Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park & Mesa Verde

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Wow! What a ride! Leaving Colorado Springs we dropped south on I25 and then cut across 160 going up and down Blanca Peak which had an elevation of 14,345'. As we got higher we began to see signs of snow on the side and then trees showed ice formations and the mountains had a good amount of snow. Roads were clear and didn't present "ye ol Dutchstar" with any problems as we geared down and continued to carry 60 mph to the top. Going down was another story - engine brake eventually was used and we lowered to 5th gear making our way down the incredible scenic mountain. As we approached the Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park we decided to "go for it" and turned north about 16 miles to the dunes. Again, it was a side trip worth taking. The dunes stood in front of the snow covered mountains and showed formations of 3 different types - all caused by the way the wind blows across the land. As the photos will show we saw kids playing in the river and lying down in the water while the snow stood out right behind them. Many took off their shoes and walked across the shallow waters and proceeded to climb the dunes. Those that made it to the top looked like ants, they were so far up in the air. After a relaxing period we got in the RV and again got on the road. We got into the San Juan Mountains which were really high and beautiful. Colorado has got to be one of the most scenic states we have seen. Unbelievable! The road (160) was winding all over and twisting and turning so that one had to be very careful. I finally had to ask Judy to pull over as I was getting too nervous watching what we were going thru. (Not that she was not driving well but it was nerve wracking watching and not having control.) As a dutiful wife she offered me the wheel at the next pull over. The San Juan River rushed by as winter snows filled it and provided white water all over the place. This area is obviously a very high ski and resort area as we saw signs everywhere for different activities. Very isolated but extremely beautiful! We finally got out of that area and eventually arrived at Cortex and our campsite. The next morning we drove back a few miles to Mesa Verde Nat'l Park. The cliff dwellings were amazing and although I have seen them before these were spectacular and very well preserved. It was amazing to see so many in one area and one had to scratch their head wondering how they climbed up and down all the time. One sign indicated the children learned at a very young age how to climb using the fingers and toes in the small indentations. Pictures don't always show the height and depth of what is really there but it was incredible. Secondly, you wonder how they survived and learned how to do so much in such a desolate part of the country. We were surprised that they could grow all sorts of things including corn, vegetables,etc. A wide variety of things were grown providing a very well balanced diet. As pictures will show it was beautiful and one had a hard time not taking pictures. I am trying to cut back so I don't have so many but...... When you see photos be sure to go to the bottom of the page as you may find there are more photos on another page. I have noticed that it isn't always clear after reading the blog that there are more pictures. Good luck!

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Photos

Weather front ahead
Higher elevation and we now see frost, ice, and snow.

Ice on trees
Trees are covered with ice.

Snow covered mountain
Look carefully and you'll see the sand dunes in front of the mountains.

Kids in water
Here we found a number of children enjoying the water in spite of it being early May and snow in the distance.

Looking thru the trees
Another view of the dunes with a shallow river in front.

Great white wate
Beautiful scenery and wild water finding its way down the mountain.

Tunnel ahead
As you enter this tunnel it takes a very sharp turn to the left. Never saw that before. Scary - and little lighting to help us!

Down the mountain
Don't know if the picture shows the grade but I recall it was 7 or 8% which is pretty steep

An important statement
Before looking at pictures read this as it is so profound that I'd like to remember it forever.

Cliff Dwellings
Amazing cliff dwellings are in natural state with only a few areas that needed help.

Apartments of Many
These ruins had apartments for many families who worked together and found fellowship in their tribe

Beautiful construction
Incredible construction with stone laid in perfect forms. The kivas where perfect circles and smooth along the side.

A structure that has fell
This is one of only a few that has shown deterioration.

Kiva -Ceremonial Place
People gathered in groups, families for celebrations, worship/etc

Kiva -Some were deep
Note a little flat stone near the hole (firepit) This is a wind deflector used to keep fire going and smoke going upward.

Dwelling in the wall
Very obvious houses and dwellings are everywhere.