Everyone in Colorado is High

Back in 2012, Steve and I took the Cog Railway up Pike's Peak.  We had a lot of fun on the train, but when we got up to the summit, all we could see was fog.  We were excited to go back this time to hopefully have better views.  It sort of worked this time.  Unfortunately the Cog Railway was sold out, so Steve found a shuttle company that takes you up and back (Rocky Mountain Ride).  This was a perfect way to see Pike's Peak because they pick you up and drop you off right at your front door!  We also had a great driver (Wayne)!

While we didn't have the fantastic views that I've only ever heard of from the summit of Pike's Peak, we had a slightly better view than back in 2012.

After Pike's Peak, we wandered downtown Manitou Springs for some more frozen custard, beer in small glasses from Manitou Brewing Company, and souvenir shopping.  We're ending the evening with more tacos from T-Byrd's Tacos.

We head out of Manitou Springs tomorrow morning on our way to Estes Park. We have a couple fun stops planned along the way tomorrow!

The driveway to our rental is a bit steep and narrow, and it helps if we back down the driveway when we return.  This morning, Steve ran a quick errand and found this guy waiting for him in the driveway.

We didn't see him this time!

If we did find him, we still needed to maintain 6' of distance.  ;-)

The view from one of our stops on the trek up the mountain.  Waaaaaaay off in the distance are the switchbacks to get to the summit. 

My foot vs. Bigfoot's

Cleaning up remnants from the Pike's Peak Hill Climb that took place this past weekend.  This was right by the start line.

Scenic vista (not quite at the top)

Almost to the summit, and our bag of Doritos was ready to pop!

Our view from the summit.

Summit views

On our way back down the mountain, but just under the summit.

Yellow-bellied marmot

The smaller peak in the middle is the summit of Pike's Peak.

Pike's Peak summit is just above Vance's head (on the left)

These got a little out of order...this is right before reaching the summit.  Steve and I were pretty sure we'd be getting the same views again that we got in 2012.

Family picture at the summit.

As we were heading back to the shuttle, that's when the clouds parted a bit and the sun shined for a few minutes and we were able to see a couple pretty views!  Woohoo!!!!

Our doughnuts from the top of the mountain!

Pike's Peak summit is right above my father-in-law's head.  The extra person is our driver, Wayne.  We had a lot of fun with him today!