Leaving Taos

Taos is a special place. Nestling against snow capped mountains, a wonderful light moves across it and a colorful palate is always changing. As we left Taos it’s history in the Arts followed us. Walking 10 miles north brought us to historic New Buffalo. This was a 60’s commune that still has some of its early residents, as well as others who have made it their home. It was a backdrop for a part of the ﬁlm Easy Rider. The community had invited us to lunch. When we walked up to the main building, there were a half dozen folks from community waiting with warm water bath trays for our feet and chairs arranged for us to sit and have our feet bathed and massaged. It was an overwhelmingly generous act and greatly appreciated. Afterwards there was a blessing for each marcher before we went outside for a picnic under the trees.

The age of many New Buffalo residents I would guess to be a decade older than myself (60). I have a tendency to see the 60s as a time warp that escaped change. I look back at the period as timeless in a way. There is a quality to those times that make me think of King Arthur and his lost Camelot. It was grounding to see so much happiness and successful living by those who kept the faith with their experiment.

Their hearts are with our journey. An elder spokesperson said, “Don’t expect to be heard in Washington by those people! Instead spread your message in the footsteps and listen to the people along the way. The change will come from them.”

We finished our day at a small mountainside farm with old cottages. The owners walked Ed and I around and mentioned that cabin #2 had housed Aldous Huxley as he wrote Island. The cabin next door was used by DH Lawrence and his wife from time to time. It is a beautiful piece of ground with inspiring views. It isn’t hard to imagine the inspiration found here. We have such great gifts in this country. But it takes foot time to grasp as many as I’ve been blessed to experience.