The Day I Got Some Exercise!

I had a couple of options for Saturday. The first, and for me, most important was to visit The National Museum Of Nuclear Science And Industry. On the surface it sounded rather dark and foreboding but ended up a really fascinating experience. The museum takes people from the discovery of atomic power... to it's implementation in World War II... to The Cold War and beyond. Many key players in the discovery of atomic energy and it's subsequent use as a history changing weapon came from Adolph Hitler's Germany. Thankfully these brilliant scientists were of Jewish descent and fled the Third Reich's persecution for the West before the world truly began to see the devastating possibilities of atomic power. It's frightening to think of Adolph Hitler with such a weapon at his disposal. For me the most powerful exhibit was the Fat Man and Little Boy casings. Obviously, the casings housing the weapons used in the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima no longer exist. However the casings on display were identical to those used in 1945. They are fairly modest in size when considering the enormity of their role in human history.



A given culture is often reflected in it's popular music. During the Cold War many songs were recorded with an "Atomic" theme. Here's Slim Gaillard's rather tongue-in-cheek gem "Atomic Cocktail"



Leaving the museum parking lot I had fully planned on heading downtown to another museum (perhaps The National Rattlesnake Museum, but I can't recall with certainty). I glanced towards the outskirts of the city and once again became agog at the rugged mountains flanking Albuquerque. I decided to get a better view and snap photos. I zig-zagged through several housing developments before stumbling across the entrance to a hiking trail leading into these very mountains. For the next couple of hours I climbed... and climbed... and climbed! Thankfully the weather was cooperative. The air was clean and refreshing.



Afterward, I came upon a street fair along Central Ave. Now, Central Ave. was at one time part of my beloved Route 66. At 18 miles it is the longest main street in the USA. The city used a sizable chunk of it for this event. There were several stages for live music with a constant rotation of bands. World music, salsa. rock... something to suit all tastes. Many of the local businesses remained open so I got to browse thrift shops and vintage clothing stores. Also on hand was an antique car show... cool rides! The atmosphere was light and easy. People were friendly. The more time I spend on the road the more taken I am with the organic warmth of the people living in this country...