First, let me say that my Federal Taxes paid over the last 46 years has finally paid off in the form of the $10.00 price tag for a Senior Lifetime National Park Pass. Although there aren’t that many of them in the east, I’ve used it like crazy out here. It’s good for everyone in the car. So, when Ava and I were at Zion and she needed the Shuttle and I didn’t, I asked for a special pass for her for the days we anticipated staying. As it’s $25.00 every time you go through the National Parks I’ve been in, I calculated that I’ve already saved a couple hundred bucks and we ain’t through yet!
The other good news in Mesa Verde is the campground where we’re staying three nights. Check out A&A Mesa Verde RV Park-Campground (AAA approved http://www.mesaverdecamping.com 800-972-6620) which is strategically located to the Mesa Verde National Park entrance. They have a pool, putt-putt, washers, dryers, peaceful pastoral atmosphere and no time limit on showers!
At the Visitors Center, Ava chose to explore anasazi ruins at Wetherill Mesa today. This is the view from the Parks Kiosk there. Not bad even with the trees destroyed by the 2000 fire. Interesting detail is that the indigenous trees are Pinyon Pine and Juniper. The Juniper wood just doesn’t biodegrade like one would expect after such a devastating fire. Interesting.
Snow capped mountains at Wetherill Mesa
This morning we awoke as refreshed as any two people sleeping in a pop-up camper who didn’t go to sleep until after 1:00 AM could possibly be and drove to Mesa Verde National Park. We drove up to the Visiter Center and Ava signed up for the Ranger guided hike up into “Long House” cliff dwelling while Montana hung out in the car and I took the tram to see several protected dwellings and overlooks. It was serendipitous when Ava happened to catch the same tram I was on when she was through with her journey.
So many geologic changes in one view going up to Visitor Center.
These trams make it so easy to see everything you want to without getting worn out and dehydrated. The wind will dry you out just as fast as the heat.
Tram
What I didn’t know until today is that shuttles and trams are FREE to all paying visitors to the National Parks. We didn’t stay at Zion long enough for me to find our but it seems like it shoulda’ woulda’ coulda’ been made more clear. So, here it is folks!
I hiked the easier non-cliff dwelling sites at Wetherill Mesa called Badger House Community (includes Basket, Pueblo and Row Houses with Kivas) and rode the tram to see the Cliff Dwelling Overlooks for Long House and Kodak House. All of these have a Kiva which is a circular in-ground structure used for ceremonial purposes. There is a larger Kiva at the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds in Macon, Georgia at the mounds there right off I-75 which as been reconstructed. You can actually go inside the Georgia one. It gives you a real sense of the moment-in-time.
Kiva - an in-ground ceremonial structure
The Badger House Community structures were non-cliff dwelling and all very similar except for the Pueblo Village Row of Rooms.
Pueblo Village - row of rooms
These are rooms - very small rooms approximately 5'x5'!
How the Kiva looks when in use. One in Macon has been reconstructed.
The Kodak Overlook was of Cliff Dwelling inhabitants.
Kodak House Cliff Dwelling - can you tell my vertigo was getting to me?
The other Cliff Dwelling overlook was Long House.
Long House Cliff Dwelling
Tomorrow, we’re exploring Chapin Mesa. Ava will hike Cliff Palace and Balcony House while I take the tram.
Happy Trails!
from a Friend 