The morning started with a bang when Colin kicked the bucket… Literally. Just as well as we were up, fed and out by 8ish. It was a beautiful drive that took us through country that had often rolling hills with sudden thrusts of rock
we arrived at a less than impressive muddy parking lot with a market surrounding a ‘monument’. It cost $5 to get in and was so worth it, lol Four Corners Monument allowed us to stand in all four states, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico at the same time
from here I split off from Colin and Wendy as they had already been to Mesa Verde. I travelled through another construction zone. This one was the first I had to stop at for a couple minutes. The rest I had gone through on the weekend or at night. As I had seen so many billboards I stopped at Ute Mountain Casino and donated a wee bit to the Nation. Next stop was the Mesa Verde visitors centre where a very nice man told me the route to take and be sure not to miss any of the S’s
I paid my $10 and started on the 23 mile drive in, stopping and looking along the way
the first big stop was at the museum and after wandering there where Louise once again met her family behind glass I took the hike down to the accessible dwelling. 
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next I just drove the loop checking various spots, these people literally carved out a life
most of the places I have been this trip were very natural, few fences except in extreme spots but MV is very… Disney like, all paved and guarded but also more family friendly
after several hours enjoying and learning I decided to head towards Durango
I look forward to checking it out tomorrow but for now I have paid too much for a Super 8 where it was ultimately explained to me that the owner does not wish to spend any money. My sheets are bleached almost through and the keycard doesn’t have a sleeve, just a sticky note.
the staff however are very sweet and apologetic and recommended a scrumptious affordable place for dinner
award winning food and local beer at Serious Texas BBQ.
Eek watching the news and there was a twister just south of me this week! I will only be out with eyes wide open…. Promise.
Today was a 510Km day and a bunch of footsteps too.
triumphgal 