I landed in Denver on Sunday 6/26 and went from sea level to 14,000 feet on Monday 6/27. Just a bit altitude sickness up on the summit, but the drive up the windy roads was full of great views and jaw-dropping fall-of-the edge feeling!
Bernard's commentary throughout the trip was so informative. He offered to be the best tour guide cameraman giving me lots of photo ops at vantage points of interest. Not to forget that Bernard also made a real effort to get to know each one of us, setting a friendly vibe amongst us all.
The Garden of the Gods was just gorgeous. We did a loop hike within the given hour. Then we climbed onto the Balanced Rock, millions of years old, weighing about 700 tons, & actually a remnant of the Rockies due to wind and water erosion, but still standing!
Next lunch stop was downtown Manitou Springs, a quaint resort town. I didn't get a chance to taste the spring water but someone shared that it tasted like club soda? A quick burrito bite at the Red Dog cafe, and we drove up 19 miles to Pikes Peak, America's Mountain.
First 14er! Felt great! Up at 14,115 feet, you'd think it'd be only the fit and fab who'd make it, but I actually saw a person with a walking cane and several elderly people! And what gorgeous mountain views!
A fabulous trip, worth $$$, if you want to have a cool memory of stuff accomplished in a lifetime!