Went to the 26th Annual Gathering of Nations Powwow at UNM!

http://www.gatheringofnations.com

There were over 3,000 dancers from all over Canada and the US representing more than 500 tribes and participating in both exhibitions and competition dancing.  In addition there was a compeition drum and singing which was simultaneous with the competition dancing. 

The dress and the sounds were awesome to see and hear and it was well worth the trip out there.  Even on a Friday it was packed with both dancers and audience and I was glad to get the images I did.  Hope you enjoy! 

Images from Mezzelli's 3rd Annual Spring Recital! 

Attending:

• Mezzelli's Midnight Mirage (http://www.mezzelli.com)
• Egyptian Breeze (http://www.egyptianbreeze.com/)
• Jann's Beginner's Class
• Sophia and the Shimmy Kittens (http://www.shimmycats.com)

If you would like any images, please email me at aklouie@hotmail.com

A trip out to El Malpais National Monument and a special location sited near the Bandera Crater.  By Bandera is a small cave depressed into the earth made by the lava flows.  The porous lava flow acts as an insulator and allows the cave to never get above 31 degrees, hence preserving the ice throughout the entire year.  The deepest ice dates back 3,400 years and is up to 20 feet thick.

http://www.icecaves.com/

Leslie and I visited New Mexico's Bandelier National Monument, home of ancient Pueblo people.  We visited the ruins along the cliff face and climbed up to the ceremonial cave, the location of my Eglin award winning ladder picture!