Flick Journey 2011: April 2011

Departed Breckenridge on Saturday, 4/16 and drove to Denver. We had a great visit with our daughter-in-law, Theresa and the dogs, Erik was working. Departed Denver on Sunday morning and drove to Colorado Springs. Our 1st day in Colorado Springs we visited the Air Force Academy. The Academy opened in the late 50's. There was not much activity on Sunday, i.e. no glider flying. The most impressive building is the Chapel, which is built with aluminum and stained glass. "An Air Force individual is surrounded by aluminum in a military aircraft, so if they can die surrounded by aluminum they can worship surrounded by aluminum."

Visitor Center - Very informative

Chapel

Chapel interior, very impressive
Also has a pipe organ in the rear

Some hopeful cadets waiting to get accepted into the Academy, this is outside the dorms.

Over look on the east side of the campus

Always mountains in the Colorado background!

The second day we ventured up to Pike's Peak via the COG Train. You travel up the mountain side to 14,110 ft. FYI the road to the top was closed this day due to storms. The rail is open just about everyday using their blower, picture included. The train departs from Manitou Springs, temperature was 65 deg. and the top was 15 deg with wind that equalled -30 deg wind chill, nice!

Here we go!

Riders waiting, biting their nails. Train is coming around the bend.

Up the HILL!

Beautiful rock formations

Snow run off, one of many falls.

"Pipe" Falls!

Now this is a snow blower! My 24" blower from PA would not have worked to well.

We stopped and picked up a hiker. Theresa, you probably have been at this station.
Yes, you can hike the back side all the way to the top.

Getting close to tree line!

How does anything grow up here? These pines made it several years.

One of many Colorado Springs reservoirs. The city maintains the water system and the 17 mile road system that connects them though the mountain.

Looking out the train car window. Conductor said snow was 7 ft high.

TOP!

Notice the warm weather attire! Windy and chilly. Cheryl did not spend time outside but did manage to shop in the heated store!

Denver is out there over the horizon.

Found a new friend at the top.

Retirement is wonderful!

The third adventure was to The Garden of Gods city park. The park was dedicated in 1909 as a free city park. It's 1350 acres has magnificant red sandstone rock formations, plant and animal life. Many of the rock formations are over 300 million years old and have been sculpted over time by forces of nature.

Pike's Peak is in the background

Garden of the Gods visitor center view Pike's Peak snow covered.

View through Siamese Twins

Siamese Twins

Sleeping Giant

Balance Rock on right

I can hold it up!

White Rock in background

Three Graces

Cathedral Spires

Cloud cover masks the view

Our campground was near "Old" Colorado Springs. So we toured the area and watched the want to "make it rich" artist go about their daily lives of hosting their crafts. We also went to another city park for some hiking and to see some water falls.

Small falls in another free city park.

The rushing waters!

View from hilltop. Clouds block Colorado Springs through the saddle.

GOOD BYE Colorado Springs!

Left Moab on 4/2 and headed to CO for a couple weeks of skiing. Larry has had a season pass for a couple of years, so he had to take advantage of the pass and record snowfall year. We stayed at Tiger Run RV Park in Breckenridge. Erik joined us for a few days, giving Larry a skiing partner.
It was interesting going from 80 deg in Phoenix to several feet of snow and per Cheryl COLD temperatures.
Larry skiied over 175,000 vertical feet over the 2 weeks, skiied Keystone, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, & A-Basin. All body parts are still in good shape!
The RV park had many accomadations i.e. 2 Hot Tubs, Salt Water Pool, Library corner, Workout room, game room, etc.