I picked this 2022 image due to the memories and personal emotions that went with the experience of capturing the photo – FRUSTRATION in trying to gain permission to photograph a cliff dwelling, JOY in finally overcoming these issues…road closures, required pre-visit arrangements/ranger guides needed to photograph houses at night, APPRECIATION to Park staff who helped me succeed, GRATEFULNESS to “teacher” Brad for offering the best (!) workshops, guidance and encouragement, THRILL in accomplishing this nighttime adventure with my husband, and OVERWHELMING “AWE” at the experience of capturing the night skies as I allowed my imagination to roam freely pondering the setting’s daily life and spirituality.

Mesa Verde is a park dedicated to conserving human creations allowing visitors a chance to travel back in time with visits to Ancestral Puebloan, and I might add, fantastic cliff houses.