Thursday, September 6, 2012

Day Four...State Park



Before we go into day 4, I want to say this about Cheyenne Mountain.  As I said earlier, it is looming over us out our front door (picture in yesterday's blog).  It is the Norad Cheyenne Mountain Complex (nuclear bunker) or Norad Cave.  IT IS FASCINATING to me.  There are 15 buildings inside that mountain with 3 of them being 3 story in size.  Some of you probably already know about this because they used to let people take tours of it.  For the rest of us, google it, you too will be fascinated.

When I signed off yesterday, we hiked Blackmer Loop Trail...3.52 miles...the longest trail in the park.



There are 20 miles of trails within the 1680 acre park and we wanted to spend some time enjoying this park.  At this juncture, we have hiked halfway.




This is the famous Ponderosa Pine growing out of this boulder.  Ponderosa Pines live for many years.  We heard when the trunk is red, they are at least 80 years old.


Black-capped Chickadee

We spent some time watching this activity...flying back and forth.



Unknown lizard.  Let me know if you know.  We had a great walk with a lot of critters.

Now on to day 4...We picked up a few things at Camping World and then drove over to The Garden of the Gods.















In the photo on the right is Gateway Arch with Pike's Peak peaking through in the background.  This place is simply beautiful.



There is a parking lot where you can get out and walk around all these beautiful red mountains and ledges.






  
And if you want to try your hand at rock climbing, that is available too.

Our time is up here in Colorado Springs.  Tomorrow we are on the road again...heading to Wichita Mountains NWR.  I'm not ready!!!  

Want to thank Mark and Teri for a wonderful visit.

Until next time...


1 comment:

  1. Your Colorado Springs photos brought back some good memories... including my first balloon flight. But my favorite photo was of the chickadee... what a great shot that is!

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