August 11, 2003

Mesa Verde

Balcony House

As we were starting down the path from the mesa top, a thunderstorm hit. We were mostly able to stay out of the rain and avoid getting soaked by hugging the wall of the canyon. Just as we got to the gathering place before going into the Balcony House, a sudden roar was heard and a rush of water came cascading down! It was awesome to watch and see what it would have been like to live there during a summer afternoon storm. All the inhabitants would have been rushing to fill all possible water containers. Balcony House, Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, Montezuma County, Colorado, USA, August 11, 2003. f/8, 1/60 second, ISO 100.

House of Many Windows

I didn't realize this one had a name when I took the photo. It makes one wonder why they were willing to trade such huge physical risk of falling for the relative security of the alcoves. It must have been an interesting time! House of Many Windows, Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, Montezuma County, Colorado, USA, August 11, 2003. f/8, 1/350 second, ISO 100.

Square Tower House

One of our family's favorite vacation spots. Lots of wildlife to watch and photograph, Interesting things to discover and see, antiquities with no real known history - it is fascinating to hear the various spins put on the "story" of these ancient ruins by different Park Service employees over the years. We have some of our own as well. . . . Square Tower House, Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, Montezuma County, Colorado, USA, August 11, 2003. f/8, 1/60 second, ISO 100.

Late Afternoon Storm

Double rainbow from a late afternoon thunderstorm sweeping across Wetherill Mesa. Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, Montezuma County, Colorado, USA, August 11, 2003. f/5.6, 1/125 second, ISO 100.