Pikes Peak at Last

We drove a short distance to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway after lunch to go on our ride up Pikes Peak. The last time we were here it was in early October and we didn’t have to worry about much snow but as little as three days ago they had to use dynamite to open the train track. It was still closed to automobile traffic. We passed cascading streams that were very full now with the melting snow, a steep canyon of gigantic boulders and pine trees to the frozen tundra once we pass the tree line. Aspens haven’t started to bud out yet but I don’t think it will be that long. Unfortunately, as we got up to about 10,000 feet the temperature dropped rapidly and we had to close the windows so I couldn’t get as good of pictures that I would have liked. Once we reached the top at 14,115 ft it was darn right freezing. We thought we had dressed for it but I forgot my gloves and boots. In fact I don’t think I even have gloves and boots anymore. The temperature was 24 degrees with a blowing wind. As we made our way to the viewing area all I could think of was “Are we NUTS or what?” We slipped and slid our way to the top and after a couple of pictures we were ready to go inside where it was nice and warm.

There is a little restaurant and of course the gift shop that we wandered thru waiting to make the return trip. The whole trip up the mountain was very interesting as our conductor gave history of not only the Cog Railway but also the entire area. One of the things she talked about was the wonderful donuts that they make. Of course we all just had to have a donut. I have to admit, it was very good.

It seemed like ages before we boarded for the return trip but actually, if it hadn’t been so cold we would have enjoyed every minute outside. Not this time though.

The ride down the mountain had us going backwards. It made for a whole different view and we didn’t mind it at all. At one point on the ride we passed through snow on both sides of the train that completely covered the windows, Guess it had to be at least 8-10 ft high. That is the area that they had used the dynamite earlier. We did see a snow plow on the other tracks on our way up that was very interesting.

When we got back to the station I just had to go in and buy myself a railroad cap. My daddy always wore one when he worked for the Northern Pacific and I just had to have one also. Mine is pink and white though. I think they call them Kromer Caps.

Another place we wanted to see while in Colorado Springs was the Seven Falls. We had seen brochures and signs all over. It turns out to be very close to our State Park at the Cheyenne Mountain Range. We headed there on our way home. When we pulled up to the gate we were told that they were still on their winter hours and we only had about 45 minutes to see the falls. Well it was only a one mile drive so we decided to go anyway. They warned us that we had to be out of the gates by 6:00. We drove right to the falls and took the elevator to the viewing platform. I was able to take a few pictures and down we came. The restaurant and gift shops were already closed and as soon as we got off the elevator they put a closed sign on the door. It wasn’t yet 5:30 but we decided we had seen enough. For that 20 minute trip they charged us $18.00. Next week they will start their summer hours and the falls are all lit up. The price goes up if you go at night though. I thought maybe the city was trying to make up for the free admission we had at Garden of the Gods but that was not the case at all. The park is privately owned and they can charge whatever they want. It was beautiful but I would not go again.

Today we will make the short 75 mile trip to Denver where we plan to stay until we get our washer fixed. We sure hate to leave this beautiful State Park in Colorado Springs. I’m sure we could spend another month here and still not see everything. Oh well, like I always say, gives us a reason to come back…..

Later from the Mile High City………….

May 6, 2009

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