Wandering Retirees

Today, weather and proximity finally combined to allow us to climb one of the epic mountains. We set off with our friends Aaron and Bridget this morning for Pikes Peak Highway and the 19 mile drive to the summit of this 14,115 foot mountain. Access is administered by the city of Colorado Springs, not the National Park Service. A reservation and a per person admission fee is required for entry. We had reservations for between 10 – noon and cleared the entry way by 10:30. It was a beautiful ride up with glimpses of Bigfoot and a number of deer. The sky was the deepest blue imaginable and every detail was as sharp as could be. We had fun climbing the road with its twisties and switchbacks. At the top we were rewarded with stimming views for 50 miles or more in every direction. It was cold and blustery on top, and the air was thin so no one was moving very fast. Small oxygen bottles are a common purchase and the puffs of oxygen they provide are welcome. We had a blast! And after missing out on our last trip through Colorado, and our inability to climb Mr Evans due to weather, today’s ride was especially sweet.

Shockingly, we came down the mountain much quicker than we rode up and returned to town a bit after 1 pm. We had a nice lunch with Aaron and Bridget but then had to say good bye. They’re heading home to Louisiana via scorching hot Texas tomorrow. Connie and I had a reservation for a nice diner for our 33rd wedding anniversary. And that has filled our day.

Tomorrow it’s prep time for our ride back across the Plains and Midwest toward home. A day to relax and enjoy this really cute town of Manitou Springs. Connie has some really great pics from our ride.

Hope you’re enjoying your summer. And thanks for following along with us!