MESA VERDE COUNTRY - JUST FOR FUN!Story and Photography by Pamela A. Campbell
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Everywhere you go in this region it seems like fun on land or in the water. There are activities galore just waiting for you, but we know it's impossible to do it all, so here are just a few of our selections.
MCPHEE MARINA |
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Even if you don't count yourself among the record number of anglers trolling the waters of McPhee Reservoir you will find the lake just as enticing for other reasons. McPhee lies in the picturesque tree-lined river canyon, with a surface acreage of 4,470, large enough to be rated the second largest lake in Colorado. With more than 50 feet of shoreline the lake supports cold water and warm water species of fish including rainbow trout, Kokanee Salmon, large and small-mouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch and catfish.
Fall color comes in abundance with the oak brush contrasting with the pine and juniper and the lake is a peaceful respite from crowds. "It's hard to turn down a lake like this, " Bruce told us. "It's habit forming to watch a sunset at around 7:30, 8 p.m." Guess what Bruce? You'll sell everyone on this spot if you keep this up! You can stock up on gas and supplies at the McPhee Marina where a restaurant offers full-service breakfast, lunch and dinner. A great 'pick-me-up' meal is the Fajita wrap with sauteed' chicken, fresh bell peppers, onions, salsa and sour cream - delicious with a slice of watermelon, and sinfully tasty fresh homemade French fries.
TUMBLING T'S STABLES & MANCOS TROUT FARM This is a glorious opportunity to ride through delightful Mancos Valley with panoramic mountainside views. Outfitter Richard Robbins is equally at home at his stables or when his horses take to Hollywood's screens. Jack Palance and Billy Crystal's pals in City Slickers were Tumbling T's graduates who made Richard a very proud man when the movie received rave reviews.
Richard loves taking the horses out and with our party of four in tow we embark on a ride to remember, past shady trees in single file, through gated fields, around barns and across streams and the air so fresh it competes with everything in sight. At one point we stopped by an elk farm but the herds would not come to the fence, which stymied our efforts to see them and shoot some close up photographs. This is a ride that will surprise guests each and every time. There are no scripted routes. Richard and Diana and the horses are very hospitable hosts.
BEST BUYS IN MESA VERDE SHOPPING Welcome to the trading posts of Mesa Verde Country where native craftsmanship has been marketed for over a thousand years. Silver, turquoise, Ute basketry and beadwork were the mainstay items for traders long ago but recent times have brought supplies from across the Southwest. Of note are Hopi kachinas, Papago and Apache baskets, pottery from the New Mexico Pueblos, Navajo rugs and sand paintings and Ute beadwork. Distinctive artwork include original paintings, limited edition prints, sculptures, ceramics, weavings, jewelry and dolls are best sellers.
The jewelry selection is very large. Turquoise jewelry is very popular and Zuni turquoise jewelry have some of the most attractive designs on the market here. The quality is best determined by using a magnifying glass. The matrix (colored design) should be visible all through the stone and it should be in a tight setting. Very blue turquoise have been produced in mines with copper and the green in white turquoise means it contains iron ore. With very little matrix turquoise stones are a clear, bright blue. There are also a number of small galleries (in Cortez where I stayed) that specialize in folk art. All the stores that I visited were well stocked and the staff members were very knowledgeable about the artistry and craftsmanship of their products.
GREAT MEALS
The chef specialties for the main course combine well known favorites such as trout, tuna, salmon, halibut and steak with the more exotic grilled quail, broiled elk chops and buffalo fajitas. And if you have room, tickle your fancy with mouth-watering chocolate mud pie, Rootbeer float or deep dish S'mores.
Mesa Verde Country is a relaxing and enthralling place to visit. We have you have as much fun as we did!
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Bruce Redd, our impromptu host, obviously finds this an all-season attraction, as do many visitors who head up to House Creek in their sailboats, some even dropping anchors from their cabin cruisers. For the quieter set try the designated wakeless zones at the mouth of the House Creek arm, the Dry Canyon and Beaver Creek arms and in the Sage Hen area.
Every trail ride has its spectacular moments whether I'm in the Atlas Mountains, on a plantation in Jamaica or in upstate New York's Groton, and riding the trails in Mancos with Richard and his fiancee, Diana, was no different.
There are two factories in the area producing Native American designed pottery. You can have the artists design and produce custom made orders. The Cliff Dweller black and white mugs are so pretty, they can easily end up as collectors items.
The Metate Room at Far View Lodge features a menu for hearty appetites. The challenge lies in making a selection from all the delectable offerings. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the exciting venison quesadilla and chicken escalante salad (mixed greens topped by green chili and cheddar stuffed chicken breast with a raspberry-prickly pear vinaigrette) - just a few 'starters' on the list.