Flew to the highest state to prepare for my expedition to Mount Everest next year. Not a snowball’s chance in hell. I had to wait over four unexpected hours in the sprawling airport terminal for Andy as his budget airline had a flat tire. Contemplated trying the Chick-fil-A outlet, but the line looked worse than gridlock. The hard plastic chair looked more inviting. Plastic chair became my best friend for the next few hours until Andy’s plane landed in Denver.
Colorado Springs
We drove down to the second-most populous city in the state to meet up with our gracious hosts for the next couple of days; Nani, Pete and Bailey. Nani prepared a delicious late lunch for us in the form of Shrimp Thai Salad and Lumpias. Recipe please!
Bass Pro Shops
Stopped at the retail shop where stuffed animals of almost every description decorated the interior that was filled with hunting, fishing and camping supplies. Contemplated picking up some bear spray and then changed our minds. Hoping we don’t regret our decision.
Garden of the Gods
We drove to the public park that was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
Garden of the Gods
Climbing my way up through a sliver of a space in the rocks. Did I go off-trail?
Garden of the Gods
Looking up at the sandstone rocks and noticed something out of place. That speck of red.
Garden of the Gods
Looking down at some of the red rock formations that so impressed a pair of surveyors in 1859, that they thought it was a fit place for the Gods to assemble.
Kissing Camels
Trying to use my imagination so that it makes sense. Not right-brained enough.
Garden of the Gods
Passing a larger than life plaque plastered on the rocks that tells the history of how the Perkin’s family donated these lands to the City in 1909, so that the public could enjoy these geological wonders for free.
Garden of the Gods
Following the crowds into Cathedral Valley.
Garden of the Gods
Nani further into the trail.
Garden of the Gods
Somebody followed instructions and stood on the far rock. Not too far.
Garden of the Gods
Andy standing on his own piece of rock.
Garden of the Gods
Further progress was halted by the possibility of monetary deductions.
Garden of the Gods
Looking out towards a clump of hogbacks rock formations.
Garden of the Gods
Nani getting a last shot before we climbed back down to the trail.
Garden of the Gods
Spotted a pair of mule deer that is common to the park on our way back to the car.
Siamese Twins
We drove a short while to hike an even shorter trail to a pair of hoodoos.
Siamese Twins
I think Andy’s big head was blocking the view of Pikes Peak.
Siamese Twins
Nani standing in front of a pair of rock formations that resemble Hershey Kisses or some other chocolate colored shapes.
Balanced Rock
We drove to the last parking lot in the park to bear witness and the burden of this 700 ton red rock that seems perfectly balanced on my back.
Balanced Rock
Andy sitting on the erosional remnant that rises roughly 35′ above its pedestal base.
Balanced Rock
Nani sitting on land that used to be owned by the Goerke family who used to charge curious gawkers two bits to take a photo with this natural wonder until in 1932 the city purchased the land and made it free to the public.
Post hike meal at Vaqueros where we picked up Pete and found the food was appetizing and the generous portions were large enough to sit in the refrigerator until it was readby to be tossed. Andy and I retired to our basement for the night. Don’t get me wrong. I wish I had a basement like the one we had!
Photos taken by Andy Wiegand, Nani Dee and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.
Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.
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