Once inside the park, we picked up our step-on-guide for the afternoon. This is a Grand Western Tour first, and a successful one in our eyes. As we traveled up the winding road toward the Mesa top, the guide educated the crew on the ancestral Pueblo Indians and their lives in the Mesa Verde region. We learned about their food, farming, architecture, and cultural practices. We stopped at an overlook that allowed us to see the four corners. The students enjoyed the amazing 8,500 foot high views of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. Many students took time to talk with the Fire Rangers in the fire lookout tower where they learned about the most recent fires in the area and how the Rangers predict forest fires in this area. On the drive we got to view the damage from the most recent fires (2000 and 2002). It is estimated that these areas won't grow back for another 400 years.
The next stop inside Mesa Verde was the Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling in the park. The group took a short hike down to the dwelling behind the tour guide. Once at the bottom they were able to pear through "windows" and go down into religious Kevas built before 1300 by the Ancestral Pueblo Indians.
(Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde)
The hike out was tiresome and by the time it was over the group was ready for their picnic lunch. After lunch the step-on-guide proceeded to educate the crew on Mesa Verde history and agriculture as we wound our way down the Mesa and out of the park. The rest of the afternoon consisted of free time during which many students did laundry, worked out, or enjoyed downtown Durango.
Dinner was at the Bar-D Ranch which is like a tiny town. The crew got a really warm cowboy welcome from Cy Starboro, the Bar-D owner. Free time at the ranch gave students time to ride the mile long train, play on a playground, shop, enjoy preview music from Wranglers members, and take lots of pictures with the adorable buildings and western artifacts placed around.
The Bar-D serves dinner chuckwagon style just as the pioneers did. This means when they ring the dinner bell everyone goes through the line table by table being served as quickly as possible. We had the choice of bbq chicken or beef with sides dishes of a baked potato, baked beans, applesauce, a dinner roll, and a piece of spice cake. Delicious! We had many group members join the clean-plate club tonight!
Following dinner was a western music and comedy show by the -D Wranglers. The Wranglers have won many awards in the chuckwagon show world. Along with their musical talent, their comedic personalities had the crew laughing throughout the whole show! We ended the night joining in to sing some patriotic tunes with the Wranglers and other Bar-D chuckwagon guests.
Overall, we had a successful few days here in Durango. Tomorrow it is off to Salt Lake City!
