Touring the SW

Visitors from the East!  There's a lot to see and I was happy to spend a few days taking day trips to see the sites.  

Mesa Verde is always a treat.  So many styles of ancient cultures to marvel, and how many times will I enjoy it?  Not enough, my friends.

Closer to home: Shiprock

and the lava wall

And Four Corners Monument.  Yes, it was hot... like in the 90's F most of the past month.  And I like it!  It's a "dry heat".  (Hard to sweat it!)

Conquering Cedar Hill Arch

In August, John and I got to this point, but needed to scale a second bench.  I wasn't brave/foolish enough to attempt it, so we turned around.

Then John called a climbing friend to accompany us.  He came with ropes and rappelling gear.

Looking down at where we started.

This is the part that scared me off the first time.

It wasn't as bad as I thought, of course, it never is when it's behind you!  Speaking of behind, I gave John's friend permission to touch my butt!  He asked politely if I needed help, and I told him he could give me a push.  Thanks! That's what I needed to make the last few handholds.

Smiling, because we were confident we could make it from here!

 The Arch is peeking through, and we discovered something from the past.  A horse trough?

At last.

The top:

And another reason we brought John's friend: He found the geocache!

Perfect day.  Noticed a mini-arch forming on our way back.

Preparing for the descent.
I took the steps and handholds with a safety rope tied around me.
John decided that rappelling was the fastest/easiest for him.

Yay for climbing!  My thighs complained for the next two days.

I love the Southwest, especially in the Fall.