THE ANCIENT ONES

The Anasazi are considered the 'ancient ones'.

Ancient Pueblo People were a prehistoric Native American culture centered in the Four corners area of the Southwest. They are noted for their distinctive pottery and dwelling construction syles.

Although it is not known for sure when the culture emerged the current consensus is around 1200 BC. Modern Pueblo indians claim these ancient people as their ancestors.

These images are from the Manitou Cliff dwellings at the base of Pikes Peak in the Manitou/Colorado Springs area. If you are in Denver it is worth the hour drive down south. Interestingly enough though...they somehow look TOO well maintained and reminded me of a movie set more then ancient archeological ruins.

As we were about to leave, indian dances began so I got some cool footage of that. Please note that you should never take pictures/video of native cultures UNLESS you have their permission. The dances recorded here are not religious or ceremonial, just for exhibition and we were granted that honor.

This is in the gift shop/museum. It is carved into the rock. The following photo is of the actuall dwellings.

This was a facinating place and really inspires me to make it to the 'mecca' of cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde. Next season, definately!!! [...you up for that Travis?? lol]

I'm out.

NEXT UP: GARDEN OF THE GODS!!!

THE HAUNTING OF GEORGETOWN

After visiting Silver Plume and taking the train ride, Travis and I headed down to the revitalized town of Georgetown, also an old railroad and silver mining town. A lady at the Silver Plume gift shop suggested we eat lunch at the Happy Cooker. We had some meatloaf sandwhiches and man they were good.

We took a walk through town and came across the Hotel de Paris.

When the original owner died a family took the hotel over and ran it until about 1952 when it was closed and for insurance purposes it was left the way it was the day it closed so an audit/inventory could be taken. It never re-opened and a historical society took it over and has painstakingly preserved it.

Oh yeah...it is supposed to be 'haunted' our host said.....as she disappeared into a wall.

It is a beautiful building and very inviting!!! Although, I don't think I would want to sleep on those mattresses.

I'm out.

NEXT UP: The Ancient Ones. Here's a peek: