Letters from Base Camp 11
13th June
2007
When a pair of bush-tits landed so close to me I could have given them my email address and invited them in for lunch, I realised moving into Joel's was a good idea. No sign of the road runner yet but I will settle for the humming bird and curve billed thrasher that sit atop next door's tree and sing for Albuquerque.
Jettie, Joel's mum, took me on a whirlwind tour of the North East Mountain area, stopping for sweet potato pie and ice cream before heading for a great place Jettie knew where traditional native American art, particularly jewellery, was for sale. There were some stunning pieces on display and the young women working there were proud to point out whose father or other family member had created them.
Outside the trading post, by the time we had taken the few steps to the car my eyes and nose were streaming. Jettie decided it must be allergies that were causing me to have such strong reactions.
We headed to the East Mountain area and to Jettie's lovely home high in the hills. In fact so high it took a few minutes to clear my ears and hear. What an amazing place to have a home, tucked in amongst the mountain slopes. I wouldn't have been at all surprised to see a coyote amble by.
On the way back to Joel's we stopped at Trader Joe's for a few provisions which included apple pie and ice cream for the BBQ planned that evening. Friends of Joel's joined us and so did the rain. It started and it didn't stop and in true Brit style Joel stood in the rain and cooked over the grill. It could have been any back garden in Britain.
Next day we met Lucas, Joel's ten year old son, who made us feel just as welcome as his dad. Together with Jettie we headed for The Red Lobster, a sea food restaurant. I will remember Lucas every time I see someone getting to grips with crab legs, he was an expert. Jettie treated us to a lovely meal and, as she left us that evening, I felt we had made a new friend who I hope we will meet up with again in the near future.
Today 13th June was the big day we had been waiting for. Pete was due to see his specialist. We headed off early afternoon planning to stop at the Botanical gardens on the way. Anyone visiting Albuquerque should put this thoughtfully planned attraction on their must see list, I wish we could have spent longer there but we were anxious to get to Pete's appointment.
By 6pm we had the verdict - Pete had the all clear; we had the green light to continue the journey.
And so, tomorrow we pack our bags and head west to Oakland.
Albuquerque - a place I never intended to visit but found myself in. A place I have grown fond of during my time here. And a place I will leave, feeling I have met the kindest of people in Joel and his family.
The blue-tit signing out |
