Day 8 was the first day I didn't ride. Took a half day tour of Mesa Verde which gives a great overview. One can then focus on the places that interest you. I don't presume to be an expert on this place after 24 hours here. Anyone can use Google for details. Just a few points.
It was settled in the 6th century & was populated till the 13th century when every one had moved away. No one knows exactly why. In 1906 it was made a National Park, after Yosemite & Yellowstone. In 1978 it was declared a World Heritage Site. I don't have photos as everyone has seen pictures & my camera is not that good. Anyway a picture cannot tell the full story. I had seen them but being here it is so much more impressive. There are about 500,000 visitors year (open from April till mid-October) from all over the world.
Today Hazel took Candy to the Durango airport about 50 miles away for her return flight to Denver. Many thanks to Candy for driving down with Hazel. Candy you are always there for your friends & you & Clive are always the first to have strangers to town in your hospitable home. Thanks for being there for us.
This week has been the festival of Sukkot also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. For my non Jewish friends it's a great week of eating meals in a flimsy hut build next to ones house. It's a time to invite friends & family over for meals & is a lot of fun.There we eat all our meals & some even sleep in them.The huts are open to the elements which can often be cold & rainy to remind us that after the Fall harvest when we feel pleased with our success as farmers (as a metafor) we are reminded of the fact that G-d (or some higher power if you prefer) is really in control & not us. At the end of Sukkot we complete the cycle of reading the Torah which takes a year & we start again. This is also a great celebration.
It's been strange for me to be away from home for these festivals. Alone on the road on my bike I do feel the vunerability & dependence on G-d for my protection so have felt the spirit of the festival in this unusual way. I hope next year to celebrate in the more traditional way.
Tomorrow I enter Arizona in Navajo Nation territory. So far have completed just over 400 miles of the journey-only 600 more to go!
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