Sunday, July 22, 2012

Bear With Me

We just got back from an impromptu trip to New Mexico.
It has been two years since Bill has gotten out of town for vacation. 
Staying home just isn't the same and doesn't provide the escape that a trip does.

We love New Mexico. 
We made a few stops but our ultimate destination was the Village of Ruidoso.
Bill has been there before and loved it.


The village sits in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca Mountain Range. 
The Lincoln National Forest is beautiful.
Did I mention that the high temperature was only 80 degrees? 
Heaven! 

The symbol for the village is the bear.
 Supposedly Smokey the Bear originated in this area.
There are carved bears everywhere.



As we drove around town I knew that we had to get one of these darling carvings.

  
The artists that create them are amazing. Each has it's own personality.


The cabin where we stayed was decorated with a bear motif.


                    

I am wild about this shelf.


The view from my napping couch.


The sunlight dappled through the pines,

  
and the oaks.


I decided to pry myself from this amazing front porch.


I took a walk to try out my new camera.




After I took this picture of this charming well, I noticed a visitor lumbering through the yard.





I am so glad I took the time to read the pamphlet about what to do should I encounter a bear. I kid you not, every instinct said to run and scream. 
Instead, I backed away with my heart beating out of my chest. 
                                      
I wasn't too worried about him. I was worried about seeing his mama, however.

It seemed totally fitting that we bring home a carved bear.


I even found a Christmas ornament to mark the occasion and the trip.


How perfect is this?

 Sadly, The Little Bear Fire of a few weeks ago burned 26,000 acres.
I am sure that is why I encountered the bear. Many were driven south because of the fire.



We had such a relaxing time.
I love the scent of the pine trees.


What do you think of the new camera?
Can you tell a difference?
I will have to tell you how it came to be in another post.
Katie

Linking with,










14 comments :

  1. Hi there. What a delightful post! My parents loved Ruidoso. I had the chance to visit NM a couple years ago when I flew out with my Mom and Grandma to take Nana to visit her sister in Albuquerque. We dropped Nana off, then Mom and I went to Santa Fe and Taos. We had a most fabulous time. We stayed at the famous La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, and took a fun cooking class one day. We went to visit the reservations in Taos. Had a wonderful visit. Wish I had gone to see Ruidoso. It reminds me of our beloved Big Bear Mountains, where we spend a lot of time, only one hour away from where we live!!!
    Hugs,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love Santa Fe. The shopping in Taos was amazing too. I would love to stay at the La Fonda, but never have. Did you go to the Loretto Chapel. One of my favorite stops whenever I am in Santa Fe.
      Thanks for stopping in.
      Katie

      Delete
  2. Oh my, such a pretty place and the weather sounds amazing. I would love some cooler temps. The little bear would have really scared me. So glad you knew what to do. Your new little carving is fun. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marty. It was fabulous to get a break from 100 degree temps.
      Katie

      Delete
  3. Great photos!!! What a beautiful trip! YIKES a bear.I am glad you knew what to do too!They sure are cute.But I would not want to meet one up close.
    xx
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It scared me. If I hadn't just read the instructions I would have run.
      Thanks for taking the time to comment, Anne.

      Delete
  4. You absolutely needed to bring a bear home with you after your experience! Great pics1 ~ Maureen

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the bears! We just returned from a cruise to Alaska and were blessed to see a momma bear with her THREE cubs. Fortunately for us, it was from the comfort from our vehicle. Great idea to share photo's on your blog, I will have to do that as well some time! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm going to Alaska next summer! I can't wait to see more wildlife. But also from inside next time. :)

      Delete
  6. I really enjoyed your post, I kind of felt like I was on a weekend break with you. I visited NM about five years and really loved it. As soon as I came back I told hubs I wanted to move there. He wouldn't budge, gosh what fun is he? Your photos are very pretty, and I would of stood still when I ran in to the bear, but I surely would of crapped my pants! Loving the carved Bear you brought home! Happy you enjoyed your trip! So glad you shared your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are too funny, Cathy. I think I told my husband something to that effect when I returned to the cabin.

      Delete
  7. Thanks for sharing the great photos of your trip to New Mexico...they are great! Congrats on getting a new camera...I got one about a year ago and it has made a huge difference in my photos. I visited my son in Colorado last week and it is amazing the difference in temperature the mountains make. I saw your post over at Metamorphosis Monday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you had a great trip to Colorado. It is great to get a small break from the heat.

      Delete