Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico

After leaving El Malpais I met up again with the 72-year-old woman (Chrys) who is full timing in a van like mine. I hadn’t seen her since December in Florida. We had a 3-Travato reunion because Steve, from St. George, was heading east and our 3 paths converged. I came from the south, Chrys from the east, and Steve from the west.

I spent 2 nights visiting with Chrys as we camped side by side in a casino’s RV campsite (for $18/night).  We toured Acoma Pueblo; the longest continually occupied pueblo. It was an interesting tour with a lot of history. The current residents believe that their ancestors migrated there from Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde (the latter, which I have yet to visit). The tale is told that, when they were leaving their previous locales for whatever reason (likely because resources were depleted or climate had changed enough to make the area no longer habitable), that they chose their migratory route by shouting “Ha’aku” and wherever they heard the echo returning from, that’s the direction they headed.  The Pueblo has no electricity or indoor plumbing but it was a scenic, peaceful place perched atop rocks with a lovely view. 

See the little boy pushing his flashy plastic truck on these ancient roads?

The locals had tables of their artisan wares set up and our group of 12 had a chance to shop during the tour; tours come up every 2 hours.  

The mound is an oven.

A little boy watching our progress. Children must learn to climb up these ladders at a very early age.

The church was really beautiful inside but photos weren't allowed.

All but three of us took the bus back down to the museum and cultural center but I (and 2 other young women) were happy for the opportunity to hike down via an ancient trail that included handholds carved into the rocks on the very steep parts. 

The way down. Up was probably easier.

Worn by centuries of use.