El Rito de los Frijoles, the little river of beans, is a permanent stream. On our 2 mile afternoon hike we crossed and recrossed this stream as we walked along the nature trail to view a cliff-side alcove.
I chose this hike for the 140 foot ladder climb. Lack of flexibility in Duane's knees kept him from the attempt, but I was ready for the challenge. Up one ladder,
along a narrow ledge to some steps cut into the stone,
up a long ladder (my view)
(and Duane's view)
and another one, then a short one to the top.
The alcove was used as a ceremonial area with a kiva as the main feature.
There was no explanation for the holes in the wall above the storage alcoves.
Those people are resting at the top of the last ladder.
The walls supporting the kiva roof. The kiva or cermonial area was underground.
I made it!
Going down was easier. Before long we were recrossing that footbridge way down there on our way back to the visitors center in time to catch the shuttle.
The shuttle ride took out of the canyon, snaking up the mesa wall.
to the top,
then down again to where our truck was parked in White Rock.
A pretty good day of hiking, especially for me.
Louise and Duane
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