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| · October 1, 2003 · |
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· Winter Solstice Program Scheduled For December At Mesa Verde MONTICELLO, Utah (September 30, 2003) - Southwest Ed-Ventures will host a very special program in the Ute Tribal Park in Cortez, CO, December 16-22. Guests will visit Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, archaeological sites as well as two solstice sites per day during the 7-day, 6-night package. Cost is $1,395 per person and includes lodging, meals, transportation to and from Cortez, CO to the tour sites, expert guides and entrance fees.
Mancos Canyon, located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, was home to early Native Americans known as Basketmakers and Puebloans. They left behind many artifacts, habitation sites, and rock art images. The winter solstice period was important to these early farmers, just as it is to the Pueblo people today. It was the time for rituals that were performed to bring back the sun, influence the rains, and encourage crop fertility. Today's Pueblo people have sun watchers, called Sun Priests, who determine the important ritual dates using the horizon and its irregular features. They pecked petroglyph images to demonstrate the important ritual periods. The study of these prehistoric timekeeping methods is called Archaeoastronomy. The section of Mancos Canyon guests will visit belongs to the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, who preserve these prehistoric remains by restricting travel into the canyon. This trip, guided by Virginia Wolf allows guests to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe the same unusual shadow and sunlight interactions with petroglyphs and stone windows that the early prehistoric farmers relied upon.. Participants can expect tp enjoy several days of hiking and observation of the ancient solstice sites. Winter is a special time to be in the Ute Tribal Park and the surrounding areas because there are few tourists. Wildlife is abundant and photographic opportunities abound. More information about this program is available on the web at www.sw-adventures.org, or by calling 800.525.4456. Media Contact: Janet Ross 800.525.4456 jross@fourcornersschool.org www.sw-adventures.org |
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