Last night I watched the sky while falling asleep.
I opened my eyes at 6:30. The sky is full of sun and light wind is blowing the hammock, tempting me to close my eyes. I hear Nancy opening the camper door to let Moe out for his morning walk. I unzip my sleeping bag and turn sideways to place my feet into waiting shoes on the ground below.
We start packing to leave. We are going to Hovenweep, UT, for four days. Here are ruins left by ancestral Puebloan farmers who lived here from 1230 to 1275 CE.
The drive to Ridgway and today’s drive to Hovenweep defy logic. We dropped forever to get to Ridgway, and as we start our drive today, we have a mediocre climb to the summit. After we crest, we begin a descent that lasts thirty miles, averaging 6%. Now at Hovenweep, the elevation is about the same as Ridgway. The Escher stairway is real.
This is a primitive campground, with no water or electrical hookups. But each loop has a restroom with flush toilets and a spigot for water. There is a five-gallon per person a day limit.
After settling in, Nancy walked to see where the trailhead is located. We visited with some people staying here, a couple next to us, and a woman on the other side of the loop. It is quiet and relaxing. I am exploring for a place to hang the hammock. The sun is low, and it is now cool with a breeze. All the signs of a comfortable night.
