Oak Tree House: Built in 1250, this alcove dwelling has 50 rooms and 6 kivas. Because the floor sloped so much, they first built a retaining wall then filled it in to level it out. Some of the buildings were 4 stories tall.
The temple - Based on present day Hopi designs, there were probably red figures (human, animal, geometric) painted on the white plaster.
The upper ledge had 13 rooms and a set of 3 grinding bins. The lower level had 7 rooms and 3 kivas.
Note the toe hold path in the center!
Sun Temple: Built in 1250, the mesa-top structure is different than most buildings. It seems to have followed a preconceived design and is very finely constructed. Perhaps it was a community effort. It was never completed though as there is no evidence of a roof. It may have been an attempt to appeal to the spirits as a last resort before having to totally abandon their homes. It appears to be ceremonial for nothing about the rooms imply habitation (no doors or fire pits).
Very tall walls!
The concrete cap was not their work.
Trying to get a peek inside over the wall
The view down the canyon
Cliff Palace across the way
The final ladders of our ascent from Cliff Palace!
We left the Mesa Top Loop and began the drive back along Chapin Mesa to the park's entrance. On the way, we stopped briefly at Cedar Tree Tower. It's not clear why exactly the people built towers, and archeologists understand even less as to why they were connected to kivas, such as here. We can only continue to guess.
A common guess is for community ceremonies.
Enjoying the burnt trees that surrounded us
Driving back as a storm approaches
Before leaving the park, we stopped back in the Visitor Center again. The first time we were there, we were in a rush to get our tickets and camping spot. This time we enjoyed a few of the exhibits and displays.
It was first called Mesa Verde (or green table) by the Spanish explorers for its lush mountain shrublands and pinyon-juniper forests. Geologically speaking, however, it's not actually a 'mesa'.... it's a cuesta, which means it is tilted rather than flat. Cuesta Verde!
Mesa Verde dips toward the south at about a 7% grade. While this may not sound like much, this tilt toward the sun created warmer conditions for successfully growing crops. The growing season up here was up to 20 days longer than in the surrounding valleys. The canyon bottoms might seem like good farm locations, but the temperature extremes were too drastic. This was the same reason they didn't live down there either.
The numerous canyons that carve Mesa Verde. One really did have to learn to climb up and down them in order to get anywhere!
Early cultures of the Southwest
Tending to the crops
Gathering water at the seep spring. We saw these holes on our Long House tour!
Shaping a sandstone block
The Wetherills were the first to publicize the dwellings and guide visitors on horseback trips.
In 1889, an expedition removed a large number of artifacts and brought them to Denver. This collection was sold to the Colorado Historical Society for $3,000.
Gustaf Nordenkiold sent about 600 items back to Sweden.
The artifacts now remain here at Mesa Verde.
Some interesting modern 'practical' art
Before we left, I asked one of the rangers if there was any evidence of numerous broken bones or death by falling? She said no, since when you get raised that way you are good at it. Hmmm. I'm still sure someone slipped from time to time!
It rained on the drive back to Cortez, where we had a room waiting for us at the Aneth Lodge Budget 6. We checked in, spread out our tent to dry and took a rest.
Drying out the tent on the floor
A very colorful bathroom!
Hey, you never know where an emergency can strike!
We walked next door to Jack and Janelle's Country Kitchen where we were served by Jack himself. He said he was helping out for the evening as a gofer for the regular serving staff. We had our sumptuous meal... as well as an incredible dessert. We had to linger a while because of the torrential rains outside. But as soon as there was a slight break, we made a dash back to the hotel.
Some entertaining reading was put on each table.
Wow is right!! What a great meal!
Sometimes one just needs a bit of sugary love on a plate.
