Ken & Lynda went to Scottsdale this morning.
We went to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. It was 20C (68F)
www.nps.gov/cagr
We arrived at the ruins, which were built around 1350. Watched an introductory movie, then went on a Ranger-led tour which was fascinating. The Casa Grande is the tallest & most most massive Hohokam building known, standing 35 feet tall and containing nearly 3,000 tons of caliche (cuh-LEE-chee), a concrete like mix of sand, clay & calcium carbonate (limestone). Caliche mud was piled in successive courses to form walls four feet thick at the base, tapering towards the top. Hundreds of juniper, fir & pine trees were carried or floated 60 miles down the Gila River to the village. Anchored in the walls, the timbers formed the ceiling or floor supports.
Despite centuries of weathering and of neglect,
today the great house stands as the most prominent example of Hohokem technologu & social organization.
There are remnants of several pit-houses on the site.
From there, we went to find Emile (Denny's brother) and Fran at Rover's Roost Campground. Had a nice visit, then headed back to Casita Verde. Another hot day! 32C (90F)
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