Day Eight:

Today we all packed up our things and headed out to the Aztec Ruins. Just a few minutes away from the hotel we were amazed by how close the ruins where to peoples houses. Once inside we were able to watch a short documentary and walk through the museum. One model we saw was of the archaeological layers of the remains from the Anasazi people; It was titled "Aztec Trash". Within the layers of earth remnants of clothing, pottery, tools, weapons, and food were found. Seeing these items we cannot help to think what future archaeologist may find within our lifetime. Chip bags, milk cartons, and cigarette butts? We were also able to walk into a Kiva where our guide talked about the history of the ancestral people. After the lecture we were able to walk around and explore the buildings where 50,000 people once lived. It is very impressing with how well the buildings have withheld weathering throughout the years.

After we left the Aztec Ruins we visited Durango, Colorado. Durango was established in 1880 as a midway stop for the Rio Grand railroad, between Silverton and the far west. We saw many historical sites such as the Strater Hotel and Diamond Bell Saloon. We ate lunch at " Old Tymer's Cafe" where their slogan remains, "We cheat tourists and drunks." The slogan dates back to a time when the place was a hardware store, and is still displayed today as a restaurant.

The town is cradled amongst beautiful mountains that tower high above the buildings making the scenery one of the most amazing towns we have seen so far. We lingered in many of the shops along main street in hopes to capture that perfect souvenir for ourselves or a loved one back at home. We loaded back up in the van and headed to the hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.