#mesa verde guided tour

[wanderlustphotosblog]

Plan Your Adventure: A Complete Mesa Verde National Park Guide

A thousand years ago, the Four Corners region was home to the Ancestoral Puebloans. Here, they built elaborate and beautiful dwellings into the cliffsides. In my Mesa Verde National Park guide, I show you how to plan a trip to this amazing place.

[actiontourguide]

Experience the beauty and wonder of Mesa Verde National Park like never before. Our self-guided drive tour allows you to explore this ancient and historic park at your own pace, with the convenience of a personal tour guide on your phone. 

[wanderguidehub]

Exploring Ancient Wonders: Hiking in Mesa Verde National Park

Discover the Mysteries of the Past As the sun casts its golden glow over the rugged landscapes of Mesa Verde National Park, you’ll find yourself stepping into a world where time has woven tales of ancient civilizations. This unparalleled destination invites adventure enthusiasts to embark on a journey through history, to hike and trek amidst the remnants of an ancient Puebloan culture. Get ready…

[slashify]

Steve finally gets his RV.

It’s not a Winnebago, but it’s nice enough. Sleeps six if two sleep in the bunk above the cab and two sleep on the bed formed by the dinette converting into one.

Eddie comes along, and Steve doesn’t predict that Wayne comes along too. Eddie’s uncle doesn’t want him out of his sight. The government hush money guarantees that Wayne won’t have to work anymore, and Eddie tells Steve he’s glad because Wayne’s back and knees aren’t what they used to be. They don’t have enough room for all of the kids, so this trip is just Dustin. Claudia loves Steve and she trusts him with her Dusty-Bun.

They’d wanted Wayne to take the bed over the cab, but he opts for the couch, saying he doesn’t want to climb the ladder every night. Dustin calls the dinette, so that leaves Steve and Eddie sharing the over-cab bed. At least two of them snore, but they buy earplugs.

They head to Utah so Dustin can see Suzie.

Missouri and Kansas blow by in a blur of excitement. They point out every animal and oddity they see along the way, Wayne smiling at his boy’s enthusiasm.

Colorado is their first taste of the southwest. Eddie buys Wayne a bolo tie with a turquoise stone. Steve buys an amethyst ring for Robin, a rose quartz barrette for Nancy. They pool their money to get a nice southwestern-patterned blanket for Dustin’s mom.

Steve drives them up to Mesa Verde, taking turns as cautiously as possible. Dustin geeks out over the ruins and takes control of the map, ordering Steve from viewpoint to viewpoint like a very pushy tour guide.

The drive into Utah is beautiful. A gradual shift to huge red rocks. Eddie begs him to stop at a roadside attraction called the Hole N” The Rock and they take the tour there.

It takes them a while to get to Susie’s house in Salt Lake City. They stop a few times along the way. Eddie pouts at Steve at a fossil shop and walks away with a weird little fossilized creature that Eddie and Dustin inform him is called a trilobite.

When they get to Susie’s house she’s waiting outside reading a book, but she jumps to her feet when she sees Dustin. He twirls her around and they laugh together and Steve glances at Eddie and thinks that this is what he wanted all along.

[parksphotography]

Mesa Verde National Park, CO (Sept 2023)

Cliff Palace. You need a special tour guided by a ranger to access any of the cliff dwellings, and this hike involves climbing several long ladders along with many strangers. A fascinating, powerful place that has led me to researching more of the indigenous history of the place that I live.

[thorsenmark]

Exploring Mesa Verde National Park with a Park Ranger Guide by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: While at the Soda Canyon Overlook with a view looking to the south-southwest to the Balcony House in Mesa Verde National Park. Which drew me into this image and setting was the park ranger lead tour of this dwelling. I wanted to capture that view of the park ranger giving information to the group in the tour while pulling back on the focal ;length to include the entirety of this national park setting. From where I was located to the Balcony House, I measured on Google Maps as being about a quarter mile.

[rabbitcruiser]

Mesa Verde National Park (No. 20)

The entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is on U.S. Route 160, approximately 9 miles (14 km) east of the community of Cortez and 7 miles (11 km) west of Mancos, Colorado. The park covers 52,485 acres (21,240 ha) It contains 4,372 documented sites, including more than 600 cliff dwellings. It is the largest archaeological preserve in the US. It protects some of the most important and best-preserved archaeological sites in the country. The park initiated the Archaeological Site Conservation Program in 1995. It analyses data pertaining to how sites are constructed and utilized.

The Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center is located just off of Highway 160 and is before the park entrance booths. The Visitor and Research Center opened in December 2012. Chapin Mesa (the most popular area) is 20 miles (32 km) beyond the visitor center. Mesa Verde National Park is an area of federal exclusive jurisdiction. Because of this all law enforcement, emergency medical service, and wildland/structural fire duties are conducted by federal National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers. The Mesa Verde National Park Post Office has the ZIP code 81330. Access to park facilities vary by season. Three of the cliff dwellings on Chapin Mesa are open to the public. The Chapin Mesa Museum is open all year. Spruce Tree House is also open all year, weather permitting. Balcony House, Long House and Cliff Palace require tour tickets for ranger-guided tours. Many other dwellings are visible from the road but not open to tourists. The park offers hiking trails, a campground, and, during peak season, facilities for food, fuel, and lodging; these are unavailable in the winter.

The park's early administrative buildings, located on Chapin Mesa, form an architecturally significant complex of buildings. Built in the 1920s, the Mesa Verde administrative complex was one of the first examples of the Park Service using culturally appropriate design in the development of park facilities. The area was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.

Source: Wikipedia

[mitsdriveswhere]

I wanna talk about the Salmon Ruins

I really can't explain in a way that doesn't make me sound like a raving lunatic how cool the cultural and chronological differences in architecture of a specific region are. Like. That sentence. Read it back? Sounds fuckin crazy. Why do I care about this? idk. I just think it's neat.

So.

Salmon Ruins. Really, I'd never heard of these ruins before I really started learning more about ancestral Puebloan (and specifically Chacoan) architecture.

Yeah, I'll be completely fucking honest, my reasons for getting into Chacoan architecture are dumb at best. At best. I'd have to trace back so many things. What led me to the Salmon Ruins? Probably, I think it started by joining a tour group that I did not pay for in Mesa Verde.

I'm 90% sure the tour guide knew I wasn't in his group, but what was he gonna do? Tell me to go away? Nah. So I tagged along because it was interesting. This tour was about the mesa part of Mesa Verde - not the cliff dwellings - mostly focusing on the early settlements and kivas. I'd been to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings as a kid, back when they called the ancestral Peubloans 'the Anasazi'. It was cool, but didn't really spark my interest outside of being there. But kivas?

I'd never heard of these things before. And there were so many! And so deep! How they were built, how they were used, who inhabited them, all new information to me. I'm sure they talked about it at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings but, ya know, you don't listen to that stuff as a kid.

Mesa Verde led me to Chaco Canyon. And Chaco Canyon (while terrifying to get in and out of) is beautiful. You could pick a 5x5 part of the outer wall of that site to study for an entire day.

The Chacoans cared about their buildings. They made art with their homes. This was beyond necessity, this was purposeful. And it was so close I could literally touch it. I could walk in the city and see what they saw from the same place they saw it. I could go on about Chaco Canyon (as I have in the past), but moving on.

Chaco Canyon led to Canyon of the Ancients, lead to Aztec Ruins, and then finally to the Salmon Ruins. Mind you - there are more sites that I haven't seen yet. They are scattered across New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado, literally dozens of sites. I've probably seen more than most, but I've certainly not seen all of them.

But the Salmon Ruins are special in their own way, and that comes specifically from their research library. When you enter the site, they'll hand you a little laminated booklet that you return to the front office after seeing the site. That includes a map of the full site, a detailed history of its re-discovery and preservation, and most importantly - a color guide to take you to each important marker placed in the ruins.

This guide is gorgeous. The amount of information you get as you go is just amazing. It goes over common practices, tools, room usages, inhabitants, changes to the structure, everything. Personally, I found Markers 1 and 16 most interesting.

These focus on the craftsmanship specific to the people living there at the times they occupied Salmon Pueblo. Because you can tell! Who was living there! Based off how they built and rebuilt things!

Fascinating!!!!

The Chacoans used very geometrically similar rocks - think almost brick-like, cut to fit - to create the outer layer of their walls, while filling the insides of the walls with large, unshaped stones (Chacoan style core and veneer masonry). They would also decorate their walls by taking these stones and exposing them to heat to change their colors (because again!! The Chacoans!! Made their homes into art!!)

This style of masonry is not shared among all ancestral Puebloans, and when the Chacoans no longer inhabited Salmon Pueblo, other ancestral Peubloans occupied it and modifications to its structure were made in a different style, with large river rocks held together with mortar.

You can follow the Chacoans and their influence to every site they created and interacted with, including Mesa Verde and Chimney Rock in Colorado.

Idk. Maybe at some point I'm going to buy a big ole fuckin ream of paper and spread it out around my house so I can draw out and fully appreciate the chronological and geological changes and dispersion of Chacoan architecture. Maybe at some point I'll hit that level of out to lunch that it will seem like a good idea to do that.

Maybe I'm actively thinking about doing this.

Maybe I went and bought a copy of the booklet you can walk around the Salmon Ruins with. Maybe I specifically asked for one after I was done looking around.

[rubrankings03]

Things To Do in Colorado

Colorado is a state with a diverse array of activities to enjoy and many Colorado Body Rubs Centers. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this beautiful state. Here are just a few of the many things you can do in Colorado:

Explore the Great Outdoors: Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Take a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park to see majestic peaks and alpine lakes, or head to Garden of the Gods to see towering red rock formations.

Ski or Snowboard: Colorado is a winter sports paradise, with world-class ski resorts like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's a slope for you to enjoy.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a unique perspective on the state, take a hot air balloon ride over the Front Range. You'll get breathtaking views of the mountains and the city below.

Visit the Denver Art Museum: If you're interested in art and culture, the Denver Art Museum is a must-see. The museum has an extensive collection of American Indian art, as well as contemporary and modern art from around the world.

Go Whitewater Rafting: Colorado has some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. Take a guided trip down the Arkansas River or the Colorado River for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Take a Scenic Drive: Colorado is home to some of the most scenic drives in the country. Take a drive on the Million Dollar Highway, which winds through the San Juan Mountains, or on Trail Ridge Road, which takes you through Rocky Mountain National Park.

Sample Local Brews: Colorado is home to over 400 breweries, making it one of the top beer-producing states in the country. Take a brewery tour or visit a brewpub to sample some of the state's best beers.

Enjoy the Nightlife: Colorado has a vibrant nightlife scene, with music venues, bars, and clubs in cities like Denver and Boulder. Enjoy live music, dancing, and drinks with friends.

These are just a few of the many things you can do in Colorado. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a culture lover, there's something for everyone in this beautiful state.

Colorado is a state located in the western United States, known for its beautiful mountains, scenic hiking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you're a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or a history buff, there are plenty of things to do and see in Colorado.

Hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains: Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the United States, including the Rocky Mountains. There are countless hiking and camping opportunities available, from easy nature trails to challenging mountain climbs. Some popular hiking destinations include Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, and the Maroon Bells.

Skiing and snowboarding: Colorado is also known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding, with many world-class resorts located throughout the state. Some popular ski resorts include Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking: Colorado is home to some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking in the country, with rivers such as the Arkansas, Colorado, and Gunnison offering challenging rapids and beautiful scenery.

Fishing and hunting: Colorado is also a popular destination for fishing and hunting, with many rivers, lakes, and streams stocked with a variety of fish, and hunting areas for big game, small game, and waterfowl.

Visiting historic sites and landmarks: Colorado is also home to many historic sites and landmarks, including the Mesa Verde National Park, home to ancient cliff dwellings, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Garden of the Gods Park.

Denver, the state capital, offers plenty of things to see and do, from visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Art Museum, to taking a tour of the State Capitol building and enjoying a night out on the town.

Hot springs: The state also offers many natural hot springs, like Glenwood Hot Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and Ouray Hot Springs.

In summary, Colorado is a state with a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts, Colorado BodyRubs history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique and exciting vacation. With an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic sites and landmarks, Colorado is definitely worth a visit.

Colorado is a beautiful state with a variety of activities to suit any interest. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, you'll find something to enjoy in Colorado.

Skiing and Snowboarding: Colorado is known for its world-class ski resorts. Some of the most popular include Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find a slope that suits your skill level.

Hiking and Camping: Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. The Rocky Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking and camping, including the famous 14ers (peaks that are over 14,000 feet tall).

Whitewater Rafting: Colorado is also home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. The Arkansas River and the Colorado River offer a variety of rapids for all skill levels.

Hot Springs: Colorado is home to many natural hot springs. Some popular options include Glenwood Hot Springs, Ouray Hot Springs, and Mount Princeton Hot Springs.

National Parks: Colorado is home to several National Parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. These parks offer opportunities to see wildlife, hike, and explore the natural beauty of the state.

Visit Historic Towns: Colorado is rich in history and culture. Visit towns like Leadville, a former silver-mining town, or Durango, a historic railroad town, to learn about the state's past.

Denver: Denver, the state capital of Colorado, offers a variety of activities and attractions. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Zoo, or the Denver Art Museum. Take a stroll down the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian-friendly outdoor shopping and dining district.

No matter what your interests are, you'll find plenty of things to do in Colorado. The state's natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich history make it a great destination for a vacation.

[rdhomes22]

Discover the Hidden Gems of Santa Barbara, CA: A Complete Guide to the Best Food, Wine, and Scenery!

Looking for the perfect combination of picturesque scenery, incredible wine, and mouth-watering cuisine? Look no further than Santa Barbara, CA! Nestled on the coast of Southern California, this charming town is a must-visit for any travel enthusiast.

But Santa Barbara isn't just about the sights and sounds - it's also a hub for kitchen cabinet remodeling! Whether you're looking to spruce up your current space or completely overhaul your kitchen, Santa Barbara has everything you need to create the kitchen of your dreams.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the best food, wine, and scenery that Santa Barbara has to offer. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, we'll explore it all. Plus, we'll give you the inside scoop on the top kitchen cabinet remodeling services in the area, so you can get started on your dream kitchen today.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your wine glass, put on your walking shoes, and join us on a journey through the breathtaking sights and delicious flavors of Santa Barbara, CA!

First, let's talk about the food. Santa Barbara is a foodie's paradise, with a wide variety of cuisine to suit any taste. If you're looking for fresh seafood, look no further than the Santa Barbara Harbor. Here you'll find everything from casual fish and chips joints to upscale seafood restaurants serving the catch of the day.

For those who prefer meat, Santa Barbara has plenty of options as well. The Hitching Post II is a popular steakhouse known for its juicy, flavorful cuts of beef, while Lucky's Steakhouse offers a more upscale dining experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients.

If you're in the mood for something a little lighter, Santa Barbara has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options as well. Mesa Verde is a popular vegan restaurant with a menu that focuses on fresh, organic ingredients, while The Natural Cafe offers a wide variety of healthy salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.

Of course, no visit to Santa Barbara would be complete without a visit to the local wineries. The region is home to over 200 wineries, producing everything from crisp whites to bold reds. Many of these wineries offer tastings and tours, so you can learn about the winemaking process while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Some of the most popular wineries in the area include Sanford Winery, Fess Parker Winery, and Bridlewood Estate Winery. And if you're looking for something a little different, why not try one of the local breweries or distilleries? Pure Order Brewing Company and Cutler's Artisan Spirits are just a few of the many options available.

But Santa Barbara isn't just about the food and wine - it's also home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country. The city is located on the edge of the Santa Ynez Mountains, which offer breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding countryside.

One of the best ways to take in the scenery is to take a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, which runs through Santa Barbara and offers panoramic views of the coastline. You can also take a hike in the nearby Los Padres National Forest, which is home to a variety of trails that offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

And if you're looking for a little beach time, Santa Barbara has plenty of options for that as well. East Beach and West Beach are two of the most popular beaches in the area, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.

Finally, let's talk about kitchen cabinet remodeling. If you're in the market for a kitchen remodel, Santa Barbara has plenty of options to choose from. From custom cabinets to countertop replacements, there are a variety of services available to help you create the kitchen of your dreams.

Some of the top kitchen cabinet remodeling services in the area include Santa Barbara Kitchen Design, Elite Cabinets, and The Cabinet Factory. These companies offer a range of services, from design and planning to installation and finishing touches.

Santa Barbara, CA is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for delicious food, world-class wine, and breathtaking scenery. And if you're in the market for a kitchen remodel, there's no better place to start than in Santa Barbara. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and discover all that this amazing city has to offer!

While there are many home improvement companies in Santa Barbara, one that stands out as a top choice for kitchen cabinet remodeling is RD Homes. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, RD Homes has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.

The team at RD Homes takes a collaborative approach to each project, working closely with clients to design and build custom cabinets that fit their unique style and needs. They use only the highest quality materials and finishes to ensure that their cabinets are not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.

In addition to kitchen cabinet remodeling, RD Homes offers a wide range of other home improvement services, including bathroom renovations, whole-home remodels, and custom home builds. They take a hands-on approach to each project, ensuring that every detail is executed to perfection.

When it comes to kitchen cabinet remodeling, RD Homes offers a variety of styles and finishes to choose from, including traditional, modern, and transitional designs. They also offer a range of accessories, such as pull-out drawers, lazy Susans, and built-in organizers, to help maximize storage and functionality.

So if you're looking for the best of the best when it comes to kitchen cabinet remodeling in Santa Barbara, look no further than RD Homes. With their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer service, you can trust that your project will be in good hands.

RD HOMES

590 E Gutierrez St Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

805-684-7583

[tempest-melody]

Colorado: Chimney Rock National Monument

Colorado: Chimney Rock National Monument

Keltin and I debated a lot on this trip about going to Chimney Rock versus Mesa Verde. If we had had more time we would have go to both but in the end with the tours available and the times of those tours we decided to visit Chimney Rock and we were not disappointed.

An excavated pit house.

If you are in the area I highly suggest saving a morning to visit this national monument. Take a…

[beatricethecat2]

“I’m super bummed about the yurt,” Myka says.

“It is rather unfortunate," Helena says. "Perhaps internet rentals are unreliable?”

“That’s how everything’s done these days. And it’s not their fault, the pump died, and no water means it’s a no-go. But I still want that river view.”

“And the solitude. Plus the solar-powered generator.”

“You were super into that,” Myka says. “But this place��” She pushes at the cards scattered in front of her. “They just left stuff lying around. Such a dump.”

“It was rather last minute. Merely a stop-gap; a place to rest our weary heads after nights under the stars.”

“And backs on the hard ground,” Myka grumbles. “Where’d you find this?” She twirls a yellow flower between her thumb and forefinger.

“In the garden behind the shed. Though ‘garden’ and 'shed’ are generous terms.”

“Thanks for picking it. And thanks for being so upbeat about this,” Myka says, cracking a small smile.

“Thank you for humoring my curiosity.” Helena gathers the cards within her reach and piles them into a neat stack.

“It’s given us a destination, which we needed.” Myka pushes more cards towards Helena. “You’re sure none of the sites we saw are what you remember?”

“From the stereographs? No.” Helena fans the cards out and begins to arrange them in suits.

“Could you…could it be you don’t remember it as well as you thought?

"Stereographs were the virtual reality of my day. They immersed one in places inherently foreign to our own. The take-away memories were vivid. I was hoping…”

“Hoping what?” Myka says, scooting closer, joining in organizing the cards.

“That the physicality of the ruins would trigger an emotional response. I viewed the images at one of Charles’s parties not long before I was bronzed. My reaction was quite visceral; I’d felt life flowing through the structures, even though they were long abandoned.”

Helena stares at the card in her hand.

“Then again, I wasn’t exactly in my right mind. Perhaps it’s a ridiculous quest.” She lays the card, a joker, on the table.

“Hey, we’ll keep looking,” Myka says, laying her hand over Helena’s. “We’ll regroup in Vegas, then go north and hit Mesa Verde. It’s pretty magical.”

“You’ve been before?”

“Girl Scout trip. Long, miserable bus ride. But even as a kid, the cliff dwellings felt magical.”

“Perhaps they’re the site I’m looking for!” Helena says, perking up. “And, perhaps we met there in the past. Star-crossed lovers, throughout time and space.”

“Past lives? You believe in that?”

“Not in a grand sense,” Helena says, aligning the gazes of the queen of hearts and queen of spades to face each other. “But I do appreciate that these days, one can mention such trivial mythologies without repercussions.”

“What do you mean?”

“In my day, as a woman, there was little room for flippant musing. Christian values dictated our every move, while Spiritualism promoted the fanatic embrace of communing with the dead. Not to mention the base-level assumption women were of a lesser intellect.”

“So you’d never say it out loud.”

“Never. In fact, I’d blocked it out. Hard science was my escape but at the expense of my sanity.”

“I suppose we all need a sense that something out there's guiding us,” Myka says, plucking the two other queens from the spread and aligning them as Helena did. “It’s kind of romantic to think our connection’s lasted hundreds of years.”

“But you’re not sold.”

“Nah.” Myka slips the cards on top of each other and slides them back into the pile.

“Perhaps my bronzing was the universe’s way of aligning our presence.”

“Sounds like a story you might write. Or one you already did.”

“So pragmatic, Myka Bering.”

“You’re the romantic,” Myka says, bumping Helena’s shoulder.

“I’m a woman of science!” Helena quips playfully.

“Hm, yeah,” Myka mumbles, turning to look towards the other side of the trailer. “Come with me, 'woman of science.’ Let’s test out this awful looking bed.”

She grabs Helena’s hand and tugs her across the room. They tumble in tandem onto the full-size futon.

------------

Bering and Wells On the Road ("Warehouse 13" Season 5 replacement) Season 1: Episode 5 Title: Las Vegas: Hopes, Dreams, and a Little Bit of Crazy

Summary: Myka and Helena travel across the expanse of Texas toward the arid Southwest, tracking down a memory. A last-minute cancellation leads to less-than-ideal accommodations and musings on the universe. A stop in Vegas turns into an artifact hunt after a few nights on the town. While there, a less than supernatural mystery garners honest talk, revealing a sticking point that, for better or worse, is left hanging to be resolved down the line.

Previously: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4

------------

***BONUS SCENE***

“What’s this?” Myka asks, holding a piece of paper found while tidying the room before checkout.

Helena turns from packing and squints at the page.

“It appears to be an advertisement for burlesque.”

“It’s a strip club.”

“There’s a distinction?”

“You’ve watched enough cop shows to know.”

“Touché,” Helena says with a smirk. “Were you considering attending?”

“It’s from your pocket! The stuff you took out to dry clean your coat after it got gooed.”

“I don’t recall saving that piece of ephemera.”

“Maybe you recall this?” Myka flips the paper over.

Helena steps closer and squints again.

“Do you need glasses?”

“I haven’t had proper tea yet,” Helena grumbles. “It appears to be writing.”

“It’s a name. And a number. Who's Giselle?”

“Ah…” A light bulb goes off behind Helena’s eyes. “The tall, blonde you were ogling at the bar.”

“Me? What blonde? Oh…” A dimmer bulb goes off behind Myka’s eyes. “I thought I recognized her from that show we saw, Zumanity.”

“And I’d thought she’d reminded you of a tall blonde from your past.”

“Sam was a man.”

“Gender is a construct–”

“I know! I don’t need another lecture–”

“–designed to control the masses, just like– ”

“Capitalism, religion, television….who knows what else,” Myka gruffs. “No more podcasts in the car for a while, OK?" 

Helena crosses her arms over her chest and grunts dismissively. Myka's face pinches as she holds her ground.

"So you, what, went up to this woman when I took that call from the Warehouse?”

“As it happens, she spoke with me,” Helena says, puffing up like a bird on the defense.

“She came to our table?”

“I’d gone to the bar. I needed a top-up as you’d been gone for an immeasurable amount of time.”

“And she just happened to be there?”

“Coincidentally.”

“Coincidentally? And she 'coincidentally’ gave you her number?”

“We had a lovely conversation about the mechanics from the show. The hanging armatures, the chains, the silks, the water tank. And the athleticism that went into their provocative stunts.”

“Uh-huh. But she gave you her number. Why?”

“I believe there was a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

“Must you parrot me so?” Helena plants her hands on her hips.

“If you’d tell me what really happened, I wouldn’t have to.” Myka mirrors Helena’s pose.

“Fine. You seemed so enamored, I thought to ask questions–”

“I thought I recognized her, that’s all!”

“She was quite stunning. Did I mention statuesque?”

“Helena, why?” Myka waves the page in Helena’s direction.

“She offered us a backstage tour.”

“Us, or you?”

“I’d pointedly mentioned you, so us.”

“Oh.” Myka’s shoulders slump. “What does 'backstage tour’ mean?”

“I believe a peek behind the production.”

“Because you said there was a misunderstanding.”

“Due to her somewhat pointed overtures.”

“I knew it! She was hitting on you.” Myka smacks the desk with her hand. 

Helena grimaces. “I believe she was 'fishing’”

“Do you even know what that is?”

“I do, as per the aforementioned police procedurals. In fact, it was….refreshing, being courted by a woman." 

"I’m a woman!”

“Yes, but….in the wild, so to speak.”

“Did you…” Myka starts, then glances at the paper again. She sits on the edge of the bed and looks up at Helena. “Did you want to go out with her?" 

"Again, I’d pointedly pointed out I was taken.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because we rushed off New York, New York the minute your call from the Warehouse finished.” Helena throws her hands in the air. “We then spent the majority of yesterday chasing an elusive King Kong around that scale model of the city.”

“We did. Stupid antiques convention.”

“I swear we spend more time on Warehouse business than our own.”

“Like once a month.”

“Every week.”

“Every other week. When they call us. Us getting whammied doesn’t count.”

“Mine was New Orleans. Yours Austin. But the others…”

Myka tallies missions on fingers until she hits ten. “You’re right. We’ve spent a lot of time on Warehouse stuff. I’m sorry.”

Helena shakes her head while breathing out a heavy sigh. She sits next to Myka and lays a hand on her thigh. “To answer your question, we’re off today anyway, so there was no point in mentioning it.”

Myka slips her hand over Helena’s. “I bet you actually wanted to see the mechanics backstage. That’s something people do on vacation.”

“Quite an improvement from Trouble Wit,” Helena says.

“I don’t know that that is.”

“Illusions with pleated paper. Parlor tricks, but they delighted Christina so.”

“See, I like hearing that stuff,” Myka says, squeezing Helena’s hand. “Would you have told me any of this if I hadn’t found the flyer cleaning up?’ She hands the paper to Helena.

"Why would it matter?” Helena crumples the paper and lobs it towards the garbage can. It bounces off and onto the floor. 

“Because for this to work we need to talk to each other, tell each other how we feel.” Myka looks Helena in the eye. “I can’t read your mind.”

“Then, perhaps we were not destined to meet throughout time and space.”

“Hey, you can’t take it back. I like that idea now.” Myka threads her fingers through Helena's and flips their hands over. “You’re really annoyed about the work stuff?”

“I was hoping to have you all to myself.”

“You do.” Myka squeezes Helena’s hand again and lifts it up, kissing its back. “How much time do we have before checkout?”

Helena glances at her wristwatch. “Not nearly enough.”

“But it could be.” Myka threads a lock of hair behind Helena’s ear and guides their lips together. Their kiss leads to more-than-kissing in record time.

Next Scene: Running late to checkout…

-TBC-

NOTES: The quote, “Las Vegas is a city built on hopes, dreams and a little bit of crazy,” is by Eleanor Goggin. If you haven’t seen a well-shot stereograph in a viewer, you are missing out. Their mock-3D spaces from bygone eras can be mind-blowing.Myka with the flyer is from a season four episode where she and Pete go to Las Vegas. The show Zumanity is a racy offshoot of Cirque du Soleil and just closed after a seventeen-year run in Vegas. I started reading a fascinating dissertation about why middle- and upper-class Victorian women embraced Spiritualism. In a nutshell, it gave them autonomy and a sense of power within the rigid confines of what was expected of them as women while they remained safe within the construct of home. H.G. would have bristled at that, because she wanted more. But I’m certain she would have been fascinated by Hilma af Klint’s amazing drawings and paintings, even though they were based in Spiritualism and Theosophy. Oh and here's on of the stereographs. (H.G. would have seen it later than 1898.) Also, the title font/design is from the first edition of the book you are thinking of but the content is not related.

[laresearchette]

Saturday, May 15, 2021 Canadian TV Listing (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: SWEET CAROLINA (W Network) 9:00pm RACE FOR THE VACCINE (CNN) 9:00pm NEW TO AMAZON PRIME/CRAVE/NETFLIX CANADA/CBC GEM: AMAZON PRIME BLACK FOX: AGE OF THE NINJA HE WHO CAN’T MARRY (Season 1-2) JUHO 2405 REASON OF MY DEATH (Season 1) LET’S ENJOY KENYA SAFARI LIKE A POPULAR ONLINE TOUR! (Season 1) TUCK JAGDISH MLS SOCCER (TSN4) 1:00pm: NYCFC vs. Toronto FC (TSN4) 7:00pm: Atlanta vs. CF Montreal NBA BASKETBALL (TSN) 2:30pm: Heat vs. Bucks (TSN5) 3:00pm: Lakers vs. Pacers (TSN/TSN5) 5:30pm: 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement (TSN) 10:30pm: Hornets vs. Knicks NHL HOCKEY (SNWest/SNOntario/SNEast/SNPacific) 3:30pm: Canucks vs. Oilers (SN/CBC/Omni) 7:00pm: Bruins vs. Capitals  - Game #1 2021 PREAKNESS STAKES (TSN3) 5:00pm MLB BASEBALL (SN1) 7:00pm: Phillies vs. Jays RUGBY (TSN2) 8:00pm: Toronto Arrows vs. Houston SaberCats A BUNDLE OF TROUBLE: AN AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERY (CTV) 8:00pm: Aurora Teagarden and her boyfriend Martin are thrilled when they get an unexpected visit from his niece and her new baby. Their excitement is short lived when his niece disappears and the baby is left behind. YUKON HARVEST (APTN) 8:00pm: Chronicling the adventures of Indigenous hunting guides in the Yukon, Canada. BEWARE OF MOM (Lifetime Canada) 8:00pm: A woman tries to save her teenage daughter from a wild neighborhood mother who wants to steal her away. MINOR DETAILS (Super Channel Heart & Home) 8:00pm: Four girls join forces to find a solution to a mysterious illness that has befallen students and faculty at their school. GOING NATIVE (APTN) 8:30pm:  After exploring Colorado's Mesa Verde National Park and its 800-year-old Pueblo cave dwellings, Drew then reveals how cutting-edge Indigenous architects are drawing lessons, and designs, from their own tribal past. SOUND OF METAL (Crave) 9:00pm: A drummer's life gets turned upside down when he suddenly loses his hearing. RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE DOWN UNDER (Crave 3) 9:00pm: The queens are split in two, as they compete in the ultimate girl group sing-off. THE DEVIL YOU KNOW (Investigation Discovery) 10:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE):  When doomsday prepper Steve Mineo is expelled from Sherry Shriner's cult, he tries to protect his girlfriend from online attacks and winds up dead. HOT ONES (Global) 1:00am/1:30am: Guy Fieri/Neil deGrasse Tyson