June 15-17, 2014 Garden of the Gods

Sunday, 15th, we just hung out and then the six (Ann, Norlyn, Sue, Bruce, Andy and me) of us met for dinner at the Navajo Hogan restaurant – great place, great food, great fun, and great friends (but I did not get a picture – ).

A very interesting place – this is a link to their restaurant: http://www.johnnyshogan.com/

Monday, 16th, Sue, Bruce, Andy and I went to the Garden of the Gods.

We took one of the trails that winds around many of the formations:

Pine Cone Beginnings – I don’t think I ever saw this before:

WOW!

The Boys –

The girls – Sue and I  - lunch at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post – Buffalo Burgers – Yum!:

Monday, 17th, found me doing laundry and final shopping.  Later afternoon, we said our “see you later’s “ to Ann (we will see you again, Ann and Norlynn), and then our last happy hour at the Elks.

We have had a wonderful time here in Colorado Springs and will be returning – there is so much to do and see.  But, alas, tomorrow we are heading to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park so stay tuned and enjoy today.

June 12-13, 2014 Colorado Springs, Gardens, and Friends

On Thursday, 12th, Andy and I did a little shopping – Sam’s Club, Harbor Freight and Camping World to pick up some items we needed and then headed back home.  Our friends, Bruce and Sue came in and are camped right behind us.  We spent the rest of the day getting caught up, happy hour and supper in the lodge.

Friday morning, 13th, Andy and I did a quick trip to Wal-Mart  and then after lunch, Ann and I spent the afternoon together (girls day – ). 

Our first stop was Garden of the Gods.  The last time I was here was in 1976 and the scenery continues to be awesome!  We first saw the movie and then did the auto tour with a few stops and walks.  More information on the park can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_of_the_Gods

http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?&Flash=0

The view from the visitor center:

Pikes Peak in the distance:

We then started on the loop road, stopped at the north main parking lot and walked part of the Central Garden Trail.  We saw a few people climbing – Yikees!

And, yes, the park is free!:

Beautiful Formations:

From there, Ann showed me where some of the burn area was from the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 – how sad:

The best part of the day was getting caught up with each other – .  Thanks Ann.

From there, we went to Ann’s home where we continued to get caught up – .  The three of us (Ann, Norlyn, and I) went back to the Elks where we met up with Andy, Bruce, and Sue and had a great dinner and a few drinks afterwards.

Another great day!