SE COLORADO, OLD FORT BENT & KOSHARE INDIAN MUSEUM AND KIVA

After a short hike to take the dogs for a swim in the reservoir. We visit the Lake Hasty campground and use the facilities.  We follow the Arkansas River and the Santa Fe trail west.  At noon we note the temperature is 98 degrees.  At 4:00PM it's 102 degrees.  We stop at Old Fort Bent (1833-1849) which was a large trading post on the Santa Fe Trail.  It catered to the French, Indians, Mexicans and Americans that were flooding into the country.  It has been reconstructed exactly as it was using the same materials and techniques.  It is staffed by people in period dress.

We stop at the Koshare Indian Museum and Kiva.  The Koshare are a troop of Boy Scouts who perform dances throughout the world. As soon as the sun goes down it cools off quickly.

Old Fort Bent

Mitch inside Old Fort Bent

Barn Swallows found inside the kitchen area.

Bread Ovens

Reenactor making cookies using dutch ovens.

Animal skin drawings depicting the life of a Native American.

Peacock guarding the fort.

Scene of Rocky Mountains leaving the fort.

Koshare Indian Museum and Kiva

Kiva Round Room where dances are held.

Koshare (Pueblo Clowns or Sacred Clowns)

Koshare Dancers in full regalia.