Vacation to Cos! (Colorado Springs, CO) part 1

This past weekend we went to the Springs for a few days. We both wanted and needed a vacation to break up all that's happened during the summer and before school starts. We had a little trouble with the rental car we got. When we went to pick it up, they told us that it was "smoked out" so we could choose from a Nissan Altima, Nissan Versa or Dodge Ram truck. We decided on the Altima.

We left Wednesday evening after we were both done with work. It's an 11 hour drive from our apartment to my parents house. Typically, we leave at night or early afternoon; that way its easier for one of us to sleep as we drive and then we can switch at midnight (or halfway).

We arrive in the Springs early (about 3 am) Thursday morning. My mom met us at the gate and picked us up (visitor center was closed so we couldn't get passes). It was nice getting there early because we were able to get a few extra hours of sleep before the day started.

Thursday: We went with my mom on her walk. She's walking anywhere from 5-8+ miles a day! After the walk we ate lunch and got cleaned up and then she took us to Garden of the Gods. It's a really sweet place, and Guy and I both want to come back and spend some time hiking at it. The park was donated to the city under two conditions: that it would be free for all who wanted to come, and second that it would be kept forever. My parents opened there anniversary gift and my mom opened her birthday present as well. We ended the day watching a Hallmark Christmas movie (who doesn't love Christmas in July).

Kissing camels at Garden of the Gods

Another view of the kissing camels

Guy and I hiked up one of the rocks and posed

Wendy and Allison

Friday: My dad was able to get the day off and he took us to hike the incline (my mom went to meet her dad, otherwise she would have come). It was a EXTREMELY DIFFICULT hike. In fact, the climbing sign says: "do not attempt if you aren't use to hiking at altitude." It's a 1.02 mile hike of stairs up the mountain with a 2000 ft elevation change, and a 60% grade.

Here is some of the history behind it: It was originally built as a cable car to carry materials to build pipelines on Pikes Peak. After the pipelines were finished it was turned into a tourist attraction. In 1990 it was damaged in a rock slide, and the rails were removed. In 2013 it was illegal to hike up the ties of the old cable cars, but many climbed it.

My family hiked it in 2014; they loved it but said it was difficult! There were places where you had to crawl up because it was steep and difficult. It's been reopened and is now readily used.

We left early to hike as much of it as possible before the sun was up (it's a total sun bake when you hike it). We made it up before it got to hot out, but it sure was difficult. I struggled a lot with the elevation changes. Some people can do it in 20 minutes (it took us 1 hour and 7 minutes). It's worth doing and I would totally do it again. It's about a 4 mile hike down the trail afterwards. The views were spectacular. I would totally do it again!

Hiking up the incline

The top of the incline

To celebrate (and since we missed breakfast) we went to a place called Amy's doughnuts. A person could get in trouble here. The doughnuts are DELICIOUS! We got 6 to try: Butterfinger cake, German Chocolate, Oreo, Girl Scout Samoa, Chocolate kit kat, and White Chocolate kit kat. They were fantastic. Here is a picture of some of the types of doughnuts.

My dad still had energy after the hike so he went out and ran 11 miles while Guy and I finished walking with mom and then rested.

After lunch my dad took us to go see the new movie Ant Man. I loved all the one liners and was surprised at how funny it was, and hey who doesn't love a Marvel movie?

Saturday: We went with my parents to the temple in Denver. There, we did a sealing session with my parents. It was nice to be able to be in the temple with my parents, but we were all a little stiff sitting there and serving. We met up with Karl afterwards and hated a bit before we ate lunch at an authenticate Mexican restaurant.  I had beef tacos and Guy had a giant burrito.

At the Denver temple

With my brother Karl

We went and saw Pixels in 3D when we got back to Cos. I was surprised at how much more I liked the movie. I thought it looked funny when we saw the previews but it was more funny in theaters. I would definitely see it again!

Sunday: Dad made his famous pancakes for breakfast. Before church we played the game we got for my mom for her birthday (Pictopia). It's a fun game and some of the questions are difficult while others are easy. I ended up winning :) My mom spoke in church on the Sacrament. She did a great job! The whole theme for the day was sacrament. I really enjoyed the talks and lessons, and learned more that I had forgotten. We left after church on Sunday for Ames.  The drive back wasn't to bad until about the middle of Nebraska, where we hit a thunderstorm and there was some pretty strong wind. We finally cleared the storm and laughed when it struck Ames about noon today.

James cooking pancakes Sunday morning

We had a great time in the Springs! It was nice to get away and spend some time with my parents. Can't wait till the next time we are there.