Mesa Verde National Park

June 24-25, 2013:  we ventured into Pagosa Springs and had some breakfast and hit up a playground for a bit. The weather was so nice, cool and no humidity. The place is known for hot springs along the San Juan river running thru town. We got suits on and played by the river for a few hours. The water was chilly and our float attempts didn't last long, especially since it wasn't scorching hot. They like dipping their toes into the hot springs and payed nicely on the sand and by the waters edge. After a brief picnic by the river we headed west to Mesa verde national park. We set up our tent at the campground in the park and drove out onto the Mesa to see one of the dwellings called spruce tree house. These little homes/ villages are built right into the sides of cliffs, it's absolutely amazing. This site is busy because anyone can see it and its the closest to the park entrance. The kids liked climbing down the ladder into the dark, circular rooms built underground called kivas. After that we drove back to camp, had dinner and went to bed. We woke up early the next morning because we had to be on the road out to the dwellings by 7:30. The campgrounds are about an hours drive from the farthest dwelling sites, but all within the park. We had 9 am tickets for a guided tour of balcony house dwelling. These dwellings are only allowed by guided tour. Normally the day feels half over by 7:30 am but camping the kids are going to bed much later and waking much later. We broke down our camp and hit the road on time. The balcony house dwellings are truly an amazing site to see.  We descended the cliff walls by steps and ramps then had to ascend very steep exposed ladders. Everyone was impressed we allowed our small kids to do it. The fact that the site is exactly as it was 750 years ago blew us away. These brick walls with windows, balconies, doors, steps and ladders are so well preserved and so durable it is just amazing. The kids loved the ladders, tight tunnels and narrow passages required. There were a lot of adults on the tour more afraid than they were. After our tour we went back to the campground for a shower then had to make a special stop at the visitors center before we left. The girls, especially Casey, were working on an activity book they received upon entering the park. When you finish it a park ranger checks it over then makes them hold up their right hands and repeat an oath. The kids were excited to get their junior park ranger badges. We had some lunch and drive to Moab Utah. We found a campground along the Colorado river in the beautiful red rock valley. I've dreamed of seeing this area for so long. We dipped our feet in after setting up camp then went into town to do some errands. We got back late and cooked hot dogs and sausages for dinner now finally off to bed. It's going to be hot here but we are going to try to hike in early mornings.