Mesa Verde Pt. 2
Had to split blog to make server happy.
Spruce Tree House – our third tour
Forgot about this one. Also self guided with ranger supervision. This one is near visitor center located near end of one of the mesas. Access is much easier so this is probably the most visited sites. It is also probably the most restored giving the most people a good idea of what an active cliff dwelling looked like.
View of dwelling from across canyon
Central plaza of Spruce Tree House. Note circular area at rear of picture. That is a kiva.
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Note hole in kiva roof. Entrance/exit and smoke exit.
One kiva is fully restored and can be entered.
Interior of kiva. Note ceiling construction. Fire pit is approximately where base of ladder is. Guess they moved ladder when they wanted a fire. Hole in wall at rear is fresh air vent that connects to a shaft that goes to surface. Wall in front of vent is deflector to prevent drafts and allow warm air to circulate in kiva.
Exiting kiva.
Long House - first tour of second day
From a distance
Closer view
Step House – second tour of second day.
Self guided with ranger supervision. Sue took several pictures. Don’t have them yet.
Statue in front of main visitor center. Depicts cliff dweller climbing down face of cliff.
Good Bye Mesa Verde. We had a great time.
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