Family Travel and Autism

Mesa Verde National Park was more than narrow roads, steep drop offs and amazing views.  When you combine the previous with the history, you are left with a draw dropping tribute to the fortitude of ancient people.

I just couldn't imagine climbing down hundreds of feet to shelter with little water or food.  You live in communities of 80 to 100 people and marry at the ripe, old age of 14.  Your front door is a community courtyard that drops off into a steep cliff.  The more we visited and learned, the more I grew to appreciate my life.  I went home to heat, mattress, stove, running water and flush toilets.  The disparity was inspiring.

We were visiting in June and the temperature dropped off to 40 degrees at night.  I lay under my blankets shivering and wondered how you kept warm in stone room that measured only 5X5.

My son wondered how the children stayed safe playing near a steep drop off.

I marveled at his perception.

What a trip.