New Brakes and Labor Day Weekend Balloon Liftoff, Memorial Park, Colorado Springs

On the way home from the Cliff Dwellings, on Thursday, our brakes began to make a funny noise.  Not ha-ha funny, but ODD funny.  It sort of sounded like a tummy growling.  Neither of us had ever heard that kind of noise before, so we were a bit perplexed.  Luckily, Dick knew that there are "wear indicators" that make noises when your brakes are beginning to need replacement, and the worse they wear down, the worse the noise.  Apparently, it's annoying and scary, specifically to make you do something about it.  I mean, who needs brakes failing?  Especially up here in the mountains!  Soooo, early Friday morning, we suited up the pup and headed in to Midas Muffler and Brakes.  I didn't know they even DID brakes, so that was my first surprise.  We were extremely fortunate, as the manager was able to work us in.  At first, he asked us to leave it and he'd get to it late afternoon, but when Dick told him it was our only transportation, he managed to work some magic and said he could get it up on the rack in about 20 minutes.  Whoohoo!  That was the good news.  And after said 20 minutes, he was came back with the bad news.  Yup, we needed new brakes in front.  To the tune of 3 hours (plus another for lunch) and about $500!  Oh.My.  Well, we are in the mountains, and we plan to be here another 5 days or so, so it's certainly not like we can do without, is it?  And we'd heard several times "sorry, we don't have any more appointments till Tuesday" or "sorry, we can't get to it this weekend, you might try Jiffy Lube, but I think they're booked up too," so it's not like we could pack up and take the car somewhere else.  I wouldn't have thought Labor Day was such a great weekend to get your car worked on, but apparently, it is. 

And that was how we spent Friday!  We had originally planned to go square dancing in the evening, but after spending the whole day either walking to and from the mall and Best Buy, or sitting in the waiting room, we weren't really up to spending another 40 minutes (each way!) in traffic.  Plus, it's Parents' Weekend here on base, and they have already set up traffic cones, limiting cross-overs and turns, promising to make an adventure out of driving on, off, or around the base.

So, Colorado Springs has an event they call Labor Day Liftoff, where they invite about 80 hot air balloons to a park downtown, to lift off at the crack of o'dark-thirty.  Actually, Dick said it was to start around 7 a.m., Saturday morning, but when we arrived at 7:15 or so, this is what we saw as we approached.  It appeared as though half the balloons were already well on their way to "up in the air" status.  Yes, for this we got up EARLY!  

We decided that maybe only about half were up, so hopefully, the rest would be still on the ground, filling, and beginning their ascent.  We found a parking place (just off the sidewalk, in front of an abandoned car lot) and hiked up and over the hill, to the park.  We were rewarded by getting to watch the dragon lift off, just as we came upon the launch field.

As we watched, more and more balloons filled and began to lift in the cool morning air.

It really was a pretty sight to watch them all go up and sail away so quietly, off into the bright blue sky.  The announcer made mention that there would be an Air Force flyover, and a parachute team would be dropping in, but it was still 45 minutes away, and there really wasn't anything else for us to do while we waited, so we didn't stay.  He also invited everyone back for a "glow" starting at 7 or 8 pm at night, but the weather was predicted to be pretty poor at that time, so we didn't plan to return.  Good thing, too, because the forecasters were correct, and the "glow" was nothing more than the fires spouting off periodically.  No balloons, no glow, no liftings, just some fires from propane tanks.  We would definitely have been disappointed if we had traveled 45 minutes through horrific traffic and hiked another half mile only to see some propane tank flare ups!

Once again, we took the scenic way back home.  Seems like I-25 is the backbone of the city, but it always seems to have crashes and slowdowns, so we look for back roads and alternate routes every time we can.  So, now you have the backsides of some of the rock features from Garden of the Gods.  

Remember Balancing Rock and Steamboat Rock?

The Gateway Rocks (North and South)

And who could resist these adorable little Christmas decorations??  A vintage trailer and a vintage VW hippie bus.  Oh, yes, I did say Christmas!  Yes, last I looked, it wasn't even Sept 1st yet.  Merry Christmas to all, courtesy of your local Sam's Club!  Oh, yeah, by the way, we resisted.  Not only are they costly, at $34 bucks a pop, but space is limited, even in our 44 footer!  Sooo, no.  We didn't get either one, and nooo, I don't miss 'em a bit!

Till next time....

Big Rocks, Big RED Rocks

Well, the morning started out pretty chilly and overcast, so we dug out our jackets and made our way "down" to The Garden of the Gods."  I say down, because 1) it's South, and typically, that's down on a map, and 2) we are camped at the Air Force Academy, which is about 7258 feet up, and The Garden of the Gods is only 6400 feet up.  It is only about 40 minutes' drive, and it was still chilly and overcast when we arrived.  This is the view we had from the Visitors' Center.

This was probably my favorite formation - Kissing Camels.  Can you see them?

No?  Here they are a little closer up. 

The South Gateway 

Just some friends we met along the way.  We pulled off to watch them, but several cars zoomed past and never saw 'em! I guess that's one advantage of being retired...we can take as much time as we like, watching wildlife.  But, really, why would you visit such a magnificent place and not take the time to really see what's all around you?

The paths were well marked and well maintained. This particular path was defined as moderate, and led up the formation called Siamese Twins.

These are the Siamese Twins, and it's said that you can see Pike's Peak through that window.  There were a couple of ways to get up there, and in fact, we did see several people sitting in that window, but, um, well, you know.  It's pretty high up, and lots of loose rock to get up there.  I refrained.  We're actually darned lucky we have these photos, and all the others.  After I took the photo above, of the steps, I slipped my camera into my pocket.  And, apparently, it fell out, unnoticed, almost immediately.  When I went to take the photo below, obviously, I couldn't find my camera.  Instant panic!! We started retracing my steps all around the rock formation, asking other visitors if they had seen my little blue camera.  One kind gentleman said, YES, he had just seen it, down the path, and hanging on a tree limb.  Whew!  We headed back down the path, down the steps, and around the corner, and BAM!  There it was, just as he said, hanging off a branch.  Some good and honest person must have seen it on the ground, and knowing I'd be back for it, hung it up so it would not get trampled and be more easily seen.  Lucky me!

''

We saw signs like this sprinkled throughout the park.  I never professed to be a technical climber, nor do I have proper gear, so, most assuredly, I stayed primarily on the sidewalk.

I must admit, I did read this sign. 

And then proceeded to climb up and on this formation...

To get this picture... 

Thank Goodness for Zoom lenses.  I was able to stay at the base and zoomed right up close!

This photo shows the path water takes as it runs down the formation; that's where all the trees are growing.

Check out these climbers - they, apparently, HAVE proper equipment.  A lots more courage than I.

This is Balancing Rock; can you see the young man posing under the edge there?  This area, including this rock, used to be private, and the owner set up a photography business, allowing people to pose in front of the rock and charged them 25 cents for the photo.  His wife even set up a small cafe and sold sandwiches to their visitors.

The street, narrow that it is, runs right between Balancing Rock and Steamboat Rock, and the young lady you see in the photo below belongs to the young man you see in the photo above.  They took their sweet time taking photos of each other.  Maybe they're retired too?  Or just inconsiderate of others that might also wish to take a photo, without them.  

It was here that a huuuge group of Japanese tourists joined us.  One of their party tried to wrangle them all into a line, posing in front of the Balancing Rock to take a group photo.  He spoke not a lick of English, but I managed to convey to him that I would be happy to take their photo so that he could join the party.  He looked a little confused at first, but seemed grateful when he finally got the meaning of my gestures.  But there were sure plenty of "arigatos" afterwards!!  

On the way back to the campground, we saw a sign for Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and being as we are still in August, our pass was still valid, so, being retired and having lots of time on our hands, we went.  Wasn't too much to see from the car.  There were lots of biking and hiking trails though, and if we wanted, there were 3 trails connecting the various camping areas that puppy was permitted on.  I'm pretty sure that she was prohibited from all the other trails for her own safety, and we were happy to comply with that regulation!

This was the view from one of the empty campsites.  Those buildings are Fort Carson.  And of course, we can't pass up the chance to tour a commissary!  Off we went! 

We found the BX (Base Exchange) first, and oh, my.  I'm sure glad I had the puppy with me - it was huuuuge!  Overwhelmingly so!  We walked around, and around, and around.  They didn't have much stuff in the way of Army swag - not at all like the Air Force.  Air Force stores are well stocked with sweatshirts, T-shirts, stuffed animals, drinkware, pens, cards, oh gosh, you name it, and you'll find it.  Not so in the Army store - there were a few kids' T-shirts (I especially liked the one that said My Dad's Other Car is a Tank), a few mugs, and maybe some stickers, we can't really remember.  Nothing we had to have, and certainly, nothing we wanted to make room for.  After asking around, and maybe even a wrong turn or two, we found the commissary.  As is customary, it was FREEZING inside.  We were only looking for sesame oil and HOT sesame oil, but even so, we found only the plain.  Made our purchase and skedaddled.  I had the bright idea of looking for an Asian Market, and lo and behold, I found one, only about 7 miles away!  Thank you Google Maps!  We made our way there but still didn't find any hot sesame oil.  Bummer.  Looks like we might have to do without our Egg Roll In A Bowl for a while.  Of course, we used up the last of our good sausage a couple of nights ago, so, we were gonna go without anyway.  Oh well, we're camping, so we'll rough it.  LOL

So, all our Florida friends are battening down the hatches as Hurricane Dorian approaches.  I know Lolly and Allen are on the road, traveling back to Inverness, hoping to get home in time for an online auction of farm equipment.  Allen has his eye on a rock picker.  A rock picker???  Really, Allen, don't you already have a couple?  Right there at the end of each arm!  Ba-hahaha!  Ed & Evelyn are up in Vermont; I think they are planning to ride out the storm right there.  Gail & Gary are up in NC, and I know they have plans to meet up with Tim & Staples.  I'm sure there will be some stories told and laughter shared over delicious Tin Tin Chinese buffet.  

And, speaking of Tim & Staples, here is their lovely daughter-in-law in her own front yard.  Staples had mentioned that they lived right near Garden of the Gods, and that we would be able to park right by their house to visit the Rock Ledge Ranch.  Keep in mind, we've never met Amanda, so I'm sure it surprised her greatly when I called out her name!  We had a nice meet and greet, and bless her heart, she invited us to dinner that evening!  Now, that's a true Southern gal (if I recall correctly, she's from Kentucky) for ya!  

That's it for now...next stop is Miramount Castle and Manitou Springs.  Y'all stay safe and dry!  

Scratching the Surface of The (Magnificent) Broadmoor Hotel

As we were leaving Seven Falls, we got a glimpse of a local hotel, The Broadmoor. We were out of time for the day, but we vowed to return.  Monday, we did just that.  This gorgeous hotel has been providing stellar (and award winning) service and hospitality to the common folk and dignitaries alike, for over 100 years.  The property is absolutely magnificent, and indoors, every room is ornate and exquisitely maintained and appointed.  Every stick of furniture is elegant and obviously, meant to be used and enjoyed by guests and visitors.  Even though we were only there to view the buildings and grounds, we were greeted warmly by the valets, and whisked indoors under a spectacular painted canopy.

The main foyer had a stained glass ceiling, and there were huge bouquets of roses and other flowers on almost every table. Chandeliers were dripping with crystals, and not a one of them held a speck of dust.

We passed through the main foyer, past the smiling & friendly concierges, and followed that inviting path, lined on both sides with quaint lampposts and fragrant hanging baskets, around the lake, past the paddle boats, and down to the sparkling infinity pool.  It was tempting, for sure.  But, we hadn't brought our suits, and nowhere did we see the "clothing optional" signs of Desert Reef.

Our shadow-selves paused a moment to drink in the sights and appreciate the beauty all around us.

As we were not registered guests, we couldn't get any closer, but boy, did we want to dip our toes!

The outdoor views were just as spectacular as indoors.

 

Back inside, we spent a couple of hours (!!) wandering from lobby to parlor to gallery, simply reading the historical notes and viewing hundreds of pictures and artifacts that were lovingly displayed in glass-fronted curio cabinets that reached almost to the ceiling.  The property was built by Spencer Penrose and his wife, Julia, in the style of the grand chateaus of Europe.  It was meant to be a place of luxury and opulence, to be enjoyed by high society and travelers of the early 1900's.  

There were ornate and circular stairwells...

And terry cloth handtowels in the bathrooms; no cheap paper towels here! And, yes, the toilet paper ends were indeed folded over into triangles, as was totally expected.  And yes, the complimentary lotion was of very good quality and fragrance.

This is a portrait of the ever-dapper Mr. Spencer Penrose. 

They made their own gelato, and it certainly looked scrumptious.  

The pastries were beautiful as well.  Luckily for our budget, we had enjoyed a hearty pancake breakfast before we set out, so we were tempted, but able to resist.

Even "ordinary" staircases were ornate and embellished by hand-painted inlaid tiles in the risers and waterfalls and fountains down the center.

It was our dear friend, Gary's, birthday, and we found the perfect present for him!  Notice the price!  We knew he'd feel bad if we spent that much on him, so again, we were able to resist the temptation without too much trouble. 

Around every bend were cozy little seating arrangements, some were casual, like this hand-painted garden scene...

While others were a bit more masculine and formal, like these two armchairs and their accompanying turtle ottoman.

For several yeras, The Broadmoor was home and training facility to Olympic skating teams, both men and women.  Peggy Fleming was one of the major influencers of her time here.  In February of 1961, the entire U.S. World Figure Skating team suffered a horrific loss when their plane crashed in Belgium,  Seventy two people were on board, including 8 members of the Broadmoor Skating Club, and everyone was killed in the crash.

In memorium, they created this marble skate blade and inscribed their friends' names on it.

As we reluctantly left the property, we stopped for one last look back at what was surely one of the most beautiful man-made structures we've ever had the privilege of touring.

We came down off the mountain top and grand days of yore, and were quickly jolted back to reality  within moments, with this sign, advertising Gas & Grass.  Offering a 15% discount for vets, no less.  That is one discount we won't be taking advantage of!  

Next up, Garden of the Gods.  But you'll have to wait till I can get my photos sorted out.  Don't ask.  Just know that technology is a wonderful thing, when it works.  And a bug-a-boo when it wants to be.  And tonight, it wanted to be.  Till next time, y'all stay safe!