Mark's Novel on Kindle

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Booksigning at Maria's in Durango, July 27th

Amy and I will be signing books at Maria's Bookshop in downtown Durango, July 27th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  We'll be signing Top 30 Things to Do in Durango, as well as Flyfishing Southwestern Colorado, So Many Fish and Colorado Flyfishing: Where to Eat, Sleep and Fish.  If you're around, come visit with us.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Another Day in Paradise (Santa Fe NM) La Fonda, Chimayo, Cross


In the last week of our research for our Santa Fe Guidebook --- We visited Chimayo (the Sanctuary, ate at Rancho de Chimayo), Santa Fe Opera, hiked up to the Cross of the Martyrs, took drinks on the Bell Tower of La Fonda to watch the sunset.   We had heard from some that the walk up to the cross was steep -- maybe if you are out of shape but it is a nice leisurely, switchback with stops kind of walk.   I did take home some blessed dirt from the Church.  I enjoyed a Santa Fe Pale Ale at La Fonda.  Doesn't get much better guys. 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Casa Olivia, Kokopelli Real Estate

 I don't often plug a place to stay.  All too often, I stay in tents or in the Aliner or in dives.  I'm ready to plug something.

 Amy and I are staying for a couple of weeks in Santa Fe to research a guidebook on the City Different.  We are writing it for University of New Mexico Press.

I like writing with Amy.  She's a great shutterbug (and she just got a new camera -- a Nikon d3100) and a diligent researcher and is as pretty as the scenery. 

So we're doing this book.  We got invited to stay at Casa Olivia, a Kokopelli Real Estate and Property Management property.  Amy and I have traveled the world and stayed in some pretty impressive places. Enchantment Resort in Sedona. Hotel Aiguablava in Costa Brava, Spain. Various hotspots in British Virgin Islands. And the list goes on.  But it stops here.
 Casa Olivia.  Understated but elegant.  We pulled up in the driveway and thought, surely this isn't it, it's way way too nice for us. Nearly 3000 square feet.
This fabulous East side adobe home was originally built in the 1870's and was completely restored and remodeled in 2007. Located less than one block from historic Canyon Road and short walking distance to the downtown Plaza area. Across the street from the Santa Fe River, this home is ideal for scenic walks and meditation. The spacious vacation rental features four bedrooms and three baths. The main level master and guest bedrooms have separate bathrooms. Sleeps nine with an additional two on the pull-out couch. The kitchen and breakfast table area open into the dining room; a perfect set-up for entertaining and family gatherings. The comfortable living room has a large fireplace and generous seating space. The lower level offers privacy with a separate living area with two bedrooms and bath. The house is approximately 2,800 net square feet, very private and includes a completely enclosed large outdoor area with over-sized outdoor fireplace. Beautiful mature, manicured gardens with patio--ideal for entertaining, perfect setting for weddings! Dogs are allowed.
No cost for internet, I can wash clothes, I have privacy, I can cook breakfast, I have a grill ....
If you were to design the perfect Williams Family Home, this is it.  Walking distance to the Plaza.  Great eats and art and parks all around.  We don't want to leave. 

Kokopelli Real Estate and Property has more than 100 properties.  Sure, it's fun to stay at La Posada or La Fonda or Don Gaspar but here's the thing -- stay in Santa Fe for a few days.  Stay at a condo or house and split the costs with a fellow couple or family and enjoy the washing machine, the kitchen, the grounds, the privacy.   The decor is more real (is that a legit term? you know what I mean) Comfortable elegance. Rugged richness.  Santa Fe splendor.  You get what i mean, right? Spoiled but on my terms.

I am not leaving.  Squatter's rights!!!!

If you want to know more about Kokopelli Real Estate, check this out     Kokopelli Real Estate Rentals