Monday, April 6 — Mesa Verde

Monday was a day that started out great!  Sunshine, blue skies, gentle breeze — what could be better?

Summary of the day:  Bonne chance!  Bonne chance! Bonne chance! Bonne chance! Zut alors! Bonne chance!

We drove from Durango out to Mesa Verde, the site of cliff dwellings of the Anasazi People who lived here until some time in the 13th century.  Today, the Anasazi are referred to as the "Ancestral Pueblo."

After a stop at the Visitors' Center, we entered the national park.

It's about a 45 minute drive from the entrance to the cliff dwellings.  Along the way, we stopped for a picnic lunch.

The only cliff dwelling that was open at this time of year is the Spruce Tree House. It is magnificent.

Marie Therese and Anne Marie spent over two hours here.  They have excellent photos. I took just a few:

This is a kiva.

Back at the car, we opened all the doors to let in the cool air.

Everything was terrific until we were on our way out of the park. I got caught in a speed trap — 20 mph on a straight road with no traffic — and got a speeding ticket! Zut alors!

We got back to Durango around 7:30 at night and went straight to a restaurant for dinner. Colorado brews some good beer!

Anne Marie:  et moi qui ne bois pas! zut alors!