Life on a Ledge...and laundry

Another "must see" for Gary was Mesa Verde National Park which offers a look into the lives of an ancestral Pueblo people who were cliff dwellers. Their amazing dwellings were carved right into the sandstone walls of the canyons where the structures were somewhat protected and have survived to hint at their story.

We were able to take a tour with Ranger Rick to see what is known as Cliff Palace. Taking steep narrow steps carved in the stone we descended to actually walk within what remains of this dwelling. It was quite amazing. Another set of steep steps and a series of three tree-limb ladders took us back out. Quite the experience. Taryn went right to work drawing a most detailed sketch of this and did an incredible job.

On the road again we actually headed back into Utah toward Canyonlands and Arches National Park. We will see Arches tomorrow before heading on to Colorado.

We did come to something called Wilson Arch and pulled off to at least get a picture - in honor of our cat Wilson. When Taryn saw people climbing up to the arch she quickly put on her shoes and headed up with Gary following close behind. My role was to dutifully take pictures from below, but once they were up there they insisted I climb up and join them which I did.

To stand in an arch is an amazing thing. The warm wind was rushing around us and we had a most incredible view. I was really glad I made the climb...but don't tell them I actually said that.

Our stop today is in Moab Utah. It seems to be a busy town with lots of recreational opportunities available. I wanted to rent quads or a Hummer and explore, but instead I did laundry.