Tuzigoot National Monument

Early AM last Sunday we headed to Tuzigoot National Monument in Clarkdale, Arizona. I enjoy exploring Indian Ruins. There is something about the history of the ruins, that calls to me. I try to imagine myself living in that time and I don't think I would have lasted long. I would have been the one they left behind when they moved along because I couldn't make the trip. It was a simpler time, but I think a much harder time to live. What no running water or electricity? Those are kind of basics to me. Clarkdale is just up the road from Old Cottonwood. It is an old mining town, big surprise I know. The temp in the car went from 50s to 20s in a flash, however, by the time we got there while windy and a bit chilly it was really quite pleasant with the sun beating on us. Here are a few photos of the ruins:

 

 

As always, please stay on the trails there are many things that creep and crawl and bite and sting and RATTLE!

After exploring the ruins, we did a quick cache. There I am making the find.

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Took a quick tour through Clarkdale and saw this church. In case you can't read it, it is St. Cecilia's Mission.

That was pretty much the day, quick trip up and back with a stop at Portillo's on the way home. 

Sears-Kay Ruins

This was originally to be a hike to Seven Springs near the Carefree/CaveCreek area, though we never quite made it there. Along the way is the Sears-Kay Ruins, which we stopped to see. Well that little hike, one mile round trip, ended up being quite interesting and by the time we finished it was too hot for me to even consider anymore outdoor activity for the day. Such is life in the desert. Actually I cannot imagine life in the desert back when the Hohokam lived here. There were even a couple caches along the trail and there was this rather large spider, not really sure what kind and you might have to look hard to see it, because it was blending right into the rocks, but see it I did and it was creepy looking.

Pat climbed up the rocks to check for any enemies that might be advancing, just like the Hohokam back in the 1500s. 

 

 This was part of the ruins, note the low rock walls that set out the different rooms of their village.

 You can see forever from up on top of the hill and that is probably why they settled there to be able to see when the enemy was headed their way.

It was a pleasant drive and an interesting area, we will have to head back for the Seven Springs hike when the weather gets much much cooler.