New Mexico Archaeological and Hiking Experience

GHOST RANCH
New Mexico Archaeological and Hiking Experience

May 14 – 25, 2010

Thank you for your interest in our excursion to Ghost Ranch in Santa Fe and Albiquiu, New Mexico. New Mexico offers some of the most spectacular landscapes that you will find in the world. Pictures cannot do justice to the mountains, canyons, and deserts. This is the land of Georgia O’Keefe. Colors of formations range from shades of pink and red to yellow and green. Wonderful photographic opportunities. Major activities are hiking, field trips to archeological sites, and visiting museums in Santa Fe

Highlights:

Bandelier National Monument – Learn more about the Anasazi, ancient ancestors to Pueblo Indians. Bandelier's Visitors Center has excellent exhibits and an interpretive film on the Anasazi who occupied the area from 1050 to 1550 A.D. A short hike from the Visitors Center are Pueblo ruins, underground kivas in the canyon floor and rooms carved out of soft volcanic rock high in the canyon walls. Bandelier also has several wonderful nature trails. Hundreds of ruins of Anasazi cliff houses and pueblo-style dwellings lay scattered across the Pajarito Plateau of northern New Mexico. Within Bandelier National Monument's 32,000 acres, 70 miles of trails provide access to these ancient ruins, including the cliff dwellings and Tyuonyi village of Frijoles Canyon.
http://www.nps.gov/band/
Trail descriptions http://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/short-trails.htm
History and Culture of Bandelier http://www.nps.gov/band/historyculture/index.htm and http://www.desertusa.com/ban/du_bandesc.html

Taos Pueblo – The foothills of the largest peaks in New Mexico are the pristine setting of the Taos Pueblo Village. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO http://www.nps.gov/history/worldheritage/taos.htm and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. http://www.taospueblo.com/index.php

Santa Fe - Located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at an elevation of 7000 feet, Santa Fe is traveler’s delight, offering a rich multicultural heritage evident in its world-renowned art, architecture, music and cuisine. It is home to hundreds of art galleries and many world-class museums.

Our home base for one week will be Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu. In this special place of red canyons, majestic mesas and amazing skies, Ghost Ranch has been host to a number of meetings, conferences, and special workshops for various groups from around the world. http://www.ghostranch.org/

Ghost Ranch History
The 21,000 acres that comprise Ghost Ranch were part of a land grant to Pedro Martin Serrano from the King of Spain in 1766. The grant was called Piedra Lumbre (shining rock). The name “Ghost Ranch,” or the local name “El Rancho de los Brujos” was derived from the many tales of ghosts and legends of hangings in the Ranch’s history. For the past fifty years the Protestant Church, the staff, the National Ghost Ranch Foundation have built the programs, facilities and grounds into a nationally known study and conference center. Ghost Ranch is also frequently used in movie productions.

Accommodations - For the convenience of airline connections, we will spend one night at the beginning of the trip at a Best Western Motel near the Airport in Albuquerque. We then move on to Ghost Ranch , Albiquiu for the next week followed by two nights at the Ghost Ranch facility in Santa Fe. We are back at our Best Western Motel near the Albuquerque Airport for our final night. There are a total of eleven lodging nights.

Best Western Inn Suites Hotel, Albuquerque Airport – Basic motel with free shuttle to and from airport. Outdoor swimming pool. Two beds per room. We are there the first and last nights of trip. Breakfast is included.

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu - Housing & Meals The rooms are basic, no frills, but clean and comfortable with magnificent views. The rooms we have reserved are double occupancy with private bath. We will be served three meals daily, served cafeteria style, with choice of indoor or outdoor dining and vegetarian or non-vegetarian menu. Guest computer room is available. This comfortable adobe style building is a small conference center with the feel of a European pension, a home away from home, where hospitality is paramount. It is a place you can escape the demands of a busy life, relax and enjoy time in a quiet, Southwestern setting. We will observe the honor system at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu. There are no locks on guest room doors, and no telephones, televisions, radios, or alarm clocks in guest rooms. Phones are available in various locations for guest use on the Ranch. Access for long distance calls is available with a phone card (bring your own or purchase one in the Trading Post). Cell phone use is hit and miss….mostly miss A telephone calling card is your best bet.

Library - An excellent library, containing over 16,000 volumes plus daily newspapers and current magazines, is open to guests 24 hours a day, year round.

Ranch Museums and Gift Shop The Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology and the Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology are located just west of the Lower Pavilion. The Museum Gift Shop offers pottery, jewelry and textiles by local artists, and other gift items. The Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center, located on U.S. Highway 84 just one mile north of the main Ghost Ranch entrance, has exhibits and a gift shop open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. March through October.

Health - Ghost Ranch (Abiquiu) is in a remote location at an altitude of 6500 feet. There is a limited first aid station here. Before you come, consider that the nearest clinic is 14 miles away in Abiquiu, and a hospital with ambulance service is over 35 miles away. Those with significant health problems should consult with their personal physicians as to the safety of being at this altitude in this remote location. Remember to bring your medication with a sufficient supply for your stay.

Ghost Ranch in Santa Fe, A Quiet, Comfortable Place to Stay
We spend two nights in Santa Fe. All Bed & Breakfast rooms have a full and a twin size bed and bathroom with sink, toilet and shower. Guest computer room and wireless service are available. Ghost Ranch Santa Fe is three walking blocks north of the downtown historic plaza close to museums, galleries and restaurants. Within walking distance of Ghost Ranch Santa Fe are the Museums of New Mexico - Palace of the Governors and the Museum of Fine Arts. Also within three blocks is the independent Institute of American Indian Arts Museum (IAIA). The International Folk Art, The Spanish Colonial Art, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the independent Wheelwright Museum are on the Camino Lejo hill, a short van ride from here. To view descriptions of cultural events, galleries, shops and restaurants visit http://www.santafe.com/ For a listing of NM Museums visit nmculture.org .

Weather & What to Bring - Since we will be at 6500 feet, spring temperatures can range from lows in the 30s at night to highs in the 70s at mid-day. Be prepared for rain and/or snow. Bring comfortable, casual clothes you can layer, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, rain gear, a flashlight, and sun block. There is no on-site ATM (Automated Teller Machine) available.

Transportation - The cost of your flight from your home city to Albuquerque is not included. Because we are flying from different cities and people have their favorite airlines, we will not all be arriving at the same time. To be sure that no one needs to hang around an airport waiting, our trips arrive in Albuquerque….anytime on Friday, May 14. You can take a free shuttle to our motel .

Regarding flights - You may prefer to use your frequent flyer mileage or some other plan for a free or discounted ticket. Cost of flight from Boston at this time (7/09) is $448. We have rented three mini vans for our transportation within Utah.

Leadership
Kathy Didier owns and manages Pembrook in Woodstock, NH. She is an Appalachian Mountain Club leader (hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and skiing). She leads an average of ten major trips each year. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

Nancy DiMeo is a Boston Chapter leader who has led weekend trips in the White Mountains for many years. . She has led AMC major trips to Patagonia, Chile, New Zealand, Iceland, and Italy . She has led private groups to Alaska, to the Copper Canyons of Mexico, to Mount Hood, Oregon, the Canadian Rockies, Washington State, Utah, as well as a rim to rim trip to the Grand Canyon. For many years, Nancy has led hut to hut trips in New Hampshires’s White Mountains. While completing her degree in occupational therapy she earned a minor in outdoor education. She also has a masters degree in Human Services Administration. She has completed Advanced SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training and CPR.

Robert DiMeo is a Boston Chapter Intro leader who in addition to weekend trips has led annual Hut to Hut trips in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Bob has led AMC trips to New Zealand, Iceland and Italy. In addition to this he co-led a private camping trips to Alaska, Mt. Hood , Canadian Rockies, Utah, and Washington. He has completed Advanced SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training and CPR. On a personal note Bob works as a licensed, independent clinical social worker and has a great deal of experience leading groups in this capacity.

Requirements: Each participant must fulfill these requirements:

· Have the proper physical strength and stamina to participate in daily activities, which include strenuous up and downhill hiking over moderate terrain. Regular physical conditioning is necessary to prepare for this trip. Strength training (nautilus, free weights, etc.) is helpful. Remember that, the better condition you are in, the more enjoyable the trip will be for you. You should be able to hike several days in a row at a pace of two miles per hour. Our goal is not to bag mountain peaks…but, to enjoy the scenery along the way.

· Adaptability: An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Our itinerary could change from day to day, planes can be delayed, and vans can break down. Everyone is expected to be able to “roll with the punches” as much as possible, be cooperative, abide by leader decision, and add to the total group experience while enjoying themselves.

· Understand Purpose of Trip: This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural wonders and history of New Mexico through hiking and sightseeing. Although each person comes with his or her own expectations, this is primarily a group trip and everyone is expected to be a cooperative member of it. Everyone is expected to participate in each day’s activities, barring of course, accident or illness.

· Although, enjoyment and appreciation of New Mexico is our purpose, our main objective will be a safe trip. Safety will always take priority in the leaders’ decision.

· This is a “Non-Smoking” trip.

· COST - $2100 if group size is less than 14. $1950 for group size of 14-15, $1850 for full group of 16 –

We expect that this trip will be full and cost will be $1850 per person.

This is a non-profit trip. If cost of trip is less than estimated, you will receive a refund.

Included in the price:
· All transportation by rental cars or vans within New Mexico
· Three guides/drivers – Bob, Nancy, Kathy
· Eleven breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners
· Accommodations (motels, lodge rooms)
· Taos Pueblo Entry Fee
· Museum Hill passes in Santa Fe
· Admission to Bandelier National Park
· Admission to Ojo Caliente Pools

Not included in price:.
· Airfare: about $450
· Transportation to and from home airport
· Personal charges such as wine, liquor, laundry
· Any pre-trip costs or anything else not in the above list of “Included in the Price”
· Dinner and lunch in Albuquerque on first and last days of trip. Dinners and lunches on the two days in Santa Fe. Dinner on the day we go to Taos.
· Tipping of local Guides

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Registration $800 deposit ($100 nonrefundable)
October 1, 2009 payment of $600
January 1, 2010 Balance is due

CANCELLATION POLICY
There is a $100 non-refundable fee charged if you cancel your reservation. Cancellation must be in writing. If we find a replacement for you, you will be refunded your payments minus $100. If we do not find a replacement, you will lose total of payments made to date.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE
It is advisable to have cancellation and baggage insurance

REGISTRATION – Complete attached application and return to Kathy Didier.
Kathy Didier, PO Box C, Woodstock, NH 03293. You can send the application via email kdidier@suchmail.com and mail the check.

http://pembrook.blogspot.com/

New Mexico Experience –

Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, Santa Fe, Bandelier, Taos and more

May 14 – 25, 2010
Itinerary

Day 1, Fri., May 14 – Fly from home cities to Albuquerque. Free shuttle to Best Western Airport Motel. If you arrive early, take shuttle bus into the city for sightseeing. Dinner on your own. http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=32066

Day 2, Sat., May 15 – Breakfast at Best Western Inn Suites. Leave by 9am. We will drive 75 miles north to Santa Fe (no stops) and then another 65 miles north west to Abiquiu. Stop at Bodie’s General Store in Abiquiu for lunch and last minute items. Arrive mid day at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu . Check in is at 2pm. Explore our home for the next week. Ghost Ranch is the size of Manhattan Island. (B, D)

Day 3, Sun., May 16 – Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu – Breakfast at Ranch. While at dining hall, pack a bag lunch to take with us. We will do this each day while inAbiquiu. Drive to the Monastery in the Desert and visit the Benedictine Monks. Have lunch on the banks of the Chama River. Afternoon hike to Chimney Rock on ranch property to see the spectacular scenery. (BLD)

Chimney Rock Hike: The trailhead for this most popular hike is located at the arroyo behind the Museums and past the Corral Block complex. Cross the arroyo and follow the trail up the ridge. From the top there is an excellent view of the Piedra Lumbre basin. This hike of 1 1/2 -- 2 hours has wonderful views as the trail climbs from 6,500 to 7,100 feet. (Round trip -- 3 miles) http://www.digitalabiquiu.com/pages/slideshows/chimneyrckss.html (see slide show on website). Chimney Rock Trail is the most popular Ghost Ranch hike. The panoramic view of the Abiquiu Reservoir, flat-topped Cerro Pedernal towering above the lake, the Jemez mountains to the left of Cerro Pederal, the Chama River Valley between the mountians and Ghost Ranch, and the mesa and canyon topography that surrounds the valley on all sides makes this a hike worth taking!

Day 4, Mon., May 17 - Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu – Hike with local guide to petroglyph area and discuss ancient Native American culture. More info as available. (BLD)

Day 5, Tues., May 18 - Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu – Bandelier National Monument. Before we begin our hike, explore the Bandelier Museum Exhibit. These displays inside the Visitor Center showcase Ancestral Pueblo pottery, tools and artifacts of daily life. The museum also features two life-size dioramas comparing Pueblo life in the past and today.Be sure to watch the 10-minute introductory film, "The Bandelier Story." This presentation will orient you to the environment, history and culture of this area now designated as a National Monument.

Hike: Upper and Lower Falls about five miles round trip. 700’ elevation gain.
OR
Frijoles Canyon – 7 miles one way hike with a car spot – 1500’ descent

For those who would like to learn more about the history of Bandelier, we will offer an easy trail. Main Loop Trail: The Frijoles Canyon cliff dwellings (talus houses) are within a short, easy walk of the Visitor Center along this 1.5-mile paved trail. It leads though the Tyuonyi pueblo ruins, which are within 400 yards of the Visitor Center. A guide book describing each of the stops along the trail is available.
We will have a more complete itinerary closer to arrival date. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Wed., May 19 - Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu – Hike and Hot Springs “Ojo Caliente Springs” http://ojocalientesprings.com/resort.php?action=viewcontent&content_id=3 .

Day 7, Thurs., May 20 - Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu – Day Trip to Taos Pueblo World Heritage Site. Dinner will not be included this day as it will be late when we arrive back at Ghost Ranch. We will eat dinner in Taos at Orlando’s New Mexico Cafe (cost not included). http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g47224-d388708-Reviews-Orlando_s_New_Mexican_Cafe-Taos_Taos_County_New_Mexico.html (B,L,)

Day 8, Fri., May 21 – Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu – Kitchen Mesa Hike in morning. Kitchen Mesa: (Entrada cliffs above the Dining Hall) The marked trail begins just past the chain across the road at Long House (see Box Canyon guide). The trail goes behind Kitchen Mesa before it ascends to the top. This more difficult hike includes a 15-foot chimney through a cleft in the cliff. The 3-4 hour trip climbs from 6,500 to 7,100 feet. (Round trip -- 5 miles) http://www.digitalabiquiu.com/pages/slideshows/kitchenmesass.html (slide show on website)
and /or Piedra Lumbre Hike: The trail begins approximately 600 yards beyond the Wetlands trail sign off the main road to the left. Follow the markers/stakes across the desert, through the bosque and over a suspension bridge crossing Canjilon Creek. The trail ends after the bridge, but one can continue to walk to the fence around the Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center (formerly the Ghost Ranch Living Museum). The Center is open to the public and houses cultural and historical exhibits of northern New Mexico. The entire round trip is level but hot in the summer and takes about 2 hours. (Round trip -- 3 miles) We will have a more complete itinerary closer to arrival date. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Sat., May 22 – Departure at 9am for Santa Fe.. Sixty five mile drive. Visit Four Outstanding Museums, Restaurants, etc. on Museum Hill http://www.museumhill.org/ Spend several hours in museums. Eat lunch. Mid-afternoon arrival at Ghost Ranch, Santa Fe – Settle in and start exploration with a walk around town. (B)

Day 10, Sun., May 23 – After breakfast we will drive to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Mounument - http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/kasha_katuwe_tent_rocks.html where we will hike.
Tent Rocks Canyon is a narrow slice through tuff ejected from small volcanoes at the edge of the massive Jemez Volcano. In places the walls of the canyon are 200 feet high, and yet a child’s arms can span the width wall to wall. http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/kasha_katuwe_tent_rocks.html . Return to Santa Fe in the afternoon to explore the museums and galleries. Group dinner tonight at the colorful Mariscos la Playa. Overnight at Ghost Ranch, Santa Fe. (B, D)

Day 11, Mon., May 24 – We will pack up the vans at check out time and further explore Santa Fe. This is a good time to walk the mile long Canyon Road stopping at Galleries and coffee shops along the way. Free time to see your favorite museum (if it is open on a Monday). Late afternoon drive back to Albuquerque at around 7pm. Check into the Best Westerm near airport.. (B)

Day 12, Tues., May 25 – Breakfast at Best Western Inn Suites, Albuquerque Airport. Free shuttles to airport. Flights to home cities. (B,)

A more detailed itinerary will be sent to participants with further description of each day’s activities.

Contact: Kathy Didier kdidier@suchmail.com http://pembrook.blogspot.com/