CENTRAL COLORADO, MANITOU, COLORADO

After doing domestic stuff we visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.  Built more than 700 years ago these authentic Anasazi dwellings have been commercialized so you can walk around the inside.  They are very interpretive and well done.  Of course they have an extensive gift shop that sucks Peggy in.  After a black and blue steak dinner at the Stagecoach Inn we park outside Manitou Springs beside Fountain Creek.  We are saddened to hear that the Waldo Canyon forest fire has claimed the Flying W Ranch.  This was on our wish list to visit.   The fire is now completely contained but not before destroying 350 homes.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Mitch and his 'bud'

Pictograph...ancient drawing by the Anasazi who lived here.

Feel the ancient people looking out of these windows.

Possibly a watch tower for the Anasazi.

Metate stones used for grinding corn into meal.