SPIRIT OF THE DESERT---A KIRKRIDGE PILGRIMAGE TO NORTHERN NEW MEXICO
OCTOBER 20 TO 28, 2010
LEADERS:  JEAN RICHARDSON AND VALERIE BROWN
$1,400
 

MAJESTIC LANDSCAPES---VIBRANT FALL COLORS---HISTORIC SANTA FE AND GHOST RANCH---NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

“We have lived upon this land since days beyond history’s record, far past any living memory, deep into the time of legend.  The story of my people and the story of this place are one single story.  No man can think of us without thinking of this place.  We are always joined together.”
---Tribal Manifesto, Taos Pueblo

This popular desert pilgrimage  explores the beauty and serenity of  sun-filled northern New Mexico.  Our time together includes a taste of the vibrant and gallery-filled streets of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, as well as exploring the stunningly beautiful landscape of Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O’Keeffe lived and worked, now an ecumenical and interfaith education and retreat center of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

In this pilgrimage to the Land of Enchantment, we will explore in true Kirkridge style the ancient and present cultures that form the mosaic of New Mexico, including Anasazi culture of Bandelier, and Acoma Pueblo, the oldest continuously inhabited city in America, as well as other local Native American pueblos.  Our journey will take us to Christ in the Desert Monastery, a Benedictine Monastery where you will find deep silence, common prayer and quiet hospitality, spending a leisurely afternoon to soak in Gregorian Chant and the solitude of this canyon wilderness.

Along the historic Turquoise Trail, we will explore historic sites in Chimayo, experiencing Sanctuario de Chimayo, the Lourdes of the Southwest.  Our time together will include a visit to Los Alamos Laboratories, the largest research center for nuclear weapons in the United States.

Northern New Mexico is famous for an extraordinary range of crafts, and we will have ample opportunity to support local people.

While our pilgrimage will be varied each day, there will plenty of time to simply soak in the scenery and reflect on the very soul and spirit of the dessert, or engage in group reflection.

Our group size is limited to 20 to ensure that the pace is relaxed and unhurried. 

This pilgrimage, like all Kirkridge pilgrimage journeys, respects the culture of the local people, encouraging cross cultural understanding.  This is not your normal tourist trap trip.  A Kirkridge pilgrimage will not only take you off the beaten track, but put you in the heart of what truly matters and in a way that seeks to transform your relationship to the place and the people ---the serenity of the fall desert, the beauty of Gregorian Chant in a high desert monastery, exploring the vibrant cityscape of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and much more.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  Ghost Ranch Santa Fe is a single-level, accessible, smoke free facility of the Presbyterian Church (USA) located three blocks from the historic Santa Fe Plaza.  Rooms are comfortably furnished with a double, one twin bed and a full bath.   Ghost Ranch Abiqui, a 23, 000 acre high desert ranch is located 70 miles northwest of Albuquerque.  Accommodations will be at the lovely Spanish-style hacienda, Casa del Sol.        
Meals are healthful and delicious.
 
ABOUT THE LEADERS:  Jean Richardson lived in Northern New Mexico for ten years prior to becoming the director of Kirkridge and Valerie Brown served as a volunteer at Ghost Ranch and is an seasoned retreat and pilgrimage leader       

Join us on this pilgrimage to northern New Mexico and watch your spirit unfold!

Contact us now to register www.kirkridge.org or 610-588-1793.  Space is limited.