Mesa Top Road

Since we had dogs to handle, we came back home for a few hours and went back to the park to do the Mesa Top Loop.  Several of the sites we pit houses and very prehistoric homes, but at the end of the loop, visitors are treated to spectacular views of Cliff Palace and the Fire House.

Although we did not have the opportunity to walk inside the cliff dwellings, we had beautiful views of them.  Bart had his high-powered telescopic lens, which allowed him to have a great perspective of the sites. We were even able to see the black murals on some of the walls of the Cliff Palace.

The black murals are to the left center, just above what appears to be a gap

By the time we returned home, we had walked over 16,000 steps (7 miles) and had had a spectacular time!

Mesa Verde, Part Deux

Since Don and I had been to Mesa Verde six years ago, we somewhat knew what would be a “good day,” and since Bart had never been, we made our suggestion.

Unfortunately, the closest cliff dwelling we could visit was closed in 2015 because of a falling-rock hazard, so we could only see it from above.  We took off on the path to Petroglyph Point, and this time, we remembered our water.

Woody joined us on the hike

The day was lovely, with cool temperatures, a nice breeze, and some clouds in the sky.  It made for beautiful hiking weather. I read my blog from last time, and it said, “Don and I were glad we had lost a collective 40+ pounds . . . “ I had to laugh, as we have gained back that weight, but we still found the trail manageable.  I was pleased that both of us managed without much problem, and we are fortunate that we both still have good knees, as some of the rocky areas needed every bit of strength we had.

Several years ago, I wrote a paper about Petroglyphs, and I have been fascinated by them for years. This time when we went to Petroglyph Point, I took more time looking at them and enjoying them.  One of the highlights was the part that appears to be a map from life to death.  We had not figured that out last time.  I also loved the parrots.  They are so fascinating to me . . . I wish I knew what they all meant.

The hands are the signatures of the artists, and the parrots are to the left of the hand

And this time because we had water, we were able to hike the whole trail, rather than turn back. The hike was a unique one, and we are very glad we did it again!

Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins

There is one factor that makes a difference in all trips – weather.  And as we left Albuquerque for the hot desert-like area Farmington, New Mexico, we wondered what experience we would be having. The last time we visited the Salmon ruins it was sunny and nearly 100.  Today it was cloudy and cool – perfect for looking at different ruins.

With no one in the parking lot of the Salmon Ruins, we worried that perhaps they were not open, but to our delight, they were.  The Salmon family had grown an orchard, so there were mulberries, apricots, and other fruits around the area, and the apricots were delicious.  Had I enough time and enough willingness to ask, I would have harvested those apricots for what I know would have been spectacular jam!  But alas, I did not take advantage.

Although we had seen the Salmon Ruins on our last trip, we continue to be amazed by the precision of the rock laying in the ruins.  The Salmon Ruins are the best example we have seen of the perfection and pride the Anasazi took in this pueblo.  Even at Aztec Ruins, which were built at a similar time, the rock laying is not nearly as perfect, and they introduced larger rocks into their styles.

Bart had not seen either set of ruins, and we had not seen the Aztec Ruins, so it was fun comparing the two sites. I preferred the Salmon Ruins, as they are less commercial and more interesting to me from a construction standpoint, but either one is interesting!

Lady's Slippers and Red Coralroot

As a little girl, it was always a special moment when my mother found a Lady’s Slipper. They are a very rare find, though I had been told there were many patches of them behind our cabin. Eventually I found a few places where they could be found, and every year I would check on them. Sometimes they would bloom, sometimes not, but I always made sure they were alive.

Last year, when we took a hike we hadn’t taken in a long time, we found several glorious patches of Lady’s Slippers.  I felt as if I had hit the lottery.  I had never seen such a profuse number of them in the same place, and in such a dry year, I was amazed they were still living.

This year, we were unable to go on the same hike, but our friends told us they saw the same patch, perhaps even larger because it had rained so much.  We were delighted to hear they survived a tougher winter.

Today, July 2, we went on a delightful hike to Cave Creek.  It had been a long, long time since we had been there, and I did not remember much of the hike at all.  And suddenly we came upon several Lady’s Slippers. Surprise!  And then, we came upon some more . . . and then some more . . . and then some more . . . I have never seen so many!

As we were looking at them, our friend, Peter, found some red-striped Coralroot, another fairly rare orchid.  I had seen them on occasion, but I had no idea what they were.  

And as it turns out, the numerous Lady’s Slippers on the trail appear to be a “hidden secret” in our area.  Several groups who we passed were on a quest to find the flowers . . . and in all my years, I had never heard of them being there.  So besides renewing my familiarity with the trail, we had two new discoveries! It was a good day.

And We Are Off!

It was a rush to get away from the cabin, but we finally made it to Albuquerque by 6:00.

First, we had to have the introduction of our boys to Bart's dog, Chaco.  We were uncertain of what was going to happen, but it was a non-issue.  Everyone played well - there were 6 dogs in the house - and we had not one fight.  Little Nelson was so happy to have someone else to play with, that he just romped and romped.

So now it is morning and we are on our way to Mesa Verde.  It is a fairly long drive, so the day will be less about scenery and activity and more about getting there.  But we will stop at the Salman Ruins and at the Aztec Ruins before we arrive at our campsite.

Before Caleb arrived at the cabin, we purchased a toy RV with Woody (from Toy Story) as the driver.  They left the toy at the cabin, so Don decided that we would post a picture of Woody and his "Woodybago" at various places on the trip.  So here is the first one, taken yesterday as we departed the cabin.

And so it begins!

Our Junior Ranger

Kenneth wanted to take Caleb to the Pecos National Monument to familiarize him with the Native American culture around New Mexico.  There is also a significant amount of Civil War history there, so he wanted to "start the learning."  We took the short route that included two kivas and the church.

As we left, we were given a booklet for Caleb to work on, and if he completed several of the activities, he could become a Junior Ranger.  So we went home and completed more than enough of the exercises to qualify, so early on July 4, we went back to the park.

On the way down, Caleb asked me if the church was older than Pocahontas.  "Well, I think it was built in about 1608, so yes, probably."  "No, Grandma, Pocahontas was born in 1595."  By that time I had read in his booklet that the pueblo was probably built in 1630, so I said, "Well, Caleb, Pocahontas was about 30 when the pueblo was built."  "No, Grandma," he said, "she died when she was 21."  Alrighty, then.  Obviously, I am not up on my Pocahontas history.

Anyway, when we arrived, a Ranger came out, had Caleb take the pledge, and gave him a badge, a patch, and a pin.  It was quite fun.

Then later in the day, at the 4th of July flag raising in the Canyon, he led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  Since he had said it every day at his preschool, he knew it well and it was very cute watching a 4-year-old lead the group . . . and watching the adults around him.

This was a memorable 4th-of-July for all of us!

Alaska, Part 2 - the Beginning

Some say the sequel is never as good as the first, but I hope by the end of our trip, I disagree. 

Yes, the Willie is 6 years older (17 years) and he now has 112,000 miles on him rather than the 50,000 he had in 2013.  Yes, we are going many of the same places, doing many of the same things. But we have added a few side trips, chosen a new route in some places, and generally are excited about the whole trip.  

So I had to laugh when we left our house.  Just like 2013, Barbara Willis, our neighbor, took a picture of us just as we were leaving.  The good news is this time our braking system for the Jeep worked flawlessly, and we didn’t spend three hours trying to get it to work.  

We left on our 43rd anniversary. We can't believe we have been together that long . . . in many ways, it has flown, but sometimes it feels like . . . 

Second, not long after exiting the neighborhood, I had a partner in my seat.  In 2013 our little Babs, who was 15, spent the entire trip sharing the seat with me. This time, I have two spoiled dogs who alternate . . . or both sit with me at the same time.  I do not anticipate having to share quite as much as I did on our first trip, but I was surprised at how much time I had a dog on my lap. It is a bit uncomfortable, so I am hoping they both stay on their couch . . . but we will see.

Babe always took her half out of the middle

 

Nelson didn't know Babs, but he seems to know what is expected when traveling.

In 2013, our cabin had just missed being consumed by a forest fire, so we are relieved we are not reprising that situation.  The forest is beautifully green and wet this time.  Spending a week at our cabin is always a luxury, and with Caleb and Kenneth joining us for a few days before we go, what could be better? I wish we could have seen Di and Daniel before we left, but they are in Peru . . . we miss them but are so glad they are doing such exciting things.  As I write this, they should be at Macchu Picchu, a place I would have loved to visit.  Maybe next year.

Having had three beautiful bucks visit our salt lick this morning, along with the cool morning, a walk with the dogs, and time to reflect on the glory of God’s creation, so far the sequel is much better than the original!