[Mike McCarty]

Just a few words about my trip to Taos, NM.

I did not win any medals of distinction in the final judgement. There were 25 finalists selected from 125 entries from NM and the four surrounding states.

From the 25, one best of show was selected and four certificates of excellence.

The Milicent Rogers Museum is a very nice facility and the event was well attended during the two and one half hours that I was there. I have no complaints.

Taos is an artists dream. A rather smallish town in a valley within shouting distance of snow capped mountains in the northeast part of New Mexico. I would guess the town to be ten thousand feet asl. The tallest point in NM is one of the surrounding peaks at 13,150+-.

Every block in this town has at least three galleries. As we drove the nearby roads it was common to see artists working at their easels on the side of the road. Very inspiring.

The Rio Grande gorge is within a few miles to the west. Victoria and I took a three hour white water rafting trip down the Rio Grande, brrrr.

We stayed in a beautiful adobe B&B that was built in 1800 and thankfully recently remodeled. And except for some sort of accounting error at the local casino, the trip was about 8 and 3/4 on my 10 scale. Ten being reserved for my final ascent (wishful thinking perhaps).

I told Victoria, the model for the portrait which was in the event, that if she didn't go and stand alongside the portrait during the judging that I wouldn't have a chance. Was I wrong to say that? Well she didn't believe me but went along anyway.

Here are a few pic's to add to our travel portfolio.