Chaco!

We went to Chaco with friends yesterday ... long day, and "Chaco" always equals dusty. Nonetheless, it's always a rewarding trip. The day was hot, but not windy.

We did some of the usual "downtown Chaco" things, including touring Chetro Ketl and taking the rock art walk along the cliff toward Cliff Palace. 

We did a late lunch under the shade arbor near Pueblo del Arroyo, where this little beggar and a couple of his cousins mooched potato chips and whatever else was available. Antelope ground squirrels are natty little critters!

After lunch, and a quick tour of Casa Rinconada and the small sites, we headed for the outliers. The two-track out to Kin Klizhin was actually in better condition than a month ago. This time, instead of turning back after Kin Klizhin, we journeyed on to Kin Bineola. This is one of my favorite Chacoan outliers ... E-shaped with lots of standing walls of exquisite masonry (second picture). Hosta Butte was visible almost straight south, looking across a flat, sloping field area that provided for the residents. tv