Just north of Santa Fe to the west of I-25 on the way to Española and Taos is a rock formation known as "Camel Rock", in the center of this photo. Carrie said that in times past people could actually climb all over the camel and even get their pictures taken sitting on its head; however, such "reckless" activity on this "state monument" is strictly prohibited these days. Camels are fun animals. I rode a camel whilst in the Peace Corps in Eritrea. And it is said that there are lots of wild camels roaming around West Texas, although I have never seen one myself. They were imported here from the Middle East during the late 1800s, supposedly, and now roam unfettered around the high plains.

Taos is nice but not nearly so exquisitely scenic as Santa Fe. These days Taos is just another expensive winter ski resort. In the top photo, right above the orange-colored trees, is the New Mexican-style Ogilvie's Restaurant & Bar, where Carrie and I (shown in center) had dinner the night before. It is a wonderfully warm, cozy and friendly place. Carrie had enchiladas with asiago cheese and Mexican-style beans, and I had grilled eggplant with a marinara sauce and parmigiano cheese. We shared a salad that included feta cheese and pine nuts (piñones). With red wine, it was an excellent and memorable meal! I highly recommend this restaurant.

The third photo above is a general view of the plaza, looking in the opposite direction from the restaurant.