Bandelier National Monument

Adolph Bandelier was an anthropologist who came to New Mexico to study and document the lives of the Ancient Pueblo Indians.   He studied this area extensively and thus the National Monument is named after him.   We walked a 1.2 mile trail through the Frijoles Canyon along the Frijoles Creek.   (Yes, all you Skippy John Jones fans-"Canyon of the Beans").   Generations of  Puebloans lived in this canyon from around 1100 to 1600.   There were dwelling foundation remnants in the floor of the canyon.   The picture at the right shows these foundations ringing the common area of the community.  

As we left the floor of the canyon and climbed toward the canyon wall we could see the cliff dwellings. 
Here you can see Deb climbing a ladder to reach one of the small "rooms" in the canyon wall.
The rock looked like sandstone to us, but it is not.   This was actually a highly active volcanic area and the stone is volcanic in nature and is called "tuff".   It is quite soft and easily eroded by wind and rain, thus creating the myriad of  holes which became rooms for the people.   

There were also areas where the people built up walls with adobe brick.   You can see Bob at the right looking into one of these rooms.

Both of us climbed the ladder below and entered quite a large area which included several rooms.   The picture of Deb is inside one of the rooms.

The Ancient Puebloans (which we used to call Anasazi) grew corn, beans and squash in the fertile volcanic soil of the area and many of the rooms were used for storage of their crops.   They usually tried to have a store of dried field products which would last a couple of years in order to deal with the inevitable drought years.

In the next two pictures you can get an idea of the length of the canyon.   The holes you can see in the canyon wall were where there were at one time timbers that defined "floors" of the dwellings.  In many areas you could clearly see where there had been at least three levels in the dwelling.   Deb is standing next to a beautiful petroglyph which archaeologists uncovered during one of their digs.  Apparently even thousands of years ago folks liked to have artwork on their walls!

We were making our way back to our car when there was an informational sign telling of the wildlife that could be seen.   We literally looked up from the sign and saw this guy standing literally five feet from us!

On our way back to Santa Fe, we passed through the city of White Rocks.   Deb had read about a scenic overlook from the town.   Sure enough.   It was quite amazing.   We could see the Rio Grande River flowing below us and canyons, mesas,  and mountains in all directions.

All in all it was quite a wonderful last day.     The nickname for the state of New Mexico is The Land of Enchantment and we have certainly becoming enchanted with the beauty and amazing history and culture of the area.  

We will finally be heading north tomorrow morning.      It is hard to believe our winter adventure is ending.   It has been wonderful and amazing.   

Hugs to Everyone,

Bob and Deb