Pike's Peak

Our luck with weather is holding, so we headed for Pikes Peak.

Before we could go we had to fix our problem of not accessing the satellites for TV. We moved the coach forward and back in the space we were in, but had no luck. We eventually changed sites and were able to get reception. It set our timetable back about two hours, but we finally were on our way. AND, Barbara gets to watch DWTS tonight.

When I last lived in Colorado Springs and took the drive to the top of Pikes Peak the road was dirt and gravel most of the way. Today it is paved all the way to the top. It makes the drive easier, but I have to wonder about the changes for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb auto race that this forces.

Once at the top the views were magnificent. I swear I could see Kansas.  It was very windy and cold up there so we went into the visitor center and got fresh (oily) donuts and coffee (not bad actually).

Driving is not the only way up. There is also a cog railway that will bring you up. The views from the railroad are great, but so are those from the car and you save $35 per head.

The song America The Beautiful was inspired by the views from the top of Pikes Peak and a monument to the writer (Katherine Lee Bates) has been added since I was last up there. 

The trip down was a gas. Barbara leaned in towards me every time we got close to the edge on the turns. Most of the trip down was done in first or second gear. Quite a ride!

We ended the afternoon driving through The Garden of the Gods. It is a nice city park that features rock formations similar to those in Moab. It was a quick visit, but when Barbara gets back we will do some hiking through the park.

We finished the day in an appropriate way. No, not the wine, the call to Barbara's mom. 

Author at work.  Pay no attention to the bulge above the belt.