It’s All Downhill From Here!

We made it to the east slope of the Rockies and as we got settled at the Air Force Academy RV Park in Colorado Springs, CO I found that they had quite the Mountain Bike trail on the Base.  I took off one day for a ride and ran into this little guy.  He is the smallest version of the Horney Toad or Roundtail Horned Toad and if you speak Latin – Phrynosoma modestum.  He was in a bit of a mood when I stopped and picked him up and all I could get out of him was “I will bite you! - and then I will bite your Momma!”  Like I said he had a bit of an attitude.  Anyway I let him go and went on to experience the trail on the Academy grounds (13.7 miles) of fairly easy rolling trails with some pretty good uphills.  The trails were fun and fairly easy – the altitude made me suck!  Air that is!  Biking at 6800+ feet without prior conditioning takes the wind out of you really quick – especially when you have been biking at a negative 100 ft. all winter.  Wow! - what an eye opener.  Going to have to work at this one.  
The Air Force Academy is the newest of all the military academic institutions.  It is also rather large at over 18,500 acres at the base of the Rockies with roughly 4,400 cadets/students at any given time.  According to the information we got, only about 50% of those cadets complete the requirements, earn their degree and become Air Force Second Lieutenants.

One of the must see things at the Air Force Academy is the Cadet Chapel.  Since it is kind of the landmark of the Academy and one very unique structure.

The actual chapel has a couple of different levels being multi-denominational and does its best to serve all.  The visitor center and Chapel are open to all visitors so you do not need to get special permission to get on base and visit this area.  In the same area they have a very nice visitors center that goes through the history and background of the entire Academy and Cadet curriculum.
This picture shows the main Chapel and some of the stained glass at the peak of the roof.  All the windows and ribs were trimmed with stained glass and when the sun hit them just right this place lights up like nothing I had ever seen.






This is the Pipe Organ in the Cadet Chapel – we are talking some serious sound penetration here and I bet all the Cadets on the entire 18,500 acre grounds feel the good vibrations when they crank this baby up!  It is huge!

The RV Park (or Famcamp as the military calls them) on base is one of the best military RV Parks in the country.  It is heavily wooded with tall pines and all the amenities you would find at private parks in the area that charge three times the price (we checked!).  It was a very pleasant stay with the exception of the ever present coal train that ran just east of the base.  The noise wasn’t bad inside the 5th wheel but a tent would not be a good idea here.




While we were in the Colorado Springs area the next must see attraction was Pikes Peak.  There are a number of ways you can get to the top of Pikes Peak but most involve driving, driving, driving, pedaling – yes pedaling, or riding on the Cog Train.   It had snowed (heavily) the night before we went so driving a two wheel drive 1 ton dually truck up to 14,110 ft. through snow drifts was out of the question.  Needless to say I did not pedal up on my bike either (as if I could!).
So the Cog Train was the way to go so we made the proper arrangements and met the train in Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs and joined all the other adventurous souls waiting to board and see the sights.   For those of you that are not familiar with a Cog Railway it is very similar to a regular train only the rail gauge is a bit smaller and there is a center cog rail that the train uses with a gear wheel to pull the train along.  Regular drive wheels just can’t pull the train up the steep grade (25% in a couple of places).    The cog railway has been in operation for a bit over 100 years and they do have their routine down pat.   Over the years they have upgraded the cars and made improvements to make the trip enjoyable.  They do need to work on their heating and cooling though as the only control is “windows open – cool,  windows closed – warm”.  You would be surprised how many people did not understand that concept.  

So with a train whistle and an “Allllll Abooooard” (with a little “patrons with the tickets marked with the car name – please get in that line”) we were on our way.


On the way up we were treated to views of various lakes, valleys, incredible vistas and some unusual boulder formations as we climbed up the mountain.  From one location we were able to view Colorado’s largest and most productive goldmine who’s production is measured in the millions of ounces per year.  At one point once we were above the tree line, we stopped at Windy Point known for sustained winds of over one hundred miles an hour – and one time long ago actually blew the train off the tracks.  Above is Linda with all of northern Colorado in the background, quite the view.


Yours truly with the westerly view from 14,110 ft.  We enjoyed our quick visit to the peak and even did a bit of geocaching while we were up there, but getting to the cache was a bit of a problem as the ground was not only frozen, it was covered with snowdrifts and trying to get the container out from under rocks that were encased in ice and under snow proved to be a real challenge in the time we had before the train going downhill (and to warmth) left.  We did get one though, and did not miss the train!


Once we were down off the mountain we decided we needed to get something to eat in Manitou Springs and take a stroll as well through all the “artsy” shops and tourist attractions on the route.  We stumbled onto a little Jewish eatery on the main street that had a sandwich called the Heart of Jerusalem.  Something like a Gyro but with lamb, beef, chicken and a multitude of veggies and an outstanding attitude (spices) – it was good!  If you like Mediterranean food this is a must stop!  From there we made a quick trip to the Garden of the Gods and took a tour of the unusual rock formations and wandered through the visitor center.  I have to admit it is very impressive, especially when you add in Pikes Peak as a backdrop.

Here is a view of the Garden of the Gods from the west side looking southeast.  We had hoped to get back there during our stay and walk the trails, but being spring weather things just did not cooperate and we ended up with rainy, windy, and cold weather the remainder of our stay.




So on an early Sunday morning we hooked up and headed downhill towards Kansas.



As we were headed east into and through Kansas I learned that they grow windmills here – yes they really do have windmill farms, and they are huge.  We drove through just about the right time as the ones to the right were getting ripe and ready to be picked.  I think they were going to send them to California.  Anyway we worked our way through the plains of west Kansas with a one night stay in Colby where we were entertained by an ‘into the late evening’ stock car race, that’s what we get for staying at a fairground in the mid-west!  Did bring back some old memories though, as Dad was very involved in stock cars for many years as I was growing up.  Wasn’t able to sleep through that either.  After one more day of driving we landed at Milford Lake, a Corps of Engineers Lake and Campground near Junction City.  This one is a gem – absolutely gorgeous with the huge Oaks and Cedars on the waters edge and tucked away from all the noise.  I do believe we will enjoy this one.


Oreo - our 17 pound Tom Cat, who has lived and traveled with us for quite a few years,  decided he likes being part of the Blog and will continue to provide a few purr-fect bits of wisdom and observations for all the blog readers out there as well as a few comments about the antics of his pride members and life on the road.

My pride members told me that not all of you have a home ruled by a cat or cats.  Now that is sad – everyone should have a proud member of the feline family to control their lives.  If you do not have one of us in your home you need to work on it!  Just remember, we don’t mind boxes and we are shippable.

                       Oreo

 




I hope you enjoyed the blog and all the experiences included.  Our latest home at Milford Lake, KS provided us with an evening light show and sunset on our first night’s visit.  I will leave you with that and hope to hear from you.





Home is where we park it!
Lee & Linda

Mountains, Wind, Hot Air, and a Coyote

 

 

As we got settled at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM we had a visitor shortly afterwards – he was sniffing around the campground looking for whatever Coyotes look for.  He wasn’t shy at all and even came right up to our rig.  I swear he was saying “Here kitty – kitty – kitty” as he came by - Oreo went into hiding! 

The Coyote kept wandering around until some of the maintenance guys came and chased him/her off.  

 

 

During our visit we stopped by the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.  This one was right up my alley because of the work I did during my military years.  The Museum has exhibits and programs that shaped the nuclear age to include weapons and nuclear power.  We were able to see a replica of the original “gadget” which was the first nuclear explosive device and the one that was tested at the Trinity Site for the Manhattan Project.

 

 

There were replicas of the first two (and the only ones ever used during war) nuclear weapons – the  Little Boy and the Fat Man and also  on display many replicas of the weapons and systems that I had actually worked on during my years in the Air Force.  The Museum is  an affiliate of the Smithsonian and the only National Museum in New Mexico.  Definitely worth a visit if you like things that make big bangs and you don’t mind glowing a bit after your visit.  (P.S. Don’t eat off of red Fiesta ware!)

 

 

 

 

Linda and I did take a day in the area to just ride some of the bike paths through Albuquerque and along the Rio Grande river on what is called the Paseo del Bosque trail.  We did a bit of geocaching along the way and some sight seeing as the path wound its way around the zoo and bio park.  We ran into some unique sights such as the highly unusual Blue Bark trees of Albuquerque – I had never heard of them and I don’t think they can be found anywhere else.  Linda thinks they were painted – she’s so skeptical.  We ended up riding a total of 30 miles that day, which is a first for Linda – I was proud of her!  (She definitely had some do not touch zones for a day or so afterwards though.)  We also ran into another coyote while we were out there looking for geocaches -- he didn’t stop to talk.  We did find a few geocaches that day and enjoyed the outing. 

 

“When in Rome”  well not quite Rome, but Albuquerque - home of the International Balloon Fiesta (the worlds largest) that draws close to 800,000 attendees and balloonists from around the world in early October each year.  We were not here for the Fiesta, (that will come one of these years) but since we were there a balloon flight was a must!  As I said “When in Rome!”

Anyway, with a little bit of research after we got into the area and a few phone calls we arranged our flight with a company called Rainbow Ryders.  We had to be at the office by 6:15 in the morning and then they drove us with the vans and balloons to the launch site.  Once there, things began to move pretty quick, they recruited me to help inflate the balloon which took about 15 minutes of hanging onto the balloon opening (Linda had to help anchor me!) as the high speed fans inflated the balloon.  I got drug around quite a bit during those few minutes. Once they were about 3/4 of the way inflated it was time to add the hot air.  If you have ever been around a ballooning function when they apply the hot stuff you know it does get warm – quickly!  The twin burners in the balloon we flew on could produce about 15 million BTUs according to the pilot.  We watched and ran around taking pictures as the balloons slowly rose from the horizontal position and filled out, dwarfing us as they obtained the upright position.  They were both tied to the vans so they wouldn’t wander off by themselves.

 

All of a sudden it was time to stop taking pictures and load up the suckers, er – I meant customers! There were eight of us plus the pilot in each balloon and once we were all in and somewhat settled the pilot hit the burners again and off we went. 

Talk about smooth! Not a bump! Not even a little jiggle! We were just floating with the wind as we slowly climbed up to about 500 ft. and drifted over the Paseo del Bosque area towards the Rio Grande.  Once we were close to the river the pilot dropped us down until we were almost touching the river -- scattering the ducks and geese as we skimmed just above the water.  I’m sure I was wide eyed as we moved along and Linda was nothing but smiles.  It was awesome!!! 

 

Once we left the river we ascended to about 2700 ft. to catch some of the directional and a bit faster winds.  It amazed me how much control the pilots really do have with these things.  The pilot told us from miles away where we were going to land – and it was in the opposite direction of where we were going at the time!

Here is a pic looking down from about 800 ft.  It really was me leaning out of the basket to take this one – for some reason the heights did not bother me.  Just don’t ask me to hike along a path with 100+ ft. drop off. 

 

The pilot had picked out the city golf course for a landing and as the winds had picked up a bit we came in a bit fast.  Not quite the landing we envisioned!  As you can see two of the ladies in the basket didn’t seem to be enjoying themselves anymore.  The rest of us loved it.  The greens keepers came out in a herd with their carts – and since it was bring your daughter to work day there was a group of little girls with them and of course our chase crew was there to watch us unwind ourselves from the basket and help get the balloon, basket and everything packed back up.  Then it was off to the park for a champagne toast, some snacks and relax.  The whole thing lasted about 3 and a half hours with about an hour and a half of flight time.  We would do this again in a heartbeat! 

 

We also stopped by the Albuquerque Old Town area while we were there.  It is a very quaint area of town with lots of art, pottery, jewelry and restaurants.  It is a fun scenic area worth an afternoon casual stroll, watching and meeting the people, enjoying the shops,  wonderful food and the ever present music and events.  I sat and watched the end of a wedding while Linda went into one of the old missions in Old Town – a busy but fun place!

 

 

The last place that we visited while we were in town was the Petroglyph National Monument.  If you ever wondered about the “Aliens” visiting us -- visit this place!  It will verify any suspicions  you ever had.  These petroglyphs are over 800 years old and you can’t tell me they are even close to human.  The fact that Roswell is only a couple of hundred miles down the road kind of adds a bit of credibility to the whole thing.  We are not alone!  We have never been alone!

 

While we were in the park we hiked the Rinconada Canyon which is about a two and a half mile hike along a cliff face loaded with petroglyphs.  Over 600 of them!  Some you really had to look for but others were right along the path.  Over the years some have been defaced by either scratching over or by shooting at them.  It’s sad that anyone no matter how immature would do that.

 

 

With all of that we have completed our stay in Albuquerque and have moved on to Colorado Springs via a one night stay at the Raton Pass (it was cold!!!!) and are currently staying at the Air Force Academy RV Park.  We are settled again ready to see/do whatever we can.

Oreo - our 17 pound Tom Cat, who has lived and traveled with us for quite a few years,  decided he likes being part of the Blog and will continue to provide a few purr-fect bits of wisdom and observations for all the blog readers out there as well as a few comments about the antics of his pride members and life on the road.

 

“I heard some people talking to my pride the other day.  They said that they had been told the training procedure with cats was difficult.  It’s not!   I had them trained in two days.  If you don’t believe me just ask them what time they are to serve me breakfast.  Life is good!'”

            Oreo

 

 

We wish you well and will sign off with this Blog for now and go in search of further adventures.

 

Home is where we park it!

Lee & Linda