The first available parking meter in Santa Fe
was at the toy store! How very convenient.
After checking it out, we headed to The Plaza
for fajitas and tamales for lunch.
The Loretto Chapel was around the corner.
Two mysteries surround the spiral staircase in the Loretto Chapel: the identity of its builder and the physics of its construction.
When the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878, there was no way to access the choir loft twenty-two feet above. Carpenters were called in to address the problem, but they all concluded access to the loft would have to be via ladder as a staircase would interfere with the interior space of the small Chapel.
Legend says that to find a solution to the seating problem, the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. After searching for the man (an ad even ran in the local newspaper) and finding no trace of him, some concluded that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers.
The stairway's carpenter, whoever he was, built a magnificent structure. The design was innovative for the time and some of the design considerations still perplex experts today.
The staircase has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails—only wooden pegs. Questions also surround the number of stair risers relative to the height of the choir loft and about the types of wood and other materials used in the stairway's construction.
Over the years many have flocked to the Loretto Chapel to see the Miraculous Staircase. The staircase has been the subject of many articles, TV specials, and movies including "Unsolved Mysteries" and the television movie titled "The Staircase."
From the chapel to the candy store.
Then, to the oil and sea salt shop!
Back at the Plaza, a friendly dog was at the noon concert.
Our friendly grandkids struck up a conversation with him.
Enjoying the sun, grass and music.
It was such a nice day outside!
Fun in the sun done,
we headed to the Santa Fe Municipal Airport.
John had to fly home today.
Yes, this is it. Ticket Counter to tower,
it is all here.
Sam's Club was our first shopping stop.
Trader Joe's is always fun!
Until the kids formed a conga line...
Time to move on!
By this time, it was happy hour at Sonic,
So, we got the happy half price drinks!
In Espanola, we finished our shopping at Walmart.
It was a Bring the Kids free meal deal at Chili's,
so dinner was served there.
Our trip back to the cabin took us through some pretty mountains
and along the rushing Rio Grand River!
My cell phone needed a charge.
When I thought it was complete,
I said, "I'm sure that I have enough charge, now.
If someone else needs a charge, let's charge yours."
Crissy and Mickey replied that their phones were charged.
Charlotte said, "I want to be in charge!"
