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Rafting in Colorado
Wet and wild down the Arkansas RiverI've been to Colorado Springs twice. The first time I went was over Labor Day in 2004 for a 4 day weekend.
This year, it was more to go visit my sister and her family, but I did manage to squeeze in a couple of excursions on the side. The first 2 days of our visit was indoors, it was constantly raining in Colorado Springs.
My first visit to Colorado, we went rafting down the Arkansas River. It had been my 2nd experience rafting, the Arkansas River was pretty tame in comparison to the rafting that I had done in Costa Rica. Nonetheless, I had a blast! The water was cold, but refreshing. I was the only woman on the raft - LUCKY ME! It was pretty awesome to be rafting and look up to see the Royal Gorge bridge above us. If that's one thing you've got to accomplish on your Colorado trip, is to go rafting.
On my first trip, we drove up Pikes Peak. We started our drive with the convertible top down. Half way up the peak, we were freezing and decided to put the top up. At the very top of the peak,
Top of Pikes Peak
This is really beautiful! there was some snow. We ended our visit of the peak with a good snow ball fight!
Just a side note, the drive down the peak can be rather rough on the brakes of your car.
Both trips, I was able to go to the Garden of Gods. That's a must see part of your Colorado Springs trip as well. The rock formations are basically sedimentary beds of red and white sandstones, conglomerates, and limestones that were deposited horizontally, but now have been tilted vertically, and faulted by mountain building forces caused by the uplift of the Pikes Peak massif.
I can only imagine how beautiful it would be to go during winter time! Snow against these rocks.
The name of "Garden of the Gods" dates back to 1859 when 2 surveyors came across the site. One of the surveyors suggested it would be a "capital place for a beer garden." The other surveyor was so impressed by the formations of the rocks, he said "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods." The beer garden never materialized, but the name stuck.
View from Pikes Peak
I'm so glad that I wasn't the one having to drive the car up & down this peak. I wanted to enjoy the scenery. The first time I went to Garden of Gods, we hiked the trails. It was pretty cool to see people climb some of the rocks. Later in the afternoon, I wondered if we'd get caught in a good rain storm, lucky for us, it was only sprinkles.
My second trip to the Garden of Gods, I decided to do it by horseback. I was able to get a ride with Academy Stables. Now, it is a bit of a challenge to be on top of a horse and take photographs at the same time. My horse (Santa Fe), she loved to graze, every once in awhile, I'd have o pull back hard and nudge her along.
After a 2 hour horseback ride through the Garden of Gods, it was time to eat. I had some excellent mexican food at Amanda's Fonda Restaurant.
Another part of my Colorado trip this year would be to the Royal Gorge. The Royal Gorge is located outside of Canon City. The history of the gorge dates back to 1642 when Spanish Missionaries were there.
The suspension bridge that goes across the gorge was built in 1929. It is 1,260 feet long;
Pikes Peak
Snow capped Pikes Peak taken by horseback from Garden of Gods 18 feet wide; and the towers are 150 feet high. The steel cables weigh 300 tons, and there is 2100 strands of #9 galvanized wire supporting this bridge.
While there, I took the Aerial Tram and also the Incline Railway. The incline railway is the steepest in the world, and is set at a 45 degree angle.
There is a lot to do at the Royal Gorge Park, I enjoyed seeing the wild life there. I went to the petting zoo in the park. You've got to watch out for the Goats, they love to untie your shoes!
My last excursion would take me to Manitou Cliff Dwellings. I got a feel of how the Anassazi Indians lived centuries ago. The buildings constructed with stone, were solid. Unlike what you see in today's modern architecture.
If you love the outdoors, you can't get bored in Colorado. I wished I had time for some good ol trout fishing.
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Jan Rollins
non-member comment
I travel through you !
Thank you for sending your wonderful pictures and commentary. I feel like I have been there through you. Jan