A Day At The Bridge

Unfortunately the WiFi here at the Days Inn is not the greatest, and after several attempts to upload some photos to flickr, then a smaller photo here with no luck, I'm not going to try any more. Which really bums me out- I'm sure it's more fun to see the photos than just read my ramblings!

We made it to Colorado Springs last night, and then today headed out to see the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City. Bret didn't quite understand why I thought we would need a good three or four hours at a bridge, until he saw it. It's an entire park set up around, over, and under the bridge to amuse you for days if you wanted. The bridge itself is the highest suspension bridge ever built, with the Arkansas River rushing through at the bottom of the gorge. You can walk or drive across the bridge to the other side. We walked, though Sam became a little wary as we hit the halfway mark and you could really feel the bridge sway.

In the main entrance there are a few different activities you can do. They've got a carousel set up across from the gift shop. Then as you head towards the bridge, you can take the tram across instead, or the incline train down to the river. They've also got a regular train ride that goes through the gorge, offering either a short trip, or if you plan ahead you can take a dinner ride.

On the other side of the bridge they have burro rides, a small wildlife trail with elk and bison, petting zoo, and also their main attraction, the Sky Coaster. You lie flat on your stomach, they take a crane and pull you back, you release the cord, and you fly out over the ledge and get a view down into the gorge. Looks like quite a rush- I took video of some poor souls screaming their heads off. This was not part of the main admission, go figure.

Finding this place was my idea, and I think the rest of the family enjoyed themselves. You could easily spend a few days doing different activities. They also offer white water rafting, and there are campgrounds close by as well. A very beautiful area, and I think we visited just before they started getting the bulk of their summer visitors, because it was not extremely busy either. It was a really enjoyable day, and I can't wait to show you all a few photos!

Though that might have to be even more delayed as we head to Kansas tomorrow morning. It's another 7 or 8 hour drive for one thing. Also, Manhattan, Kansas was hit with a tornado a week or so ago, and though their house is fine, they are still waiting for their cable to return. This means unless I sneak away to the Panera's down the street, I will be out of internet commission until Boston on the 25th. Which honestly is not that bad of a thing. Other than keeping me company during times like now when I'm not able to sleep, I've only been using the computer to dump our photos and see if anyone replied to the twitters I have been posting throughout the days. I've still got plenty of podcasts to catch up on, and I even have those paper things with the words inside too if I get REALLY desperate!

We are all holding out pretty well so far, now 5 days into our travels. We're all very tired, I think. It's been a very busy beginning to our trip, and a whole lot of driving. We look forward to seeing Lorri and Sue in Kansas, and being able to spend more than just a few days in one place and relax. The girls actual birthdays are next week, and they are both very excited not only to see their Nanas, but spend their birthdays with them. Bret's sister Valina is coming out too, so that's just an added bonus!

Oh, and laundry. Definitely need to do some laundry.

As soon as I'm able to, I will update again, and get some more photos up!