The first time I was in Colorado in the 1970's, my husband and I were going to drive up to Pikes Peak. There were notices posted that said that while the road was still open, it was getting treacherous. At the time the road up to the peak was not paved. We turned around and went elsewhere for the day.
When I went to Denver in 2002, I had three items on my 'to-do' list:
1. See the Cirque de Soleil show that was in town. (Is that where I saw 'Alegria?)
2. Go white-water rafting on the Clear Creek, a fun adventure.
3. Finally get to Pikes Peak.
Since I was there during the Hayman Wildfire and the air down in Denver was the stuff you could see in front of you, getting out of the city seemed like a good idea. But this time, I decided to go up to the peak on the Cog Railway instead of making the drive.
I knew it would be cold at the top, but I was not prepared for how cold. I had to purchased a fleece jacket to put on under my coat when I got to the summit. I then set off to enjoy the view. And oh, what a view it was:
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The air is thin up here and you need to heed the warnings of the park rangers. One woman on the cog stood up and immediately passed out. Others were sitting inside the park's shop with their heads between their knees.
We dealt with lots of clouds and haze, but on a clear day you can see four states, the snow-covered peaks of the Continental Divide, the cities of Denver, Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs and the historic gold camps of Cripple Creek and Victor.
While in the area, you will also want to visit the Garden of the Gods for more luscious scenery. Or go to Rocky Mountain National Park. You could easily spend a week here enjoying yourself, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. Here is a link to hiking in the park: Adventure
While writing these A - Z posts, I realized that I should do a post about my white-water adventures on the Niagara River, Snake River, Rogue River, American River and Clear Creek. I would still like to do a trip on the Green River and the Colorado. My tom-boy side still exists. Any adventurers out there?
P is also for Paris, Prague, Pisa, Pompeii, Portugal, Prado Museum, Prince Edward Island, Phoenix, Pacific Coast Highway, Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Sadly I have passed the age of white water rafting although hubby reckons I would never had done it anyway. Those views are certainly fabulous.
ReplyDeleteJO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
i love your posts--i think they bring out the adventurous side in us at least in my mind :)
ReplyDeleteThat view is fantastic! Have you really been to all of those P-places? I've only been to Paris but Pompeii is on my to-do list. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot. The year after I finished college I did the Grand European Tour. And yet there are still so many places to see.
ReplyDeleteI love all of your 'ps'. The views from the summit looks fantastic. I've never done white water rafting though I'd love to. (I've done lots of other water sports and love power boating and canoeing/kayaking.) As a Scot I've managed to visit a lot of your European 'ps'. Nancy at Welcome to she said, he said
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I am not a tomboy. In fact I'm a flat out wuss, and usually have my eyes closed on the way to any place that boasts an altitude much above sea level.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous. 11k+ elevation? And here I thought Mesa Verde was a "high."
VR Barkowski