Carlsbad, California to Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico

Spending the weekend with Stephen and Julia at 

Carlsbad State Beach in California was a blast! 

We floated on boogie boards, got smashed by the waves, 

drug across the sand by the powerful ocean, 

swallowed salt water and soaked in the sun.

Enjoying dinner outside at Garcia's in Carlsbad Village 

was a perfect way to end the day.

Two of the three grandfurkids - Storm and Romeo.

They were so fun to watch!

I had to stop and pick up a bag of oranges right 

along the orchard. They were so juicy and tasty!

We ran into a few storms as we traveled along 

Interstate 40 into New Mexico.

The scenery is just spectactular!

Julia suggested we check out Chaco Culture National Historic

Park since we were so close. It is in a remote area of

northwestern New Mexico.

We called ahead to check on the road condition coming in 

the south entrance and the lady said it should be no problem 

with a RV. Thankfully we parked the RV in Crown Point 

and just drove the car!

  After 20 miles of gravel and 14 cattle grates we arrived at 

Chaco Culture National Historic Park.

We arrived just in time to go on an hour long ranger-led talk 

which are always very informative. Chaco people began 

building multi-story stone buildings here is the mid-800’s. 

In the early 1100’s Chaco Canyon had become a ceremonial
and economic center. People gathered here because it was 

and still is a sacred place.

Chetro Ketl Kiva

This figure 8 kiva is very unusual. 

Some believe it is a portal for aliens.

 Chetro Ketl is known for its elevated kiva   
and a 500 foot long back wall.

We walked along the Petroglyphs Trail to 

Pueblo Bonito which is the largest great house with over 600

 rooms and 40 kivas. Kivas are used for spiritual ceremonies.

Pueblo del Arroyo

Chaco Canyon

This sign was on the way out. It should have been at the 

entrance also, but would that have stopped us? 

Probable not.

"National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely 

American absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our 

best rather than our worst."

Wallace Stegner