Colorado Trip, Second Stop

We ventured across the bottom of the state, stopping only for lunch at a very nice rest area. Hanging baskets in the bathrooms? Framed original artwork in the stalls? I think it was the nicest rest area I have been in. And another stop at Pagosa Springs, to view the overflowing river and hot springs pool. A tourist-y spot where the springs were piped up into a fountain was pretty cool, with all of the mineral deposits.

We camped that night with more friends at a private campground right outside the entrance to Mesa Verde. They had a pool, a fun playground, and horses to pet. Again, we had a windy dinner ;-0

The next day was all day at Mesa Verde Natl Park. We took 2 of the guided tours as well as explored several sites on our own. It is quite impressive to see, as well as to imagine living during that time. Apparently, we would have been a clan, our little group of campers, with our own set of cliff dwellings. Not sure if our clan would have survived ;-) The tours took us to some interesting places, using ladders and tunnels. the ladders were a thrill to some, a challenge to others.

Our "clan" on the hike:

Peeping through an ancient window: After the hike:

Theories on who lived there and why they left have changed over the times that I have visited the park. New controversies have arisen over who has rights to the park, and how it should be maintained, or not. One tour guide gave us some interesting food for thought - I will have to do some reading on this now.

Ancient dancers?

Corn grinders:

More corn grinders:




The kiva:

In the kiva:






On the trail:

We saw lots of animals and other creatures while visiting the park, this colorful lizard was a highlight:

Back to the campground for dinner and campfire, and wind ;-). Most of us packed up the next morning to head on to our next destination, or home. Another windy pack up!

Next photo album is Easter 2003: