Day 45: Alamosa to Mancos, Colorado: 195 miles

Today was National Public Lands Day. We celebrated it by waking up on BLM lands near Alamosa, CO.  A Great Horned Owl hooted once by our camper. He must have been on the rock pile nearby for there were no trees.

I took the boys out. Tad decided to check out a few cacti. He lost. Luckily all the spines were easily removed as they were not the bad cactus spines. 

We headed toward Durango and Mesa Verde. There was a significant summit with awesome scenery along the way. The motorhome did great, lumbering up the hill to the summit. Along the way, we got distracted by Chimney Rock National Monument. It was designated a National Monument in 2012 by President Obama. The Forest Service oversees the management.

This area is fascinating for the connection of astrology to early inhabitants of the area and part of the Chaco Culture. The Chaco were able to predict astrological events and align them with their ceremonies and calendars. It is a dog friendly place. There was an official dog greeter (just kidding, it wasn't official, he just likes dogs. I don't want to get him fired), but his name is Danny. There are even dog kennels available so you can visit the ruins. No dogs allowed in the ruins, but a few trails are dog friendly. We cannot visit the top in order to protect the peregrine nesting sites. It is probably impressive enough from a distance.

We continued our trek to Mesa Verde National Park, stopping at Mancos Brewing Company for our Harvest Host stop. We disconnected the Honda and went on to the visitor center at Mesa Verde NP. We didn't have enough time to see the cliff houses and so we plan on returning in the morning. Mesa Verde is administered by the National Park Service. I think we made the most of National Public Lands Day by visiting lands of the 3 most notable public land management agencies (BLM, USFS, and NPS). 

The night was capped by a dear friend, Jim Ramakka, who lives in Northern New Mexico, not far from where we we were travelling through. It would take him over an hour but he made the journey to meet up with us at Mancos Brewing Company. They have a great logo, recycling ethic, and a variety of beers.

Jim worked for Roseburg BLM in the late 1990's for 3 years until he moved back to this area working for the Park Service at Chaco Culture N P. He eventually worked for the local BLM until he retired. It was good to catch up with him, how he is doing, and what he is planning for his upcoming adventures. While Jim and I were talking, Kasey was getting drinks and a young man, Nathan Brown struck up a conversation with him (not surprising). He was a wildlife biologist for the Mesa Verde NP. Kasey told him about me and the next thing you know, he was at our table talking shop. It is so good to meet other people that share your passion. It turns out that he had met Jim previously. 

We talked for a while and Nathan had to leave but Jim, Kasey, and I spent over 3 hours talking. We hope to see him again when our paths cross. Thanks Jim, for the great visit.