Having already determined that parking was going to be a problem, we took the scooter.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railroad is located in Manitou Springs, CO with a narrow street running past the depot to the parking lot. Traffic was backed up, but we managed to find a small spot on the side of the road where the scooter would fit. There were plenty of cars parked on the side of the road,so we were good with doing that. What a circus! People everywhere and not enough room. Well, guess I have to admit that a train had just returned from the peak. Finally found the office and picked up our tickets We had about a 20 minute wait for our train. Couldn't get into the gift shop, it was so crowded so we just milled around the loading area.
Finally we were herded onto the train. Trust me, they get everything they can out of those cars. We were seated shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip. If you ever thought cattle class in an airplane was crowded, let me tell you they don't hold a candle to this railway car. And I was in the center seat of a 3 seat row both going up and coming down.
The scenery was terrific! It had rained the night before and cleared the air, so the sky was amazingly blue and clear. At one point the guide said we were looking at Black Mesa in Oklahoma. As we neared the top, there were several big-horned sheep on the far side of the train.
At the top of the mountain, 14,115 ft. up, the view was great. The breathing - not great. Even though I followed all their instructions about keeping hydrated, etc., I was still struggling. Using my inhaler helped some. We did manage to get some great pics. I think TM may already posted some on facebook, but I'll ask him to get some over here.
On the ride back down we once more saw big-horned sheep. In fact, there were more of them and I absolutely swear they were posing. Really beautiful.
We finally made it back down, went straight home and collapsed. It was actually a good day. It is just that going up to that altitude leaves you very tired. Guess it is lack of oxygen. Hey, does that mean I have an excuse now for my "senior moments"?
God Bless
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Slow day
We decided to check out the commissary, BX, and chapel. Good commissary, I was surprised at how inexpensive our purchase was. Guess I've been away too long. BX was about the same as I remember. We did not find what we were looking for.
We went to the visitor center, which is the best way to get to the chapel. Very nice place. They have an exibit that shows about getting in to the academy, what is expected each year from a cadet, and some of the rules they live under. Was very interesting. The gift shop was really nice and well-stocked - also very pricey.
We took the chapel overlook trail to see the chapel. It is really big, but then I am sure you have seen pictures. The main chapel is basically protestant, but all religions can have weddings and other functions there. Downstairs are the Catholic, Jewish, and Buddist chapels, each one smaller than the one before. We just did get to make the tour as there was a wedding scheduled. We saw the wedding participants arrive.
Surrounding the chapel are the cadet dorms and practice area. Several of the new cadets were out in formations practcing (some of them need lots of practice). There is also a courtyard with information about planes and information about some of the people who worked hard to make the academy a reality.
Afterwards we hopped on the scooter and got home before the rain started.
Sunday, we attended Bible class and services at Mountain View Church of Christ. Really liked their preacher. He gave such a good sermon. Friendly people, too. (no potluck :(
At the campground Sunday afternoon, there was a picnic. Hot dogs, lemonade and all the other good all-American July 4th stuff. We sat with a nice couple who have lived in the area for 16 years. Couldn't brag enough about the place. He is retired AF and now works for Focus on the Family.
The fireworks displays in the area were really good. Too bad you had to stand out in the rain to watch them. TM stayed out more than I did.
God Bless
We went to the visitor center, which is the best way to get to the chapel. Very nice place. They have an exibit that shows about getting in to the academy, what is expected each year from a cadet, and some of the rules they live under. Was very interesting. The gift shop was really nice and well-stocked - also very pricey.
We took the chapel overlook trail to see the chapel. It is really big, but then I am sure you have seen pictures. The main chapel is basically protestant, but all religions can have weddings and other functions there. Downstairs are the Catholic, Jewish, and Buddist chapels, each one smaller than the one before. We just did get to make the tour as there was a wedding scheduled. We saw the wedding participants arrive.
Surrounding the chapel are the cadet dorms and practice area. Several of the new cadets were out in formations practcing (some of them need lots of practice). There is also a courtyard with information about planes and information about some of the people who worked hard to make the academy a reality.
Afterwards we hopped on the scooter and got home before the rain started.
Sunday, we attended Bible class and services at Mountain View Church of Christ. Really liked their preacher. He gave such a good sermon. Friendly people, too. (no potluck :(
At the campground Sunday afternoon, there was a picnic. Hot dogs, lemonade and all the other good all-American July 4th stuff. We sat with a nice couple who have lived in the area for 16 years. Couldn't brag enough about the place. He is retired AF and now works for Focus on the Family.
The fireworks displays in the area were really good. Too bad you had to stand out in the rain to watch them. TM stayed out more than I did.
God Bless
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Ah, civilization
Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy. Not only a beautiful drive, but a beautiful place. The campground is so nice AND it is right above the train track. Making Traveling Man very happy.
So much to see and do in this area, it was hard to know not only where to start, but what we could possibly leave out. It was great to see how many of the places are dog-friendly. Traveling dog was so happy to go with us and get lots of attention.
We started with Seven Falls. The canyon is somewhat impressive, but the falls were a bit disappointing. Maybe we were just there the wrong time of year; I'll bet in the Spring with the snowmelt it is really something. Also the only way to get very close to the falls was to climb a million (240) stairs. Not me - took the elevator to the overlook.
Then we went to Garden of the Gods! Simply spectacular! Many rock formations and paved walkways. There are also trails for the hikers and rock climbers. After we got out of site of the parking lot, even though there were a number of people, it still felt serene. A feeling of God's power and His presence.
The property was given to the city of Colorado Springs in 1909 on the condition that it would always be free to the public and there would be no development within the park that would distirb the natural beauty.
By the time we got done there, the heat had set in, so we went home and relaxed.
God Bless
So much to see and do in this area, it was hard to know not only where to start, but what we could possibly leave out. It was great to see how many of the places are dog-friendly. Traveling dog was so happy to go with us and get lots of attention.
We started with Seven Falls. The canyon is somewhat impressive, but the falls were a bit disappointing. Maybe we were just there the wrong time of year; I'll bet in the Spring with the snowmelt it is really something. Also the only way to get very close to the falls was to climb a million (240) stairs. Not me - took the elevator to the overlook.
Then we went to Garden of the Gods! Simply spectacular! Many rock formations and paved walkways. There are also trails for the hikers and rock climbers. After we got out of site of the parking lot, even though there were a number of people, it still felt serene. A feeling of God's power and His presence.
The property was given to the city of Colorado Springs in 1909 on the condition that it would always be free to the public and there would be no development within the park that would distirb the natural beauty.
By the time we got done there, the heat had set in, so we went home and relaxed.
God Bless
Friday, July 2, 2010
Back in time
Blanca, CO - no internet, no texting, but did have cell connection some of the time. Felt like I was back in the 20th century!
There isn't much to Blanca. The campground, while a little rundown, wasn't too bad. Ah-but the scenery-priceless! The one thing we knew we had to see was Great Sand Dunes National Park. Sand Dunes in Colorado? You bet. Amazing. Such a beautiful place, all the lights and shadows created by sand dunes at the foot of the mountains, indescribable. While they ask you to stay off the dunes, they do have a picnic area where a stream runs thru and you are allowed to climb the dunes in that area. So nice. Hope TM can get some pics up (u might have to check facebook) and that will give you some idea.
Go Colorado Gators! What? Gators in Colorado? Yep, a gator farm. Had to see that. It actually started out as a talipia farm and the gators were brought in as "garbage collectors" It sits on a warm springs so the gators can survive without a problem. The lady at the campground, not being fond of gators, said it is comforting to know that if they escape they can't survive. Anyway, there are lots of gators of varying sizes, turtles, talapia, and unsavory reptiles that I made it a point not to see.
So, despite the "hardships", we enjoyed our little sojourn in the Blanca area.
God Bless
There isn't much to Blanca. The campground, while a little rundown, wasn't too bad. Ah-but the scenery-priceless! The one thing we knew we had to see was Great Sand Dunes National Park. Sand Dunes in Colorado? You bet. Amazing. Such a beautiful place, all the lights and shadows created by sand dunes at the foot of the mountains, indescribable. While they ask you to stay off the dunes, they do have a picnic area where a stream runs thru and you are allowed to climb the dunes in that area. So nice. Hope TM can get some pics up (u might have to check facebook) and that will give you some idea.
Go Colorado Gators! What? Gators in Colorado? Yep, a gator farm. Had to see that. It actually started out as a talipia farm and the gators were brought in as "garbage collectors" It sits on a warm springs so the gators can survive without a problem. The lady at the campground, not being fond of gators, said it is comforting to know that if they escape they can't survive. Anyway, there are lots of gators of varying sizes, turtles, talapia, and unsavory reptiles that I made it a point not to see.
So, despite the "hardships", we enjoyed our little sojourn in the Blanca area.
God Bless
Monday, June 28, 2010
missionary ridge
No, I don’t know how it got the name. I’ve searched on the net but haven’t come across that information.
Missionary Ridge sits above our campground, so we decided to take the scooter and check it out. Lovely dirt/gravel road, but TM, the scooter man, could handle it. After the first few curves we began to see “wild life”. We saw tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and, um, ah, oh yeah, cows. Actually they tell us there are plenty of deer and elk up on the ridge. Missionary Ridge burned in 2002 destroying over 77,000 acres. As the new growth is coming back the elk and deer are loving the feeding ground, Probably bear and other wildlife are enjoying it also.
We rode up well over 1,000 ft on our journey. Lots of switchbacks and fairly steep grades. The vistas were so awesome What a powerful God we have.
We did not ride to the top of the ridge, it looked like we were only ½ way there. I know, sometimes we can be wimpy. As it was, we had to stop 2ce on the way down to cool the brakes enough to have brakes!
After we got off the ridge, we stopped at Honeyville. Guess what! They raise bees and sell honey products. So much to choose from and I had never heard of some of the stuff. Anyway, being the adventurous sort that we are we bought some honey with the comb and some without. Yep, just plain old honey - no exotic mixtures.
Sunday morning we went to Durango Church of Christ. As usual, we met some wonderful, friendly people. Enjoyed the lessons a lot. We both agree that Guy Orbison, Jr. Is a good speaker. We were urged to stay for the potluck, yum. Surely you don’t think we said no. To our dismay, when we left the building the wind was starting to rise. That meant we had to home and take in the awning. I came this close to letting TM go do that and pick me up after the pot luck. I really don’t think we would have been happy with that, so I shut my mouth and got in the truck.
God Bless
Missionary Ridge sits above our campground, so we decided to take the scooter and check it out. Lovely dirt/gravel road, but TM, the scooter man, could handle it. After the first few curves we began to see “wild life”. We saw tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and, um, ah, oh yeah, cows. Actually they tell us there are plenty of deer and elk up on the ridge. Missionary Ridge burned in 2002 destroying over 77,000 acres. As the new growth is coming back the elk and deer are loving the feeding ground, Probably bear and other wildlife are enjoying it also.
We rode up well over 1,000 ft on our journey. Lots of switchbacks and fairly steep grades. The vistas were so awesome What a powerful God we have.
We did not ride to the top of the ridge, it looked like we were only ½ way there. I know, sometimes we can be wimpy. As it was, we had to stop 2ce on the way down to cool the brakes enough to have brakes!
After we got off the ridge, we stopped at Honeyville. Guess what! They raise bees and sell honey products. So much to choose from and I had never heard of some of the stuff. Anyway, being the adventurous sort that we are we bought some honey with the comb and some without. Yep, just plain old honey - no exotic mixtures.
Sunday morning we went to Durango Church of Christ. As usual, we met some wonderful, friendly people. Enjoyed the lessons a lot. We both agree that Guy Orbison, Jr. Is a good speaker. We were urged to stay for the potluck, yum. Surely you don’t think we said no. To our dismay, when we left the building the wind was starting to rise. That meant we had to home and take in the awning. I came this close to letting TM go do that and pick me up after the pot luck. I really don’t think we would have been happy with that, so I shut my mouth and got in the truck.
God Bless
Friday, June 25, 2010
Red Knees
Well, after our day on the railroad you would think we would take a day off. But n-o we must find more to do.
After sitting all day on the train what better way to be more active, than rafting? The Animas river at Durango doesn’t seem too rough, so we decided to take the 2-hr trip. It was so much fun! In our raft was a man with his 8-yr-old grandson, Gabe. Watching Gabe was worth the trip! We managed to dump him overboard once. He had hold of the bow line and came up laughing.
It was really more of a float trip since we were right about the Animas. I guess we went through 3 or 4 sets of what they call rapids. I barely got wet, except for my feet. The water was cold.
In deciding how to dress, we both decided on long sleeves and shorts. If you know me then you know I don’t wear shorts. Luckily, when I had the knee surgery, I had chopped off a pair of my slacks, so I had pseudo-shorts. I knew if I wore long pants, they would get wet around the hems and be very uncomfortable-esp. on the scooter.
So after 2 hrs in the sun, my knees were red. Never painful, bur red all the same. Just glad we didn’t do an all day trip.
God Bless
After sitting all day on the train what better way to be more active, than rafting? The Animas river at Durango doesn’t seem too rough, so we decided to take the 2-hr trip. It was so much fun! In our raft was a man with his 8-yr-old grandson, Gabe. Watching Gabe was worth the trip! We managed to dump him overboard once. He had hold of the bow line and came up laughing.
It was really more of a float trip since we were right about the Animas. I guess we went through 3 or 4 sets of what they call rapids. I barely got wet, except for my feet. The water was cold.
In deciding how to dress, we both decided on long sleeves and shorts. If you know me then you know I don’t wear shorts. Luckily, when I had the knee surgery, I had chopped off a pair of my slacks, so I had pseudo-shorts. I knew if I wore long pants, they would get wet around the hems and be very uncomfortable-esp. on the scooter.
So after 2 hrs in the sun, my knees were red. Never painful, bur red all the same. Just glad we didn’t do an all day trip.
God Bless
Railroading
Up early to be sure TD got to the puppy playplace. He is such a charmer that he is everyone's favorite almost as soon as he walks in. TM let him off the leash and he was gone without a backward glance.
We got to the station early enough to get a good parking place and a cup of coffee/tea. We sat and talked with a gentleman from Texas. His wife walked out with a souvenir cup all excited because she would get free refills all day on the train. It was almost hard to tell her that since she is in Presidential class, she would be getting a cup for free and they would keep it filled for her. Oh well, she handled it, realizing that if she had read her ticket she would have known.
Th train loaded 30 minutes before time to leave the station. Being the optimist I am, I thought "what in the world will we do for 30 minutes just sitting?" No problem! Our tablemates - Kathy and Judy - were 2 ladies from Wyoming and they were so fun to be with. Our car attendant was Rachel (she was named for the wife of Andrew Jackson) and she was so fun. She has been doing this for a few years and let us know that if she did not know the answer to a question, she would make one up.
And off we went on our 3-hr trip to Silverton. Wow, that must be a long way, you say? Ha! our top speed was 18 mph and that didn't happen very often. But,oh, the magnificent scenery! As expected a steam train follows the river. The Animas is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the US. It is just indescribable how beautiful everything is.
Rachel came around taking names and drink orders (no iced tea), so we got our free mugs. She also passed out honey buns. You know how I like sweets, but refrained from taking 2. :) Rachel was a good tour guide pointing out places of beauty and interest. We passed right by the little house that was used in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It is still lived in and has a Direct TV dish on top. We also could see the cliff where Butch and Sundance jumped into the river. Actually, it is just up the road from our campground so we can take the scooter and get a better look.
By the time we arrived in Silverton and had lunch, there was not a lot of time for looking about We enjoyed lunch at Handlebars including some of their wonderful peach cobbler.
The train back, so Rachel informed us, is known as the "naptime express". She was right, nearly everyone drifted off at some point. So the ride back was quieter than the ride up. We got back a little after 7pm and headed straight home. No, we did not forget TD! They asked that we not pick him up till the next morning because it is too disturbing at that time of night. Believe me, TM was there to get him 1st thing Fri. morning. TD was so excited that he had to stop and let one of the employees rub him before he left. Don't think he missed us at all. :(
We really enjoyed the day and were worn out when it was over. Don't know who realizes it, but the altitude makes you tire much easier - unless, of course you are used to it.
God Bless
We got to the station early enough to get a good parking place and a cup of coffee/tea. We sat and talked with a gentleman from Texas. His wife walked out with a souvenir cup all excited because she would get free refills all day on the train. It was almost hard to tell her that since she is in Presidential class, she would be getting a cup for free and they would keep it filled for her. Oh well, she handled it, realizing that if she had read her ticket she would have known.
Th train loaded 30 minutes before time to leave the station. Being the optimist I am, I thought "what in the world will we do for 30 minutes just sitting?" No problem! Our tablemates - Kathy and Judy - were 2 ladies from Wyoming and they were so fun to be with. Our car attendant was Rachel (she was named for the wife of Andrew Jackson) and she was so fun. She has been doing this for a few years and let us know that if she did not know the answer to a question, she would make one up.
And off we went on our 3-hr trip to Silverton. Wow, that must be a long way, you say? Ha! our top speed was 18 mph and that didn't happen very often. But,oh, the magnificent scenery! As expected a steam train follows the river. The Animas is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the US. It is just indescribable how beautiful everything is.
Rachel came around taking names and drink orders (no iced tea), so we got our free mugs. She also passed out honey buns. You know how I like sweets, but refrained from taking 2. :) Rachel was a good tour guide pointing out places of beauty and interest. We passed right by the little house that was used in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It is still lived in and has a Direct TV dish on top. We also could see the cliff where Butch and Sundance jumped into the river. Actually, it is just up the road from our campground so we can take the scooter and get a better look.
By the time we arrived in Silverton and had lunch, there was not a lot of time for looking about We enjoyed lunch at Handlebars including some of their wonderful peach cobbler.
The train back, so Rachel informed us, is known as the "naptime express". She was right, nearly everyone drifted off at some point. So the ride back was quieter than the ride up. We got back a little after 7pm and headed straight home. No, we did not forget TD! They asked that we not pick him up till the next morning because it is too disturbing at that time of night. Believe me, TM was there to get him 1st thing Fri. morning. TD was so excited that he had to stop and let one of the employees rub him before he left. Don't think he missed us at all. :(
We really enjoyed the day and were worn out when it was over. Don't know who realizes it, but the altitude makes you tire much easier - unless, of course you are used to it.
God Bless
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)