We spent the day exploring the "Aztec Ruins" -- a misnomer -- in Aztec, New Mexico. Built around 1100 AD not by the Aztecs, but by the Anasazi's of the area. Aztec features a restored Grand Kiva within which we heard a lengthy lecture about the area and the people by one of the local guides.

Late in the afternoon we drove up to Durango to walk around and get dinner, then to Cortez where we got a hotel for the night with plans to board the animals and visit Mesa Verde the following day.

This Great Kiva was restored in the 30's, a unique feature of Aztec, Ruins.

Amie standing in front of the Aztec ruins.

Looking down over the ruins.

Walking through the ruins.

Inside the Great Kiva. Evidently the windows are in careful astronomical alignment helping to determine summer and winter solstice and other times important to the natives, such as when to plant crops.

• Background
• Day 0, Packed
• Day 1, Beginning
• Day 2, Into Georgia
• Day 3, Making Miles
• Day 4, Making Up
• Day 5, Momentum
• Day 6, Aztec
• Day 7, Mesa Verde
• Days 8-10, Canyonlands National Park
• Day 11, Arches National Park
• Day 12, All's Well That Ends Well