700 years tour

Today we got up and took showers and ran a load of laundry. We ate lunch at the Far Point Lodge dining room were among only 4 tables. Everything closes for the winter on Monday when we take off again.

We had a 4 hour bus tour which included the ranger led Cliff Palace tour. This was the first place that Phil and I visited together in 2004 so we have really fond memories. I must say though that the Cliff Palace tour with its many steps and 4 wooden ladders was harder than it was for us more than 22 years ago!

Our guide took us through the history and the changes of the way the native peoples evolved here. The started in round earth type homes called kivas, they progressed to towers and stone built homes above the ground with towers and apartments. The final phase of their habitation was the Cliff type dwellings. They stored grain there, used them for home and for ceremonies. In the end, probably climate change made farming here more difficult and they moved away to the south.

In any case, they were marvelous builders. The Ute tribe always knew of the dwellings, but avoided them due to spirits and ghosts. When White men came, there was a longer history of looting until 3 women campaigned to protect the area. It was named a National Park in 1906 by Teddy Roosevelt and is the only National Park created to protect archeology.

We will make a run to Cortez tomorrow morning for gas and a few supplies. The night sky here is magnificent.

Again, sorry for the delay. No cell or wifi at our campsite.Read more