Here's an update...and what to look forward to...

There has been so much interest in this program for the past several years that we wanted to open this page as we begin our detailed planning just to let you know that it's finally really going to happen! Our planning will take a while longer, so we ask your patience. Please call us any time with any questions. 

We're just back from our primary scouting of the Mesa Verde Region. We had originally planned to produce the Mesa Verde with Dr. Gwinn Vivian, whom many of you know fondly from having experienced his immense knowledge of Chaco Canyon and its outliers up close and personal. As time passed, and Gwinn enjoyed more of you on our repeated Chaco learning adventures, he told us that, having experienced the enthusiastic interest of our guests, that we (and by that he means YOU) deserve someone at Mesa Verde who's as currently familiar with that area as he is with Chaco. He know Mesa Verde academically, but he wants us to have someone who actually works there, has deep experience and of course is an excellent teacher. So, by way of Gwinn's referral, we came to know Jonathan Till, with whom we enjoyed a long planning session during our recent visit into Colorado's Four-Corners Country. I must tell you that Gwinn REALLY enjoys you folks who've come to Chaco with us over the years! And you will be very pleased with the selection of our Mesa Verde scholar.

We're still working out details, but our basic approach will be to study the high points up on Mesa Verde itself for a couple of days, and additionally to look thoroughly at the human beginnings in the area by visiting selected village sites down in Montezuma County, the vast valley to the north and west of the Mesa itself. There are museums to peruse, restaurants to savor and comfortable lodging including Far View Lodge up on the Mesa Verde and accommodations down in the village of Cortez. 

The wildlife habitat both on the Mesa Verde and in the surrounding valley is plentiful and photogenic. We saw mule deer and turkeys to the point they became commonplace...well, almost. Birds are everywhere. We even got the best look at a wild mountain lion we've ever enjoyed, though it was dusk and no pictures were possible.

Our route will take us through some of Arizona's most scenic country, across Navajo land and into the fabled four-corners. In our 10 days in the area, we gathered sufficient opportunities for more than one journey, so, while each one will be unique - visiting significantly different places - we do look forward do going back and exploring further in coming years.