Clan Elfwine is on the Ground in CO

[Mistress Charlotte]

Pikes Peak cog rail to the top!!  Garden of the Gods for a pleasant walk in and amongst the incredible red rock formations of Colorado!

[Zoë]

I second the suggestion for Garden of the Gods. It's lovely, and not too strenuous either.

[Tanda]

I second the suggestion for Garden of the Gods. It's lovely, and not too strenuous either.

And free! Or was last time I went.

[Amras Elfwine]

Tanda, you'll be interested to find out that Todd the Squirrel is still wearing his hair net from Celestial Seasonings...

[Zoë]

I second the suggestion for Garden of the Gods. It's lovely, and not too strenuous either.

And free! Or was last time I went.

It is free...apparently when the original purveyor of the land granted it to the state, he did so under the condition that it would forever be free to the public. Hooray!

[Blushing]

Aye indeed Zoe, it was gifted to the city, and all manner of other "rules" including that it always remain free, and only grows in size.

There's a money museum in the Springs too: http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ExploretheWorldofMoney/MoneyMuseum/default.htm

And Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is fun ... you can feed the giraffes, and they have naked mole rats to watch!  (That didn't sound nearly as bad in my head ...)

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

We did the Garden and the zoo last year and they were well worth the effort.

We are headed to the sand dunes area - any recommendations here?  We are also rafting out of Canyon City - have done this before too.

My wife has secured a business appointment with Lillian Vernon in Colorado Springs, so huzzah - part business trip!

[Tanda]

Aye indeed Zoe, it was gifted to the city, and all manner of other "rules" including that it always remain free, and only grows in size.

There's a money museum in the Springs too: http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ExploretheWorldofMoney/MoneyMuseum/default.htm

And Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is fun ... you can feed the giraffes, and they have naked mole rats to watch!  (That didn't sound nearly as bad in my head ...)

That's a fantastic zoo! And the chairlift ride is worth the extra cost. You can see Kansas!

[Merlin the Elder]

...and they have naked mole rats to watch!  ...

Well, no wonder you're blushing! Do we have a touch of a perv streak? 

[Amras Elfwine]

This Wednesday opened with one of the greatest runs ever, but more on that in a bit.
Tuesday was a relaxing day. After a good workout, we went up to Garden of the Gods to get the lay of the land. The vista that opened before us was incredible...getting off the main drag, you drive through a neighborhood (seems a good percentage of the great Colorado attractions are in neighborhoods, close to the communities...good stuff), the huge red and white rocks seem to appear out of nowhere, like something out of Lovecraft. Saw a great Imax-style movie at the visitor center and picked up a trail map. Going through the park, this old cross country runner new he'd be back early in the morning for a run...but, more on that in a bit.  

After that, we headed up to the Cog RR to make reservations. We'll be on today's (Wednesday) 1250 trip up to the peak. We then proceded to the Miramont Castle, and toured the great Victorian building for a couple hours. I felt as if I should have my steampunk garb on the whole time. Had tea and sandwiches in the tea room. A good museum!
Returned to the hotel for the manager's reception and cocktails that evening. The Jack and Coke was very, very refreshing...Now, on to Wednesday (today) morning...
Had a fantastic run around and through the Garden of the Gods this morning. Thrilling trail running at its best. Finished the perimeter in just under an hour. The red rocky terrain, mixed with the white rock and the greens and browns place you on sensory overload. Taunted by very fast jack rabbits around every corner. The deer are almost tame, merely looking up as if to say "hi" when you run  by them, not 10 feet away.The birds living in the rocks put on quite a show, as did a group of falcons swooping and calling overhead. I could get used to running in a rugged and beautiful setting such as this.
Talked with Captain Spleen for awhile this morning. I think we should be prepared for a certain amount of "scurviness" in a few days.
Headed for a Cog RR excursion this afternoon, and further Colorado adventure.
And, the weekend will soon be upon us...cheers!

[Amras Elfwine]

Spent a relaxing morning taking it easy after yesterday's long run. Then,  a fascinating trip on the Pike's Peak Cog RR with an unbelievable vista at the top. And, its just plain fun to watch golden belly marmosets frolicking in the rocks. This high-elevation, thin air kinda day ended up with supper at the Edelweiss Restaurant in Colorado Springs. The Spaten Pilsner was excellent.

Had a wonderful long hike through Garden of the Gods again this (Thursday) morning. The views as the sun rises and the light changes are something to behold. Don't know what today holds, but am looking forward to it. Lots to see here, and not enough time!
Cheers!

[Amras Elfwine]

Just in from another wonderful early hike in Garden of the Gods, our last of this expedition. I started missing it as soon as we left the gate. We'll be on the road for Castle Rock In a few hours.

Yesterday was our fullest yet. Started with the long hike, and proceeded to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Having grown up with farmers and horsemen, it seemed like the thing to do, and was fascinating. Enjoyed seeing the Ben Johnson exhibit. Though he's best known as the winner of the Academy Award for his performance in The last Picture Show, he always said the accomplishment of which he was most proud was winning a rodeo world championship, which he did in 1953. But the exhibit which blew me away was a surprise. One of my favorite actors was Slim Pickens, who as Tagart in Blazing Saddles, has most of the good lines, and there he was, in the hall of fame, as a rodeo clown.  Who knew?
Went directly form there to Cave of the Winds, and enjoyed a hike underground. Gorgeous formations!
From there went to the Manitou Cliff Dwelling, a reconstruction of Pueblo and Anasazi cliff dwellings. Very well done.
Then, it was back to Garden of the Gods, were we enjoyed the late evening breeze through the trees, and the calls of magpies and other bid life. Very relaxing!
Now, we are getting ready to hit the road in a bit, and will see you all this evening.
Cheers!

[Zoë]

Huzzah! Glad to hear you've been able to make the very best of your vacation! See you tonight.

[Amras Elfwine]

Looking forward to it, Zoe!

Anyone checking in to the Castle Rock Comfort Suites will be greeted this evening by a certain squirrel who is spying on the parking lot from a third floor window.

See you all in a bit, and, as always, cheers!

[Amras Elfwine]

A great 10K this morning after the meet-n-greet last night. Blushing and Spleen did a great job hosting, and Castle Rock probably still does not know what hit it...realized our situation this morning on my run when I noticed that we are located right next to a State Police Barracks and the Sherrif's Department...honestly, officer, I'm new here...

Looking forward to the best RenDezvous ever...aren't they all?
Cheers!