Ojo Caliente Spa, New Mexico
We woke up early this morning excited about exploring the Cliff Dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park.
Of course, before the expedition could begin we needed a hearty breakfast. Off to the Park's Pancake Breakfast.
Damn good pancakes too I might add!
(Uncle Bud, you check out the size of this syrup bottle?)
It was a gorgeous morning. Blue skies and moderate temp. Perfect hiking and exploring weather.
We opted for the guided Balcony House Tour. This is the most adventuresome tour with lots of steep ladders and narrow passages.
Yep, my fear of heights and closed spaces was definitely put to test.
It was so fun to explore the kivas, cubby holes, small rooms, tunnels and guess how they might have been used.
Ned popping out of a tunnel
Gary popping into one.
So why were these dwellings built so high into the cliffs and above the water below? One theory is that natural springs came out of the sandstone cliffs providing a convenient water source. This way the water didn't have to be hauled up from down in the valley.
Archeologists have discovered turkey feathers and bones in one of the small rooms. They think the turkeys were used for their down feathers to be woven into blankets for warmth.
The kivas were used for ceremonies and maybe sleeping.
One of the rooms had a special tiny window that lined up with the summer solstice. As the sun rose it hit a specific triangle on the wall indicating the beginning of summer and the best time to plant. In this part of Colorado, July is notorious for lots of rain which would be conducive for optimal crop growth.
The last set of ladders....
We made it!!!
Note, big smiles.
Our next stop was at Pagosa Springs. We took a good hour or so checking out the springs and the vibe. Yes, we are already in "Where shall our next trip be?" phase.
At 6:30ish we finally made it to one of our favorite places on earth...Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. A good long soak was in order. We had fun going from pool to pool testing out the different waters. There are about 7 different pools. We didn't head out til about 9:15.
Our last dinner together, and a late night feast it was. Ned had some amazing concoction...Elk burger with smoked Gouda, duck bacon and a sunny side egg on it! Go figure. Gary had Elk chops and Linda and I stuck with our favorite, cedar planked salmon.
Thanks Gary and Linda for a wonderful meal.
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