Minitakesthestates-detour to Santa Fe, Chimayo, Roswell and White's City

Today was a sad day as we knew we were going to split off from the "official" Minitakesthestates road trip. We got our passport stamped and then headed to the Sandia Mini dealer to find out what was happening with the engine light. Good news -no problems! After being challenged by the parts department to name any accessory, we finally settled on a Sandia Mini tee shirt.
Then after a late start it was off to Chimayo to visit the Santuario. We prayed at the chapel and left Chimayo. We missed calling to Charlie and his family and the other Spanish Market artists; and to Ernie in Santa Fe. If they read this blog please forgive us as our schedule was just too tight to stop and it didn't seem right to call and say we couldn't meet. We owe you and the other Spanish Market artists a special return trip-soon.
After leaving Chimayo we decided to just have lunch and head to Roswell; and then Carlsbad on our way back to Florida. Anyway we ate lunch in three parts at three of our favorite Santa Fe hangouts: Gabriel's for fresh made (at the table) guacamole; green chile cheesburger at Bert's Burger Bowl; and fruit dessert at Harry's Roadhouse (which was on the way out of town).
Then we headed to Roswell where we made a couple photo ops. Finally we headed to Carlsbad and learned that the famous caverns are actually located near White's City some 17 miles from Carlsbad. Tomorrow we visit the caverns when they open early in the morning and then head to San Antonio on our Mini Detour heading home on our go motoring trip!!
Best wishes to all of the Mini trekkers on to Connecticut!!It has been a hoot!!