Every day, the New Mexico landscape shocks and thrills and astonished Maria and I. Today, we wandered across the Villes Caldera. 

About a million years ago, a series of spectacular volcanic eruptions created this vast plain of volcanic ash that is unlike anything I have ever seen.  We drove to the visitor’s center – far up in the mountains and stared at this amazing sight and watched some coyotes trek across the endless meadows.

If we waited longer, we could have seen some of the herds of elk that cross this basin. Maybe next time. I will never forget the awe I feel so often here. No wonder so many artists flock here to work and live.