After an early morning breakfast at the campground in Hyde Memorial SP we stopped downtown to buy Bob a T-Shirt. The Running Lizards was still not available and he may order it when it comes in. We then headed North on Route 84. We stopped for a picnic lunch at Abiquiu Lake/Dam. A lovely spot! Onward we passed Ghost Ranch Visitors Center where City Slickers was filmed, and stopped next at Echo Amphitheater. A short hike there to the stone enclave forms a large natural amphitheater. We dodged through a small shower back to the truck and continued on our way.
We diverted just off Route 64 into the old downtown of Chama to Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, a historic spot. Walked around the area and checked out the artisans and craft/jewelry shops. We spotted a display with lapis necklace and earrings that we both loved but the shop was only open on weekends at this early date and settled instead at Foster's 1881 House. A lovely little bar and inn where Bob enjoyed a locally produced IPA.
After that little diversion we returned to Route 64 and headed west to the 2nd of Navajo Lake State Park's campgrounds. The 1st one, Sims Mesa would have been 17 miles down a road we would have had to back track out of.
This 2nd site had us drive over Navajo Dam which forms this lovely lake about 17 miles long with two marinas and many house boats floating on it. It was a nice warm and relaxing stop. Nice showers much appreciated after a short hike down to the crystal clear and cold waters edge. Saw a beautiful blue lizard!
We spent two nights here then headed back to the dam. We drove down the far side on Route 173 to follow the San Juan River, noted for it's renowned trout fishing, it is labeled "Quality Waters" and is one of the top 10 places to fish in the U.S. A scenic drive all along.
Next stop was a side step into the town of Aztec to view the Aztec Ruins. After checking out the town's nice visitor's center for info we headed over to the ruins. It is another National Monument site. It was misnamed by the Spanish Explorers back in the day. We were able to hike around the ruins just before groups of school children descended upon the scene.
After checking our email and Facebook a good friend of Bob's tipped us off to Chaco Canyon area and specifically the Chaco culture National Historical Park! This is a relatively small remote area that fills up quickly an we were fortunate to get their early enough for a campsite for 2 nights. This gave us ample opportunities to hick and explore the trails and archaeological sites.
Nice dry camping sites with heated restrooms to keep the pipes from freezing no doubt! There were several brief rain, sleet, snow and hail showers that hit us on trails and during the night too! But we dress in layers and have rain gear for that purpose. I don't think I've witnessed as many rainbows in a two week period as we have on this segment of the trip!
We learned a lot here about the ancient pueblos and others who inhabited this little mecca. The ruins are amazing walk thru and show the intelligent design and construction methods used. Even their masonry was used to track and commemorate the movement of the sun throughout the year- essential for planning ceremonies and agriculture. A couple of the rooms in Pueblo Bonito have window openings in the high corners of the rooms and with their designed alignment to North, South East and West the suns rays would mark the time on the walls. For example; if the corn were not planted at proper time it may dry up and not produce.
We hiked out to view the ancient Petroglyphs and a Supernova Pictograph! It is believed to be a record of a Supernova event and displays a painted hand, a star and the moon high up on a cliff roof ledge! The Chacoan people did not have a written language and used pictures etched into rock faces to communicate and record history.
On Monday May 10th, we hiked up through a narrow passage in the rock cliffs along the Palo Alto Trail overlooking the ruins below and viewed a segment of the ancient 30 feet wide Chocoan roads and the "staircases" they etched into the rocks. They built "straight" roads in segments. When they encountered an obstacle they either built a ramp or stairs to continue in their desired direction. This was a sacred and important area in their culture. It was a large gathering area in which peoples came to for miles around. They did so for over 1,000 years then slowly dispersed and vacated this area. It is still sacred to the natives to this day.
"Going Places with Smiling Faces"
We learned a lot here about the ancient pueblos and others who inhabited this little mecca. The ruins are amazing walk thru and show the intelligent design and construction methods used. Even their masonry was used to track and commemorate the movement of the sun throughout the year- essential for planning ceremonies and agriculture. A couple of the rooms in Pueblo Bonito have window openings in the high corners of the rooms and with their designed alignment to North, South East and West the suns rays would mark the time on the walls. For example; if the corn were not planted at proper time it may dry up and not produce.
My only regret is that Helen & I are not exploring with you guys. Great blog! I'm going to get the Atlas out and follow your journey. I don't know how I missed some of the earlier blogs. I'll get on them as soon as I post this comment!
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