Mesa Verde

6/14-17/10
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During our week long vacation in Durango, CO we spent 2 days in Mesa Verde National Park.
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It is 15 miles from the entrance to the visitor center!
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Finally on top of the mountain
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A forest fire burned the trees a couple of years ago
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On the way down to the first dwellings (Long House)
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A little village nestled in an alcove.
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We have to climb ladders to get into the dwellings
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These buildings were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people more than 1000 years ago.
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The Ancestral Pueblo people lived here for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300.
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A home with a view
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Natural protection provided by the rock
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Last view before we have to leave
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Wild horses are roaming free in the national park
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The "Kodak House" from a view point above
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The "Long House" from a view point on the rim. there are more 400 of these dwellings.
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On our second day we visit the "Balcony House". The most challenging access.
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Small niches to squeeze trough ...
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... and tight holes to go climb through.
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Small rooms for small people (average height about 5 feet)
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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 -…