Mesa Verde--

Linda has always wanted to see Mesa Verde and the place did not disappoint. We spent two nights at Far View Lodge in the park which was very convenient since it is a bit of a drive to the park and all up hill (about 8000 ft.). To see the ruins up close you have to take a guided tour. We signed up for two different tours one through Cliff Palace which was described as moderately strenuous and the second was through Balcony House and was described as strenuous. I went on both tours and Linda opted out of the second as the altitude was taking a toll on her. Both places involved climbing ladders and staircases though in Cliff house they were much taller and precarious and you also had to crawl through a narrow tunnel and traverse a cliff face with chain hand holds. 

After two nights and one day at Mesa Verde we headed off deeper into Colorado and up into the mountains. We got lucky again since the fall colors are about two weeks early this year and are peaking just about now. The aspens are Lind'a favorite tree and are just amazing. We got lots of great pictures. We are now in Montrose after going over passes almost 11,000 feet high. Tomorrow we will go by Black Canyon National Park, heading east and south, probably ending up by the Colorado Dunes.