Trip to the Southwest

Well ever since I saw Mesa Verde, about 20 years ago, I've wanted to go back with Franco I knew he would LOVE IT!! So we finally made it!! We had a 16 day trip. Started in Salt Lake City where we visited w/ a College friend of mine, NaaNue. We saw 2 LeConte Stewart exhibits there, which were FABULOUS. Never had heard of him. A Depression Era painter in UT. Then we drove to Park City -adorable mining town. Looks like the Old West. Then on to Sundance, which was VERY COOL! We had a long leisurely lunch in a small room w/ a Big fireplace. Nice! Then Franco & I left for the Parks. We first stopped just outside Moab to see some WONDERFUL Petroglyphs!! Then on to Moab where we visited Arches Nat Park & Canyonlands NP. Franco had a horse ride while I waited inside an FABULOUSLY decorated home...all VERY western style. Then on to Monument Valley (think John Wayne movies). We arrived at sunset...where people were all over the road taking photos. We also saw the moonrise..AMAZING..it was a FULL MOON!! There were more Foreigners than Americans there. There Franco had the ride of his life. Pure John Wayne chasing the Indians, since he was behind an Indian Guide!! LOL!! We then drove on to Mesa Verde NP which has the fabulous cliff dwellings of about 880 years ago. I managed to do one hike...but had to opt OUT of the one that included a 36 ft ladder on the edge of a cliff, as well as climbing though a very small tunnel. Franco had to turn his shoulders to get through. I really hoped to do it but...didn't sleep well 2 nights before & actually started breathing heavily (due to altitude 7,000 ft). So I bowed out!! We then drove through Durango, which is  adorable. We stopped in Taos to visit the Pueblo & Earthships, which are built with recycling & are self-sustaining (energy). AMAZING concept.
We ended the trip w/ 2 1/2 days in Santa Fe eating fabulous food & visiting Museums. If you haven't been to that part of the US ..it's a MUST!! WONDERFUL landscapes.