Continuing from part 2, we were just getting done with exploring the monarch ruin site. We moved out of the cave area and hung out on the rocks for lunch in the warm sun. While that was going on, Angie and Cody our instructors were giving us a lesson on the culture and behavior of the people that lived in Monarch cave 1000 years ago. We spent a great deal of time in deep conversations on what life may have been like for the people back then. Everyone had their opinions but I was under the assumption that my theories were right and theirs was wrong. Angie and Cody explained to me that in archaeology, everyone's opinion is accounted for. Because we don't really know exactly what went on, everyone's ideas are valid. The more I thought about it, the more I agreed with them. 
After lunch, we had our last goodbyes and off we were again to another site. We spent the next hour straddling the cliffs trying to get on top of the comb range. Once we were finally out of the canyon and on the sandstone, the environment took a complete change. No longer was there water, life and plants around us. As soon as we got on the sandstone, it was a barren wasteland that went on as far as the eye can see. I was completely mind blown by how quickly things can change in a desert environment. It was simply incredible. The one thing I did like about this was how easy it was to travel. No longer were we hopping over streams, loose rock, steep cliffs, etc. We were simply taking the highway over to our next destination.
On our way to the 2nd ruin site, we passed a giant pond that was eroded into the rock. For me and the rest of the students, the water looked barren and lifeless. So we just passed it like it was no big deal. To Angie and Cody however, this waterhole was a desert concentration for life. They told us if we looked into the water for a few minutes, we would start to notice this waterhole come to life. Thats exactly what happened too. The more I looked into it, the more little creatures and bugs I began to see! Cody gave us a class presentation right on the spot. He opened up one of his books and read us an article on desert pond life. Time and time again would I be continually amused by this desert environment. There was just a sea of knowledge to be learned and we had barely chipped the paint. 
When we closed in on our 2nd destination of day 1, I was getting super tired. I had to fight my weakness for there was still the trek back. We hopped into another canyon and began walking deeper into it. Once again, the further we walked up the canyon, the more little artifacts I started to see on the ground. At this point I knew we were getting close. Sooner than later, we closed in on our destination. I am not sure of the name of the 2nd ruin site but boy was this one amazing! From what I could perceive, there was 2 levels on this site. The top level was beyond our capabilities of getting there but the lower level was open for our inspection. This site was much larger with a big emphasis on the brick style of structures. we found corrugated gray and elaborate black and white pottery. This led us to the conclusion that it was from the Pueblo III era. 
Behind the structures was the cliff dwelling. Under the cliff dwelling was an opening that went into a cave. This cave had to have significance to these people for it was huge. I could imagine the entire group that occupied these dwellings used to hang out in the cave during hot summers. It was so nice and cool to be inside the cave. Inside was loaded with pictographs and petroglyphs all across the inside wall. I was once again mind boggled. 
When we hopped out of the cave, we began to explore more of the ruin site. This area was loaded with rooms and kivas. This led us to the conclusion that this site was officially Pueblo III. No more speculation at that point. It was known that it was a Pueblo III site. All along this cliff was kiva after kiva, room after room. This society was much larger than the monarch site. It was fascinating to see differences between eras all in one day! I felt so privileged to be able to visit sites like this. Sooner than later however, we had to begin our trek back to camp. I was already exhausted however it my legs weren't going to move without me telling them to so evidentally it had to be done. I was sad that we had to leave but also excited that there was still an extra day ahead of us! 
Right before sunset, we made it back to camp. I cooked an incredible dinner and spent the rest of the evening with the group hanging out by the fire. Right before bed, Cody read us a story that was about an archaeologist who spent his life digging up these sites.
This concludes part 3/4
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