Aztec Ruins, Pop's Toys and SHOWERS:)

Wednesday (September 19th) -- After leaving Chaco Canyon, we headed north to the Aztec Ruins National Monument. This Pueblo Indian (Anasazi) community was part of the Larger Chacoan network of communities whose cultural and economic center was at Chaco. The excavated ruins here have a similar style and structure as those found at Chaco, but cover a smaller area. Aztec's great kiva was reconstructed in 1933-34 by archaeologist Earl Morris.

Reconstructed Kiva

When we left Aztec, we headed to Mom and Pop 's RV Park in Farmington. The owner is a delightful character who retired after traveling the world in the Air Force for 30 years, exploring the US and Canada for 4 1/2 years with his wife in a motor home, and then settling in Farmington to run the RV park and pursue his hobby of making miniatures. He designs, casts, and paints them himself and has created a room full of fascinating displays. . . From scenes of the old west to war re-enactments to ancient Rome and parlor scenes from the Victorian Age. He even has an extensive miniature railroad set up in his yard! His collection is worth thousands of dollars. He kindly took the time to show us around his workshop, explain the process, and tell us about the displays. He has lived a very full 82 years and I would have loved to spend the day just listening to his stories!

We did laundry at a nearby laundromat and Mark grilled chicken for dinner. This is the second time so far on this trip that we have had a campsite with electricity . . . AND SHOWERS:) Yay!!

Mark called Hardware Distributers to tell Ferlin we slept in his hometown of Farmington last night, but Ferlin was already out on a run.

Heading today to the Four Corners.

Posted with Blogsy