Pike's Peak Colorado

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We finally made it to Colorado and the mountains of fun begins. No sense in starting small so we began with the drive up Pike's Peak. It is not for the faint of heart and the air starts to get a little thin at 14,410 above sea level. Especially when we are from Jacksonville, FL where 40 feet above sea level is considered really getting up there and some get nose bleeds whenever they go across the top of the Dames Point Bridge.

We had planned on taking the Cog Railroad but it was retired after last season and 126 years of continuous operation. As you will see later the drive can be quite exciting.

We hope you enjoy the photos and the stories around them as the adventure continues on the way to Alaska.

Marvin and Bonnie

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Photos

Fountain Colorado Campground Waterfall
This is the first spillway we deemed as a waterfall when we first started our trip. Little did we know what amazing falls we were to see in the very near future.

Campground Rabbits
This is a part of a family of rabbits that made themselves home next to our campsite. They were curious but not tame. They would take off quickly if you came too near.

Pike's Peak lake on the way to the summit
There were plenty of fishermen on the lake at around 6700 foot of elevation. That is the peak off in the distance. The total trip from base to summit is about 19 miles. You will see the elevation changes and a view of the lake from almost the top of the mountain.

Yes there is a Bigfoot
Bonnie and Sadie found Big foot on the way up. Quite a carving and you can see his remarkable size. The Legend lives on Pike's Peak.

Great Family Photo
I had to join the other two in the photo. How do you like the family photo. He must resemble my side of the family. He is not near good enough looking to be from Bonnie's side.

Our Chipmunk Friend
I think he introduced himself as Alvin but I may have misheard what he said.

Thistles can even grow out of rock.
Really very nice shape for so little dirt to root in.

Bicycle Races up a Mountain
We have seen bicyclist traveling on all types of mountain roads. When you see there road you will not believe they actually race to see who can get there the fastest.

Rocky Mountains
As you approach the area above the tree line it becomes very obvious why they named this area the "Rocky" Mountains.

Rocky Mountains
Another view of the rocky landscape

Bonnie's Flower and Rock Garden
Don't they look beautiful sitting among the yellow flowers. I am not sure but I think they were both trying to catch their breath. Sadie is a great sport and goes wherever we go.

Truly a Mountain Peak experience
You can tell the oxygen level is sparse and you feel rather light headed when you get here. We made it and had lunch in the lodge on top. That replenished the energy supply. Just after this picture we were snowed on and our bare arms were white by the time we got back to the car.

Downward journey
As we left the parking lot we realized that the trip down can be as exciting as the trip up. Bonnie kept trying to get me to look at the views. I tried to keep looking at the yellow lines in the middle of the road. It is a two lane road and there are no guard rails. I kept thinking that one false move and the trip will end rather abruptly.

Lake View
This is a view of the lake you saw earlier from the top looking down. Looks pretty small from this angle.

Pike's Peak Road
Yes that is the road we drove down. it is so steep they actually stop you part of the way down and measure your brake temperature. If you exceed a certain temperature you have to pull off and let them cool down. I geared down on the way downs and passed the temperature test. The nice lady that measured our brakes gave Sadie a treat for being such a brave dog. Next time she drives and I will get the treat.

Comments

[ALICE WARE]

love this
this is a great picture. love it.

[ClarkTravelPhotos]

Thanks.
Thanks. Bonnie took that one.

[Karen Byrd]

Wow! Looks like fun! Glad it's you driving on those windy roads and not me! ;) We are missing you here in Callahan, but there's plenty going on here to keep us busy! Anxious to see your Alaska pictures! XO