Mac OS Journal

Day 5

Aztec Ruins in Aztec, New Mexico

The Aztec Ruins in Aztec, New Mexico were my Dad's idea. I will admit that I wasn't too hip on the idea when we set out to begin our day, but as the glaring sun heated up the New Mexico air my appreciation for the Aztec people also increased. Although it is not know why the Aztecs left this city, it is suspected that drought and famine drove them out just a few centuries after they moved here.


A sharp eye caught this salamander making a run for some cover from the relentless sun.	Only a few creatures can live in this difficult environment. Then again ants seem to be able to survive just about everywhere. :-)

Looking down the row of rooms that are actually below ground level, it is clear that even down here the sun is a constant presence. It was noticeably cooler in these rooms and it is believed that as many as 10-15 people lived in one of the rooms that measured less than 20 ft. on a side.	The blue sky and wispy clouds provide a stunning background to this worn and weathered Aztec wall.

The powerful sun can just be seen crawling of the worn and beaten wall that used to support a 3 story building. The roof has long since collapsed but the supporting wood through the stone framework can still be seen if you look close.	The striking white flower provides a sharp contrast with the its desolate surroundings.

This shot is the inside of the restored Kiva. This building was created to mimic the style of the Aztec's worship center.	This is the inside of a building suspected of being used for cooking and trading. It is located in the middle of the city.

New Mexico ->

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