While most national parks are dedicated to preserving natural beauty, Mesa Verde was established to protect something different: the unique historical treasure of the cliff dwellings. Created by the Ancient Puebloans, the cliff structures are believed to have been built around 1200 A.D. Archaeologists arrived at this date by analyzing bits of tree trunk used in the construction. The builders and inhabitants left behind little besides pottery sherds and a few tools so there is very little we know for sure about their way of life. They left abruptly after only a few generations, perhaps due to a drought or the threat of attack from neighboring tribes.
Where Legos really got started.
The Ancient Puebloans did not really leave though. They are still in this part of the country today and many still make a pilgrimage to the site, as they consider it sacred. The cliff cities have been carefully preserved and protected and in a few cases some restoration has been done. Also, they forgot to take their Legos.
So as the kids and I worked on this post we could not really come up with a way to make it fun and entertaining. It's one of those places that is great to go and actually see and experience, but read about it? *Yawn* But we did get one gem that is a bit more fun...
Enter our friend, Mr. Horny Toad. He's also known as the Short-Thorned Lizard, but when I see this all I can think of is Yosemite Sam jumping up and down, firing his pistols and yelling, "GREAT HORNY TOADS!" Also, I own a lot of clothing by an outdoor company of the same name. And I think the kid in Ol' Yeller carried one around in his pocket, but I digress.
The point is, we have been looking all over the southwest for one of these dudes and on a short hike to a hilltop, there he was, just sitting on the pavement sunning himself like he was thinking, "Dude. Thought you'd never get here." He posed for pictures and everything. Highlight of our day. Maybe the whole week.
We are really, really easy to amuse.
The point is, we have been looking all over the southwest for one of these dudes and on a short hike to a hilltop, there he was, just sitting on the pavement sunning himself like he was thinking, "Dude. Thought you'd never get here." He posed for pictures and everything. Highlight of our day. Maybe the whole week.
We are really, really easy to amuse.