Aztec Ruins and Chaco Canyon

Members of the CVCC Southwest Adventure explore the kivas and architecture of the Aztec Ruins...

AMANDA HIGGINS - FARMINGTON, NM - We started our day with a continental breakfast at the hotel and then left out about 8:15 a.m. for Aztec, NM.

Aztec Ruins National Monument was established in 1923 and covers 320 acres. Early European settlers wrongfully assumed the people responsible for the structures were the Aztecs from Mexico. Actually, they were most probably descendants of the ancient Anasazi. The most accepted explanation for their disappearance is a severe drought from 1276-1299 which would have forced the people to migrate.

Years after the community was abandoned, thieves broke into the homes, destroyed the architecture, and pillaged precious artifacts. However, archaeologist Earl Morris was able to rebuild many of the structures. In 1921, he excavated the Great Kiva and then reconstructed it in 1934. Most archaeologist agree the kiva was a public building used by the entire community for ceremonial functions.

Inside the park, we were able to visit a museum on the history of the area and we also watched a film on the ruins. After the movie, we were free to explore the sites and we were all impressed at the quality craftsmanship. Without modern tools or equipment, these ancient people created a community which is still partially standing after thousands of years. I thought of a birdhouse I built in the third grade. It fell apart after the first good rain.

Inside the reconstructed Great Kiva was dimly lit and filled with ambient music of Native American chants. As I walked around inside the building, I felt overcome by a sense of connectivity. Although I don't consider myself to be very religious, the kiva provided me with a very spiritual experience. As I sat inside, I thought of all those who had came before me and all those who would come after. I bowed my head and said a silent prayer of thanks for the opportunity to be a part of such an awe-inspiring experience.

JOHN M. SETZLER, JR. - FARMINGTON, NM - After our visit to the Aztec ruins, we loaded back into our van that has become our second home and drove toward Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. In North Carolina, we often talk about things and places being "out in the country." The trip to Chaco Canyon gives a completely new meaning to that phrase. We drove and we drove some more. Every window in the van showed views of flat and desolate landscapes dotted with scrub brush, tumbleweeds, with occasional mesas and buttes. Occasional sights of wild horses and elk brightened the scenery during the drive. When we finally reached the end of the paved road, we followed a washboard dirt road for the final 20 miles into Chaco Canyon.

When we finally arrived at the Chaco Culture Visitor's Center, our back sides were numb from the ride. We unloaded from the van and took a short hike to the Pueblo Bonito ruins. The architecture in Chaco Canyon thrived from 850 to 1250 A.D. before the San Juan River dried up, forcing the Chacoans to relocate. The 1,200 year-old remnants of their culture still dot the landscape within the canyon.

Standing inside of Native American homes that pre-date us by over 1,000 years is a moving experience. Closing my eyes allowed me to imagine the sounds, sights, and smells of the vanished culture that once inhabited these walls. I could imagine the underground kivas being occupied by adults and elders who smoked, prayed, and chanted during their religious activities of the day. I could also imagine the thriving prosperity that once filled the basin of Chaco Canyon. The San Juan River provided the source of sustenance for a community of over 5,000 inhabitants of the canyon. Chaco Canyon is now devoid of permanent human life, but in 2000, a herd of elk migrated into the park and have taken up permanent residence.

After completing our studies of the Chaco architecture, we re-traced our path down the washboard dirt road towards civilization. When we finally reached the pavement, we decided that we had enough extra time to make an excursion to Durango, Colorado, which is about one hour north of Farmington, New Mexico.

The only promise required to get our group to agree to a few additional hours on the road was a visit to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in historical downtown Durango. $17 per pound chocolate was no deterrent to this group of road-weary travelers. In fact, it was worth every dollar we spent!

Tomorrow's adventures include a trip to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado as well as the Four-Corners Monument.

Until tomorrow...