Mesa Verde

6/14-17/10
IMG_2747 During our week long vacation in Durango, CO we spent 2 days in Mesa Verde National Park.
During our week long vacation in Durango, CO we spent 2 days in Mesa Verde National Park.
IMG_2363 It is 15 miles from the entrance to the visitor center!
It is 15 miles from the entrance to the visitor center!
IMG_2368 Finally on top of the mountain
Finally on top of the mountain
IMG_2396 A forest fire burned the trees a couple of years ago
A forest fire burned the trees a couple of years ago
IMG_2402 On the way down to the first dwellings (Long House)
On the way down to the first dwellings (Long House)
IMG_2413 A little village nestled in an alcove.
A little village nestled in an alcove.
IMG_2418 We have to climb ladders to get into the dwellings
We have to climb ladders to get into the dwellings
IMG_2450 These buildings were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people more than 1000 years ago.
These buildings were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people more than 1000 years ago.
IMG_2458 The Ancestral Pueblo people lived here for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300.
The Ancestral Pueblo people lived here for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300.
IMG_2460 A home with a view
A home with a view
IMG_2466 Natural protection provided by the rock
Natural protection provided by the rock
IMG_2479 Last view before we have to leave
Last view before we have to leave
IMG_2500 Wild horses are roaming free in the national park
Wild horses are roaming free in the national park
IMG_2512 The
The "Kodak House" from a view point above
IMG_2519 The
The "Long House" from a view point on the rim. there are more 400 of these dwellings.
IMG_2752 On our second day we visit the
On our second day we visit the "Balcony House". The most challenging access.
IMG_2754 Small niches to squeeze trough ...
Small niches to squeeze trough ...
IMG_2756 ... and tight holes to go climb through.
... and tight holes to go climb through.
IMG_2773 Small rooms for small people (average height about 5 feet)
Small rooms for small people (average height about 5 feet)
IMG_2775 One of the many Kiva's Kiva is a Hopi word meaning
One of the many Kiva's
Kiva is a Hopi word meaning "ceremonial room." Kivas were important ceremonial gathering places in the life of Ancestral Puebloans -…