This is our first full day visiting with Jack and Sue, long-time friends from our time in Michigan.
Sue loves her backyard and we headed out to understand why. It wasn’t long before sandstone spires emerged in the distance.
Colorado Springs has an amazing City Park named Garden of the Gods.
A visitor’s center and museum offers a panoramic view of the park with Pikes Peak in the background.
The Ridge Trail features paved paths to beautiful rock formations make the park accessible to just about anyone.
After the Ridge, we walked the mile long Siamese Twins trail to reach these sandstone towers feature a “window” in their base.
Beth and Sue found their way to the window.
Originally purchased by Charles Perkins, head of the Burlington Railroad, to build a summer home, he never did build on the property. The area was preserved and his children donated it to the city “where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.”
It was fun to watch people climbing the vertical rock faces. The sign here stated “If you are not a technical climber using proper gear and a permit, stay on the sidewalk!“
Each of the formations was unique.
Walking wasn’t the only option for exploring. Horseback, Segway, bicycle, trolley, and Jeep tours are available.
The horseback riding group had a follow-up crew cleaning the trail.
After a beautiful morning hiking just a couple of the twenty one miles of park trails, we headed for the parking lot as rain headed in from the mountains.
Of course, we had to exit through the gift shop. They had beautiful gifts, but photos and memories are really the best souvenirs.
With exercise out of the way, we picked up Jack and went out to quench our thirst. Housed in a repurposed Elementary School, Bristol Brewing was a spot where Sue knew we could try a Chocolate Laughing Lab Ale. It really was good, so we attempted to purchase some to take home. After our waitress tried several times to find it packaged, they ended up giving us a growler to take home at no charge. That is true service.
Sue and Beth posed in the Mass Transit ale logo bus before leaving to enjoy a wonderful meal back at their home.