Hint for Next Year : Why Fly?

I enjoyed your articles on Santa Fe and Durango (“Turn, Turn, Turn,” Aug. 27). However, there’s something that puzzles me: Why would anyone who wants to fly from L.A. to Santa Fe connect in Denver? Surely you realize that Santa Fe is only 55 miles up the interstate from Albuquerque. There is plenty of air service between L.A. and Albuquerque, at lower fares than to Denver. Likewise, why would anyone traveling from L.A. to Durango go through Denver or Phoenix? As writer Steve Cohen mentions, Durango is only 200 miles from Albuquerque. more than 450 from Phoenix; Denver, which is much farther north and east to start with, is 340 miles from Durango.

JOHN A. SENNING

Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

It’s hard to imagine that Mr. Cohen didn’t mention the Palace Grill, which is the only award-winning restaurant in Durango--and where the food is superb. He also didn’t mention the General Palmer Hotel, which happens to be our family’s favorite. However, he certainly was right about the Tamarron Resort 18 miles north of Durango as being a wonderful place to stay.

MARY LOU ELLERMAN

Burbank

I want to compliment you on Steve Cohen’s article. Because of it, my wife and I made a recent trip, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

PETER BROOKES

Chula Vista