Hippies and High Points

We made a day trip yesterday to a ghost town reclaimed by hippies some 40 years ago, and is now a curious, artistic haven for hippies, bikers and gawkers (us). Madrid NM is once dead ex-coal mining town on a curvy section of NM HWY 14 south of Santa Fe.

The town has umpteen galleries, shops and dining spots plus one large biker bar. Madrid is famous for its art, but also for having the movie Wild Hogs filmed there. Maggie's Diner is there as in the film. We got a magic glitter dusting in the shape of a star on our cheeks at one art gallery, administered by a flower child of the 20th century. Lots of creativity and incense and unique art...

We drove on to Sandia Peak, the highest point around these parts. There still is a lot of snow up the north side of the peak. We hit the summit at over 10,600 feet, to experience a view that was fantastic. The temperature dropped about 15 degrees on the way up! The photo is a view looking south, and unfortunately, the photo of us shows how hazy it was that day. We are indebted to our friend Don Sarver, who did the driving as we enjoyed the view.