representatives and members of the Washington elite—the present-day inn was originally designed as their home and a place to accommodate guests. The couple hired John Gaw Meem, widely recognized as the “father of Santa Fe style” of architecture, to remodel the existing farmhouse and to create La Quinta Cultural Center, hub of the city’s political and cultural activities for many years--a work of art itself as well as a gallery for showcasing art forms.

Settled centuries ago, the river valley looking toward the Sandia Mountains became farmland during the 19th century. After the Simmses purchased the land in the 1930’s, they reassembled the ranch and began activities that assured its historical importance.

Ruth brought her herd of Holstein dairy cattle from Illinois and launched Creamland Diaries, still in operation today. Various crops were farmed, and today Los Poblanos operates two community-supported organic farms growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The Simmses established the Albuquerque Little Theater and other arts organizations and built Albuquerque’s first swimming pool. Academic institutions they started remain vibrant forces in the community.

“This place is good at helping people peel back the layers of Albuquerque,” says Matthew Rembe, executive director and son of Penny and Armin Rembe, who purchased the property in 1976. Rembe led us on a tour of the property, explaining that Los Poblanos was home to the Rembe family and a working farm before they decided in 1997 to return the land to its original intent. That meant keeping the property together with gardens and an environmentally responsible agricultural program plus providing an avenue for continued art and architecture study. A fellowship program at the University of New Mexico now allows graduate students to base their doctoral theses on different aspects of the property.

Check back for more about this incredible place.

Photos by Larry Burmeier
Read other travel articles on www.examiner.com/adventure-travel-in-austin-beverly-burmeier