Water's Amazing Handiwork

Natural bridges in White Canyon

When we left Mesa Verde, after 50 degree weather, we were hoping for warmer weather and our wish was definitely granted! For the next two weeks the weather hovered in the mid to high 90's. Change is good! Yesl we were able to dry out...

From Cortez, Colorado (just outside of Mesa Verde) after shopping for gifts for our two families, we drove to Blanding, Utah, where we set up the trailer at a nice little RV park just outside of town and MJ and Chris settled into a local motel.

A shade tree, grass and a quiet place to park - simple pleasures!

There, together, we visited the Edge of the Cedars Utah State Park, which houses a fine museum and ancient pueblo buildings. The park (misleadingly located right on the edge of a subdivision in town) has a museum with an artifact collection that is extensive and professionally displayed - and it's quite possibly the best southwestern pueblo culture museum in the area. There we were actually able to see a bright red/orange macaw feather ceremonial apron (still bright in color from Chaco), intact black/white Chaco pottery, black on red pottery, original baskets found at that site, flint weaponry,a complete coat/blanket made from yucca fibers and turkey feathers, and a map showing the Chaco roads that connected to the various puebloan cities of that era. We spent several hours there since the displays were so well done and informative. If you ever travel to this area, be sure to plan a visit to this little museum; it is well worth the time and effort!

MJ and Chris - a private moment at the mueum.

MJ's new friend - a museum artifact?

Do you know Alice? But you were in a kiva!

We toured Natural Bridges National Park the next day and then drove up to the Colorado River following along the White Canyon to show MJ and Chris the tremendous convoluted canyons formed by the river and flash floods. We were able to take a couple of short walks to look out over the overlooks down into the deep canyon recesses, but the tremendous heat kept us running back to the car to cool off.