The focus of my recent visit to the States was, of course, to see family … but in doing so, I also traveled to parts of my country that I hadn’t been to before. Colorado was one such place, and I was there just long enough to see a few highlights while also spending time with my daughters.
You know that I live in a mountainous area here in Norway; I was eager to see a different type of mountain. The foothills of the Rockies delivered, especially when we visited The Garden of the Gods. It is a perfect name. I felt as if we were driving through a giant garden, with interesting rocks and formations growing out of the soil. From Wikipedia:
Then first formation you encounter when entering the park is Steamboat Rock and Balanced Rock. A full perspective from a short distance away is here; the photos below are my views from closer to the formations. My legs won’t let me climb up, but the affect of *looking* up at the people who were crawling around was interesting!
We got back in the car and drove towards our next stop. Looking out the car windows, I experienced that impression I mentioned earlier: a huge garden of rocks sprouting up out of the ground. Out one window, the backdrop of Pikes Peak was rising in the distance:
Our next stop was another well-known area, a hogback formation with the Kissing Camels boulders. We got out and walked a bit here. The “camels” above us and the texture beside us were intriguing. The graffiti etched into the stone was frustrating to see. And the warnings of rattlesnakes off the trail weren’t really needed for this traveler!
We stopped to rest in a shady area out of the hot sun for a bit, and absorb the generosity of the gift of this park to Colorado City in 1903 “… by the children of Charles Elliott Perkins in fulfillment of his wish that it be kept forever free to the public”:
Time to get back in the car for the trip home, with one last shot out the window:
But first, a stop for a little liquid refreshment at at the Manitou Brewing Co. in nearby Manitou Springs:
The perfect end to a delightful trip. 🙂
That last photo is most important 😉 Looks like a great place to visit there…meaning Garden of the Gods.
Yes, it *was* a great place to visit … both the destination in the last photo, and the others. 😉
I used to live in the ‘Springs’ and Garden of the Gods was my favorite park in the area.
I hope my photos did it justice! 🙂
Sounds like a great trip to me.
It was! It would be difficult to decide what was best: the scenery, or the time with my family … but since I got to experience both at the same time, no decision is necessary. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Cindi,
It certainly is wonderful there in CO, isn’t it. We’ve been there frequently, and will be there agin, as my wife’s cousin lives in Denver.
Have a great time,
Pit
Denver! I wandered around the Union Station area for hours the day I left Colorado. I hope to get those photos processed and uploaded eventually, but for now it just makes me happy to know someone else — you! — really appreciates this unique part of the US! 🙂
Enjoy your day, Pit!
We sure like this city and the area.
Have a great weekend,
Pit
hello cindi its dennis the vizsla dog hay those ar sum seeryus roks their!!! they reemind me of the time we all got lost in the mithikal land of australia wile trying to find tucker and git flat tony sum vegemite and we had to klime a big rownd rok wot wuz that verry saym kolor!!! we did not get beer at the end of owr adventcher tho!!! ha ha ok bye
I’m sorry you didn’t have a beer at the end of your adventure. 🙁
On the other hand, YOU probably had water. And that was better for you … would have been better for me, too. 😉
Oooo!! Love the pictures and am so happy you shared your trip with us.
Notes to myself : Manitou brewery and Kissing Camels – I haven’t visited either yet and I’ll be there in August. Glad you’re back safe and sound and thank you again for stirring my Colorado blood 🙂
OK, it’s been so long since I’ve been able to visit my blog it’s now August. Only the 6th, and I just visited your blog so don’t think you’ve been yet. Keep enjoying your stay-cation, and I can’t wait to see the Springs area through YOUR eyes, words, and lens if you have time to let it make its way to your blog!
Reminds me of Vegas area and Bryce Canyon. Those places are warm in the fall. That beer must have been glorious for you. Am taking a break as the paint dries. Once life slows down, I’ll catch up with you.
Yes, the colors of Garden of the Gods made me think of those areas also. Haven’t been to Bryce Canyon, but loved seeing it through my parents’ eyes (and camera lens) years ago.
Just grabbed a quick look at your blog and you have four posts I need to catch up on. I’ll visit you SOON! I’m eager to see how your adventures in renovations have been for you!
These mountains looks impressive and certainly very different to the Norwegian ones, Cindi! I agree with Shelley, it looks familiar with the canyons I saw on my drive to Vegas.
Yes, Dina, so different compared to our familiar Norwegian silhouettes! But familiar for me, too, as I grew up seeing photos and videos in U.S. TV shows and commercials.
Thank you for stopping by!
Hey Cindi! how are you? I’ve been silent for a while. I just read your post about your trip to the US. Wow, awesome photos! You know I have been to the Garden of the Gods almost 15 years. In fact I almost forgot about it, but actually enjoyed being reminded of it and looking at your pictures. It is indeed a beautiful place. well, have a good evening!
I’m glad I could bring back good memories for you! It’s truly a magical place, isn’t it? 🙂
Amazing landscapes!