Hi Colorado, it's Me Again!

I have so much to share from my first trip to Colorado this summer!  I have been back twice since then and have one more weekend in August where I'll be visiting some new and fun places!  Stay tuned for that!

I was able to check out some pretty cool places this past June and wanted to share a little bit of them all!  From Paint Mines to Canyon Roads, Colorful Waterfalls and hiking Seven Bridges to tackling the Manitou Incline; there isn't one place I didn't enjoy because we all know how much I love the Rocky Mountain state!

My first day I made a quick stop to hike around the Paint Mines, located right outside Calhan off Hwy 24.  Think brightly colored bands of clay that was collected by American Indians to be used for paint and evidence of life dating back 9,000 years ago.  There are four miles of trails and views that will never be forgotten.

Phantom Canyon Road was my next adventure.  Birdie and I made our way up starting at Hwy 50 and making our way to Cripple Creek.  Be ready for some of the most amazing views you will ever see.   This unpaved scenic drive will leave you speechless with stone tunnels, steel and wooden bridges, and an elevation climb of 4,000 feet.

Rainbow Falls, Seven Bridges, and the Manitou Incline also made the itinerary.  Rainbow Falls is located on Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs and received it's name from the graffiti painted on the canyon walls and bridge overpass.  It's pretty cool!  We also hiked Seven Bridges Trail which follows North Cheyenne Creek. The trail gets its name because cross seven bridges leading up to an amazing waterfall.  It's worth the 3.7 miles! Another venture was the Manitou Incline; I've done it once before and this time was even better.  Up in 59 minutes and down the face of the mountain in 45.  Just 2,744 steps and you are at the top!  Warning, it's basically straight up!

I also ran my 5th Slacker Half Marathon; this year with my Colorado bestie, Alec.  And this year, we started out running in snow and a cool 40°. About 2.5 hours later we were back in Georgetown sipping on cold brews from the Guanella Pass Brewery, hanging with friends, and getting our Parker the Snow Dog fix.

You know I do not go to Colorado Springs without hitting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo because Giraffes and this time we went a little higher, driving up to take in the views from the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.  We then headed downtown to try Frozen Gold, ice cream that is taken to the next level... it truly is gold.

See You Soon Colorado✌
Shona

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From the Springs to the Source

On our last day and night in Colorado, we checked out of the Hotel Chateau Chamonix and decided to make a detour.  It was a rainy, foggy day but because we hadn't been to the Springs together, we headed South.  There are so many places here that I want to show the BF so it only made sense.  We arrived in time for lunch so our first stop was The Loop.  Located in the heart of Manitou Springs, it's a local favorite of mine serving up great Mexican food and thirst quenching margaritas.  After lunch, we strolled downtown checking out all of the cool shops.

Coffee, we needed coffee before we headed to our next destination; Garden of the Gods.  We stopped by 13 Trees Coffee, a small-walk-up coffee shop located right on Manitou Ave.  They are known for their butter-infused cup that is made fresh and smooth.  A perfect choice for a chilly day.  With our cups of java in hand, we made our way to the park; and even though it was definitely not the ideal weather forecast, I had to show him the beauty of this place.  The low-hung fog hid the tops of the towering rock formations, but it was still a site to see.  We made our way around the loop and I was excited to point out the different rock formations and where I had been hiking this past June.  Slowly, as we drove along Juniper Way, a mule deer ventured across the road.  He was beautiful and I instantly sent a picture of him to my Dad, because well, he loves Colorado and he loves deer even more.

Before leaving town, I had to see my Colorado Bestie.  So, we made a trip to Bass Pro on our way out of town.  They finally got to meet the BF and we were able to catch up for a bit before heading onto Denver.  We had decided to book a room at The Source Hotel, located in the heart of the ultra-cool art district of RiNo.  With views of the Denver Skyline and the Rocky Mountains, welcome beers upon arrival, a rooftop pub, concrete floors, and modern decor, it was the perfect place to stay.  We met up with some of the BF's friends at The Woods and enjoyed rooftop cocktails before calling it a night.  We had an early flight back to KC but our time in Colorado was one for the books.  We can't wait to return and adventure to some of the new places we spotted as we went off the beaten path.

For Now, Colorado...Peace
Shona

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It's the Zoo and Waterfalls too 🌲

You know those places you visit over and over and never get tired of seeing? Well, for me, it's the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Before I get into the animals, I wanted to share some facts that I think we can all appreciate!  In the Summer of 2019, "Making Waves" will open; a new home for the hippos, penguins, and giant tortoises.  This new exhibit features a water recycling system that is environmentally friendly and will help local water conservation. The zoo is committed to not only the exhibition and conservation of endangered animal species, they are also a green business. CMZ also participates in Q4C, Quarters for Conservation, and have raised over 1M since 2008 for field conservation.  And did you know that CMZ is one of only a handful of zoos in the US that does not receive any tax support, but is rather funded by donations, dues, admissions, and grants. That's a win win for everyone!

Ok, let's talk animals! We all know the giraffes are my favorite; I seriously need to work on getting the exhibit to myself, I could spend hours with them!  Feeding them lettuce leaves, which they love, is a great way to get up close and personal too! Fortunately for me, a late morning shower cleared guests from the area so I was able to get a bit more one on one time before leaving!  My next mission, the sloths.  As it started to sprinkle, I noticed a sloth outside that had been "hanging" around but decided the raindrops weren't for him, and as quick as a sloth can move, made his way back inside. Check out my video below; I believe it was probably his record speed!

This zoo allows for many animals to be free-range; for instance, in the Australian Walkabout, the Wallabies roam around freely.  There are magpies, peacocks, and the bald eagles are a site to see.  The monkeys are well, monkeys and I love how the moose stands there looking at you all judgy.  I always look forward to visiting here, besides, it's the only zoo on the side of a Mountain, so why wouldn't you?

On Sunday we decided to visit Seven Falls, located near The Broadmoor. It's the only waterfall in Colorado that made National Geographic's list of International Waterfalls and has been named the Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado. The one mile walk is surrounded by lush green pine trees and towering red rocks.  The crystal clear water runs from the Pikes Peak watershed and is what has shaped this beautiful canyon.  For those wanting to climb to higher elevation, you can take the 224 step staircase which leads to hiking trails and the banks of the stream that feeds the fall.  For the more adventurous, there is a soaring zip-line above the falls which include numerous rope bridges.  Def. a must see!

 

Lovely Colorado

Shona

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