Colorado

Garden of the Gods
I can't believe that my sister lives so close to the Garden of the Gods! My first summer out there, we spent a lot of time there. We'd have lunch and then watch the rock climbers which are now unable to climb (but the daring still do). These red rocks are called something a little different depending on where you go. In Boulder, they're known as Flat Irons. I've got some great pictures of the red rocks but decided on this one just because I liked it so much.


Pikes Peak Summit
I'm sure you wanted to see actual pictures of the summit...but, there was a little storm brewing down below and covered the area with clouds so ya get to see me instead! LOL! I'm sure if I dig through some old photos, I'll find something eventually...


Gold Mine
While on a trip to Cripple Creek, I caught sight of the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine and knew that if I had the chance, I'd want to take the tour. The elevator down the shaft was truly an experience. We fit 8 people in an elevator just larger than a refridgerator! I've never felt so...close to strangers as I did on that ride! LOL! The tour was great, full of history and we even got a piece of gold ore at the end :)


Cripple Creek, Colorado
The town of Cripple Creek has been taken over by casinos. While you are walking through, you are drawn to the old train whistle every 1/2 hour or so. I have been on this train ride so many times that I've lost count. There's a spot on the trip where the train stops at "Echo Valley" and the view is unbelievable...you can see the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the far distance. The whistle blows and echos all through the valley. I was so impressed, I wrote a song about it for my composition class in school.


Air Force Academy
This is a dated photo...you are no longer allowed on the campus because security is so tight. Fortunate for me, my sister and brother-in-law are both allowed so I got to go with them last summer! This is a picture of the Cadets on their first day. Pretty cool!