I finished my visit to Mesa Verde N.P. today. I saw a lot more than I thought I would, and did a lot of hiking (~8 miles!). My feet are sore, and we’re ready to head somewhere else. We’ll go to the 4-corners National Monument tomorrow, and decide where to go after that. I have lots of pictures that I’ll try and post as a slide show. Tonight I’m camped in the San Juan National Forest, between Durango and Cortez, CO. I’ve got a nice campfire going, with wood I’ve been collecting along the side of the road. The picture below is of 2 butterflys mating. Can anyone identify the species?

For anyone traveling to the American Southwest, I’d certainly recommend the Mesa Verde National Park near Durango, CO. I got here yesterday, and so far have only made it around the Mesa Top Loop Road. The park is huge. The first real sites are 20 miles from the entrance, so plan to do a lot of driving. Also, although this seems like the best time of year to visit, most of the park is closed for the winter season still. I camped outside the park at the Mesa Verde RV resort last night. Tonight I’ll find somewhere to boondock. $20 for camping seems too steep for me. Plan on several days to see all of the park. Today I’m planning to see the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, The Spruce Tree House, and I’ll probably make the 6-mile hike along the Cliff Palace Loop Road (closed for season) to see the Cliff Palace and Balcony House.

P.S. Hope I’m not offending too many people with my semi-political posts!! I’m not always posting my views or beliefs, just trying to present different views!