Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Way Up There!


26 years ago we were getting married in Duane's back yard with horses looking over the fence.  Today we were far, far away from that life, flying the Eagle through the beautiful red rock canyon on our way to

the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America and the highest point we've been on land--Pikes Peak, which tops out at 14,115' above sea level.
The city of Colorado Springs maintains the road as a toll road.  We paid $15 per person for the privilege of riding the road.



The only way to go was up and up we went,

 and up 

and up 

and up!

Guess who was hugging the center line here!



Our first view of the top.  Parking is limited, so that sometimes only motorcycles are allowed to ride all the way to the top. The large building houses a gift shop and small cafe and eating area.

When we left Colorado Springs the temp was 84.  When we arrived at the summit the temp was low to mid 50's.  I was comfy in my sweatshirt.  Duane was too warm with his leather jacket on and too chilly with it off.
Looking out from here we can see




Continuing left looking in a complete circle as we walked around the building we saw:

 where the Cog Train reaches the Summit ,
  
Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs

a view of Crystal Reservoir,

and South and North Catamount Reservoirs.

Tomorrow--down again.

Louise and Duane

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