Mesa Verde

I am beginning to realize that the very saddest part of this government shutdown for me will the closure of the National Parks.  From the time that I first learned about the ancient cliff/cave dwellings of the Pueblo people, I have wanted to see and experience them.

Even though we knew that the park was closed, we still headed over that way hoping to follow the "Canyon of the Ancients" and find some tribally run areas that would be accessible.

We were treated to some snow as we drove through the mountains.

Coming into the Mesa Verde Park it first appeared that the road might be open!

 But not too far ahead were the State Patrol making sure nobody got in ...

 And this was as close as I got ...

Just have to keep trusting that we will see what we need to see, and the road will unfold as it is supposed to ...

On to Durango

We needed to do some serious driving to get up to Durango ... again, more magical landscapes, seemingly changing around every corner ...

 Meanwhile, the bathrooms along the way are closed! I ended up peeing behind the bathroom building. John says that all the truckers could see me.  This is what it has come to: old ladies peeing behind buildings.  Stupid Republicans.

 Getting closer to Durango ...

 Finally there.  Great to see godson Greg!

 Greg takes us to a great little place in downtown Durango ...

 Any place that has this many bicycles parked in front has to be good!  Lots of young people and good thinking and living in Durango.  A unique American town and treasure.

 This was our room in Durango, a place where we parked for some much needed R&R.  I had a urinary infection that needed some tending, our clothes needed to be washed, and there was a day of driving rain and snow!!  We loved the Adobe Inn in downtown Durango.  John still can't believe it was just $85 for 2 nights!

 Had lunch in the saloon at the Strater Hotel ...

 A bleak day.  Good for staying put ...

And wonderful, wonderful Greg.  Almost 35 years ago we carried him down the streets of Brooklyn NY to a church for his baptism.  He is now an all together, sweet and strong man who knows his own gentle heart and has the courage to follow it.  An honor to be his god parents!