Dinner Gathering In Gallup

Above, the home of Martin Link in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned home from our now-resumed monthly dinner gathering at the Gallup, New Mexico home of historian Martin Link.

It was nice to get out socially again after months of "house arrest". 

The dinner was a seafood soup concoction (the name of it is boulia base). 

Things are still at a standstill in regard to any decisions on Fort Wingate as the governor is preventing department heads to meet discuss it.

Above, Martin Link's collection of Native American kachina dancers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speaking of the governor, people are up in arms over the desire of the state to take over the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial that is annually held at Red Rock Park. If the state takes it over, it will be a disaster. 

Tomorrow, I'll have the Jeep towed into Gallup to my mechanic's. For some reason (either due to fuel filters or the fuel pump), fuel isn't reaching the carburetor. It conked out today (at the community bulletin board) and I couldn't get it started again. Friend Nandoh came to the rescue and did some diagnostics on it.

At least I'll be putting my "Biden Bucks" to good use at the mechanic's.

Dinner Group Last Night

Above, the dining area before everyone arrived. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, we had our first dinner group dinner in months historian Martin Link's home. It was nice to see everyone after at least six or seven months.

Discussion on what's happening in the Gallup, New Mexico area was interesting.

Due to the pandemic, decisions on what to do with Fort Wingate have been put on hold. Much of the problem rests with the governor, who runs her staff like a dictator. But, an infusion of funds for the Fort Wingate project is about to arrive, and it is a sizable amount. I just hope it isn't wasted on any legal battles and that it goes instead in making Fort Wingate a historic site that people can visit and learn its history.

It was proposed that some portions of Fort Wingate be turned over to a couple of Indian tribes, but that idea is not flying as neither tribe wants to be next to each other. One wants use their portion of land to open their own casino, which would be "too close for comfort" for the existing Fire Rock Navajo Casino.

Martin celebrated his 86th birthday on Saturday and we celebrated that. The man keeps very busy and that's what keeps him in good health for his age.

Some photos:

Above, a Micky Mouse kachina? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a more traditional kachina. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, dessert time. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Martin (center) about to give his projects updates. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kachina Dolls

Above, a "Wolf" Kachina. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Kachina doll of the Hopi, which so many of us admire and collect, is the representation of a Hopi spirit or deity. Kachina dolls originally were, and still are, made to be given away as gifts to Hopi children so that they may learn the different Kachinas and the stories and religious significance attached to them.

The Hopis are not the only Native American Indians creating kachina dolls. The Navajo tribe assimilated this part of Hopi culture into their own. However, the solemnity with which the Hopis treat the spirits-as-dolls has faded in the Navajo tradition.

Above, to enlarge, click on image and then right click to open in a separate window.

Above, a "Morning Dancer" Kachina. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Made Someone's Day

Above, a photo Asya sent today.

For Christmas, I sent Asya a Navajo kachina doll, called "Morning Singer".

She is currently in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia.

The package arrived in several days ago, but their post office has been closed for the Orthodox Christmas holiday in Russia.

She was able to get the package today and is very pleased. She texted:

Hey Armand, wow wow wow, got it! 

It is so cool to receive this parcel. Like some magic!

Looks like I made her day! 

December's Monthly Dinner Group Gathering

Above, chatting after dinner. Martin Link is the gent in the blue shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last dinner party of 2018 at historian Martin Link's residence in Gallup, New Mexico was held tonight.

Above, the small dining room is where guests can get beverages. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A group of ten enjoyed a Mexican-themed dinner and great conversation on what's happening in and around Gallup and Fort Wingate. An interesting topic that came up was how the trading posts in the region have changed from real trading posts (where bartering and trading took place) to convenience stores today. There's very few real trading posts still around.

Above, the den/living room where we had dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Link's home is almost like a museum with Native American art and kachinas throughout the house for guests to admire.

Above, a couple of kachinas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was plenty of snow still on the ground and because the temperatures were around 25°, some of the snow turned into ice and it made walking outside a little tricky. Fortunately, nobody slipped an fell.

It was a good thing the dinner was held today as another blizzard is expected in the area tomorrow.

Above, an art print of familiar rocks in the area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The dinner parties are generally held on the last Sunday of each month.

When we left to head back home, the outside temperature in Gallup was 26°. When we reached Jamestown, it was 18° outside. Brrr!

More photos of Martin Link's collection:

Above, kachina Indian dancers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a nice sword. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, red and green chile peppers are a big part of New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a display over the fireplace. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Red Rock Park

Above, a view of Church Rock from the post office parking lot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since today was a nice warm day, I decided to take a little drive to Red Rock Park, that is situated a few miles east of Gallup, New Mexico and is in the community of Church Rock. The Church Rock U.S. Post Office is inside the park.

I took Interstate 40 east to Exit 33 and exited. From there, I took Historic Route 66 east about 3-4 miles to the Red Rock Park road. Along the way, I saw a sign that said "Army Depot". It is part of Fort Wingate. The road to the depot goes under I-40. I decided to make a stop there on the way home.

Red Rock Park

Above, the Red Rock Park entrance sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The drive to Red Rock Park is about a half mile from Route 66. At the entrance, there are signs stating that there are campgrounds, convention center, park office, trails, post office, amphitheater and post office.

Above, the Red Rock Park Main Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I first headed to the Main Campground. There were a few RVs in different campsites, which include hook-ups. The sites are mostly shady and it is surrounded by red rocks.

Above, the post office (left), stables and Church Rock (background). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Next to the Main Campground is a large parking lot for the Church Rock Hiking Trail. There are also stables at the trailhead. Next to the parking lot is the Church Rock Post Office.

Due north of the parking lot, is a nice view of Church Rock. I took some photos of it.

There are actually two campgrounds at Red Rock Park. The Main Campground and the West Campground.


Red Rock Park Office, Museum and Convention Center

After perusing the stables and post office I then headed over to where the convention center and park office, convention center and museum are located.

Above, the main entrance to the convention center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I arrived at the entrance to the convention center, a nice gentleman greeted me and told me about the museum. We walked to the office and museum. The museum is free, but they do have a donation box at the entrance.

Above, the hallway leading into the museum from the park office. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the office he gave me some literature about Red Rock Park, including the campground and maps. He mentioned that there will be a rodeo this weekend, starting Friday through Sunday. It looks like I'll be heading back to Red Rock Park for the rodeo. Admission is free and it is the state finals for high school and junior high school contestants. I've been to rodeos before and always had a good time, so I am looking forward to this one.

Above, a nice collection of Zuni kachina dolls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I left the office and wandered through the museum. If anyone is even remotely interested in Indian artifacts and history, this is one excellent museum! It is even better than what is in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. or on a par with other major museums of Native American history.

Above, there were several wood sculptures in the
museum. This one was my favorite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the summer season is only a month away (and it is Memorial Day weekend in a few days), there will be plenty of things to do in the Gallup area and in New Mexico in general. I am looking forward to it.

If one is coming through Gallup, New Mexico and has time to spare, I highly recommend a visit to the Red Rock Park Museum.


U.S. Army Depot

After leaving Red Rock Park, I headed east on Route 66. As I mentioned earlier, I decided to make a stop at the entrance to the Fort Wingate U.S. Army Depot.

Above, the Fort Wingate U.S. Army Deport gateway arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The gate to the depot is a few yards from the Interstate 40 (the interstate runs parallel to Route 66) overpass. I stopped and took some photos. As there was a vehicle parked at the gate (I presume it was a security person, I did not drive into the depot.

More Photos

Above, the Church Rock, New Mexico Post Office. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, horse stables near the Church Rock trailhead. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Red Rock Park Main Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a display of Indian rugs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Zuni kachina dolls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another display of Indian rugs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a wood sculpture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, decorations on the walls outside of the office and convention center.

Above, Church Rock from the trailhead. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, pottery display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some of the red rocks that surround the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"Thunder's" Home

Above, Indian Market, where I bought "Thunder". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I mentioned the other day, I took a little drive to Exit 47 off of Interstate 40. There, I browsed around some Indian gift shops.

One in particular had a nice selection of kachinas, all at 50% off the regular price. I picked one that had a regular price of $72.00. Kachinas generally have names and this one was named "Thunder" and is a Navajo design.

For more information, go here.

I found a place for it, where it would be protected by dust and the claws of Sierra. It is now on the top shelf of the china cabinet in the dining room. It adds some color to the room.

Here it is:

Above, the kachina, named "Thunder", on the top shelf. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Took A Drive

Earlier today, I decided to take a drive about eight miles east of home on I-40. There are several Indian stores worth perusing, although some people may consider them tourist traps.

The stores are located off Exit 47, where the Continental Divide bisects the United States.

The first one wasn't worth mentioning as they had very little in goods available. The other two had lots of stuff.

The are:

Above, Indian Market was the best of the two that I would recommend visiting. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Indian Village. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I rummaged around Indian Village and Indian Market. I found Indian Market's selections more interesting and, their prices were very enticing. They had kachinas at 50% off. So I bought one that normally sells for $72.00 at half off. It is now residing in the glass cabinet in the dining room to add a little color. It's name: Thunder.

Here it is:

Above, the kachina with its mask on. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the kachina with its mask off. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In-between the two stores is a Phillips 66 gas station. It reminded me of when they were in the Los Angeles market in the early 1960s (they took over Flying A gas stations), but later pulled out.

For some nostalgia, here it is:

Above, the Phillips 66 gas station between the Indian Village and Indian Market stores. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was an enjoyable little excursion.

Thank-You Gifts

When I moved to New Mexico from California, I expected that my Mustang would be picked up on or just before my last day in Tarzana on January 31. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

So, I had to arrange for a different shipper and had my trusted neighbors, Randy and Sandy, be the contacts for the automobile shipper. I left the car keys with them.

Since they were kind enough to help me out, I picked up some thank-you gifts at the Silver House Trading Co. in Gallup. I selected two Navajo kachinas since I'm in the Navajo Nation.

The below photo of the gifts was taken at the post office at the Flying J in Jamestown. I had to switch packaging for a lower shipping rate, so I took the opportunity to take this photo of the two kachinas.

Meanwhile, In Gallup...

Above, yours truly at the Silver House Trading Co. A few kachinas are in the background.

Today was partially spent heading into Gallup to do a few errands.

After picking up my mail at the Flying J, I headed off to Gallup. It was a nice, clear day that was just perfect for the drive.

My first stop was in downtown Gallup on old Route 66. I wandered into some stores there to pick up a thank-you gift for my former Tarzana neighbors who helped with the shipping of the Mustang to New Mexico. The shipper coordinated the pick up with them. It ended up being somewhat of a hassle as the day I was told the car shipper was going to pick it up didn't come through.

I rummaged around some Indian art and gift shops. Some were pricey, while others weren't. I ended up buying two Navajo kachina dolls at the Silver House Trading Co. They had a nice selection of Hopi and Navajo art and gifts, and at reasonable prices (which always impresses me).

They are located at 209 W. Highway 66, Gallup, NM 87301. Phone (505) 722-2335. I told them I would give them a little blurb on the blog.

The kachinas were packed good in a box (I told them this was a gift), so all I have to do is address it and take it to the post office at the Flying J.

Next on the agenda was Home Depot. I didn't find what I was after but I did notice that they have replacement 22.5" grills for Weber barbecues. It has been ages since I last used the big barbecue, so I will probably end up replacing the grill part once barbecue season starts in a month or so.

After Home Depot, I headed off to Safeway and picked up a few groceries and then headed home.

It was a nice pleasant excursion since the weather has warmed up into the 50s.

By the way, AOL started working again during my errands.