Day 27 to Sand Dunes

"I am going to miss this, this simplicity. Eat, sleep, ride. I haven't thought about complicated things...Everything I need is right here. I could go anywhere and do anything with my bike" -Cassi

Another beautiful sunrise in the desert. This morning we hiked to the top of the mesa and the ruins of Pueblo Alto. We saw a cool set of ancient stairs carved into the shear walls of the cliff. At 10am we took the ranger lead hike of the largest ruin, Pueblo Bonito. What a fascinating look into the past. There is something truly spiritual about Chaco Canyon.

Then began our long drive back. As on every leg of the trip we passed through Cuba again. We were having withdrawals, so we took a long dirt road to Chama. Up and over Cumbres Pass and we were back in Colorado. An afternoon stop for ice cream in Alamosa was a must.

We got to the Great Sand dunes at dusk. Neither Cassi or I had been there. Another amazing place; like being on another planet. We waited till the morning to hike to the top of the dunes. There was a great view to the west, the Continental Divide running along the high peaks of the Weminuche mts. I am going to miss this simplicity too... at least until next year. We then ran, jumped, and rolled the 700 vertical feet back to the car.

new plants seen- rabbit bush, lodge-pole pine

animals identified- collared lizard, elk, golden eagle