The weather in Colorado is much like the weather in New England – changing from minute to minute. We woke to bright sunshine and temps in the 50’s. It was predicted that today would be warm (in the 60’s) and sunny until late afternoon.
By the time we ate breakfast, showered and dressed we could see the weather beginning to deteriorate so decided to do our outdoor activity first. We began our day at the Garden of the Gods National Landmark.
We were more then surprised at the beautiful red rock formations that greeted us at the entrance to the park. We expected to view some rock formations on a smaller scale so were totally amazed at the variety of rock formations and the expanse of the park.
From what we have been told by the residents here Garden of the Gods is the number two tourist attraction behind Pike’s Peak. The park was dedicated in 1909 as a free city park with the understanding that no buildings would be put up on the land and that the land would never be sold and the name never changed. It is 1,350 acres of a variety of plant and animal life,and magnificent red sandstone formations that have made it world-famous. Many of the formations are over 300 million years old and were sculpted by the forces of nature.
We stopped at the visitor center and picked up info on the park. It was then that we realized this would not be a quick visit. Since we dressed for the warmer weather predicted we were underdressed and COLD.
We took a brief 45 minute nature tour with with Bob the volunteer.
Along the tour we watched several people rock climbing. There was a lesson in rock climbing in progress for what looked like a 6-year old.
We walked around but had to give up after two hours because it was only 45 degrees and we were in summer clothes. We plan to return on a warmer day and spend the day hiking and experiencing the beauty of the park. Did I mention entrance into this park is FREE!!
We decided to head over to Marimont Castle an indoor activity. Marimont Castle has an interesting beginning with the original owner Father Jean Baptiste Francolon who built the castle between 1895-1897 with his own funds as a home for himself and his mother. Father came originally from France to New Mexico as assistant to Archbishop Lamy, but due to ill health moved to Manitou, Colorado in 1892.
We were unable to get a good photo of the castle because it is now in a congested neighborhood. There was not a clear view of the castle with a camera, so Ron took a photo of a photo.
By 1900 the Francolons abandoned Marimont returning to France for good. The Sisters of Mercy purchased the vacant building in 1904. Three years later it was destroyed by fire. It was then turned into sanitorium run by the nuns until the 1920’s who also changed the name to “The Montcalme.” Later it was used as boarding house for the wealthy then used for retreats and as a vacation home for the Sisters.
The castle has four floors with 14,000 square feet and 46 rooms. Indoor plumbing, steam heat, and electricity were included in the castle at the time it was built. Generators were used in Manitou in the 1880’s.
The castle boasted the largest fireplace in the country at that time. It is 16 x 11 feet of soft red sandstone with an arched hearth. It’s total weight is over 20 tons.
The view out the window from the grand solarium also used as an operating room when it was a sanitorium, is spectacular.
After completing our tour we decided there was enough time in the day to do one more indoor or should I say underground activity. Yes, folks we will be cave-dwelling again.
Off we went to the Cave of the Winds. As we left the castle it was raining and the temp dropped to 44 degrees. Yep, 44 degrees. Didn’t think this one through. Also didn’t think about being over one mile above sea- level either.
We chose the basic tour and opted out of the lantern and flashlight tours. Our tour guide was Nathan who looked 12 but is actually a college student.
As caves go this one was very dry and not too spectacular, but we did get our cave experience out of the way early in the trip.
There was another activity you could do at the cave and that required a lot of courage and good balance. The Wind Walker Challenge Course.
They harness you to the crossbeams and you walk across the swinging obstacles overhanging a cliff. Sign me up!!!!! NOT!!!!! Ron is usually a dare-devil but he was not interested in swinging from a harness either.
When we finished the cave tour it was close to 5 pm so we headed back to the MH for the night. Since it is considered winter season until May 31st everything shuts down at 5 pm.
We finished the day with a home cooked meal. Tomorrow we move to the Cheyenne Mountain CG. It is a beautiful CG and we are booked there for the next five days Temps to drop into the 30’s tonight. Yeah!!! Having fun anyway.
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