On our trip out, we made plans to meet my parents, aunt and uncle, and family friends in Durango, Colorado. It was a great place to stop, charge batteries, eat amazing food and rest for an afternoon. Bright and early the next morning we got up and drove to the Colorado/ Utah border to hike at
Hovenweep National Monument. We did an eight mile hike through the beautiful spring desert to some very remote ruins. Being able to see these unique ruins so well preserved was amazing. Thank you Susan for planning this expedition!
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| Lee's first desert hike! |
The Utah desert was blooming, and we were lucky enough to hike with a friend who is a biologist. It was awesome to be able to have plants and animals identified, even with the Latin name!
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| I'm just waiting for one of the dogs to step on something like this... |
We took full advantage of this, and stopped at every new flower and shrub. The flora here is so different from New England, and beautiful in a very different way.
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| The collared lizards were out! |
The most amazing part was reaching the ruins and seeing how people lived in this area 750 years ago. The climate here keeps everything so well preserved that there are still the original wooden beams in place!
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| Beautifully preserved! |
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| All of the mortar was filled with these tiny stones, I'm guessing to make it stronger. |
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| Still hanging on, 750 years later! |
A good hike was the perfect antidote to four days in a car, and a great way to get to know southern Utah. I can't wait to keep exploring this area!
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