This holiday season we did something completely different for Christmas... With such a busy year behind us, the idea of getting away to a quiet and beautiful destination was sounding more and more appealing. So, we decided to take a spontaneous road-trip down south to one of northern New Mexico's hot spots, Ojo Caliente.. or "hot eye." It's a rustic resort with several hot mineral pools and perfect for warming those bones on a chilly winter's day. There's something about that hot mineral water bubbling up from the earth that's both therapeutic and healing.... After 3 days of soaking and taking it easy for a change, I feel much more relaxed... I highly recommend spending the holidays in this way :) Here are a few pics from our journey and retreat.....

~ Johanna

* A breathtaking view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains (I believe...) overlooking Fort Garland, Colorado....

* As JP tipped his bottle of Berry Izze and took a sip, the sun captured the hue of the ruby red liquid and caught my eye!...

* We were blessed with blue skies both to and from our destination.....

* JP leans against the adobe style fort-like flats we stayed in for a few nights....

* I roast chocolate-filled marshmallows over an aromatic pinon log fire in the courtyard area....

* JP sits in the hottest nook of the iron pool, Ojo Caliente's oldest soaking pool on the premises...

* Me again at the fire with rustic adobe buildings surrounding the scene...

* Me showing off the latest winter hot spring fashions....

* The journey back home is just as beautiful with the distant mountains over Taos freshly blanketed in pristine snow....

* Stopped along the way, JP throws a snowball right at me! Luckily I ducked just in time!...

* And this time he chases after me on the open road.... The chocolates and coffee we enjoyed earlier were obviously kicking in!...