Thursday, August 10, 2006
Chaco Culture NHP, Nageezi, NM - Aug 1-???
We've been here over a week now, and have not fully settled into the Chaco experience. No doubt part of the problem is that GB, our mentor and friend, is away and won't return until next week. There have been three severe rainstorms in the past two weeks (one since we arrived) that have flooded the campgrounds, and even when it doesn't rain, the clouds preclude any Night Sky viewing. And most serious, the health of Ann, Willie's mother, continues to be an issue, so Willie is flying out to Mississippi next week to see what can be done. Ann will probably have to move from assisted living in Noxapater to the nursing home in Louisville (MS).
After the last heavy rainstorm, there were waterfalls coming over the cliffs from the mesa tops in the campground and throughout the entire park. We were "off duty", so were free to wander and admire and try to get photos. This is quite a special occurrence, and we felt privileged to get to see it. The campers who were tenting under the waterfalls, did not feel quite so lucky, although they did realize how unique it was.We had one outstandingly clear night sky program, and all the astronomers were giddy with joy to see the celestial objects. The almost full moon blotted out a lot of things, but it was still great!
The cats all seem to be happy to be back at Chaco -- or maybe it's just that they're happy to be stationary again. They are definitely getting into a nice Chaco routine!!
# posted by Doug and Willie @ 6:55 PM 
