Pikes Peak via the Cog railroad

This is the old steam engine that used to pull the train. Isn't it cute?

We boarded the train in Manitou Springs, CO

There was an interesting mixture of people from all parts of the world on the train this day. We visited with two gentlemen from Yorkshire, England as we rode the rails.

Proof that we made it to the top where it was snowing! There was also thunder and they warned us to stay inside because we would be the highest thing within 30 miles if we were outside. A great target for the lightning!

The trail cars have three breaking systems, good for the 25% grades.

We really didn't feel very good at the 14,000 foot elevation but the homemade donuts and hot chocolate helped make us feel all better! The donuts are fried, like my grandma used to make, and are the only thing they can 'bake' at such a high altitude. There's a train car outside that window that might be visible through the snow if you click on the picture.

The tundra and snow.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Thompson Canyon, Colorado (West of Loveland)

Animals along the way

As we drove into Estes Park, we discovered that the girls had gotten together at their favorite spot for a little lunch. They are shedding their winter coats and were not bothered by us onlookers at all. The elk were feeding along the main highway just outside a thicket, which provided them a safe place to hide.

These mountain sheep were feeding along the highway in Thompson canyon. We also saw lots of chipmunks and a red fox, who are strolling in the middle of Estes Park.

Hiking at 9000 feet elevation is tough but there are always beautiful places to rest.
The snow added a special element. It was beautiful in the landscape but definitely made the trail harder to follow. As the temperatures rose during the day, the snow started to melt and the trail became more slippery. In some places, the snow was two feet deep.

The mountain streams were beautiful.

Not all the footing was secure.

There were also some not-so-nice people on the trail who insisted on throwing snowballs at the serious hikers.

Steep and slippery!

A few bright spots on the trail as the wildflowers were trying to bloom.

Black Canyon in Colorado

On our drive from Moab to Gunnison, CO, we took a side trip to the Black Canyon National Park. Another pin for Glen's hat! The day was slightly overcast and the drive to the top of the mountain was pretty steep but the Dodge pulled the Montana quite well. And the beautiful sights made the trip very worth while. The Colorado River travels swiftly through the steep gorge and the noise on the river bank is more deafening than a huge airplane. We didn't experience that first hand but the very nice museum at the Visitor's Center was very informative.

The lichen and the wildflowers added color to the landscape.

This fine fellow and all his feathered friends enjoyed floating and swarming in the updrafts from the canyon. They were quite vocal, too.