Hovenweep National Monument

Four Corners!
Standing in Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico!

Hovenweep National Monument Ruins

Differnt structures fro Mesa Verde dwellings!

Different Landscape
Different Architecture

The Castle!

Sleeping Ute Mountain

Yesterday was Hovenweep Day!  More ruins to explore - quite different from the Mesa Verde dwellings carved into the steep cliffs.  In Hovenweep, the canyons are significantly smaller, so the landscape seemed to influence the architecture.  The buildings were just as impressive - more out in the open, with vantage points overlooking the canyons.  We guessed tha, with a bit more space between living groups, cultural styles and living routines werre somewhat different.
We overnighted in Blanding, Utah.  Before settling in for the evening, we visited Edge of Cedars State Park/Museum.  There, we saw a treasure trove of artifacts from the area - pottery, clothing, jewelry (the "beads" were insect legs - actually VERY pretty!), tools - all made of materials readily avaiable to the ancient ancestors.  No Home Depot; no grocery stores; no internet - but they ate well, lived comfortably and communicated easily - with minimal impact on the environment.  They set an inspiring example of advanced spiritual and ecological development.  We were reminded a couple of times that all cultures have common roots - clans, hunter-gatherers, reverence for Mother Earth and Father Sky.
From Blanding, we will travel where internet is unavailable, so it will be a day or two before we post again.  Thanks so much for sharing our adventure!