Prologue

I'm in New Mexico!! Yet another state I can cross off my list, making it 31 states that I have formally visited (i.e. spent a chunk of time in, outside of airports). I haven't spent a whole lot of time exploring the Southwest (Cali does not count) so this is a new experience for me.

A lot of Santa Fe was as described: art-inspiring. The landscape, which could be dull and still be a perfectly normal desert, is breathtaking. The Painter brought out warm tones - russet and copper and wheat, with a dash of pale green shrubbery - to make this place unique. And then, somehow, there are mountains, and evergreens, and streams. From the desert straight to the forest.

We are nestled in the most picturesque valley, complete with steep walls and a gushing creek you can hear even when the doors and windows are shut. I spent a good chunk of time taking photographs from my balcony before meeting the workshop organizers and a fellow 'Boxer, Atlantean. The four of us went to a very nice dinner down the hill, and I am now exhausted beyond reason.

Traveling will tucker you out.

Traveling to 10,000 feet will completely wipe your system.

Tomorrow everyone else arrives (and will be given nicknames on the spot). Until then, good night!