Another Day in Colorado

Just north of the  region of the Louisiana Purchase where Zebulon Pike (Pike's Peak) explored in the early 1800s  before being captured by the Spanish.  His notes from his expedition were confiscated by the Spanish, so his popular book was written from memory. 

I now have my lifetime National Parks pass after purchasing it at the Florissant Fossil Beds near Pike's Peak.  Annie and I toured the fossil beds, which were once a lake. And . . .

. . . where giant Redwoods once grew.  A few stumps are on display around the beds.

Of course, any trip to Colorado Springs will have to involve a visit to the Garden of the Gods.  We wondered where we should pay the fee.  NO FEE.  One of the requirements for the land where these beautiful sandstone formations rise to the sky was given to the city of Colorado Springs was the the area would be open to the public for free, forever.

The Garden of the Gods provides a wonderful setting for avid rock climbers.

Looking west from the Garden of the Gods.  Hard to find an ugly view.

Well, today is the last day on the trail here in Colorado.  Annie is still sleeping.  I'm sitting here in the breakfast room at a Colorado Springs Best Western.  

A little later, we'll be visiting some points of interest around here and then heading back to Denver.  I think one of the stops may be the Manitou Cliff Dwellings just west of Colorado Springs.

We've seen a lot of history on this trip, and I've enjoyed every minute---enough to want to learn more.

It's been fun, but I'll be happy to get home tonight to greet Bill, the dogs and the horses.  Home always trumps any visit, no matter how wonderful.

Happy Wednesday from beautiful Colorado.   Looking forward to sleeping tight back home in America's Most Beautiful Small Town.