First to say that Mancos is in Colorado and the scenery had been changing dramatically as we started moving East yesterday. The Rocky Mountains dominate even this far south and everything starts getting green. So the drive from Mancos to Taos is right across Colorado and it really is beautiful with the Rockies looking down on you.
But I’m skipping ahead of myself. We got up this morning and had a very nice espresso cappuccino at the little bar on the property. Then we set off for the Mesa Verde National Park. As I said yesterday, world heritage listed and just truly amazing. Not to put you to sleep too quickly but the Pueblans are a peoples who lived in this canyon ( and beyond) two thousand years ago. They built dwellings in the cliffs and cliff tops out of mud, stone and wood. Some of these dwellings are incredibly complex and elaborate. But my photos depicting the dwellings are definitely not too fabulous. Anyway I’m slowly learning about these people but still don’t fully understand their relationship to the Native Americans. Their ancestors are living in Taos today and there will be more about that in the coming days. For today, the Mesa Verde was another wow experience.
But we were very pushed for time because we had a long drive over to Taos after the NP. So we then started the drive across Colorado. Because we are coming up to 4th July we went through towns so decked out with Americana. Bunting, wreaths, flags abounded. The odd TRUMP:AMERICA FIRST signs, and signs for rodeos etc. Very middle America. Amongst all this, beautiful old but well maintained houses and shops that took you back. They really value their heritage and preserve it beautifully.
We finally arrived at our airbnb in Taos. A lovely adobe home with gorgeous Native American rugs, cushion covers and art. It is lovely. We went into town to forage for food and had a quick look around. Everything is Adobe, strong Native American presence, both Navajo and Pueblan. I can’t really say more until I’ve explored more tomorrow.