The Assertive Cancer Patient

Constant the Wonder Dog, World Traveler

Yesterday we spent hours zigzagging back and forth over the four corners area, where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona come together, searching for what was really nothing more than a line or two on a map--the Four Corners Monument.

The monument marks the spot where the four states intersect. Of all the 50 states, this is the only intersection of four states. 

Armed with the information that the park was 35 miles southwest of Cortez, Colorado, where we had spent the night, we set off, only to overshoot the turnoff (I swear there wasn't a sign) and end up way south. We then sailed through the town of Shiprock and 30 miles past into New Mexico--or was it Arizona? 

Anyway, despite asking directions three times, it took us several hours and several frayed tempers to actually find the site. Then, we paid $3 a head for admission. 

However, I got the photo that I wanted: Constant the Wonder Dog standing with one foot in each of four states. 

@ Jeanne Sather 2008.  

Dead Tree V

Yet Another Postcard From Mesa Verde

I've used up my stock of adjectives, and can't find words to describe the magic of Mesa Verde ... other than "WOW."

I spent the past two days saying wow, and not much else, as we visited the cliff houses and petroglyphs left behind 700 to 800 years ago by the ancestors of the Pueblo people. 

We hiked in to Spruce Tree House (right), the only site open to visitors during the winter, in a small group led by a park ranger. Then, Car Guy, Car Guy Jr., and I made a tough three-mile hike that took us to see some petroglyphs.

With the altitude (about 8,000 feet), I was puffing and blowing, but I made it, and it was worth it. My legs are still sore, two days later--also worth it. It is reassuring to find that I can still do the things I most want to do.

For all my traveling, I've never seen a petroglyph in situ, only removed and placed in a museum. There is something special about walking the same trail that the people who drew these images probably walked, and standing where they stood to admire their drawings. 

@ Jeanne Sather 2008.

 

Postcard From Mesa Verde II

Here's me with Car Guy Jr., in the obligatory tourist shot. 

Today was a perfect day--65 degrees. Clear and bright. Not too many visitors in the park, just enough that it didn't feel lonely. 

@ Jeanne Sather 2008.

Postcard From Mesa Verde

I love this shot of Car Guy getting a photo of Car Guy Jr.

We were at one of the overlooks in Mesa Verde National Park, having a great time marveling at the combination of natural environment and human artifacts, that is, the cave dwellings, built some 700 to 800 years ago.

@ Jeanne Sather 2008. 

Dead Tree IV

Dead Tree III

Dead Tree II

Dead Tree I

I got a bit excited about the dead trees at Mesa Verde National Park, and can't resist posting the images. 

So here they are, with little explanation. I don't even know what kind of trees these are. Does it matter?

See also:

Dead Tree II

Dead Tree III

Dead Tree IV

Dead Tree V

@ Jeanne Sather 2008.

Bunny for Zoe

Car Guy Jr.'s sharp eyes found the bunny rabbit in the postcard for Zoe. Here's a blown-up version. 

The rabbit is still a bit hard to see, which is what natural camouflage is all about, of course.

See the original: Postcard for Zoe  

@ Jeanne Sather 2008. 

Postcard for Debutaunt

This postcard, taken near the Utah/Colorado border, is for Dubutaunt, friend extraordinaire and mother of the Wonder Child, Zoe. 

Wish you two were here to share this adventure. 

Much love,   Jeanne