CORTEZ COLORADO AREA

 

We had been to Cortez before and always said we would enjoy another visit to the area.  The main attraction around Cortez is Mesa Verde National Park.  Mesa Verde was created in 1906 to preserve the archeological heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo people, both atop the mesas and in the cliff dwellings below.  The park includes over 4,500 archeological sites; only 600 are cliff dwellings.  Linda and I hiked the 2 1/2 mile trail out to the petroglyphs.  Its had to describe how it feels to stand before them, they are amazing.  We were told that they have had Indians interpret what they mean, it has to do with the movement of the Indians and the places they went.

 

We did manage to take a day trip to the San Juan National Forest.  We packed our lunch and set off for the day.  It is a beautiful forest with lots of wildlife.  It is always a good day when you can see the animals in their own habitat.  I especially like seeing the  porcupine and the osprey.  Nature is the absolute best.