Here in Colorado the nature and culture are beautiful and adventurous. Outdoor activities thrive thanks to the climate and environment. Of course having more than 300 days of sun a year has its benefits too. I'm not certain, but I think the values and how people act within this culture are a direct result of that.
So on this sunfilled day in May, Donna and I decided to explore the Aztec Ruins in New Mexico, only an hour's drive from my house. Between here and Aztec there are astonishing topography shifts...forests, beautiful desert landscapes, stretches of sage brush and scrub oak, dirt poor farms and thriving businesses. The land of plenty and the land of the needy.
At Aztec Ruins, one of the most impressive features are the endless stone buildings, an amazing example of 'community'. It continues to thrive today, it is all around me. Many New Mexicans claim to be descendants of the Ancient Puebloans. I see it daily in this corner of the US through art, food, music, and language all being 'passed down' in the modern day. So visiting Aztec Ruins is an opportunity for me (anyone) to explore ancient ruins along side my daily reminders of living Puebloans.
A visit to this pueblo was a visual of these peoples dependence on farming, the construction of pueblos (multi-room, multi-story, masonry structures) and the overwhelming example of community; no man caves, she sheds or playrooms here!
In the museum we saw distinctive pottery, tools for daily living, yucca 'fabric' and story timelines of how they subsided in this hot, dry climate. We went to a lecture in the Great Kiva, a subterranean ceremonial chamber. This community had a Great Kiva as well as many small ones. Kivas were places of political meetings and spiritual ceremonies.
The main reason for this post was a place to put my photos. Standing in the Great Kiva for 20 minutes chilled my bones. How did the Puebloans survive in this climate? How did they overcome the elements, draught and harsh realties of life on such a primitive level?
This National Monument is not as daunting as Mesa Verde or Chaco Canyon. It will flood you with the unbelievable reality of our life today compared to life in the late 1000's and early 2000's. Given my pampered world, I am certain I would not have survived. How about you?