Our third day was when we arrived in Colorado and we headed straight for the U.S. Air Force Academy. They have a very informative visitor center and a beautiful chapel. The 18,000 acre campus is breathtaking. I actually experienced a walking meditative state where I had no thoughts and was able to connect with all the nature around me and enjoy the moment. Incredible!
From there, we headed to Garden of the Gods. The rock formations reminded me of my vacations to Sedona, AZ. It looked like it would be a nice park to hike through. It is on my list for when I come back to visit MKa. :)
As we left there, we drove through this cute little tourist town. We contemplated finding a room there, but both seemed to feel it was too crowded. So, we headed on out to Colorado Springs. After much searching for a hotel room, we finally got settled and headed out for a late dinner. We had fun and laughs! We both ordered the same salad....yet mine had 5 pecans on it compared to the 2 handfuls that MKa got on hers. I teased her that it was because the waiter had an eye for her. He must have heard me because when we ordered a second round of drinks, I got extra wine. ;D
The morning of our fourth day was my birthday. :D We had a nice, relaxing morning before heading out. MKa was anxious to see the changes at the famed Broadmoor Hotel. We had gorgeous weather walking around the grounds. It is a beautiful place with a lake in the middle and mountains in the distance. While walking, one of my highlights was seeing two butterflies playing and drinking nectar from the hanging petunia basket. MKa got a pic of it in my hand! While dining outside would have been divine, we decided instead for the more unique choice of The Golden Bee. It is a London pub that was dismantled and shipped to the states. It was in NYC for awhile, then dismantled again, stored in a Chelsea District warehouse, then found and taken to The Broadmoor. Very cool. Our waiter was a character and had us chuckling. I received a birthday bee (of course, MKa has pics) that I placed as a tattoo in my décolletage area. Heehee! It matched my blouse perfectly.
Leaving The Broadmoor, I asked to drive for the day to have the experience of mountain driving. Dory swam along nicely for me (have we mentioned she is a stick-shift?!) and our next stop was Royal Gorge. I expected to arrive in a park setting with trails and hikers going to overlooks of the Gorge. Instead, we get smacked in the face with greed and a small amusement park setting that charges $26 pp to go see what Mother Nature created naturally. Even to drive through and over the bridge costs $26 pp. I refuse to pay in that environment. As we headed back to the car, I said what my expectation had been. As we made the turnaround in the parking lot and started driving out, we saw a tiny sign saying "Scenic Overlook" so I immediately pulled over...and I got my birthday wish! We hiked down a short trail and arrived at the edge of the Gorge.
I stood peering over the edge of the chain-link fence taking it all in. I could see the bridge with cars and people crossing. There was a gondola car gliding across. A large structure on the far side would provide paying thrill seekers the opportunity to swing out over the edge. The Arkansas River rushed along below with rafters and kayakers; and train tracks ran next to it. As I moved to my next vantage point...it got even better. At home, I see hawks soaring and wish I could do the same. Well, I had that sensation there! It was AWESOME! I truly felt like one of those birds soaring above and looking down below at the river. All of a sudden, three huge birds (maybe golden eagles or turkey vultures?) came soaring up from below right in front of me. WOW! I was in Heaven...Heaven on earth!!! Squealing with glee like a kid...yup, that was me. ;D
Next up was our drive to Avon. This part of the country has breathtaking views around every turn.
We stopped around Leadville to stretch our legs and to try to get photos that looked like what we were seeing. Maybe a photography class would help?!
Avon is a cute ski town outside of Vail. We were able to walk to dinner where we finally had a good Mexican meal and a strong margarita. Lots of fun and laughs again and a perfect end to my birthday day!
Have you ever taken a bath in a mountain stream? Well, neither have I, yet it sure felt like it during my shower yesterday. The hotel water heater went out. If we had chosen to have breakfast first, we would have been golden and avoided the situation as they did get it repaired fairly quick. C'est la vie.
We headed out to Frisco which is a great town with lots of shops and little eating establishments and a lake marina. We took our time doing the tourist thing there and then headed out to Breckenridge to find an outdoor lunch spot. Although we tried to find a local spot, they tend to close at 1:30p. Bubba Gump Shrimp got our biz.
Sitting outside, eating, and looking up at snow capped mountains has a way of really relaxing you. Both MKa and I were in a chillaxin' state. So, we headed down by the river to listen to the water tumblin' over the rocks. Life is good!
And now, here we are in the Boulder area. I am excited to discover what today's surprises and delights will be. Laters!
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