passing through

November 16, 2022. Sunset 5:08 PM, Mimbres, NM.

Leaving Gila National Forest and the Gila Cliff Dwellings
We spent the afternoon at what remains of the temporary home to the Mogollon people in the late 1200’s is generously accessible to visitors to explore in this somewhat remote area (not so accessible) of the Gila National Forest. At one point during the climb, we heard lots of talking, echoing out into this lovely quiet environment. At first I was annoyed, but when I finally got into the “room”, there were only a few people there, very quietly speaking to each other in this very resonant space. It made me think of how it might have sounded 700 years ago- at the end of the day, everyone gathered together chatting, comfortable passing the evening together.

If you are ever even close to the area, it’s worth the drive to climb among and stand inside these well-preserved, evocative spaces.