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Santa Fe - Day 1

I went to the Santa Fe Plaza yesterday and explored (link).  The Plaza is surrounded by shops of all kinds.  Some very high end and some very touristy.  All interesting and fun to explore.  The cool thing about the Plaza (as well as Old Town Albuquerque) is that every small alley opens up to a Piazza (link) that is also surrounded by shops and restaurants.  Very, very nice place to amble around and explore. 

The altitude in Santa Fe is 7,199 and it's really been getting to me.  Nothing bad, just hard to catch my breath.  While exploring the Plaza I was getting a little concerned about the shortness of breath, but then I checked my Fitbit and saw that I'd walked over 4 miles.  No wonder!

I stopped for lunch just off the Plaza at the San Francisco Street Bar and Grill.  Very nice place!  I had the most amazing tostatdas.  I've had awesome food in the Southwest.  Most of it not vegan - but oh well! 

After lunch I decided I needed a break from walking so I could catch my breath.  So I drove the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway to Ski Santa Fe (link).  And yes, I realize going up a mountain with the altitude already getting to me, was probably not the best idea!  But that drive was amazing!  There are lots of places to stop and hike and also buildings at the top (which I didn't explore). 

Side Note: Tackett's there is a State Park about half way up the mountain where you could camp if you come out next year!

I ended up at the Tumbleroot (link) for dinner because it's just 2 minutes from my Airbnb.  They brew all of their own beers and distill their own liquors.  I ordered a gin and tonic and was told that they also make their own tonic.  It was unlike any I've ever had, but very good.  The interesting thing about this place is that even though they sell food, they apparently always have food trucks on their property (last night there were 3 trucks).  It appeared common to have people order food at the food truck, come in to get a table and a drink and when their food was ready they bring it in to eat.  Oh, and they had an inside and outside play area for kids. Interesting place.

After that I was back to my Airbnb for some sleep!  Now I'm off to see what today brings.
My Host only has caramel macchiato coffee!  
But I found this coffee shop on the plaza and I was saved!!
 
Outside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (link) just off the Plaza

 
 Inside



 The Plaza

 The view on the drive up.

Another stop on the way up 

What I was looking at in the picture above.

The view

Aspens!

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