Monday, May 05, 2008

Cortez - Kayenta

11th April

Packed up early and headed out to Mesa Verda Park, to see if we could get in. All the roads were clear and the snow had gone, when we left Cortez, we drove up the hills into more snow, we were allowed in today as the roads had been cleared, and the temp was -5.5 DegC.

Pinic Area

Picnic Area



Cold Maria at visitor Center Enterance

Entrance to the Visitor Center



We drove to the info Centre the wind had really picked up, so it was really cold, the rangers were putting down salt everywhere. We then drove to the Spruce Tree House were we looked a the old Indian Cave Dwellings, they were very clever people building in the crevice of the cliffs (protection from snow and wind and in the afternoon sun).

Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House



Maria at Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House



Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House



We then continued on the restaurant and museum seeing wild deer and horses on the way. We grabbed a hot chocolate then continued the drive tour of the the different Indian dwellings.

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace



Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace Tour



Far View

Far View



Back to Cortez for a quick lunch then headed to Kayenta (Monument Valley) via the 4 corners monument (This is where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet).

4 Corners

4 Corners Maker



Maria in 4 States



We checked into the Hamilton Inn at Kayenta, checked out the local shops and Sonic (Ice Cream Shop). Had dinner at the hotel, had my first and last Beef Chimichunga ( like a large beef spring roll covered in gravy) Mikey had steak!

Gallery of Mesa Verde
Gallery of the 4 Corners Monument

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