Sunday, June 23, 2013

Mesa Verde Part IV

Mesa Verde National Park has over 4,500 archaeological sites and 600 of those are cliff dwellings. When I was here in the early 1970's the people were only know as the Anasazi. (Navajo word for ancient foreigners). It is now recognized that these people were the Ancestral Pueblo people that make up the Hopi of Northern Arizona and the people of the Zuni, Laguna, Acoma and the pueblos along the Rio Grande trace their ancestry to the Ancestral Pueblo people.  After a last look at the Sun Temple on Chapin Mesa I backtracked to Far View and then took the road to Wetherill Mesa, the place where Mel wouldn't have been allowed. Here's what I saw in that part of the park.

A last look at the Sun Palace on Chapin Mesa

This was our chariot at Wetherill Mesa.




We drove through a recovering burn area. This fire occurred in 2000 and is just barely starting to recover. 

Another view.


The Kodak House

Another view.

It wasn't called the Kodak house because the Anasazi had a photo studio there. 



This is the Long house.



As you can see I had a pretty full day at the Mesa and just touched the highlights trying to picture life as it was in 1250 AD. It's an amazing place and if you are ever in the area be sure and take some time to see it.

Today I have nothing planned so I can enjoy the good life to the fullest.

10 comments:

  1. Great header photo. The close-up with people in the picture helps clarify the size of the dwellings. That is certainly an amazing place and I have enjoyed the tour.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the tour, I sure enjoyed bringing it to you.

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  2. It seems like only yesterday we were there. I still am in awe of these people.

    You did have a full day but what a day. Glad the weather was super for you too.

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    1. These people were very industrious, sort of like the Weavers.

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  3. How warm was it there? I just have to go. Thanks for the rest of your visit in pictures.

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    1. Not bad temperature wise. Around 90 during the day with humidity under 20%. Afternoon breeze so in doesn't get too uncomfortable.

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  4. What a fun trip and history lesson I have had without leaving the comforts of home. Thank you.

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  5. Really enjoyed the pictures and the tour. You must have been a history teacher in a past life... ;c)

    I have to give you an A+.

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    1. Wow, thanks for the great grade, much better than I ever got in school.

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