Mesa Verde National Park

Saturday, Sept. 24

This morning we got an early start, meeting Chuck and Cheryl to drive to Mesa Verde National Park. They have been volunteers at the park for the past 6 years, until recently serving as the lead volunteers. So we knew we were going to be in for a real treat – and we were.

Dave, Clara, Chuck and Cheryl

I have heard of the cliff dwelling homes and seen pictures, but nothing prepares you for being there and experiencing them.

About 1,400 years ago, long before any European exploration of our country, a group of people living in this area chose Mesa Verde for their homes.  For more than 700 years their descendants lived and flourished here, eventually building the elaborate stone communities in the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls.  Then in the late 1200s within the span of one or two generations, they left their homes and moved away.

From the park, you can see to Arizona and Utah. We are over 8,000 feet, and most of the mountains now are taking on a different contour.



The "Cliff Palace" of Mesa Verde



Chuck and Cheryl directed us to two tours, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning tour to the largest of the collection of kivas and dwelling units in the Park, which make up the "Cliff Palace".

The afternoon tour turned out to be the highlight of the day. We toured the "Balcony House".  This time Cheryl and Chuck joined us.  The walk/climb down was steep, and climb back up was narrow, sometimes going through tunnels just barely wide enough and high enough for a person to slither through. Some of the climbs out were up very steep (and thankfully, sturdy) ladders.

The Park Ranger provided a lot of insight into how people lived in the cliffs.

Clara coming out of the tunnel at Balcony House

There were many opportunities to climb (and descend) on this tour



And I made it!!!!

These dwelling were occupied until about 600 years ago and, although there are many theories, it doesn't appear that anyone is sure why the Indians left them

This was a real change of pace for us. Most of what we have been studying and seeing are geologically based. But today was an immersion into culture and history.

Cheryl and Chuck, because of their vast experience in the park were able to provide us with fascinating insights into what we were seeing and provided expansion and edification on what the rangers were telling us.

We demonstrate what we've learned, with our shadows covering an 800 year old Kiva

It was a day that want be forgotten.

Cheryl and Chuck really made this a very special day for us.