I’ve said before that one of my favorite things about my quest to see all the National Parks is visiting the ones I’d never heard of, and being delighted with my discoveries, over and over.
The sleepy town of Farmington, NM has both a “whiplash center” and a store called Uniform Kingdom. There’s some deeper significance there, though I’m not sure what it is. I’m picturing a glut of work-related injuries, but I didn’t stay long enough to do the necessary research.
Farmington is also next door to the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which was quite simply amazing. 900-year old ruins in all their well-preserved glory.
Of course, they’re not Aztec ruins at all, they’re Puebloan. Apparently some uninformed Spaniard gave them that name and it stuck, but no matter. They’re gorgeous, despite the misnomer. (Click on an image to see it larger in a slideshow.)
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- Looking out a doorway.
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- The grand kiva.
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- Another doorway. Kids would have a blast here, and they wouldn’t hit their head like I saw a man do. Ouch.
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- The windows were irresistible to me.
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- And I had good clouds that day. Always a bonus.
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- Beckoning
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- Gorgeous bricks.
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- Spotlight
P.S. If you’re a beer lover, don’t miss Three Rivers Brewery on the main drag in town, where I had an excellent IPA and roasted chicken dinner.
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Oh, I totally did a double take thinking you said you were in Farmington, MN rather than Farminton, NM. Now that would be have really odd to find “aztec” ruins in Minnesota. 😉
Beautiful photos, as usual!
Manisha recently posted…autumn sun
Manisha – Ha! Yes, that would be some serious migration going on. I’m glad you like the photos.
Each shot is interesting and beautifully framed. “Doorway” and “Beckoning” are emotionally evocative. Lovely photography.
Peter – Thanks for the votes and the kind words!
These are gorgeous and if I ever get back down to NM for work (or play) I’m coming back to all these posts to figure out my side trips! Your images are very lovely and do great justice to them.
Sherry in MT recently posted…Sun Seeker
Sherry – Thank you! I’m glad you’re inspired to get back to New Mexico – it really is a special place.
Fabulous photos, Deonne. This place has been on my “probably oughta go there one day” list. It just moved to the top of the list.
Emilie Vardaman recently posted…Los Basueros
Emilie – So glad you liked the photos, and that they caused you to bump Aztec Ruins up on your list. In another life I would have been a National Parks Ambassador, ha.