21 May - afternoon trip to Pecos

After a very enjoyable morning touring Santa Fe with Raven we decided to check out the other sites in the area.  Our trusty gps indicated there were ruins of historical importance within a short trip of Santa Fe.  Raven and I were on the road again headed southeast for the Pecos National Historical Park.  Too bad for Raven that dog's aren't allowed but she is patient as always for me to check out the sites and bring back news of what was interesting.

 

The Pecos Valley lies between the Sangre de Christo Mountains and Glorieta Pass.  The area is beautiful.

 

The trail through the site will take about 45 minutes and the weather isn't too hot so I leave Raven guarding the RV and I head out on the trail.

 

 

The site is massive, approximately 2,000 residence in the 1400's.  The Pueblo of Pecos commanded the trade in the area.

 

The site as viewed today.

 

 

 

Kiva's were an important ceremonial and social space for the Pueblo.

A view of the ladder to enter and the fire pit.

 

 

The remains of a smaller Kiva

 

Not a sign you're happy to see but we are glad we had nothing to report.

 

 

We didn't mind seeing this little guy.

 

 

As it might have been.

 

A Spanish mission as it looked in the 1700's.  The Spanish Franciscans bring Catholic Christianity to the Indians.

 

Part of the mission complex.

 

The remains of the mission as it looks today.

 

A beautiful day.

 

The Santa Fe Trail passes through the park.

 

The Santa Fe Trail as it looks today.

 

 

Another part of old Route 66

 

Well, another fixer-upper to consider.  We think we still like the one in Colorado best.  Cooler and it had water running through the property.

 

 

So ends another day of our grand tour. We head back along old Route 66 looking for dinner.  The hike around the park has given us quite an appetite.  We're headed south to Carlsbad Caverns tomorrow so early to bed to get an early start.

 

Thanks again for following us.  Raven sends her love to all of you.  Have a great day.