No snow last night! Instead, got a bit of it, along with sleet, today. This did not stop us from visiting Mesa Verde National Park. We are camped at about 7,000 feet and drove a half mile to the park entrance. It is 20 miles from there to the park's museum. The road ascends steeply, and is reported to have fantastic views of the valleys below. Our views were obscured by clouds and falling snow. Luckily, none of it stuck to the road.
We toured an 800 year-old cliff dwelling, Spruce Tree House, which was constructed under a very large overhanging sandstone cliff. It is 90% intact, and has required very little renovation. The ruin is approached by a well-engineered trail that descends several hundred feet into a canyon. The dwelling was constructed between 1200 and 1276 and contains 114 rooms and 8 kivas, and is thought to have been home for 100 people. It was occupied for only 100 years before it was abandoned. The dwelling was rediscovered in 1888 by local ranchers who were searching for stray cattle.
Once again, we are in awe of the architecture, engineering, and resourcefulness of the Puebloans who lived so long ago. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these people. They had remarkably advanced skills in textile weaving, agriculture, basketry and pottery making. The museum traces the evolution of these skills over thousands of years.
The drive back to the trailer was an adventure in itself! There was wind-driven sleet that began to accumulate quickly on the road. Visibility was dramatically reduced. The four wheel drive again came in handy to bring us back safely. Usually, May is a mild month, but not this year. Wild weather seems to be the new normal everywhere we go.
Tomorrow promises to be better weather-wise, at least no snow. There is so much to see here – you could easily spend a week and not see everything.
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