Mesa Verde National Park, CO, Day Two

​August 16, 2022

It’s noticeably darker in the morning and gets darker earlier in the evening now, even though it’s only mid August. I feel like we’re already turning towards the fall. I have not needed an alarm clock, but I needed to get up early this morning to make a drive, of over an hour away, to make my 9am tour. Fortunately I got up early and headed out on the road by 7:30 AM. I got to Cliff Palace in time for the tour, but was also a bit apprehensive wondering what was in store, or what would I endure? It was a large tour of almost 40 people. I volunteered to be the caboose, if necessary, and allowed others to pass me. Looking around the tundra I was confident that I was the oldest person, or perhaps one of the oldest in this group.

There were several staircases in rock heading down into the canyon wall. This is considered a moderate hike, according to the National Park service. It was a beautiful tour along the cliff dwellings, yet very brief, as we headed towards more staircases and ladders. The ladders were sturdy and easy to climb as long as I took my time. I certainly worked up a sweat as I headed back to the Sylver Gypsy where JoJo eagerly awaited me. I continued on for several other lookouts and then headed down to the furthest point of the park after lunch. I stopped at the Far View Café for internet connection, and made the decision to cancel my afternoon tour to Long House. This was a 2.5 mile, in full sun, considered a difficult trail, and I was concerned about leaving Jo Jo for such a long time, and of course questioning my ability to do the tour. I got everything back, but one dollar, which was quite acceptable. Instead, I decided to do the self guided tour to Step House cliff dwelling. A half mile hike, virtually downhill, also considered “moderate” but I know that I can do most of these hikes, as long as I can do them on my own terms. It was by far more enjoyable, and I’m glad I made this option. I’m still quite new to my iPhone and for whatever reason I recorded a 19 minute video. I watched most of it as it was just bouncing off my lanyard, yet seems to be a fascinating documentary of my breathing and rhythmic steps as the video captured sky, trail, floral and fauna. Perhaps it’s a documentary of the efforts that I put into these type of hiking trails. After a quick shower and visit to the camp store, I headed back to my camp, the same one I had last night. As I type this I’m listening to another evening of crickets, as the weather is finally cooling down tonight. None of the monsoons arrived, and it was a rather warm day. Between the heat and the extra activity, I hope to sleep like a dream.




































Comments

  1. Lisa AubinJanuary 15, 2023 at 2:33 PM

    Sylvia!!! This is on my bucket list and now after seeing your pics it’s a definite must do will happen!! Thank you for the information!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2023 at 11:23 AM

      There are several premier Cliff dwellings parks, this is a great one! Chaco Canyon Cultural Park, in New Mexico is another must do, in my opinion. So much to see!

      Delete

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