Durango & Mesa Verde NP

Rip and I are camped on the North side of town next to the narrow gauge railroad and the Animas River. So yesterday we hiked up he hill to get a good view of town. Here it is folks, Durango, Colorado!
And that smokey little train giving tourist rides. We put some coins on the track for smashing, but this whimpy narrow gauge only deformed them slightly. Not the heavy smashing you get from a big freight train. It is cute though. Another view of this gorgeous area.

Ranger Scott led me on the tour of Balcony House. Rip decided to stay in the trailer for the trip to Mesa Verde. He is sorta pissed at the NPS for their dog policy. We climbed up this ladder to get in.
And up these ladders and steps to get out. Needless to say, there were some freaked out people. I enjoyed it.
The design of the rooms makes for some very small passages, probably to keep intruders out. It would be easy to guard with a stick by poking people if they tried to squeeze through.
This is inside a kiva, the ceremonial gathering spot.
And this is a kiva without the roof.Pretty neat!
This is Spruce Tree House.
And a closer view.
We are moving on to Sedona today. But before we go, I may have to exercise the kite. The wind is up this morning!