Colorado Springs Vacation - Day 5

"PIKE'S PEAK OR BUST"

Well . . . it was a bust. We didn't make it to the summit. It was closed today because of high winds. We were able to drive up 13 of the 19 miles on the Pike's Peak Highway. That brought us up to 11,440 feet. The summit is 14,110. We were so close. We'll have to return when the weather is less questionable.

There have been many sightings in the area of a creature that resembles "Big Foot". This sign was posted for our safety.

Crystal Reservoir - Mile 6 - 9,230 Feet

I found Big Foot hanging around Crystal Reservoir.

Nathan hasn't felt well this whole trip but he was a trooper.

We saw a family of deer right next to the highway.

Looking down on Crystal Reservoir - Mile 7 - 9,390 Feet

Glen Cove - Mile 13 - 11,440 Feet

This was as high as we could get up the mountain today. The wind chill was 0 degrees and it really didn't feel that cold.

This was right above the Alpine Zone, so there was plenty of snow everywhere.

These are the giant snow and ice movers that are used to clear the highway.

This was on the way back down. Ski Area - Mile 12 - 10,990 Feet

You have to use your lowest gear coming down the mountain. At mile 13, you have to stop and have the temperature of your breaks checked. If they are too hot, you have to pull over and allow them to cool before you are allowed to continue down the mountain.

Even though we didn't get to the summit, it was a beautiful drive.