Colorado

Western Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains, is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit. We saw a tiny portion of it in our 4 days there, it was one jaw-dropping view after another. A visit to that part of the country will take your breath away more than once - figuratively and literally because at 10,000 feet and higher the air gets a leetle thin. I think I started to notice it at around 8,000 feet, but that may have been more attributable to the fact that I had Starbucks coffee (I swear they lace that stuff with crack) two mornings in a row before we slept at 8,000' and the next morning's headache may have been crack/caffeine withdrawal. Sleeping at 10,000' (10,152 to be exact...can I add another 3' for the bed, round it out at 10,155?) was another story. That headache was definitely due to the altitude.

Without further ado, a photo-heavy post for your viewing pleasure.

Colorado Springs & vicinity...

An honest-to-goodness cattle round-up.

Van for Sale (seeing as this is supposed to be a blog about a Westy)

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Pike's Peak...

I have come across varying information as the to altitude at the summit of Pike's Peak, I'll go with 14,115' since that seems to be the number that turns up most often.

Crystal Creek Reservoir, near the start of the 19-mile drive to the top.

Twisty roads & hair-pin turns...you get the idea.

While we were enjoying incredible views and the thrill of the drive

there was a man riding a bicycle to the top. 14,115 feet. On a bike!

Frosty at the top.

Obligatory touristy 'Summit' sign photo-op.

View from the top.

Some of the passing scenery in other locations...

Leadville...
The highest incorporated city in the US at 10,152 feet.
We liked Leadville.

Hazel Street, for my Auntie

Woke up to snow on the mountains. 

The tall one in the middle is Mt. Elbert, highest peak in Colorado at 14,439'. If you're looking for us next August, I have a funny feeling that is where we will be.

Independence Pass, 12,096' ...

On the road to Independence Pass

Continental Divide

Yes, Colorado, we will be back.