Garden of the Gods

 

 



"Kissing Camels"



We spent the afternoon at Garden of the Gods.  I love any kind of rock so being able to walk among these nature-created structures, that are rust red rocks and have so much character, was amazing.  Benny and I walked on one of the trails and took lots of pictures.  The temperature was about 64 degrees  so it was so pleasant walking and feeling cool air all around us.  The first image that we saw in the rock was called "Kissing Camels".  Other image names are Two Sisters, Cathedral and Balanced Rock.  I decided that every time I come to Colorado Springs, this will be my first stop.  I could walk or drive through this park every day and never tire of it.  It is so beautiful and definitely "fit for the Gods."



 



 



Royal Gorge Bridge & Park





Bridge from overlook



Incline Railway



We drove to Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, about 45 miles south of Colorado Springs, admiring the snow topped mountains and gorgeous boulders along the highway's edge.  Our first adventure was to ride the incline railroad at a 45 degree slant from the top of Royal Gorge down 1500 ft. to the Arkansas River.  It was a little scary--you can't see the bottom as you are moving but you can the canyon walls across the river and the walls on either side of the train.  You are in a cage so you feel safe and the views are wonderful.   Then we walked across the Royal Gorge Bridge and could see mountains far away and you could continue to look down to the river.  There are signs for each state along the bridge railing so we had to walk all the way across to come to Texas and Benny took my picture.  We watched a movie about the general area and the making of the bridge--very interesting.  We decided to walk to the Aerial Tram to go back to the other side (bad idea).  It was a very steep walkway taking us on the edge of the gorge, again I was in love with the boulders along the path.  We had to stop many times along the way to catch our breath because the air is thinner at 9000 ft.  We saw the tram coming across and thought we would miss the tram.  I walked faster so the operator would see us and maybe wait for us.  He saw me huffing and puffing so he called out "Take your time, there is no hurry."   I would have laughed but I was still catching my breath.  The visitor center/gift shop had many interesting things--gorgeous greeting cards and lots of memorabilia from Royal Gorge.   Benny got bored waiting for me and so he walked back to the car.   It was a great day--beautiful blue skies and great memories.





My profile picture was taken in front of Morraine Lake, near Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.  It is the most beautiful turquoise water you have ever seen.   You must take a 15-20 minute hike up some steps and a few hills to reach the view where my picture was taken.  The glacier in the background reflects in the lake.  It is a beautiful tranquil setting.  The popular Lake Louise is just a short drive away but the color of that water is much lighter.  The flowers are from Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC.  The top picture includes pansies, begonias, ageratum, and brown eyed Susans.  The single flower is a large dahlia, about 4 inches wide, also from Butchart Gardens.