Day 1: Saturday July 29, 2006
I joined AAA and then headed to Amarillo via I-35 and US 287 (87). This part of the trip was fairly uneventful. I didn’t stop to take any photos at all. My mission was just to get to Amarillo. I did stop by Arby’s and ordered a Jamocha shake and mozzarella cheese sticks (I Love Cheese). I arrived around midnight and stayed at a crappy hotel.
Day 2: Sunday July 30, 2006
I had planned to wake up at 5:30 and head out. LOL..that didn’t happen. I ended up waking around 7 or 8. I stopped at Starbucks and then went to Cadillac Ranch. It was really cool and colorful.
After Cadillac Ranch, I headed out on 287 (87) toward New Mexico. Along the way, I visited the Capulin Volcano in New Mexico. It is an inactive cinder cone volcano. I walked along the edge, and saw the remnants of old lava flows. It was really neat!
I stopped at Arby’s once again for a Jamocha Shake and cheese sticks. I drove into Colorado Springs around 6:30 or so. I had forgotten how beautiful Colorado is!! Once in Colorado Springs, I drove around hoping something would seem familiar to me, but it did not. Then again, when I attended the Academy, I didn’t get out much. As luck would have it, I was able to stay with a friend of a friend instead of at a hotel(Thanks Beth and Karen!!)
Day 3: Monday July 31, 2006
This day was full!!
First, I visited the Air Force Academy. I hadn’t been back in 16 years and I expected it to be a very emotional experience, and that I would be sad for having left it and the opportunities I would have had, had I stayed and graduated. It was not that way at all!! I found myself smiling at the buildings, especially the structure of the Chapel. I took several photos that would capture the beauty of this structure, which I will use in some upcoming pieces .
I found myself feeling very proud and happy of where I am today!! Life is good! I do wish I could have seen the cadets marching to lunch, but no cadets were there to do this, since school has not started for them.
Next, I spent several hours at the Garden of the Gods. I took lots and lots of photos. The rock formations are awesome!!
After the Garden of the Gods, I headed to the Fine Arts Center, but it was closed. Therefore, I went to Seven Falls. As the name indicates, it is a waterfall that has 7 small waterfalls to it. As I was leaving, I saw that the falls have colored lights that are turned on at night. I went back after dark.
I met with the owner of Colachi Arts at 6:30. I was excited and glad to meet with her. The gallery opens Aug. 19, 2006 in Manitou Springs. I left 3 pieces with her to be exhibited. I can now say that I am represented by a gallery, and Manitou is a great artsy place in which to be represented. If you happen to get to out that way, please stop by and see all the work there.
Day 4: Tuesday Aug. 1, 2006
I slept in and then left the Springs around 12:30. I took my time stopping along the way to see animals and the views.
The Royal Gorge was first on the list of places to stop on the way home. I was there for hours, taking pictures upon pictures upon pictures. If you haven’t been to the Royal Gorge, I suggest that you go.
After the Royal Gorge was the Pueblo Reservoir. I wasn’t there long as it began to storm and the sun was beginning to set.
I stayed in Springfield, CO for the night in a cute little family-owned hotel called the Stage Stop Hotel.
Day 5: Wednesday Aug. 2, 2006
While driving I listened to a book by Mary Higgins Clark, which was, ironically, about cadets, though the description didn’t explain this aspect. It was a good book.
Palo Duro Canyon was next on the list of places to stop. It was really cool! It’s like a mini grand canyon.
The last stopping point, other than home, was the San Angelo State Park.
Day 6: Thursday Aug. 3, 2006
I arrived home at 1:00 am. I love road trips!! I can’t wait to go on the next one!!
