Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

It took years for us to get to Mesa Verde which only built up my anticipation and we were not let down. The Anastasi Indian way of life is best preserved in Mesa Verde. On tour of the ruins you can even climb a ladder and get a feel for getting around their homes and kivas, they way the Anastasi’s did.

A museum holds the most impressive artifacts from Mesa Verde, including a well preserved skull with hair still attached. The pottery display is abundant and there are baskets with seeds that were stored in the cliff shelters. There is much to see and you will want to spend a few days to enjoy it all.

Let’s go!

-Lisa

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon is known for its red rock spires that you can walk among and enjoy the abundant display. Be forewarned, you will lose altitude walking into the canyon that is around 8,000 to 9,000 at rim line.

Walking along one may encounter a Utah prairie dog or see a California condor flying high above. When Don and I were there we had the place practically to ourselves and that was quite the treat.

There was a stillness that was only broken by the occasional wind that swept through the canyon and walls of rock spires. Check out the slide show and you will see what we mean.

Let’s go!

-Lisa

Coyote Buttes

Don and I were blessed to have seen this place for decades before it was developed into a recreational destination. We used to have it all to ourselves and it was our Good Friday and Easter holiday trip for years. It was not an easy place to hike into then but I always looked forward to it and couldn’t wait. Once you see the photos you will understand.

Luckily we always took a different route so we got a fabulous collection of photos from many angles. We knew even then how special the Coyote Buttes were. It was our secret trip. We never ran into other people there. It was as isolated and barren as you can get.

We always had to backpack our own water in for the usual four day back packing and camping trip. The days were brutally hot around 115 degrees. The wind could kick up fiercely, explaining the unusual carving activity in the sculptured sandstone. The unique landscape feels like visiting planet Mars.

The area is now open but with restricted access for day use only.

Let’s go!

-Lisa

Santa Barbara, California

A fun place to visit that is off the beaten path of Santa Barbara is Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park. You can only peer into this splendid little sandstone cave but don’t let that stop you from visiting. Inside the cave holds treasures in the way of well preserved drawings made by the Chumash Indians. The shelter cave is located near the road.

On the other side of the road we heard water and went to explore. We followed a creek for a distance and discovered some nice watering holes for a swim. It was cold and foggy that day so we hiked back up the stream to the car.

After visiting Chumash Painted Cave, our reason for the trip, we headed to Solvang and enjoyed walking around the city. Solvang is a dutch delight and it left us feeling like we were in a different country after walking back in time.

Let’s go!

-Lisa

Sequoia National Park, California

The Sequoia trees are the largest and oldest trees in the world. Sequoia National Park is so special Don and I chose to spend the first night of our honeymoon here. We stayed then in the Giant Forest cabins amongst the sequoia trees, which have since been removed to protect them.

Sequoia may be named after its trees but there’s plenty of waterfalls and wildlife to enjoy as well. There are deer, marmots, even bears so keep a good eye out. We go to Sequoia all the time and our kids have seen it growing up. It’s like a second home to our family.

Let’s go!

-Lisa