W-O-W! This ancient Indian rock-dwelling civilization was created by an early portion of the Pueblo tribe. I had never visited the site, so this was my first experience. As an architect/engineer, I have so much respect for the design and function of these shelters. It’s one thing to see the pictures, but absolutely awe-inspiring to explore the ruins firsthand and touch the stones laid in place by a culture of people that last lived there in the 1200’s.
For me, the hardest thing to fathom was the remote nature of the site. Discovered by cowboys in the 1880’s, this site is nearly hidden from all angles. It is in a deep cavern with thick forestation all around it. There are beautiful vistas from high above, but the ruins and the rock cave that they are situated in are down inside a valley. I just kept thinking: how did the cowboys EVER discover this? Sure, I know that cattle wander. But this site – it’s well beyond the beaten path…miles and miles away from anything. But fortunately for us, the ruin sites were discovered, and the museum was an enjoyable learning experience.
Along our hike to the ruins, we came across a 6’-long snake (harmless garter snake that cared less about us), a little gecko-type lizard, and poison ivy (labeled for our protection!)
The ruins are an amazing sight to behold!
All three kids are having a blast!
We’re having a great time, and the trip is exceeding our hopes! Great weather, great fun, and wonderful camping. Tomorrow we will swing by the Four Corners on our way to the Grand Canyon. Woo-hooo!
Tonight we are camping along the hillside of the Mesa (‘just like the Indians!’, I joked with the kids). It’s a beautiful and remote campsite. As I sit hear typing, we just witnessed two mule-deer does stroll by. Kaleb wanted to hunt them, and Jade wanted to practice her homemade bow-and-arrow against them. Fortunately for everyone, the deer moved along. But as I continue to type…Gwen keeps on point, watching for the next wave of deer to wander past.
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