We flew into Denver and picked up our rental car with no problems. After a bit of rush hour traffic we stopped at Walmart to stock up on food and sunblock. Our next destination was Rock Park in Castle Rock, CO. Here we had a short one-mile loop hike up and around the rock feature that overlooks the town and surrounding mountains. It was an easy hike to the summit, the perfect way to let the girls think that the hikes would all be easy.
Next we drove about 30 miles to Garden of the Gods State Park. We were there on our 2007 vacation so I wanted to repeat another short hike and get some shots of the girls in the same places we had taken before. Perfect weather, mid 70's with bright blue skies and wispy clouds over the beautiful red rock features. Very crowded but I was able to get the shots I wanted. After nearly backing over an old man who then punched our car, we left the park and made our way to Pikes Peak.
On our way to the Pikes Peak toll road we encountered a small problem. I had marked the summit on our GPS and not the beginning of the toll road. Not knowing the difference, our faithful GPS decided to take us up a different route used for those that wish to hike to the 14,110 foot summit. After about 45 minutes of driving and swearing at the GPS we found our way up the correct road. Funny thing was that as some as we got to the toll road gate the GPS stated that a better route was available. No kidding! The views up to and at the top were worth the effort. The summit had clear views in all directions, a lot of snow, and 36° with brisk winds. Half way down the mountain the rangers stop everyone and gauged the brake temperature. Ours was high so we had to pull over and pop the hood for twenty minutes to let them cool down. On the way up we had noticed a "Sasquach Crossing" sign, so while we were waiting I asked the rangers and a clerk if it was a joke. It wasn't! They all seemed to believe in the elusive beast and everyone I talked to had a story to tell. I should have asked if they have seen any Jackalopes.
Our last stop was Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. We were all tired by this point and I had to talk the girls into doing a couple short hikes. We saw some petrified Sequoia tree stumps which were pretty cool but the rest of the park was kind of a bust. Pretty, but uninteresting as we saw no fossil beds and read some signs about animals that never lived in the area.
Two more hours of driving and then a fast food dinner and America's Got Talent in our hotel room. A fun but long day. The rest of the trip will seem easy by comparison.
Post trip note: It dawned on me when we got home that I had programmed our GPS to avoid toll roads in Denver and forgot to reset the unit. That is why it didn't want to take us up the toll road to the summit of Pikes Peak. Duh!
Post trip note: It dawned on me when we got home that I had programmed our GPS to avoid toll roads in Denver and forgot to reset the unit. That is why it didn't want to take us up the toll road to the summit of Pikes Peak. Duh!
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