Sunday, September 21, 2014

Spruce House - Mesa Verde

Heading into the park after spending a little time at the Visitor's center, I fell in behind a whole "tribe" of motorcyclists and about 15 cars.  Since I had continued to fall out of line to stop to take photos on the way to the ruins, I just settled in at the end.  The ranger had said if I was going to do anything after driving into the park, Spruce House was the closest and was worth the stop.  As all bikers and cars turned left at the "fork in the road", I took the road less traveled and was the only one to turn right.....Spruce House.
One of the first views from the switchbacks on the opposite
side of the canyon.  I was hoping that I would get to walk where
Native Americans had walked centuries before.

Still lower on the switchbacks gave another view.  At this point I was
concerned that the young couple that had said I wouldn't need to carry
water wasn't very good advise since I would have to climb back up this path.

Finally on the ruins.  It was awe inspiring.  First, to think of
the people that built these homes, and then, to remember the explorers that
found them and chose to preserve them.

Even in ancient times, there were skyscrapers.
It was about 11 am, but in the canyon it was cool
and a nice little breeze.  This location was
well chosen.  

I was amazed at how deep the structures went into the cave.
And how close to the edge of the cliff floor they extended out.


What I tried to do as I went down the switchbacks was capture the ruins as if I was coming upon them by myself, as an explorer, for the first time.  In a way I was since I was traveling alone.  I hope you get that impression too.

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