Colorado Springs

From the dunes, we headed north to Colorado Springs. We weren’t daring enough to do the drive up, so we opted to take the train to Pike’s Peak.

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The views from the 14,000 foot peak were stunning.

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It was also quite chilly, but the sun was bright and the skies were clear.

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On the way down we spotted some big horn sheep.  It’s amazing to me how much they blend into the rocks.

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…and a marmot.  I’m ashamed to admit that before this trip, I didn’t know that a marmot is an actual animal and not just the name of a camping gear and outdoor wear company.  They’re pretty cute creatures.  They’re kind of a cross between a beaver and a groundhog.

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It was nice to get into the warm train for our trip back down the mountain.

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While we were in town, we took a tour of the United States Air Force Academy.  This is a picture of the outside of the chapel…

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…and then the inside.  I love how the stained-glassed windows reflected in the sunlight.

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We also stopped by the United States Olympic Team training center.  It was a state-of-the art facility.

dsc_0278Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to see many athletes training since most of them had already left for Rio.  We did see some para-Olympians, which was really neat as well as inspiring.

dsc_0281We wrapped up our visit to Colorado Springs with some rock climbing at the Garden of the Gods.

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