Finally made it out to Chaco Canyon which is an ancient trade and cultural center for the Navajo indians.  Just getting here was a quest as there was about 20 miles of unpaved road which made me glad I bought the Forester as the old Corolla would have cried over the bumps and bruises... although I do have to say I took a couple of those bumps way too fast. 

Anyways once there I had a whole afternoon to peruse the area, including going up the Pueblo Alto trail to the Pueblo Bonita overlook.  The climb up the trail up the cliff wasn't too bad..... if I wasn't carrying all my camera gear and a tripod.  It got pretty iffy there clambering over rocks and trying to maintain by balance!  But it was worth the site.  Ended the evening with the night event which had telescopes brought in, but I spent it with my camera taking pictures of the Milky Way!  (note to self, f5, focus infinity, 30 seconds, ISO 1600)

The old San Jose Church in Las Trampas, NM which was built in the Spanish colonial period.

The final balloon glow in the company of Shadi, Nader, Alisa, Joe, and Ethan! The final time I am probably going to be at the balloon fiesta too!

I think also some of my best fireworks shots are in here too (note to self, ISO 200, f8, bulb).  Also note to self.. don't eat the funnel cake at Balloon Fiesta.

Also another note to self, Shadi is ALWAYS right on how to get places fastest... mmm hmm...