Bandelier NM and Santa Fe

One of the largest (huge!) caves is 140 feet above the river.  You climb several ladders to get to it.  The signs warn that if you have health issues or fear of heights not to do it.  It wasn't that bad...a little scary but I just didn't let go of the ladder and I was fine.  Awesome in the huge cave at the top!

Bandelier National Monument is magical in the snow!  And,  we saw only 2 other people the entire time we stopped and climbed there. Bad weather is good in many ways!      

Early native people occupied the many small caves in the huge rock walls,  built some houses against canyon walls,  and built an apartment building on the canyon floor. 

Beautiful,  amazing,  interesting,  peaceful.  

One of the lower level cave dwellings in the first settlement area.  The Park Service put ladders up to a few so you can go in.  This one had many connected rooms - none that you could stand up in but big enough.

The cave at the top of the second section of dwellings - view down to river 140' below is spectacular.

Some deer hanging out by the river....stopped to check us out and we did the same.

This is the drawing re-creation of the circular "apartments" at the base of the cliff dwellings.  Today the stone rooms from the first floor are intact - you can see stones forming rooms around the entire circle.  Amazing!

Spent a few hours in Santa Fe exploring the old downtown and the many shops with beautiful artwork. Because of the weather it was deserted... Nice for walking in the beautiful old town.  

Santa Fe - beautiful old town.