Colorado Springs and Area

Next Stop: Colorado Springs, Colorado

August 26-29

Terri, a Junior High School friend of Margy's, and her husband Tom, were the perfect hosts for our three days with them. We had a great time, dining out, dining in, touring the Colorado Springs area and, best of all, just hanging out together.

We had hardly set foot in their house, and we turned around to head to this beautiful resort, The Broadmoor, to enjoy a special lunch and walk around their exquisite grounds and artisan shops.

A leisurely lunch and casual walk around the manicured paths provided a pleasant way for the four of us to begin catching-up since our last visit.

We returned to their hilltop house, which overlooks a broad valley, and has a spectacular view of Pike's Peak. The neighborhood is also a safe haven for many deer that roam freely.

We both enjoyed the friendly feedings!

It sure looks like this deer enjoyed the feedings too!

Aside from our own "feeding," with Terri's delicious meals, we enjoyed getting to know their baby, Brechin.

On a side trip to Black Forest, we visited Artie's High School friend, and college room mate, Roger. He and Arlene have this lovely country house overlooking fields and forests, which he designed and built.

Above left, Arlene proudly displays her T-shirt, designed and drawn by her grandson, Dylan.

These old graduates of Brooklyn Tech High School and Syracuse University had fun seeing each other and remembering funny moments from the past (Roger's stories brought Artie to tears of laughter!).

Later that day, Tom took us for a trip to the Garden of the Gods. It's a unique park with giant rock formations. We were impressed with rock climbers that were practicing there.

We watched in awe as this guy got to the top of his selected rock, and then let his buddy safely down. However, these two climbers seemed to be beginners, compared to the next adventurers we saw, who really captured our attention.

The front face of this sheer cliff is topped with a formation called "kissing camels." The back side, just as steep, became the site for another brave climber.

Look closely above the tree in the foreground, and you will see the climber part-way up the slope!

Another climber selected yet another impossible looking rock face. Alone, and carefully, he gradually progressed to the top.

The so called "balanced rock" provided Artie the opportunity to show his support to protect Margy!

The Garden of the Gods park certainly provided exotic landscapes to see and enjoy, especially at ground level. We'll leave the rock climbing to others!

Relaxing back on Terri and Tom's terrace, we enjoyed seeing the humming birds drink the nectar provided for them.

Beyond the birds: Pike's Peak

Seeing Pike's Peak from the deck is dramatic. Seeing it up close is another dimension of beauty we were about to enjoy.

We drove up the winding road to the top, stopping along the way to capture the views with 100 mile (160 KM) visibility.

While we mostly took photos of the natural vistas, occasionally we even took pictures of each other. Terri caught us taking these photos.

Brechin and Tom take a break, enjoying the fresh air and vegetation still existing at the lower elevations.

As we climbed the mountain the temperature dropped, from the 70s at the start to 41°F registered in the car's digital display, at 14,110 foot elevation. Snow in August was still on the mountain top, above the tree-line.

Pike's Peak inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write the song "America The Beautiful," after her visit in 1893. Plaques at the mountain top commemorate the song and author. As we reached the summit, Terri pulled out her Blackberry and hit a button which played "America The Beautiful" for us! A goose bumper!

Terri warned us to bring warm clothing for the top. We were glad we listened. It was cold!

What exceptional views from the top!

On top of Pike's Peak.

On top of the world!

Last Stop: Kristin and Jason's Wedding near Boulder

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Terri, a Junior High School friend of Margy's, and her husband Tom, were the perfect hosts for our three days with them. We had a great time, dining out, dining in, touring the Colorado Springs area and, best of all, just hanging out together.


We had hardly set foot in their house, and we turned around to head to this beautiful resort, The Broadmoor, to enjoy a special lunch and walk around their exquisite grounds and artisan shops.

		A leisurely lunch and casual walk around the manicured paths provided a pleasant way for the four of us to begin catching-up since our last visit.

		We returned to their hilltop house, which overlooks a broad valley, and has a spectacular view of Pike's Peak. The neighborhood is also a safe haven for many deer that roam freely.


Aside from our own "feeding," with Terri's delicious meals, we enjoyed getting to know their baby, Brechin.


		On a side trip to Black Forest, we visited Artie's High School friend, and college room mate, Roger. He and Arlene have this lovely country house overlooking fields and forests, which he designed and built.


Above left, Arlene proudly displays her T-shirt, designed and drawn by her grandson, Dylan.

		These old graduates of Brooklyn Tech High School and Syracuse University had fun seeing each other and remembering funny moments from the past (Roger's stories brought Artie to tears of laughter!).


		Later that day, Tom took us for a trip to the Garden of the Gods. It's a unique park with giant rock formations. We were impressed with rock climbers that were practicing there.


		We watched in awe as this guy got to the top of his selected rock, and then let his buddy safely down. However, these two climbers seemed to be beginners, compared to the next adventurers we saw, who really captured our attention.


The front face of this sheer cliff is topped with a formation called "kissing camels." The back side, just as steep, became the site for another brave climber. Look closely above the tree in the foreground, and you will see the climber part-way up the slope!


		The so called "balanced rock" provided Artie the opportunity to show his support to protect Margy!


Relaxing back on Terri and Tom's terrace, we enjoyed seeing the humming birds drink the nectar provided for them.

		Seeing Pike's Peak from the deck is dramatic. Seeing it up close is another dimension of beauty we were about to enjoy.


We drove up the winding road to the top, stopping along the way to capture the views with 100 mile (160 KM) visibility.

		While we mostly took photos of the natural vistas, occasionally we even took pictures of each other. Terri caught us taking these photos.


Brechin and Tom take a break, enjoying the fresh air and vegetation still existing at the lower elevations.


As we climbed the mountain the temperature dropped, from the 70s at the start to 41°F registered in the car's digital display, at 14,110 foot elevation. Snow in August was still on the mountain top, above the tree-line.


		Pike's Peak inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write the song "America The Beautiful," after her visit in 1893. Plaques at the mountain top commemorate the song and author. As we reached the summit, Terri pulled out her Blackberry and hit a button which played "America The Beautiful" for us! A goose bumper!

		Terri warned us to bring warm clothing for the top. We were glad we listened. It was cold!