April 27, 2010

Another beautiful, sunny 70's day spent in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We started early, walking, visited the oldest church in USA, San Miguel Mission on Old Santa Fe Trail. Built in 1610 when Santa Fe was founded. Native Americans occupied site as early as 1300AD. Also next door we saw the oldest house in USA, it was not open but we took pictures. Next we walked to Loretto Chapel, build 1870's and best known for "The Miraculous Staircase". (Seen on Unsolved Mysteries) The legend is about the mysterious carpenter who appeared after the sisters prayed a novena to St. Joseph. There was a flaw in the building of the chapel as they didn't connect the choir loft to the church and a conventional staircase could not be built, so the sisters prayed for a solution. A carpenter arrived and his only tools on his donkey were a saw, carpenter's square, hammer and tubs to soak wood. His "Miraculous Staircase" contains 33 steps in two full 360 degree turns with no center support nor is it held from its sides. When completed the carpenter disappeared without seeking payment. The sisters went to at least pay for the wood, only to find out that no wood was ordered.
We then walked all around "The Plaza" visiting shops and looking at the many wares the Native Americans were selling. We toured the History Museum and the Palace of Governors. Lots of history and lots of walking. We really needed more time to see everything. If I get to come back I would love to drive up to the mountains, Taos area and see the ski resorts. We lunched at Coyote Cafe and of course purchased some small items to remind us of Santa Fe.