Saturday, September 8, 2012

Chimney Rock Ruins


I've driven by Chimney Rock several times over the years, but never knew what was on top.


A thousand years ago, this was quite the community. You can see a few of the ruins on the self-guided hike of a small part of the archaeological area. The whole area contains more than 200 structures of the ancestral Puebloan people.


This is the Great Kiva. The experts think that Kivas were used for religious or community events. This one is unusual because it does not seem to have had a roof.


But to see the really good stuff, you have to go on a guided tour all the way up to the ruin on the top of the hill on the right.


Fortunately, the guide stops frequently for rests.


Almost there! The construction here seems to be much better than the ruins down below.


We're about level with the twin spires of Chimney Rock.


This is what the upper ruins look like from the air.


It's definitely worth the tour - $10 or $5 for us old people...


The ruins sure do look nice!


They may have had help from a little bit of restoration. (From a picture I found on the internet)

8 comments:

  1. These are great ruins. Very precise stone work, if it's not all restoration.

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  2. Very interesting! I love the history of ancient civilizations.

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  3. You're a vacationing inspiration. One day I want to enjoy life as much as you!

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  4. Another wonderful tour to put on my bucket list.... Thanks for posting!

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  5. I've been by Chimney Rock numerous times and I too wondered what is up there. Thanks for the pictures.

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  6. I'm always torn about the restoration thing. I don't like it, but I guess if they didn't do it, nothing would be left for future generations to admire.

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  7. Whew! Caught up. I haven't visited in awhile and have sorely missed reading about your life on the open road. I am determined to find a way to do what you're doing. Mine may not be on such a grand scale but (at the risk of sounding too dramatic and maudlin), I won't be complete until I'm on the open road. There are days I feel as though parts of me are dying as I struggle to get there, but I won't give up!

    In the meantime, it is so wonderful to read blogs like yours (and Jim and Gayle's who you recently met) and others. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

    I'm going to keep putting one foot in front of the other and clicking my heels 3x and one day... one day. Thanks again!

    :)
    D

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  8. Sweet spot to check out! I really enjoy the ancient's history and what they left behind for us to see!

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