October 13, 2016 Rocky Mountain National Park

Hi everyone.  On our way back up to Cheyenne we decided to go through Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was a gorgeous day with the temps in the 70's.

We entered the park through Estes Park and drove up the Trail Ridge Road which has been closed above the Rainbow Curve section.

 There were plenty of great views of the mountains.  

At this point we were above 7000 feet and still climbing.

 

 At one of the roadside turnouts there was a sign warning people to not get close to the wild animals.

 I'm not sure if this guy is still alive or not!

 A great view with plenty of color, but no comparison to the rich colors of Maine.

 Grammie was enjoying the wonderful views... after I got her out of the gift shop.

We finally arrived in Cheyenne...the last of our westward wanderings before we turn back east.

Thanks for keeping an eye out for Grammie.

October 12, 2016 Denver

Today we went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

This is not our first visit to the museum.  For more, visit out 2014 trip to Denver.

We did manage to take a very meaningful picture in the gift shop.  Couldn't resist it.

Tomorrow, back to Cheyenne.  Tom gave you a break today, he kept a good lookout for Grammie.

October 11, 2016 Golden, CO

Hi everyone
Today we were in Golden Colorado to visit Tom's Aunt Helen.

Before arriving, we stopped in the city to do a little of window shopping.  It is a wonderful city, the home of Coors Brewing Co.  For the 3rd year in a row, the plans to visit the plant were squashed because the tours are not held on a Tuesday or Wednesday.  The City is surrounded to the west by many mountains including the Colorado 14 ers.  We have driven up Pike's Peak and Mount Evans before which are the only ones accessible by vehicle.

One of the more famous buildings in town is the Old Capitol Building which has been a restaurant since 1971.

Tom and Aunt Helen.  We had a nice visit.  It has been a yearly visit the last 4 years.  She sure looks like Tom's mom...they were sisters.

She still have a unique phone that our grandchildren would love.

And for today's humor...

Have a great day everyone, thanks for checking up on where Grammie has been.

October 9, 2016 Fort Collins

Today we, Alice, Tom, Robin and Doug went to Fort Collins for a little walking exercise and a meal.

It was a great day with plenty of sunshine and a good crowd of people attending Parents Day.

 The mountains off to the west are snow covered and probably will be for the remainder of the year.

Off in the distance the fire still burns and as of last reporting was about 75% contained.

This is not sundown, it is the late day sun behind the clouds of smoke.

 The smoke was heading north and was up to and beyond Cheyenne.

While in the city browsing the shops, there were a few good pics.

 Let's see if this person responds.  You know who you are.

 Anyone know this person?

 This makes sense doesn't it.

Have a great day everyone and thanks for looking out for Grammie... and for the folks that have been affected by the storm, it's good to hear you are safe.

Last night when we got out of the car just after dusk, about 10-15 antelope went running by us.  We were certainly surprised at how close they came, some within 10 feet, but not surprised that we saw them as there are many that just wander around unimpeded on the base.

October 6, 2016 USAF Academy

Today is our last day staying at the AF Academy and is has been a good slowdown in our travels.
As you can see at the beginning of the day the sun started off rather brightly until is it rose up behind the clouds.  On one side the mountains had a dusting of snow, and on the other a couple of hours later...sunshine.

During the 2nd year at the academy, many of the cadets get the opportunity to get in some gliding time.  Planes are constantly pulling the gliders up all day long. Peaceful and quiet flights...no engines.

United States Air Force Cadet Chapel

Completed in 1962, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 2004.  The chapel can accommodate  over 1800 cadets.  The academy has a wonderful visiting center and is open to tours daily, 9-5.  Escorted tours are available to prospective students only.  Others are self guided.

 The chapel is one of the popular areas to stop at with prospective future students.

The pipe organ was donated.

A view of one of the cadet housing buildings.

Grammie wanted all of the grandchildren to know that she has something for them...but, they have to come to Grammie's home to play.

Thanks for keeping an eye out for Grammie.

October 5, 2016 Royal Gorge, CO

Good evening everyone.
Today we took a drive about 70 miles to go to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Near Canon City Colorado.  Royal Gorge
The park includes a bridge that is 880 feet between towers that is over 1000 feet above the Arkansas River. 

Grammie

The location also includes white water rafting.

It was a great day to see in all directions.

I don't think the fishing reel would have enough line to make it to the water.

A view of the Arkansas River from a hole in the board!!!

The camera man.

Views from the bridge

The mountains that surround the gorge.

Looking North towards the Colorado 14 ers

Pikes Peak in the background.

There are other activities at the Royal Gorge park.  Here you get a chance to sign away your children's inheritance.

Yes!  The Zipline, and yes, across the gorge.

    

For more of today's blog, click on the Read More

October 2, 2016 Manhattan, Kansas that is.

Good evening everyone.
This morning we left Offutt AFB and changed plans ... and directions.  Instead of heading west on I-80 to North Platte, we headed South to Manhattan, KS.  We went to see Grammie's niece who is attending the Kansas State Veterinarian School.

Because this was a new route that we hadn't researched we discovered that we were riding along the  Pony Express Trail.  This historic place is in the town of Marysville, KS.

We followed the signs to the museum only to discover that it was closed today.   Back on the road, taking the next right turn we were now on the California Tour Trail.  California Tour Trail

 Shortly after leaving town we came across a marker noting the location of the Oregon Trail. This web site has a picture of the marker we drove by.
Oregon Trail Marker

Finally arriving in Manhattan, We met up with Karen and had a good visit. We took a tour of the school.  Grammie commented that Ivy would love a place like this.

Grammie is always happy seeing family.  After the visit, we headed to Salina, KS where we are staying overnight resting up for the drive Monday when Grammie won't be in Kansas anymore.

Thanks for keep an eye out for Grammie.