Pages

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs

Today I'm showing you what we did on Monday. We visited Pikes Peak. Keep in mind while you look at these, that I don't like heights! This was a real test for me, but I came out intact! (Physically that is)
This is the view from a scenic turn out, just a little way up the mountain.

Here is a lake we stopped at part way up. There were people fishing here. What a pretty sight!

We had been told that Bigfoot has been sighted in the area, and were quite surprised to see him on the trail at Pikes Peak!

This is about halfway up the mountain.

Getting closer to the top!

Here's a shot of the road. Much of it wasn't even paved, but you can see how curvy it was. As you get near the summit, nothing grows, because of the lack of altitude, so it looks pretty desolate.


We made it! This is the view from the top. Do you see the wispy clouds?

Proof that we made it! You can't see it in this picture but it was snowing at the top. We could really tell the air was thin and were ready to start back down. Of course, those curvy roads weren't too fun going down either. They stop you half way and check your brakes to be sure they aren't too hot.

After Pikes Peak, we stopped in Manitou Springs. It's a tourist town, right next to Colorado Springs. It's know for its mineral springs which people used to visit and drink as they thought it was good for you.
Here is one of the springs. We tried it and didn't like the mineral taste at all!



There is a nice little stream that goes through the town. We enjoyed walking next to it for a little while, and we found this pretty bridge.
That's it for now, but I'm afraid I'll be continuing this - more pictures next week!

31 comments:

Kayren said...

When Hubby had to go out to Colorado a couple of years ago, he had time to go up to Pikes Peak. He is afraid of heights too! I remember him mentioning how they check your brakes on the way down. He didn't have a camera with him though.

The curvy roads probably weren't that big of a deal since that's what we grew up driving on in Arkansas — "next 20 miles crooked and steep" was a common sign when you entered a different highway going from town to town. There were sand traps for the truckers in case their brakes failed as they were going down the hills, and some of them had drops off the side with no guard rails. I still swear I could be a race car driver since I can drive curves so well. :) We just don't have that around here, do we? I think the snow makes up for it.

Anonymous said...

That bit about the Big Foot is pretty funny Mari. and you're RIGHT once at the top, it is quite HIGH UP eh? I'm sure I'd be pretty scared seeing THAT view too!

Linda said...

Your pictures from Colorado are so pretty Mari! We plan on moving there next summer and I can hardly wait!

I don't think I'd do well visiting Pike's Peak, not because of heights, but because of the curvy roads. I get so car sick.

Didn't you think the Air Force Academy was interesting! I always enjoy visiting there!

Maria said...

Seems like you had a nice time! Well done!

A Captured Reflection said...

I'd love to go on a hunt for Big Foot, what a hoot that would be. Keep the photos coming Mari, it's really enjoyable!

Betty W said...

This is very interesting. I think you live in a beautiful country and hope you continue to show us where you went.

Bonnie said...

so pretty, isn't it ??

Mary Lee said...

Great pictures Mari! I have made that trip up to Pike's Peak too. Driving up is ok, but going down is kinda scary. Did you encounter some crazy bicyclists on the way down? I did. Apparently a company shuttles people and their bikes to the top and they ride down. I think I would decline.

Grandma Elsie said...

I am with you on No heights Mari.
I get so light headed that I can't stand up so no go for me. WE have lots of curves and some steep her in Virginia so I can drive some if not too steep.
But I love traveling with you in "Picture ". Now that I can handle.
Looking forward to more .

Pat said...

The pictures of Pikes peak brought back a childhood memory. While driving from California to Michigan one year, we went to Pikes Peak..this was a loonnngggg time ago. I can only remember white knuckles and applying my own break in the back seat! I don't think I enjoyed it one bit!
The scenery is as beautiful as can possibly be imagined. What a wonderful trip for all of you!

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

Your photos remind me of the time I visited Tucson, AZ. It was 110 degrees on the ground. We went up to the top of Mt. Lemmon and played in the snow in our shorts and t-shirts. Fun, fun!
I'm so glad you had a great trip! :)

septembermom said...

I love the little stream. So peaceful and poetic.

Heart2Heart said...

Mari,

I too am afraid of heights but as long as I am not too close to the edge I can handle most things. I was wondering where all the trees and vegetation went and then you mentioned it. I would have never guessed. I just love that it was snowing when you got to the top!

Thank you for sharing your pictures with us, my favorite is the lake where you said people were fishing.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Brooke said...

14K feet! holy cow.

Renee said...

Your pictures are wonderful. The views are really beautiful!

Andrea said...

Beautiful...love GOD's creation.
Blessings and prayers, andrea

Hootin Anni said...

Now that bigfoot carving is something I've not seen. Just the other day Bud and I were wondering if they still have the Pike's Peak Hill Climb on Labor Day. We went to that several times.

I loved your Garden of the Gods post too.

Have a great holiday weekend.

Unknown said...

Oh yes!! I love it there and I like the heights. I can just feel how the thin air makes you gasp for another breathe until you get use to the altitude. Very nice pics...

Cherdecor said...

Your pictures are beautiful. I don't think I would want to go up to Pike's Peak. I don't like heights either. You are a trooper for sure!

Cherdecor said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mary said...

Mari,

Such beautiful photos of your vacation. I wouldn't have any trouble going up, but coming down is another matter. I would need to be at the wheel. It's good to know they check your brakes on the way down.

Looking forward to more pictures. Wishing you a great Labour Day weekend.

Blessings,
Mary

Cathy said...

Your pictures are beautiful, Mari. I'm glad you have enjoyed traveling this summer. Thank you for your sweet comment about my hymn.

Debbie said...

I would very much love to visit that part of our country one day! Great photos.

Justabeachkat said...

That's a beautiful part of our country, for sure! It's been years and years since we went to Pike's Peak but I remember the change in altitude.

This is fun. I'm so glad you're sharing the trip with us.

Hugs!
Kat

Brenda said...

Hi Mari,
We love walking around Manitou, actually my mom was raised there for a few years as a teen. We've gone three times since we've been here.
Funny story about the spring water. We ran out of water in our bottle. There is a spring right behind Patsy's (the old hot dog/popcorn stand) near the arcade. So I thought, well let's just fill up right here. An employee of Patsy's overheard us and said, "Uh...you might want to taste that first". Oh MY, talk about nasty! She said people still swear by it for their health.
I'll stick to bottled water, thanks!
It's fun seeing your pics knowing we've either been there or live very close.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

What a beautiful spot!

Anonymous said...

Mari, I am so proud of you for going to the top!!! Not sure if I could???
very nice pics, looking forward to more. . . .

A Stone Gatherer said...

Oh that road looks much worse then what we experienced in California! I can't believe it was snowing! WOW! Beautiful though and I love the bridge!

Crown of Beauty said...

Lovely pictures!

I won't mind seeing more of what you have taken!

Love
Lidj

Lynn said...

Wow, Mari, I am finally catching up on all your vacation photos. You did SO MUCH while you were there. You really made the most of your time, both in relaxing (BEAUTIFUL cabin) and in seeing the sites. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.