Airstream RV Blog #78 – New Mexication from Sean Michael on TheLongLongHoneymoon.com.
Do you believe in miracles? Sometimes in our RV travels, we come across things that cannot be easily explained. That was the case a few weeks ago in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where we explored the Loretto Chapel and its “miraculous staircase.”
As you’ll see in the video, this hand built wooden staircase is a stunning architectural achievement. It just seems to hover in mid-air with no lateral or vertical support. It’s the work of a mysterious carpenter, who accepted neither credit nor payment upon its completion.
Is it a miracle? Santa Fe seems like a place where miracles are possible. There’s something about this cozy town of about 70,000 residents town that just feels right. It’s not too big, not too small. It’s just right.
There’s a palpable sense of history here. Santa Fe is one of the oldest towns in the United States. When you’re strolling through the historic district, you just get a sense of the past. Real life Western legends walked these streets, and one suspects their ghosts still watch over the place.
Sure, like every other city, the outskirts of town has its fair share of shopping malls and chain restaurants. But the old town really boasts the character of a “new” Mexico. The best of the past is preserved, and complemented by a vibrant music and artistic scene.
And then there’s the food. The local cuisine is steeped in green chile. Even for a spice-and-pepper aficionado like myself, it can be blazing hot. So you’ll appreciate a cold brew to wash it down.
As for that staircase? If it’s not a miracle, I’m not sure what to call it.
vernon triche
My wife and i saw the staircase this spring and it really is a wonder.
I dare say no one i know is capable of building it.
Brian
Read about it on snopes as well … it seems the “miralce” and mystery of the staircase is more of a great example of tourist marketing than that of great engineering.
http://www.snopes.com/horrors/ghosts/loretto.asp
Sean Michael
Mark, thanks for sharing that interesting Wiki post. It certainly sheds some light on a possible explanation with regard to who built the staircase. However, viewing the Loretto Chapel reminded me (in a small way) of the time Kristy and I visited the Sistine Chapel. It begs the question: even if we know WHO did it, can anyone explain HOW? Miracle or no, we have to marvel at the achievement. 🙂
Mark Ingalls
I may believe in miracles, but not this one. From Wikipedia,we read:
Recently, a local historian, Mary Jean Straw Cook, published evidence to suggest the craftsman was the French-born Francois-Jean Rochas, who came to the United States as a member of a celibate order of artisans and settled in New Mexico. Items pointing to his authorship included the testimony of Quintus Monier, who built the nearby St Francis Cathedral, and a death notice in The Santa Fe New Mexican in 1895, describing Rochas as “an expert worker in wood [who] built the staircase in the Loretto chapel”. Straw Cook also found in the Sisters’ logbook an entry for March 1881: “Paid for wood Mr Rochas, $150.00.”
Sean
Rob, thanks for your offer. I am interested in the land, so long as it includes an RV parking pad with full hookups. 🙂
Timothy, thanks for your kind and thoughtful words!
Jim and Lyne, thanks also. Hopefully we will see you in Napa someday. We toured through northern California last summer and loved it. Beautiful country… Enjoy your travels!
jim lyne ward
sean we love your website we have a class c we treval full time from napa
jim lyne ward
sean we love your website we have a class c we treval full time from napa
jim lyne ward
sean we love your website we have a class c we treval full time from napa
jim lyne ward
sean we love your website we have a class c we treval full time from napa
Timothy
Great show Sean & Kristy, The Mysterious Carpenter is well known for doing things just as this staircase, but will never draw attention to himself, or take any credit . Maybe thats the point, He leaves it open to contemplation of the great questions we all face in this short………… I hear HE also gives away free land to those who will believe. Thanks, you are greatly appreciated.
Rob
I have some land in La real cheap that you might be interested in