On the way home from New Mexico we stopped in Colorado to experience the land of the ancient Puebloian people (Mesa Verde National Park), Many people refer to them as the Anasazi but our tour guide made sure we understood the correct classification of these people. If you are in this area I highly recommend you spend some time to see this for yourself. We will give you a little tour of what we experienced.
Driving into the park we saw this very small cliff dwelling. We pulled over to the side of the road and took a quick image.The only way into and out of these ruins is scaling the cliff face. These people were excellent rock climbers and made little hand holds that helped them negotiate these treacherous accommodations. We quickly headed down the road in hopes to see larger establishments. More populated sites require a prearranged ticketed tour.
You cannot hike down to the village without going on a tour. They have a number of tours throughout the day for each site. It is important to arrive early so you can buy tickets at the information center. Optimal times to see the villages can go fast.
The first site was called the balcony house. After a short little hike, we arrived at the bottom of a 30 feet wooden ladder. I am a little leery of heights so it was nerve racking at first. You can see Richie and Lynne approaching the ladder.
Up Richie goes
Up goes Lynne... I was surprised how many old people just scurried up the ladder.
Once up in the village they showed us their water source. Our guide told us the mesa was formed by a receding ocean many years earlier forming large sandstone deposits. The water from snow and rain percolates through the sandstone until it hits a deposit of shale. Shale is made of finer particles that are closer together so the water pooled in various regions along the outcrops of the canyon. This provided the people with a reliable water source. The people in this region were successful for about 700 years.
You can see on of the little balconies these rooms share. We were not allowed in side the rooms but were able to look inside of a few. They were not very large compared to our modern homes.
Lynne and Richie stand below one of the support walls. In a few locations we were allowed to touch the rock. Our guide persistently asked visitors not to lean on the walls etc. and at each stop she needed to ask people to get off.
Our guide sat on her designated perch with Lynne and Richie listening carefully to the story of these people. We had people from all over the world (France, Germany etc.) in our tour group.
While Miss Tour Guide was talking, I looked through one of the windows and saw another room. You can see some smoke stains on the rock from fires built long ago. Fire was a very important necessity for these people. Snow falls in the winter, so fires kept them warm and they used it to cook as well.
These cliff alcoves most likely provided them with protection from enemies and the climate. It was very cool and comfortable standing in the remains of this ancient community. Miss Tour Guide is explaining what these large dug out circles are in their villages.
These kivas were used as special ceremonial locations for the communities. There were many of these towards the front (cliff) of their villages.
The people were small in stature but tough as nails. They stood about 5 feet tall and their connecting tunnels were very small. It was hard to fit through.
Here I am emerging on the other side.
Corn was a very important food item for the people. They would use tools like this to grind the corn. Grit from the stone tools stayed in the meal and was consumed causing their teeth to wear down quickly. Living into their forties would have been a huge fete. Above on the mesa they would plant the three sisters: corn, beans and squash. They cleared the land and worked these fields as well as killed prey like rabbit, deer and other animals.
Leaving entailed another climb up a wodden ladder and..
Lynne makes it to the top of the ladder without incident.
One more obstacle and we are safe. The rock had a chain and fence installed to protect weary visitors from falling.
Our next village was the largest in the area. It is believed that this was a center of commerce for the local area.
Again we were allowed to walk along a foot trail below the city wall. To our right in the bushes and trees is where they threw all their trash. These dumping grounds provide archeologists with many artifacts disposed of by these people. Richie looks to his left and says, " now that is an oxymoron". Do you see what he sees?
Their stone work was very good. Here they are decorating the mortar between the stones.
We were told by Miss Tour Guide that Ancient Pueblo artwork would have been inside the rooms and on the walls of the village. We looked inside one of the rooms and up high on a wall we were able to see some of their work.
Well thanks for for reading and we hope you will be able to see the remnants of a truly remarkable culture.
Grandma was the first in and first with a catch. The fish quake when they see the yellow dragon. 
It took a little while but Heather soon followed. She is using her new pole. I don't know what she called it, I think she calls it 'The sparkling Pixy'. 
Lynne was using a cast master and needed assistance to dislodge the hook.
Fish on.... its a big one.
Holly Hannah this women can set a hook. We call this a Roland Martin. He is a famous bass fisherman that taught the angling world how to set a hook. Lynne has perfected this method. Some times she can gut the fish before it is out of the water. Congratulations Lynne!
Grandma and I get a simultaneous hook up. 
Grandpa and I stand as proud anglers and look forward to fresh fish for lunch. We enjoy eating our catch. I know that some of you don't like fish but give different species a try. You might find one of them appetizing.
Now this is the way you set the hook San Diego style. Nice job !
Amy retrieves her catch with expertize and honorably displays her future meal. We are very proud of Amy's service to her country and family. We are praying for your success in the Navy. 
Grandpa uses the famous red hook impaler while Amy proudly looks on. It was fun to have you here Amy. 
As usual we needed a funny fish pose picture. Grandpa and Rachel are displaying the I can balance on one foot method while others give the I can make a goofy face too try. Lynne nice cheeks....(please do not read into this statement).
Tibble Fork is a beautiful location surrounded by snow splattered mountains. An enjoyable place to take the family and practice your inner hunter.
