Colorado Springs

Campgrounds around Colorado Springs are expensive in the summer. Thankfully, the United States Air Force Academy has a famcamp (family campground) onsite. As an added bonus, they are open during the winter months. We're tucking that little bit of information away for future use. Peregrine Pines is in a lovely setting, though not as quiet as one might think.  

First, we could see the train tracks from our site, and there were a lot of trains. Since Harold is a rail fan, the noise was not an issue. We were amused by the warning on the famcamp rules that there was nothing they could do about the train whistles since there was wildlife around. We imagine the NTSB would be amused as well. 

First train in the morning

Second, there was an aero club on base. As we quickly found out, planes start going up at 6:30 a.m. We would often see gliders being towed up and skydivers landing. 

Third, there were the almost daily public address system announcements of lightning within five nautical miles and to seek shelter immediately. This announcement would be followed by the cancellation announcement a few minutes later. Then, during the workweek you'd hear Colors and the national anthem at the close of the workday. 

We went to the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. The interior held more machines than I expected and the guide demonstrated most of them, much to Harold's delight. I think I was most captivated by the display of everyday items and the minerals used in them and the rescue cage for the 33 Chilean miners a few years ago.  

Escape pod

The museum grounds contained a fully operational stamp mill for breaking down ore, a steam shovel, and other items. 

Lots of stuff to see outside too

Mining hoist winch and hoist bucket from Morning Glory Mine

Skinner Steam Engine and Westinghouse Generator

Corliss Engine

Cornish Walking Beam Engine

Inside the stamping mill