Sunday, May 10, 2009

May 9, 2009

Big loop

Another day of sightseeing.  From Cottonwood we went north to Flagstaff and then over to Walnut Canyon.  More cliff dwellings.  The difference here is that instead of one or two ruins the canyon walls are covered with them.  Over 400 have been identified. 

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From Walnut Canyon it was north to Sunset Crater and Wapatki ruins.  Sunset Crater is the area around an old volcano.  Similar to volcanic areas of Northern California and Oregon. 

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Wapatki is again ruins of a similar style to cliff dwellings and also mesa top dwellings.  Difference here is different type of land and different culture of builders.  There are a number of similarities between different ruins in different locations that point to mixing or assimilation of different cultures.

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We returned back to Cottonwood through Oak Creek Canyon.  Pretty spectacular from the top and very pretty to drive through.  In the fall the colors must be outstanding.

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