Last Thursday in Albuquerque, we took to the sky on the Sandia Peak Tramway. We went to 10,000 feet where we could see for 11,000 square miles. Since our house back in Manteo is at 14 feet above sea level, it was quite the change of pace!
(I took this photo of the second tram coming in the opposite direction.)
Before we boarded the tram, Steve had to do an inspection of the gears and the machinery to see how it all worked.
On the tram itself, we took a break from taking pictures of the stunning views to taking pictures of each other.
He also kissed me halfway up; he said he’d never kissed a woman at 5,000 feet before.
I thought this was an innovative, low-tech way to see some of the sights. Each of these metal tubes was precisely positioned to show a particular mountain peak.
We enjoyed a beautiful blue sky and temps 30 degrees cooler than the city below.
There was a restaurant at the top of the mountain where we had lunch. Here is my handsome dining partner.
We had a bit of excitement when I was taking a picture of this view and Steve, who was walking behind me, slid on a rock and started falling toward me. I’m not quite strong enough to keep myself and a full grown man from falling forward but thankfully, he got his footing back before we disappeared over the mountain side.
Because disappearing over mountain sides is not a good way to spend one’s vacation.
![DSC_2689_thumb[3]](https://smithellaneous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DSC_2689_thumb3.jpg "DSC_2689_thumb[3]")
We finally headed back down the mountain, where Steve struck up a conversation with the tram operator about all the technical aspects of the workings of the tram. Fascinating stuff.
It was such an amazing experience, one of the most memorable things we’ve done together. When the creativity of God and the creativity of man come together, it’s a perfect marriage.
Madison was dedicated yesterday.
She wore the dress that her great-grandma made; her mom and her aunts have all been dedicated in it.
Before the dedication ceremony, Meagan dressed Madison in this lovely number which I bought for her at a thrift store for a dollar. I’ve got to introduce that gal to bargain hunting early on her in her life so that she’s ready to go thrift shopping with me as soon as she can toddle.
![IMAG0826_thumb[2]](https://smithellaneous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMAG0826_thumb2.jpg "IMAG0826_thumb[2]")
I’ll close with a sneak preview of Steve’s reunion . . .
and also a photo of the little house we are staying in right now in Santa Fe. It has a bedroom, kitchen, living room and private patio, all for $129 a night! We scrimped on our last two nights and stayed at a hotel for $43–it’s nice to make the move to exquisite, old world loveliness.
I have been on the Sandia Tram before! It is gorgeous there!
Anonymous,
Isn’t it absolutely amazing??
My sweet girl (about to turn 15) was born in Albuquerque while my husband and I were both stationed at Kirtland AFB. Love those beautiful Sandia mountains!!
Kathleen,
We drove by the sign for Kirtland AFB and commented on it. How fun to hear from someone who worked there! And I agree, those Sandia mountains are amazing.
OK…well, I am a dork! I just read your answer to Catherine and realized you already answered my question about the lodging! Never mind, (as Gilda Radner used to say!) I will keep Airbnb in mind!
Jojy,
You’re not a dork!! And yes, Steve and I were amazed at the lodging we got through Airbnb.
Although the listing for our particular house (Adobe Casita) says it’s $169, that seems to be the price we got it for $129.If you opted to stay at that particular place in Santa Fe (which we highly recommend) you could ask for that same price. Santa Fe was such a wonderful place for a visit; we loved it!
WOW, Becky!! How did you possibly get those lodging prices in Santa Fe??? I’ve been dying to take a trip there for years, but figured I couldn’t afford it in that area!!
Loved the photos! It is beautiful there!! I wouldn’t get quite so close to the edge though….call me a chicken! 🙂 Madison is adorable in her one dollar dress and I love her little smile while she is sleeping. It just doesn’t get any more precious than that.
LeeAnne,
I agree–I was definitely not going any closer to that edge!
I loved Madison’s smile, too. So very, very sweet.
definitely No tram ride for me… but, unlike Fred, I was able to look at the photos.
loved all the pictures,but especially your adorable granddaughter!
Mrs. Pam,
The tram ride definitely could be a little off putting for those who don’t like to be floating thousands of feet over the landscape below. But it was great fun! And yes, that granddaughter is truly adorable.
You kids look fabulous at the reunion, Madison looks angelic in her one dollar dress, and regarding the photos of the tram ride… I have Meniere’s disease and suffer from bouts of vertigo; accordingly, I DIDN’T LOOK! 😉
Fred,
I love it when you call us “you kids.” Makes me feel young! And I’m glad you didn’t look at the tram photos!
I’m glad to see you are having such a wonderful time. You are so lovely and festive in your reunion outfit. Enjoy the old and new memories.
Karen,
Thanks for the nice compliment! It’s been great enjoying the old and new memories.
So glad you and Steve did not take a header off the mountain! Any trouble with altitude sickness? How come Steve’s picture of you taken with his camera phone came out better than your picture of him taken with your fancy-shmancy camera?? Inquiring minds want to know, cause I think I might need to get what he has 🙂
I was wandering around my local thrift store today looking for baby girl clothes for my granddaughter-to-be, there are some great deals! Do you just randomly pick up outfits for the grandchildren and send them down or do you wait for an occasion and give them as gifts? Not sure quite what to do on that matter….
PS I love your skirt for the reunion! And Steve, what? No flowered button down shirt for the occasion? 🙂
Lesley,
That was an excellent camera question; I was fiddling with my settings the whole way up and back on that tram and never did quite get them right. And yes, iPhones take some pretty good pictures. I’ve been using mine a lot on this trip.
As for baby outfits; I don’t buy a whole lot of them but I do keep my eyes open for things that are especially wonderful–like that dress! You’ll find your grandma groove when the time comes, believe me! 🙂
And no problems with altitude sickness–just have to slow down my walking occasionally to catch my breath.
Great pictures and the one of baby in her flowery outfit – looks like she’s smiling in her sleep. Never get tired of seeing mountain pictures. So glad you were able to get away to the reunion. You never know when or if Steve and you will be able to see his old classmates again.
Sharyn,
Yes, it does look like a little smile. I told Steve it looks like she’s saying, “Aw shucks. I KNOW I’m cute!”
Beautiful pictures. I leave Wednesday morning for Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver and Portland so hope to have a lot of pictures myself. Your dress is very pretty even if you did buy it at Dillards! And Madison’s dress is equally pretty!.
Phyllis,
I hear that part of the country is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy!
Becky, the reunion outfit is beautiful!! So is Madison’s dress. Enjoyed the pictures and your new profile pic. Have fun!!
Ann,
Dresses are a lot of fun, aren’t they? Both babies and grown up ladies like to get new ones. 🙂
Hey Deb, just for the record, your sister, in a moment of weakness, bought the dress at Dillards in Clovis, NM; albeit on sale. The rest of the outfit came from thrift stores. Trust me when I say she was the belle of the ball!
My true love was major arm candy! I had great fun showing her off!
Hey Steve! Bingo! Beck is always amazing with her ability to put outfits together from things she finds new or thrift. You two looked fabulous! And yes, I agree, your Belle made some good-lookin’ arm candy. 🙂
Steve,
Thank you, kind sir. And believe me when I say it will be at least ten years before I buy another dress at a “new” store!
love your outfit for the reunion. Steve’s email is so funny to his mom and dad. so glad that you all are having a grand time
Becky,
Thanks for the compliment; I enjoyed wearing my new duds! And yes, I’m sure Steve’s parents got a kick out of Steve’s comment.
Really!! Going off the edge?? Not good! Glad your safe!! Y’all look great for the reunion! Nice room. How do you do that? Get such great deals!? I need a lesson!! Lol!! Safe travels!!
Catherine,
We got the room for Airbnb. It’s a site where you can rent a room or a whole condo or house, all from private individuals. It is truly not much more than a hotel room . . . unless of course you go really fancy. We had never used it before but we are SOLD!
Cool! Will have to try it! Thanks for the info !!
The photo of Madison in the dress you sent her absolutely took my breath away! She’s the most beautiful baby, and the dress is too… too… too…. er…. too everything wonderful!
Speaking of taking one’s breath away, how was your breathing at 10,000 feet? When I’m that high (think Mt. Hood), I have to walk very, very slowly.
Love your outfit for the reunion. (And Steve looked just fine too, of course.)
Jan,
Your comments always make me smile. I agree that Madison’s photo was definitely too . . . everything!
Actually my breathing wasn’t as bad as I feared it might be. Occasionally I have to pause for a moment and catch my breath but as a rule, I haven’t noticed a big difference. Thankful!
Hi mom and dad.
Wish you were here. Send money.
Love, Steve
Steve,
Ha.
So, so glad you two got to take this trip. The scenery is gorgeous! And stay away for the edge of precipices, for goodness sake! I’ve gotten used to having you around! 🙂
I LOVE your outfit in the reunion picture–simply smashing! (Steve looked handsome too.)
Love, Deb
Deb, see my comment above.
Deb,
Thanks for always being such an affirming sister. And yes, we will try to stay away from precipices in the near and distant future.