FROM HERE TO THERE AND BACK: TRAVEL DAY 12

South of Moab

So, now we are in Moab, the place where we fought we'd catch the Canyonlands and the Arches National Park. We opted out of the Canyonlands, since we had seen so much unexpectedly yesterday, but we had to see the Arches. Or so we thought...

Another surprise: Arches that did not happen to us. It turned out that the scenery was a hike away, and with my "disability" again, we had to abandon the ambitions of getting my own photos. So, I hubmly confess that this gorgeous picture is not mine. (Below)

More info on the Arches:

Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other unusual rock formations. In some areas, the forces of nature have exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures that is unlike any other in the world. Arches is truly one of the most unique places on earth.

Having to retrace our tracks, it was a good opportunity to enjoy the beautiful rocky scenery again. And, and! We did see an arch right along the road! It is called "Wilson's Arch." (How did we miss this driving the other way?)

The rock formations continue to amaze and entertain us. This is called "The Three Gossips":

Actually I think this would be better named "Three Gossips"—I mean, look at those three faces, eyes closed and mouths open... Or maybe they are consoling each other?

Then there's this. Remember Bishop and Gaudí? Influence, possibly?

Family outing? I mean, Mommy, Daddy and 10 (?) kiddies? (Below)

And back...to

Mesa Verde

The experience of all experiences... Wasn't sure we'd make it there, but Frosty said, "Why not, we're passing right through." Well, "through" is not quite accurate. It's petty much off the road, in the mountains. Quite an adventure to drive 23 miles up to the top, countless hair-pin turns, with white-knuckled wife whining in woeful fear. (Not really; just a try at alliteration there...) But we made it! Of course, the best would have been to hike to some of the spots, but... as before. Luckily there were several stops that afforded breathtaking views of the old cliff dwellings.

Amazing. I am so glad my dream to see this site is no longer a dream...

More from Wikipedia:

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. The park was created in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world, or as he said, "preserve the works of man." It features numerous ruins of homes and villages built by the Ancient Pueblos peoples, sometimes called the Anasazi. There are over 4000 archaeological sites and over 600 cliff dwellings of the Pueblo people at the site.

The Anasazi inhabited Mesa Verde between 600 to 1300, though there is evidence they left before the start of the 15th century. They were mainly subsistence farmers, growing crops on nearby mesas.Their primary crop was corn, the major part of their diet. Men were also hunters, which further increased their food supply. The women of the Anasazi are famous for their elegant basket weaving. Anasazi pottery is as famous as their baskets; their artifacts are highly prized. The Anasazi kept no written records.

By the year 750 the people were building mesa-top villages made of adobe. In the late 1190s they began to build the cliff dwellings for which Mesa Verde is famous.

Some interesting sights along the way down towards New Mexico, our stopping place for the night: