This morning, we started out for a drive and wound up in Hovenweep National park. Our first trip to Hovenweep was early June 2004. That day was hot and sunny, however, we thought the ruins were impressive and spent an hour or so walking the canyon rim. Today was overcast and several short rain showers passed through. I think cloudy conditions are conducive to taking photos and bring out natural rock color better than in direct sunlight.
An 1854 Mormon expedition, led by W.D. Huntington, first reported the structures and in 1874 Photographer William Henry Jackson named the area Hovenweep, a Ute/Paiute word meaning deserted valley; it was designated a national monument in 1923.
There are more than a dozen individual rock structures in various stages of decay. The partial walls still standing, are in good enough condition to deduce the overall architecture, which is considered unusual. Some of the structures date from the mid 1100s, but most of the construction is dated after A.D. 1230.
We wandered around for over an hour taking pictures and trying to stay dry during the brief showers. We enjoy returning to areas like Hovenweep and Mesa Verda. If Johnna takes to photography, we'll be revisiting a lot of places to give her a chance to take her own pictures.
