Mesa Verde Visitor's Center

It has been chilly at night and we discovered our electric blanket wasn't working properly. The controller just blinked and would not let you set a temperature. The blanket did get warm, but it seemed like an accident waiting to happen so rather than chance it, we made a trip to town today for a new one.

In Cortez, we were able to eat a big breakfast at Beny's Diner. Then we got gas (4.29, but I have a 10 cent discount with the App). We stopped at Walmart and were able to get all our purchases knocked out.

On the way back we stopped at the "newish" Visitor's Center which is near the highway and not deep in the park like the old one. I think the new one is about 10 years old because it was here when we last vosited in 2016. There was a local Hopi artist there this weekend showing her paintings.

We also saw a baby rattlesnake outside on the sidewalk. It was being closely monitored by a Ranger to insure neither it or some person came to harm.

Afterwards we took a shower, washed dishes and put the new blanket on our bed. It seems to work and has a timer.

We'll eat an earlier supper since we skipped lunch. It gets dark pretty early so it is good to have everything put away by dark.

Tomorrow we'll visit the Museum, Spruce Tree House, and take a short hike or two.Read more