Mesa Verde

 The office of the Mesa Verde National Park has a decidedly SW look. After leaving Bryce Canyon we decided to visit the Mesa Verde National Park in NW Colorado. Our first choice was Chaco but it was 60 miles down a dirt road so Mesa Verde was the destination. On a motorcycle dirt roads do not equal fun.  It was a stunning ride up the mountains on paved roads. We were dodging rain squalls the entire way but made it to the park without getting wet.

 The pueblo is well protected from the elements as well as potential enemies. Historians are unsure why the mesa was abandoned but it appears a seven year drought may have been a big part of the decision to leave.

 No indication of a drought this time as the stream was flowing and foliage looked healthy.