Then we entered the park and got on the Upper Mesa driving loop. It seemed like the best way for us to show the kids lots of different things mostly from the safetly of our car. People were required to wear masks in Colorado just like in New Mexico, but we saw only about 50% compliance.
We were only the road less than a mile before my sweetie shouted, "BEAR!"
Wait, what??
I had missed it! Since there was no one on the road behind us, I encouraged him to slowly back up about 100 yards so we all could see this phenomenon. We had never seen a bear up close in the wild.
He was not fully grown, but bigger than an average cub. Thankfully, there was no sight of his mama, as he calmly ate berries right on the side of the road.
That was a great beginning to our adventure and the cliff dwellings were icing on the cake. Most of the kids climbed out at every quick hiking trail except for Scout. She and I had both gotten a little carsick on the way up, so we only walked about half the trails (and then a little one of our own which we fully expected to end with one of us heaving, but fortunately, we both kept our breakfast down). Honestly, I hated to have her sick, but it was nice for someone to understand how motion sickness has affected my life all these years.
As usual, Mesa Verde was amazing! I have the ultimate respect for those people raising families is such tiny, primative homes. It's hard enough raising a family in all the excess was enjoy today.
Sorry that you had to have Motion sickness; that is the pits. I loved that you got to see a bear. When I was little we went to Yellowstone Park and a bear came up and put his paws on our car; it was scary. I too wonder how the people did in such primitive housing. We are so blessed.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs!