Day 25 - An unusual, but very interesting 4th of July

Today, we made our way from Moab to Cortez, Co….and to Mesa Verde National Park. 

We stopped at the Sleeping Ute Rest Area on the way, and Joan and I found a letterbox for which we had a clue. 

I have to say that I have looked forward to this day for the entire trip, as Rick has told me how incredible this place is.  Boy, was he right.  We arrived this afternoon, so we only had time for one tour…..The Long House……and it was fascinating.  The cliff dwellings are amazing and the best preserved that I have seen.

After the tour, we returned to our campsite….it took an hour to go 24 miles on the twisty-turvy roads up on the mesa.

Once back at the campsite, Rick got the charcoal fired up for our 4^th of July feast…..marinated flank steak, corn on the cob, and a tossed salad.  

For the grand finale, we had s’mores for dessert (ok, I had traditional s’mores for dessert, Joan had cold s’mores….untoasted marshmallows (can you imagine?!?!?), and Rick abstained).

We went up to the outdoor amphitheater to listen to a park ranger talk about the stars, but unfortunately it was too cloudy to see much.  He was interesting nonetheless, and we learned more about the people who lived here.

We have an early wake up tomorrow…..6am!.....as we have an 8am tour.  Would love to get more sleep, but we are looking forward to all that is in store for us.