I’ve been interested ever since reading Craig Child’s House of Rain a few months ago. So, day after a good ride, we went.

This one would be even better if M could keep eyes open in front of the camera.

Chaco is the most extensively researched archaeological site in the southwest. It was a center, for something. Trade? Religion?

Metate.
There’s been some speculation that a diet excessively reliant on corn (thus lacking lycine and thryptophan) leads to malnutrition and hysteria, one explanation for the downfall of the Anasazi.

Tilted walls in Pueblo Bonito, the largest Chaco dwelling.

Looking south from above Chaco Canyon, amongst the ruins of Pueblo Alto. There’s a faint route leading through the gap in the picture, as well as another leading north behind me most of the way to the San Juan river.

Pueblo Bonito lies on the north side of the canyon in the middle ground, at the epicenter.

Pot sherd in Pueblo Alto.

Overlooking Pueblo Bonito from the canyon wall. The canyon itself is quite innocuous, but with a good water supply (for the area) and a good mix of sun exposure and wind protection. It seemed like a nice place.

I considered making up some illness or vehicular misfortune so we could stay for the evening, but I’m not a good fibber, and our phones wouldn’t have worked, anyway.

One more to return to.