Sisters in the Springs

We headed to Colorado Springs to visit with family. My sister Kathy and her family live there. Thanks to Blaine, her husband, and his frequent flyer miles, they were able to fly my sister Karen out for a long weekend. 

Immersed in family life, we attended a soccer game, a ninja warrior competition, and even helped with errands. Harold replaced the rear brakes on one of the vehicles, taking advantage of the auto hobby shop on the US Air Force Academy grounds, where we were staying. 

Popsicle sisters

#6, the reason for being popsicles

Entrepreneurial niece

Warrior training 

Blaine and Kathy

Ridge walk

About the only touring we did was Glen Eyrie Castle. The property is a bed and breakfast and conference center that caters to the Christian community. It is a great place for a personal or couples retreat. The grounds are beautiful, and we noted several hiking opportunities, not to mention a flock of wild turkeys and some big horn rams.

We took Karen to Mountain Shadows, a triple D restaurant in Old Colorado City. I think we found a place that has cinnamon rolls even bigger than those at Johnson's Corner. 

The restaurant's last cinnamon roll half fed all three of us

Another Triple D in the books

The springtime weather proved its ever-changing attitude with a couple of April snow showers. So much for the 80° weather Kathy said that they had before our arrival!

This is April

USAFA

 Where Are We Going Next?

Capulin Volcano National Monument

We stopped for a couple nights in Raton, NM, on our way from Albuquerque, NM, to Colorado Springs, CO. Most people just overnight there, but we opted to stay an extra night, giving us a longer break. Plus, we were very happy to find a car wash with an outdoor bay that would accommodate our dusty, dirty rig. 

Originally, I had toyed with exploring the roads to the Taos and Angel Fire areas by Jeep. We'd have a better idea of what to expect if we ever took the bus that way. There are some high-end RV resorts in that area. The roads can't be that bad, can they?

At any rate, after checking the driving time to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains area, we opted instead for a more leisurely drive to Capulin Volcano National Monument.  There is a visitor center at the base as well as a couple of hikes. You can drive to a parking area at the top and then take a one mile hike around the rim. 

The rim trail is paved, but don't let that fool you. With a 12% grade on a portion and an altitude ranging from 7800 to 8200 feet, you can find yourself huffing and puffing more than you'd think. We experienced high winds when we were there too. I found myself actually being pushed from time to time. However, the 360° views were amazing. So, despite the wind, we were glad we took the time for the hike. 

Lava flow views

Lightning Strike damage

Peeking down into the cone

Going down the trail

Where Are We Going Next?