We spent today in Mesa Verde. I have to admit that I had only ever seen pictures of on
e “cliff dwelling” that was there, and wasn’t sure that there would be enough to see to take the whole day (which was okay with both of us, because we are both running a little empty on energy!). But there is a LOT more to see there than we had time for.
Of course the cliff dwellings are amazing. We actually toured the one called the “Cliff Palace,” which had 150 rooms and a population of 100-120 at its peak. When you realize that these dwellings were abandoned over 700 years ago and are still mostly standing, it’s pretty stunning. Anyway, on these tours you are accompanied right into the cliff dwellings by a ranger who gives a lot of very interesting historical information. But you’re right there, able to reach out and touch these sandstone block structures that have been held together with nothing more than clay, sand, water and a little ash. (That’s what they made the mortar out of, as near as they can tell.) As you drive around the top of the mesa, there are several overlooks from which you can see still more cliff dwelling communities. Turns out they are all over the place up there, and they all apparently got together for festivals and such.
The climb down to the Cliff Palace was a little unnearving – you have to go down several very steep stairways cut into the sheer sandstone wall as well as squeeze yourself through a few passageways that are only 18 inches wide. But it was very much worth it.
After a brief stop for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant (which was pretty good), we are back in our motel in Cortez for the night (unless I can talk Sharla into a pre-bedtime ice cream cone!). Tomorrow we are going to church with the local Nazarenes (we drove by the church this morning, so we know where it’s at), and then we are likely to head for the Grand Canyon via Four Corners.
(By the way, no real change on the cold. I must admit to being very tired of coughing!)
More tomorrow!
Love to all.
Pastor Will & Sharla