Garden of the Gods

If you read my post about things I was excited to explore out here in Colorado, then you know that I couldn't wait to check out some of the scenery! On my list of parks I couldn't wait to see was Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark that's located right here in Colorado Springs. During my Newcomer's Orientation, our instructor drove us through the park. After that I couldn't wait to go back and take Connor along because I knew he'd love it too! So last Sunday, we went out there and even took Ivy with us!

Garden of the Gods is a collection of red rock formations that occupies 1334.64 acres of land. There are paved and unpaved hiking paths that surround the incredible sandstone formations and provide an awesome view of Pikes Peak.  The Garden even has a cool history. The park was given to the city in 1909 by the children of Charles Elliot Perkins. He wanted the park to kept forever open and free to the public. Coolest thing? You can even rock climb some of the formations, as long as you have the right permits.

I tried to take a ton of pictures to capture how cool Garden of the Gods is, but it's easily 100 times more beautiful than what I shot.

We will definitely be going back and doing some more exploring out there. If you ever find yourself in the Springs, this is something you cannot miss! What are some of your favorite natural landmarks?

Until next time,
Brandt

United States Air Force Academy

Our first (real) weekend here, Connor and I went to check out the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).  It's located right here in Colorado Springs, only a little bit further up the mountain from us. It's gorgeous! Especially the Cadet Chapel. I'll let the pictures do the talking though.

Seriously in love with the mountain as a backdrop!

 

There was even an Air Force baseball game going on!!! Also, snow. That white stuff is snow...

I wish I would've taken more pictures, but hopefully you get the idea from the pictures I did take. The chapel was really my favorite though. It's two levels. The top half is the Protestant chapel (the first three pictures of the inside). On the bottom level they have they Catholic chapel (two pictures after the Protestant chapel), a Buddhist prayer room, and Temple for their Jewish students. The picture of the purple and blue stain glass window is from the lower level with the Buddhist prayer room and the Temple. I wasn't quite comfortable with taking too many pictures down there honestly.  I didn't want to accidentally disrespect their religion.  The baseball game going on was just the cherry on top. We stumbled upon it and decided to stay for a few innings. Definitely wouldn't mind going to a few more. 

To be honest, the whole time I felt like we were cheating on the Army. It was really cool to learn more about the Academy though. Fun fact: the freshman can only walk on the white tiles on the sidewalks. Anyway, this was just the first of many Colorado Springs adventures. More to come! 

Until next time,

Brandt