Summer Vacation '22 3.0 - Rocky Mountain High

Although we dealt with elevation the entire time in Colorado, 2 high-altitude excursions really tested our limits.  

Pike's Peak

Late morning on the 4th of July we headed to the Cog Railway and a trip up to the Summit of Pike's Peak!  The ride up and time at the top tested us physically - we lost 32oz of water and the lower oxygen made for some light-headed moments!

Family Selfie in a crowded railcar just prior to departure

Early on the trip we were surrounded by massive boulders...

...trees and wildlife

Other views from the journey up

As we hit 12k feet there was no longer a moutainside to protect us from the steady winds

Tree lines spread across the neighboring mountains

As we got closer to the top there were countless smashed rocks - the result of dynamite blasts from years past 

An original mountaintop structure built in 1873

Zebulon Pike's memorial at the top of the mountain

All kinds of amazing views for miles - the East view stretched all the way to the Kansas state line

Manitou Incline

A few days later Dad headed to the Manitou Incline to take on the challenge to hike up the mountain - the entire trip up encompasses 2768 steps and a mile climb.  It was a difficult physical challenge compounded by a 2k elevation increase and overall 8k altitude - We are happy to say he made it - Dad's climbing stats: finished in 57 min, took 2 breaks at 1000/1800 feet, passed 20 peeps/ got passed by 2, drank 3 waters - the trip down was far more fun - a 3-mile trek on the Barr Trail in under an hour and some incredible scenery!

The view from around step 1800

Made it!

Celebratory pictures

Great view from the top

Heading back down the Barr Trail we came across the "bailout" (about 2/3rds the way up) and a dozen climbers considering their options & balancing rocks across the way

Feeling good, flexing some muscle, and headed to Waffle House!

Colorado was awesome & we were super active checking out the sights!  We are sad our vacations are over for the year but look forward to J&T starting High School!!!