I do!  With the help of my GPS system I made my way from Albuquerque to Santa Fe this morning. It was basically a straight shot up Route 25. Head for the mountains, aim for the sky.

I've always wanted to visit Santa Fe and my friend, Ronni, had moved there from the East Coast many years ago. Here was my golden opportunity to see Ronni and finally visit the almost-mystical town. Everyone who has seen it raves about it. Was it overkill? Would I shrug my shoulders and say, "So what?" In a little over an hour's drive, I was off the highway and going past malls that I could have seen anywhere else. Ronni had warned me about that so I didn't pay any attention to it. I allowed my little TomTom, better known to me as Tommy, to guide me to Ronni's house. She, her husband, and their Shih Tzu, Lewis (you just knew there had to be a dog, didn't you?) greeted me with warm smiles and, from Ronni, a big hug. Lewis provided the kisses. 

After a short visit and tour of the house, Ronni and I were off to see Santa Fe. She insisted she had a "surprise" for me.

There's nothing quite like seeing a place with a resident. She took me through trails that are really streets. The more casual and unkempt they looked, the more expensive the houses. For an East Coast denizen this was something of an oxymoron but when in Rome (or Santa Fe)....

The surprise? We ended up at the Santa Fe Opera. Unfortunately, it was closed so I couldn't go inside but the gift shop was open which was a delight and, yes, I bought a couple of goodies for myself and some for friends. 

Off we went for lunch at a wonderful little place in a nearby town, frequented by locals. Happily, dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining area and I immediately recognized one as a freestyle dog which is owner confirmed, although he's just starting out in the sport of dancing with dogs.

On we went to see historic Santa Fe. It was so crowded there was no place to park so I settled for taking photos from the car window. Not perfect, but better than nothing.

One of the absolute highlights of the day for me was when Ronni took me to Santa Fe's gem of an independent bookstore, Garcia Street Books. Oh, my! An author in a bookstore is rather like taking Jesse James to visit a bank. Just the smell of new books is enough to send me into spasms of delight. I was fortunate enough to meet Adam Ashcroft. I believe he's the manager. If he's not, he certainly should be!  He's knowledgeable, helpful and just the person you hope to find in an independent bookstore.

Back to Ronni's house for coffee, some playtime with Lewis, conversation with Ronni and her utterly charming husband, Richard, and soon I was back in the car for the drive back to Albuquerque.

The wide-ranging vistas, exquisite light, beautiful adobe houses and the plethora of art galleries and stunning architecture will long live in my mind.

It was well worth the drive in every possible way. And I'm so glad I've had the chance to finally visit Santa Fe. Yes, I know the way and I hope I'll be able to go that way again someday.