Made it to Santa Fe

Last night it was 48 degrees!!! I was freezing- good thing there were pristine showers with nice hot water this morning- I needed to warm up. Joe gives me a hard time, because I only brought one blanket. We have several sheets, and for the past two weeks, all I have used is two sheets; I have been plenty warm. When we were in Walmart, though, I picked up another cotton blanket. It wasn't enough last night. I needed the sleeping bag that we have, too. I didn't want to climb over Joe to get it, though. Tonight, I wil have it ready, just in case!

We got out of bed and showered before 7:00- hoping to hop in the truck and do one more loop out in Mesa Verde before packing up and heading back into New Mexico. We were on the road by 7:23- grabbing yogurt and boxes of cereal to eat in the truck as we drove. The visitors center opens at 8:00, and of course, the kids wanted momentos. ;o)

Even though they told us that the trip in took 45 minutes, we made it to the center at 8:03! After a bit of browsing, we headed across the street to the Far View Terrace, which serves Starbucks!!! YAY! Joe and I each got an iced coffee (Butterfinger- caramel, hazelnut and chocolate) a special flavor of Mesa Verde.
Joe also called the RV resort and asked about a late departure- which they granted us for the mere price of $10. So, we didn't have to rush around.

Both of the kids picked out coins, Junior Mesa Verde Ranger water bottles and pins. I also picked out a pin- bronze reproduction of the Cliff Palace dwellings.

We did the Mesa Top loop- it was SO worth the drive back in there. There is one viewpoint with 5 different dwellings visible- it was totally cool! I took way too many photos- as did Joe. We were just awestruck by the whole experience- looking at the actual remains of civilizations from over 800 years ago- just incredible. So glad we made it.

We ended heading for Santa Fe at around 12:46. According to the GPS, it would take us until 5:45 to get there, but of course that didn't include stopping for gas or waiting for EONS to get food at the Aztec, NM A & W. It was hot again- in the high 90s- and lots of hills to get here, but we made it- rolling into Rancheros de Santa Fe at around 6:40. The kids were a bit upset, because they closed the pool, with thunder in the air. Luckily, they opened it again, so all three of them went to the pool while I figured out dinner. We had frozen ravioli- pretty easy, even with no sauce pan! So, dinner is done, there is the possibility of watching "The Green Hornet", and our gracious hostess told Joe all about where to park the truck and trailer in the morning, so we can visit the Chapel and Santa Fe Plaza before heading toward Texas in the morning.

I am looking forward to sleeping a bit better- cool enough to be comfortable, but not frozen!