Cliff dwellers in the 1200's. Impressive!

We explored the Mesa Verde National Park where the Ute Indians made incredible living quarters under the ledges and in the sandstone in the Montezuma Valley.   We discovered that they made their way from valley to mountain dwellings in a series of ropes, ladders and hand carved foot / toe grab holds in the rock.   My first thought was "I am so glad I'm not a UTE Indian Grandmother and have to carry Landon or Jake on my back up those foot / toe holds carved in the mountain side." 

Take a look at the sunset photo above (left) and day time (far right).  They are of the Sleeping Ute Mountain.  Legend has it that this mountain is a Great Warrior God who had come to fight against evil ones causing much trouble.  A great battle ensued, and the Warrior God was hurt.  So, he laid down and fell into a deep sleep.  If you look carefully at the mountain you might see him as I have rendered my own interpretation in the drawing above in the middle.   His head points toward the north, his arms are folded across his chest; his stomach, legs, knees and feet are all clearly visible.   

When fog or clouds settle over the sleeping Warrior God, it is a sign that he is changing his blankets for the season.  A light green blanket heralds spring; the dark green brings summer, fall is red and yellow and white is winter.  One day the Ute people believe that the Great Warrior God will rise again to help his people fight against their enemies.