Colorado - Colorado Springs

Diane's flight got in early this morning so made our way south on I-25 to Colorado Springs, a short 2 hour ride of 100 miles. It was very cloudy and foggy most of the way so we were not expecting to see Pikes Peak which rises up over 10,000 ft above sea level.   As we arrived at Colorado Springs the clouds lifted some and we saw a mountain with some snow but much to our surprise there were also US Air Force paratroopers practicing their jumps.  The Air Force Academy is next to the interstate and there just happened to be a scenic overlook where we could pull over.     This is one jumper who I happened to capture with part of the mountains with snow behind him.    In the extra is another of a group of jumpers (not the best focus as the wind was blowing really hard!).  

We drove a little further to the Garden of the Gods which is a large parcel of land containing unique rock formations that is a city park.   We met up with blipper StillandKnow (Susie)  and had a good walk around a part of the park.   It was so great to meet another blipper in person.  A photo of us all in the extras.

After we left this park we drove over to Manitou Springs just a few miles up the road to see the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.  Ancient cliff dwellings   from the 1100-1300AD time period.   So interesting.  A photo of that in the extra. 

The last extra is my favorite shot at Garden of the Gods.