It was sooooo cold this am. My Florida-bound, pink toenails are hidden in Uggs. That ain’t right.
It was icy and snowy on arrival to Mesa Verde. But bundling up was SO worth it. What a great National Park. Anything interactive was closed (museum, cafes, book stores). It was also very quiet so nice for sight-seeing.
On my first stop, I was greeted by the biggest turkeys I have ever seen.
I guess this is what happens when you get plenty of food and no one is eating you for Thanksgiving.
Mesa Verde National Park is the largest archaeological preserve in the US. These Ancestral Puebloan sites are incredible and the National Park Service preserves them for our education and enjoyment.
Teddy Roosevelt establishes this park in 1906! It has 5000 sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.
I find the next photo fascinating. See that rectangular block of shale that’s broken off? See the debris under it? The natural settling of boulders in rock slides is so cool.
It looks like God Himself carved it out with an Exacto knife. It’s magnificent.
150 Rooms!
Below, in between the two structures, you can see where the Puebloans dug foot and hand holds to move from surface to surface in the dwelling.
By the time I drove out, it was a blistering 34 degrees.
Made it into Durango, CO
Colorado is blustery but pretty.
Tomorrow, I’m going on a train ride!
Thank you, God for travel mercies and the sun coming out and the clouds clearing for a little while!
I was born in Durango! Went to Mesa Verde on a 4th grade field trip and was amazed by it. I’d love to go back as an adult to fully grasp what the life was like back then. I’m so glad you’re having a good trip, and glad we get to follow along here. Love and miss you dearly! God bless you and your journey Suzi! ?
That is so cool!