We moved on from Utah on October 28 and stopped outside of Mesa Verde National Park for three nights before moving to the Great Sands National Park near Blanca, CO. Both of these national parks are rather unique and differ greatly from most of the other U.S. parks. It was an experience learning about the history of Mesa Verde and then hiking on the dunes.
Mesa Verde National Park
What makes this park stand out is it was the first park established to protect human archeological sites. The Ancestral Pueblo people called this area home for over 750 years. Their homes began on the top of the mesa as above ground dwellings known as pit houses. The picture below is a site of a former pit house.
After more than 1100 years of living atop the mesa, for reasons not quite known, they began to build beneath the cliff overhangs. Using a brick and mortar method, the Pueblo built magnificent, multi-room and level dwellings. Not only used as homes, but also as seats for their “government” and social functions. In order to access the dwellings, one had to climb up and down the side of the cliff using toe and foot holds as well as ropes and ladders.
I was truly in awe at the ability of these people and have even more respect for what they were able to accomplish. Trying to imagine them living in the narrow space along the cliff really had me captivated. Unfortunately, as has been the story of our trip lately, we were limited to getting up close and personal due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, I am grateful we had the chance to see places like the Spruce Tree House, Sun Temple, Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
I talked Al into driving out to the park the night we arrived as it was October 31 and a full moon. I thought it would be kind of cool to see the dunes by the light of the blue moon. It had been a beautiful day and relatively warm, but once the sun went down, it became pretty chilly out there in the sand. I didn’t care, because I wanted an experience. We were able to wander the sand flats without any use of artificial light.
We went back to the park the following day and opted to visit the eastern ridge in hopes we would see less people. I had an ulterior motive in choosing this side which was to take some topless photos overlooking the sand dunes! We had been hiking the dunes for a short time when we noticed a couple appeared to be following our tracks. We even attempted to change direction and crawl up a rather steep dune. Sure enough, they kept coming and ended up on top of the dune with us at which time they figured they would sit and enjoy the view….about 30 yards from us. Mind you, the sand dunes encompass 30 square miles and they just had to follow us. Are you kidding me people?!!!
I got tired of waiting for them to move on so I went ahead and readied myself for the photo shoot. Al told them what we planned to do and they said “they didn’t mind.” Whatever! It is a sense of freedom to bare all like this. I did it as an honor to my fellow breast cancer warriors.
It was a heck of a hike and my thighs reminded me a couple of days later just how challenging it was. But the views were fabulous and the vastness that lay before me left me humbled.
The Sand Dunes are really breath taking ! They seem to float for miles. what a great experience!
Love these pictures. I thought the topless one was so amazing. Should have used a zoom on that one, because it so beautiful.
Wow! What an experience for you! I love the pics of the Pueblo dwellings, amazing what people accomplished so long ago without the use of what we deem necessary tools these days. The Dune pictures are awesome too, and I love the pic of you topless, even if you did have to bare it all with such rude people who wouldn’t take a hint and move on. Maybe they thought you guys knew all the best sights, who knows! Your blog is so inspiring and I feel fortunate to be able to read your thoughts. Sorry I waited so long to catch up on what I’ve missed recently. Love you big bunches! ❤❤❤
Hi Brandee,
This is Pat Burk. We used to be neighbors to your mom and dad and I met you at their house a few years ago. We just started reading your blog. Our daughter, Kari, died of breast cancer in 2013 after battling it for six years. So I know what it’s like to watch your child go through this feeling so helpless but I don’t know what it’s like to be the one actually going through it. It sounds like you are secure in your salvation and know where you are going if and when you die which is more than most people can say for sure. My daughter and my husband and I are all born again Christians As was our son who died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 27 and our remaining daughter who is the identical twin to our daughter Kari. You know our daughter was striving to achieve all of the things on her bucket list when I said to her one day, Kari in a very short time you are going to experience something so much better than anything this world has to offer. That reality struck home with her and gave her so much peace. And knowing that we will both see her again in the not so distant future gives us continual peace even though we miss them both so much. We are and will continue praying for you.
Pat and Chris Burk
Pat,
Thank you so much for joining the blog. I appreciate it. I also appreciate you sharing your insight from the parents perspective and being vulnerable. I know it isn’t easy and I can’t imagine watching my child go through this. I have been trying to be an inspiration and a witness for my Lord and Savior. He is what keeps me grounded.