I loved Colorado. It's almost not fair to the other states because, despite the strange weather, it felt like home. I still recall standing humbly beneath the enormity of the mountains digesting the biblical "What is man that You are mindful of him?"
The state also holds some vocational benefits. Though I enjoy the creative aspects of my work and the great people I get to work with, I am, at heart, a writer. There are new worlds I still need to describe, emotions I need to draw from reluctant readers, and inspiration I must grant to those desirous of more from their lives. My proximity to the mountains seems directly related to the ease at which my index fingers hunt and peck through a story. The mountains somehow inspire us to do and be better. Odd.
But on to the practical.
But on to the practical.
We discovered Hotwire.com works quite well in Colorado's big cities. We pulled a Hilton and two Hyatts for under $50 a night. The Hyatts were especially wonderful as they had healthy options for breakfast as well as suites where each child had their own bed. Our Hyatt in Colorado Springs actually became the first time we began referring to a hotel as "home."
The drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park was glorious! Sheer, rocky cliffs, a babbling stream, and strange wildlife littered the twisted road to our destination. Part of the enjoyment was driving a rental car AND for the first time in our lives paying the extra $20 to take their "walk away insurance." As a CPA, I can tell you it's not worth it - you most likely have enough insurance through your car insurance and the credit card you pay with, BUT we were going into the mountains on a trip already plagued with car trouble. The Enterprise clerk told us that with the insurance we could drive it off a cliff and owe nothing. We looked at each other, then back at her and said, "Sounds good." She laughed nervously.
As you will see from the pics, Rocky Mountain National Park was one of the most beautiful places we have visited. Hiking in 42 inches of snow at 9K feet wearing our little spring coats was a moment we will never forget. While we could have spent much more time hiking, what we did spend was a great taste of the mountains.
PHYSICS QUIZ: Why is it colder in higher elevations when you are actually closer to the sun?
The weather was the most bizarre thing we dealt with in CO. I scraped snow off our vehicle yet was literally putting sunscreen on in less than 24 hours. We even played mini-golf while it was snowing at a great course in CO Springs called Adventure Golf.
Fort Collins was a wonderful city with a view of the mountains that may call us back one day. CO Springs was a bit too big for our liking, but still held some nice attractions. We visited Pueblo for a meal and it may have been the first crime we were saved from. Before I get to that story, though, didn't Pueblo, CO have some sort of phone book or something that was constantly advertised about 35 years ago?
Anyway, we decided to eat at this little Italian place in Pueblo and chit chatted with the owner. Great guy, authentic Italian, running his small business, even insisting on staying open for us. We succumbed and decided to eat outside at his one lonely table. The sun was setting, beautifully, over a mountain and we suddenly became a bit more aware of our surroundings...
We we're a bit off the main drag, and there was a liquor store a few doors down. Guys also seemed to be constantly meeting each other in the parking lot. We noticed a sign with graffiti on it. A gentleman parked at the liquor store with tattoos which I believe I recognized from Gangland on the History channel was approaching us and asked if we wanted to buy any meat out of the back of his truck.
I pondered the question a bit because I had never heard the phrases "buy meat" and "back of my truck" together before and then responded, "No thanks, we're traveling." He must have learned sales at a timeshare school because he kept approaching. Suddenly, our Italian store owner popped out and, never looking at the guy, kept talking to us until the guy left in his truck...still full of meat apparently.
That was our only sketchy experience in CO.
Our only regret is that we never made it to Pike's Peak. Unfortunately, weather was not allowing anyone to get to the top and we decided it wasn't worth it unless we made it all the way. Perhaps a poor choice - we feel like we need to go back.
Royal Gorge is a MUST see as well as Mesa Verde. Perhaps my love for them all falls back to viewing the vastness of the mountains and valleys. I actually remember Mesa Verde just for the drive through the mountains, even though the historical aspects were interesting.
Perhaps a bit blasphemous after all the recommendations, but Garden of the Gods was just OK. Worth a few pictures, but a bit anticlimactic after the rest of the state. It's a nice drive, though, with a few spots to walk amongst the rocks. Rock climbers seemed to enjoy the area, but you need a permit. Worth an hour of your time, but don't expect your world to be rocked. We'd recommend going here first as a buildup for the rest of the state's attractions.
CO held much of what we desire in a state...other than the lapping of waves my son and wife want in their place to live. Perhaps we'll be back.
Our only regret is that we never made it to Pike's Peak. Unfortunately, weather was not allowing anyone to get to the top and we decided it wasn't worth it unless we made it all the way. Perhaps a poor choice - we feel like we need to go back.
Royal Gorge is a MUST see as well as Mesa Verde. Perhaps my love for them all falls back to viewing the vastness of the mountains and valleys. I actually remember Mesa Verde just for the drive through the mountains, even though the historical aspects were interesting.
Perhaps a bit blasphemous after all the recommendations, but Garden of the Gods was just OK. Worth a few pictures, but a bit anticlimactic after the rest of the state. It's a nice drive, though, with a few spots to walk amongst the rocks. Rock climbers seemed to enjoy the area, but you need a permit. Worth an hour of your time, but don't expect your world to be rocked. We'd recommend going here first as a buildup for the rest of the state's attractions.
CO held much of what we desire in a state...other than the lapping of waves my son and wife want in their place to live. Perhaps we'll be back.
Best Hotel: Hyatt, Colorado Springs
Worst Hotel: Best Western, Durango (not bad at all - just the worst of some nice ones.)
Best Restaurant: Spicy Pickle, Fort Collins
Best Memory: Hiking around Bear Lake in 4 feet of snow wearing spring coats.
Worst Memory: Car needing expensive AC repairs and we just started the trip.
Mini-Golf Winner: Dad
Click links below to see our Colorado Pics:Rocky Mountain National Park
Cheyenee Mountain Zoo
Mini Golfing in CO
Garden of the Gods
Focus and the Family's Whit's End
Royal Gorge Bridge
Mesa Verde National Park
Traveling to AZ
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