Thursday, January 17, 2013

Mesa Verde

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On our way through Colorado we stopped by quite possibly one of the coolest places I've ever been. The pictures turned out disappointing though, because the lighting was far from optimal and I didn't have my favourite lens on. It looked way more striking in real life. We got there in the very late afternoon, right before they closed, so we were lucky they let us in. It's too bad so much of the structures look so washed out from the harsh sun. Anyway, this is a Pueblo cliff dwelling- the most intact in the world, I believe. It's called Spruce TreeHouse and rests inside Mesa Verde National Park- which also houses several other cliff dwellings, but the sun went down before we could see them. We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves- at closing time in the dead of winter- and the Ranger working there was willing to let us explore and talk to us about the history of the place and its inhabitants. Turns out he was from New York too!

I really loved that you could actually walk around inside this dwelling- at least on the designated paths, and there was even a Kiva with a wooden ladder we were allowed to climb into. I guess I don't talk about this on the blog that much, but I'm pretty much obsessed with Nancy Drew, and anytime I get to do something reminiscent of one of the books or computer games I have a slight freak out. The climax of Nancy Drew and the Secret of Shadow Ranch takes place in an abandoned cliff dwelling, and they find the treasure down a ladder in Kiva just like this, so I was kind of beside myself with glee.

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Thanks, Colorado! We'll come again!

15 comments:

  1. gorgeous pictures and androgynous outfits!! you look amazing!!
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  2. Wow that looks awesome...I've always thought Colorado would be a beautiful place to visit. I've heard a lot of nice things about living there too!

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  3. Mesa Verde is one of the best places in Colorado as far as I'm concerned. My kids, husband and I went a couple of years ago on our road trip and it was amazing. So cool! When we went, we were dumped on by rain, but it was still so incredible!

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  4. Beautiful! That is a stunning shot of you coming up the ladder.

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  5. Wow, these photos are beautiful!

    Becky
    xx

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  6. oh cool cool cool! I want to go visit the cave dwellings so bad! It's nice that they're right here in America, and on the west side of the country, so hopefully I'll get the chance. The pictures turned out just fine, but I know what you mean about winter light. It makes pictures both too dark and too bright.

    Thanks for visiting my blog! Love your hair ;)

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  7. These pics are gorgeous, even if you didn't have your favourite lens on! You are so cute, your look is great and I really love the photos with the wooden ladder!

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  8. Scuh fun pics. What a great location! And I'm loving your pants :)

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  9. If I think these turned out incredible, I can't imagine how magnificent it must be in person!

    The Occasional Indulgence

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  10. I am originally from NJ, but have lived in CO for a few years now. I have yet to take a road trip here though, this is definitely going on my summer list! Awesome pictures!

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  11. Lol! I love, love, love the Nancy Drew games too and I remember this from Shadow Ranch. :-)

    Great photos and what a cool adventure! I've wanted to visit this place ever since I was little. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures online.

    - October

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  12. I still like the photos anyway! I remember visiting this when I was really little, but my memories are super vague! I remember heat and a lot of walking!

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  13. What an amazing place. I have never heard of this place. The photos are actually really cool - especially the last few. I always want to be able to stumble across places like this, but I feel like I am always driving with the point of getting somewhere fast.

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  14. these are probably my favorite pictures that you have posted. I have always wanted to go there. I love the lighting in the ladder pictures. absolutely beautiful.

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  15. This place looks amazing. That is really cool that you got to see it firsthand and step inside.
    +Victoria+

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