This morning I spent probably two hours preparing this really nice blog post, but somehow I got away from it and couldn't get back to it. So now I'm starting over. BUMMER!!
Our campsite in Colorado Springs was conveniently located, but with mixed clientele. There were very nice RV's in there, but also some older RV's with families living in them. Interesting to watch.
Pikes PeakA trip to Colorado would not be complete without a trip to Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is one of Colorado's 53 fourteeners, (mountains more than 14,000 feet above sea level). It's a long winding road to the top with many switchbacks and areas along the edge with no guardrails. Good road though.
I asked if any one has gone over the edge. There was one, the story goes. The girlfriend worked at the top, and broke up with the boyfriend up there. He vowed to go over the edge and he did! And he actually survived.
Anyway there was much construction going on at the top, building a new visitor center and viewing areas. So we didn't get 360 views. We hadn't thought about the temperature being colder up there so we weren't dressed for the 60 degree weather. There were actually some snow flurries.
We coasted most of the way down in low gear. There was a mandatory stop about halfway down where a ranger checked the temperature of your brakes. You'd have to wait awhile if they were too hot. Of course refreshments and gift shop was available.
Royal GorgeOur next excursion from here was to the Bridge over the Royal Gorge. While this is a major tourist attraction, it was apparently built only as a tourist attraction. Go figure. It held the record of highest bridge in the world from 1929 until 2001, which has been surpassed by a bridge in China and others since then. It remains the highest bridge in the US. The bridge crosses the gorge 955 feet above the Arkansas River. They got the first line across by lowering a line from both side to the bottom of the gorge and someone down there connected them.
FACTOID: Canyons differ from gorges in that gorges have more sloping sides getting narrow at the bottom. Canyons have more vertical sides.
You may cross the gorge both ways via the bridge, walking or riding the tram.
or either way by gondola on a wire.
You can also ride a Zip Line from the other side, one way only. Coming to the end is exciting. Watch the video.
Garden of the Gods
Comprising 1,300 acres of sandstone formations Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. The visitor center is a wealth of information regarding the natural history of the area. There is no admission for the center or the driving tour of the park.
The pictures don't do justice.
US Air Force Academy
This is the best of this day. The Academy is nestled next to a mountain and the setting is beautiful. Opened in 1955, the campus is laid out with modern design. These are some of the classrooms and dormitories. Underclassmen are required to walk only along the white marble grid lines.
Of course the focal point of the whole campus is the Chapel.
The interior is just gorgeous with stained glass lighting.
This is a popular wedding venue. This day there was to be a renewal of vows, followed by a regular wedding. We met the wedding planner who does around 200 weddings a year here.
At the other end of the chapel over the entry door is the pipe organ.
A display of WWII aircraft
The tall structure in the background resembles an aircraft tail fin like the one below.
That's a B 52 bomber!
Driving away there is a pullout on the highway overlooking the Academy air field. Naturally the Academy stresses 'airmanship' consisting of light aircraft piloting, soaring (in gliders) and parachuting. On this Saturday afternoon, this was all going on at the airfield. At any given time there would be 4-6 parachutes coming down, 2-3 gliders soaring around, several prop driven airplanes circling around. Looked like a lot of fun stuff!
This is the 3rd of our military academies we have visited and continue to be impressed and proud of our military.
More coming. Stay tuned.
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