Colorado Springs

We are getting tired and a bit ragged at this point in the trip but we can’t resist the impulse to experience everything. For instance this am we had planned a quiet morning in the library and an afternoon pilgrimage to Pikes Peak. Sydney raves about the cog train to the top of Pikes Peak. “Truly magnificent panorama” “No Tourist should miss this wonderful journey…” But we saw a piece about “The Garden of the Gods” and we had to go before the Pikes peak excursion. Gods Garden was well worth the effort. It was stunning. First the colors- red, beige rocks, blue skies and green cedars. It is hard to absorb. And the size of the rocks cliffs are astounding. Next are the birds! There were tons of birds living in the rocks crevices with their songs and cries. We had never seen anything quite like it.

Next we headed to the 12 noon Cog train up Pikes Peak. We were so lucky- this is the first group this week to make it to the top. (Excellent weather) We saw the road from the train and could not believe how treacherous it looked. No guardrail, switchbacks and soft mud and snow. The road was closed today, we are early in May. Anyway, the cog wheel train and hikers made it to the top.

Well, Sydney talks about the cold and wind but he did not mention the inability to breath! There was lots of warning but the intensity of the altitude surprised me. You almost start to panic but then say, “calm down”. They had paramedics running around in bright red tee e shirts and bandage scissors hanging off their belts.

The views were “splendid” and I enjoyed our sandwiches while calling friends. “I’m at the top of Pikes Peak” On the way down I saw several Marmots frocking in the snow and rocks.

For dinner I was hot to go to this Creperie restaurant I had seen the night before. Well, it was hot and crowded and the waiters ignored us. The food was not that good. Oh well, that is how it goes. Tomorrow we push on.