Day 4 - Visit to Gila Cliff Dwellings

But, once again, it went a bit differently than planned........

The 3 Amigos ready to depart.

On the road again.

Summit of the peak leading over to the cliff dwellings - 7900 ft

 Absolutely stunning vistas on the way down the other side.

The road down visible just over Christian's shoulder.

Arrived at the bottom of the descent which had initially been only 4-6 % but turned into 9-10 % for about the last 1/2.

I went ahead so Christian could get my picture on the road below - barely visible just off the left side.







This is where the plan fell apart.  I quickly realized the return grade would be unmanageable with my gearing.  An ex-marine touring the west for 2 months in his camper/pickup kindly offered us a ride back to the summit.

But before that, we loaded up in his truck and drove to the cliff dwellings, using our Senior Passes to get all of us into the park.

Our good Samaritan!

Now back on the summit to continue the ride down and on to Silver City.

But with another climb - arghhh

And finally to our hotel in Silver City.

Remarkably, we really are not feeling the effects of the high elevations - at least yet!