As I continue to remember past trips of my writing career, Albuquerque, New Mexico always comes to mind. Most of New Mexico is beautiful and brings back good memories. Santa Fe. Los Alamos. But Albuquerque is special.

San Felip de Neri Church, Albuquerque 002 Albuquerque Museum 001

I made a trip several years ago and spent four or five days seeing the city and many of the attractions surrounding Albuquerque. As I wrote in a Camping Life Magazine article, "The city of Albuquerque, which is bisected by the Rio Grande River, lies within the northern and upper edges of the Chihuahuan Desert. That means low humidity and little rainfall. As a matter of fact, on average there are 310 days of sunshine, an annual rainfall amount of about nine inches, and an average relative humidity of only 44%. As a precaution for visitors, that low humidity and much sunshine means they need to stay well hydrated by drinking lots of water and by using sun protection. The effects of the sun are somewhat intensified because of the city's altitude. Albuquerque has one of the highest elevations of any major city in the United States. The elevation of the city ranges from 4,900 feet above sea level near the Rio Grande Valley to over 6,700 feet in the foothills of the Sandias." Thusly, I learned much about the climate and geography of Albuquerque.

Sandia Peak Albuquerque New Mexico 011

Of course, while there we were treated to the hot air balloon experience. Early one morning we met with several balloonists that were gracious enough to take anyone who wanted to up in one of the balloons. I did. And I did.

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloons 043 Albuquerque Hot Air Balloons 035

That was one of the most amazing things I have experienced. I had many times wished for this chance to go up in a hot air balloon. That fascination took me to several balloon festivals, but had never actually been in one.

Albuquerque Hot Air Balloons Touching the Rio Grande 052 Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon 065

During the trip to Albuquerque, I also visited the "Old Town," Sandia Peak, where I rode the tramway up the mountain, and the Petroglyph National Monument. Petroglyphs are ancient drawings on rocks somehow preserved from earlier civilizations.

Sandia Peak Tramway Albuquerque 004 Albuquerque New Mexico rocks Petroglyph National MonumentAlbuquerque New Mexico rocks Petroglyph National Monument

There were trips outside of Albuquerque to the El Camino Real Heritage Center and along the Jemez Mountain Trail. Both of these excursions were enlightening and interesting, but my main focus was the city of Albuquerque.

Flags of the El Camino Real Heritage Center 035 Jemez Pueblo Red Rock Trail 034

On my website are many more photographs of the city and its surrounding attractions. Any can be ordered from my site and it would be appreciated immensely. Here's the link: Albuquerque.

Read more of my travels here.

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