Thursday 2 September 2010

Gila Cliff Dwellings

Six or seven caves tucked into the cliff face, accessible along a path that climbs up from the (mini) canyon floor over about 1/2 mile. Some walls built in (defining kiva, kitchen, living area), some soot on the ceiling (above cooking areas), some traces of ureac (?) acid (where animal hides were tanned). Inhabited from approx 1280 to 1300, during a drought period. The setting is beautiful, and the caves were nice and cool on a 95F day.

Filled out the booklet to become a Junior Ranger, and another to become a Senior Ranger -- and earned a couple of gold (plastic) badges and patches (to sew on our backpacks). All the national parks have this program -- check it out next time you visit one, with or without kids in tow :)

Stopped by the hotsprings to grill some cheese sandwiches and take a short nap on the beach.

Carried on through the Gila Wilderness on HWY 15 (lovely green windy scenic route) to Silver City. Booked in to the Motel 6, and drove down to Bullard Street (which seems to be the main drag in town) for a green Thai seafood curry at Diane's.
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