Saturday, March 21, 2009

Mesa Verde

We took the kids to Mesa Verde yesterday. (I still think "Mesa Verde" sounds like a name for a Mexican Food restaurant.) And I couldn't believe they actually let you walk around on the cliff dwellings! We hiked down (the path is paved, but I'm still going to call it a hike) to Spruce Tree House. The kids thought it was just about the neatest thing ever, and especially loved climbing down into the kiva (an underground chamber). If you're ever in the 4 Corners area, I highly recommend a visit.

*My camera finally died yesterday so some of the pictures aren't the greatest quality since I took them with my camera phone. (BTW, I got a new camera today...Yeah!)

On the hike down. You can see Spruce Tree House in the background.



I still can't believe they let you touch it!


Checking out the kiva.


heading down

Surely you didn't think I'd miss checking it out?


Jumpin' and Jivin' in the kiva. It was a lot bigger in there than I thought it'd be.

Going up


The babies were furious that we didn't let them go in the kiva. They were so mad they tried to wiggle and climb out of their stroller and kept pointing and screaming at it.

5 comments:

JoAnn/Jerry said...

We toured Mesa Verde in 1967 and 1976 and it looks just the same. Our kids had a ball climbing all over too, but me, I don't like heights, so it was a "nightmare" worrying about them falling!!! Really enjoy your blog and keeping up with your family!!!

Anonymous said...

I remember climbing around on Mesa Verde in the 60's and am surprised that you can today. MR

Anonymous said...

Isn't Mesa Verde a fun experience. How lucky for you that you got to go during cool weather (noticed your long sleeves). Since you are a "local" now, you don't have to fight the "tourists" during the busy summer season. As you can tell I have had the privilege of the summer visit and the heat! You got some great pictures--Kyle and Reed and getting so big!
Lu

Friedt Family said...

We went to Mesa Verde during family our trip out west about 15 years ago. It was so fun to see all that history and I'm with you, I can't believe they let people climb around and touch things. However, I guess it's a true testament to how well it was built if it has withstood tourists all these years! Word to the wise: if you do visit, feel free to touch but DO NOT attempt to put a small amount of the sand into a camera case to take as a souvenir...we almost got kicked out:-)

Mendi said...

Mesa Verde is the name of our neighborhood! My house could pass for a mexican food resturant- it's served daily.