Bandelier Park I had never heard of Bandelier National Monument. I just know that is we drove up the spiraling highway, I kept thinking o boy, I am going to have problems walking up just like in Inscription Rock. Matters were made worse when I saw that the Fire warning was at high.

Bandelier National Monument Oh my Lord! What a place. Awesome! I just did not know what to do. I had made an effort to walk all the other sites except for climbing Inscription Rock, but this was something else. Back and forth I went – undecided – I wanted to go, but I kept getting out of breath. Finally I made up my mind. There was no way on earth I would ever come back here. Primarily because I am in no physical condition to climb those ladders, but I have always been fascinated by the Anazasi People and I just had to go.

What an experience, this whole trip was all worth it just by being here. Walking the path of the Ancient Ones, viewing their homes, climbing to the caves they had carved out in the mountain sides. Spectacular! I made it! I know I could not continue to the Long houses simply because heights and I do not get along. I am contented with what I did see.

The inside was very spacious and way bigger than what I thought. It was also cool and a welcome relief from the heat outside. It was worth the effort and the climb, getting down was another story.

Alcove Long Houses When I saw this picture I knew I had made the right decision of not continuing on. I probably would have gotten dizzy, not to mention a very hard time going down. Nope, just looking at it is scary and I get chills down my back. My hat of to those who were successful, but more importantly my admiration for the Ancient Ones continues to grow. Breathtakingly beautiful!

Of course I am not as daring as Maribel, Dr. Green or Sean, there was no way I was going to climb those ladders – I am afraid of heights especially freefalls.

The beauty of this place is indescribable, tucked away in such a secluded place. You really have to be into hiking and camping to know about this place. I am really glad I came and that I made an effort to see it. I really would have regretted it if I had not done so.

Closing The scenery, the Pueblos, to me they’ve been an eye opener. I wonder what Fray Marcos de Niza, Coronado and Onate thought when they first saw these pueblos. Probably great disappointment as there was no real wealth they could get their hands on. I feel for Coronado who used his wife’s wealth to finance the expedition and at the end have nothing to show for it. Unfortunately, the reality of that time was that gold was necessary and the expeditions into the southwest were because they were seeking wealth and hoping to spread their religious beliefs on the Natives. No respect for the culture of the natives and that is in itself sad. Looking back, the Pecos Pueblo natives did attempt to live peacefully with the Spanish, but that did not happen, hence the various revolts of the Natives. What was true then is true today. In order to live in peace we must accept or at least be tolerant of other people’s beliefs. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and I now understand some of those reality shows. It is hard living together with other people, but I like to think we did good.