Tuesday, July 2, 2019

ALBUQUERQUE BIOPARK

By
Gypsy Rhapsody
(a 1977 Airstream with lots of love for anything New Mexico)

Just when Vannie and Dave thought
they had seen all Albuquerque had to offer,
the BioPark pops up on Google.

Well, OK...V and D said, "Let's do it.!"
They quickly found out the BioPark has a bunch of parts and/or parks.
There is the Botanical Garden,
the Aquarium,
the Zoo,
and
Tingley Beach.
(a beach in Albuqerque...yeah, right.)
 Dave could tell these folks from New Mexico
about a beach...as in Holly Beach in Louisiana...
Now, that's a beach, and don't let anybody tell you any different.
Ya, hear.!!!

So, with that said, they parked my big self at the 
Coronado State Park in Bernalillo. 
I love staying here with that beautiful New Mexico sky overhead
and the grand Sandia Mountains right next door.

 

Then they headed to their friend, Loretta's.  Loretta was 
busy helping a sick friend, so that's when Vannie and Dave started
looking for places to explore.  When they got to the BioPark, they
decided that the Botanical Garden  and the Aquarium were 
enough to start with.  Next time they are in town, they will
do the zoo and Tingley Beach.

Come on along, Folks, Let's see a little more of Albuquerque.

Which way is the wind blowing?
Vannie said these weather vanes were greeting all the tourists
at the entrance.  So pretty against that gorgeous sky.

First stop...Aquarium
Vannie said these kids reminded her of all those field trips
to the NOLA Aquarium.  The kids were always mesmerized...
just like these little boys.  Much better than sitting on the couch staring at the IPAD. 

God's Creatures...Magnificent  

Can you see these?
Almost like a seahorse...but not.
"Leafy Sea Dragon"

On to the Arboretum...
Vannie was looking stunning in her
red poppy shirt from Target in Austin, TX
and
her blue sky with clouds jacket from the London Airport.
Over one shoulder was her red leather purse from a Love's Truck Stop 
somewhere between Hillsboro, TX and Questa, NM.
Her gray baseball cap was from the Caribel Condo's in Red River, NM.
Her sunglasses came from Young Eyes in Youngsville, LA. 
Now, dat's sum fashionista.

Dave said this little jewel looks like a Louisiana iris.
But since he was at the Albuquerque Arboretum, 
it's probably just a relative.

Nothing prettier than a bearded iris

The Desert Conservatory shows off a variety of plants 
from the deserts of the southwest.

The Albuquerque Botanical Gardens are ranked 5th in the nation.
There are 36 acres of gardens, more than 1.5 miles of paths, Japanese garden, children's garden, and its connection to the BioPark's zoo and aquarium.


A Couple of Blooming Idiots...
Did I say that?  No, I didn't.  Not me.  Never.

The Peace Rose is forever and ever beautiful.

Heritage Farm Area
There are classes taught here in how to start your own home vineyard.
You are taught how to propagate grapes from hardwood cuttings of several different varieties.
Let me get this straight...Dave, are you learning how to start a vineyard?
Remember, we move around a lot...I just don't think this is going to work.
Read my lips...It ain't going to happen.


I know.  They make it look so easy.

Thank goodness, we are out of the vineyard.
Moving right along to the Sasebo Japanese Gardens...
Vannie wants us to notice the white flowering tree as you look through this gate.

This is the flowers..close up...
Kinda reminded Vannie of a dogwood tree.

This garden was built in honor of Sasebo, one of Albuquerque's sister cities.
The four-acre garden has a waterfall, koi pond, and a variety of Japanese and local plants.

Magnificent Koi Pond

Vannie said she was wishing she had brought along her painting supplies.

 Not Monet's Garden in Giverny, France, but sure felt like it.

So many beautiful water lilies...

Railroad Hill
Dave said this was one of his favorite spots.
This miniature train layout was fascinating.  

As V and D walked out of the gardens, 
they spotted this newly renovated 1930's motel just across the street.
It is located along the historical Route 66.

One of the rooms was recreated into a delightful little shop.
Vannie waves "Hello" through the window of a refurbished car door.

This coffee shop was literally screaming to come in 
and have a pastry and latte.
You think Dave was ready for a break.?  Yep, he was definitely ready.

That was some talented barista. 
Dave said she poured and pushed
and poured and pushed...and
then this happened.

Remember to...

Show Peace...
Love More...
and
Take time to smell the roses...

It's all worth it.