Quick Trip to Taos, March 6

Taos is about 1 1/2 hour drive on NM 64, a beautiful drive near Panasco Amarillo.  We climbed nearly to 10,000 feet and descended down towards the Rio Grande Gorge.

On the way to Taos and before crossing the Rio Grande Gorge, we came upon some Earthship homes.  Earthship homes are built from earth, and recycled materials such as steel built tires, aluminum cans and bottles.  Water is cached from rain water and is used 4 times and solar power is used so these homes are totally off the grid.  They are pretty interesting and you can buy plans to build one.  I googled Earthship and found a lot of intriguing information. Tours are offered, but we decided not to participate this time.

This is the back side of one of the "Earthship" homes.  Doesn't look like much form this side.

 But this is the south facing side.  There is a green house behind the solar panels, where food is grown and water is filtered and recycled.

 This is an elaborate work in progress.  Note the tires used for a foundation, which provides very thick walls for insulation.

 This is the other side.

 Earthship visitor center.

 Earthship homes dot the high desert east of Taos.

Next we crossed the Rio Grande Gorge before heading on to Taos.

  We spent the rest of the day in Taos wandering around a few of the shops and lunch. We then headed back to Tierra Amarilla through the railroad town of Antonito.  There is a narrow gage train that runs from Chama to Antonito that is suppose to be a great experience, especially during the fall.  Next time. I can't wait to return to this area during the fall to see the fall colors.