Colorado Trip

Hi All,
Below is really a long description of our Colorado trip. Those who may not find enough time to read it till the end can quickly grab photo link below –
http://picasaweb.google.com/bharat7480/AaiBabaUSTripColorado#

During the US Independence Day holiday (long weekend 3-4-5 July 2010) we (I and my parents) thought we will go to Chicago to roam and see the beautiful places there and enjoy the Independence Day fireworks. But it was destined to something else already. My friend from John Deere Pune (Vijay) told that day morning why I don’t try going to any place which are far from Ottumwa and could only be covered in 3 days span. Then thought of going to Colorado came ahead. It appeared that my Dad's friend's son (Prasanna Saundalgekar) is in Denver. We called him and asked if we could visit them and enjoy their company along with Colorado sightseeing. He was happy to receive us and that’s how our journey to Colorado started (quite late actually - it was already 10.30 in the night when we actually drove out of Ottumwa)
Denver is around 750 miles from Ottumwa. It was long and tiring journey to drive alone. We took short nap for couple of hours at rest area. With all stops in between, we reached Prasanna’s house at around 2 pm.
That day (Saturday – 3rd July) evening, we went to Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. Pike’s Peak is a mountain in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is 14,115 feet high and we drove to the top of it. It was fun drive. We were greeted by beautiful rainbow on the way. The Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway is a cog railroad operating from Manitou Springs to the summit. Mom, Dad and Rutwij (Prasanna’s son) descended downhill by this railway.
The next day, we paid visit to Royal Gorge Bridge and Garden of Gods.
The Royal Gorge is a canyon on the Arkansas River near Cañon City, Colorado. The bridge deck hangs 955 feet (291 m) above the Arkansas River, and holds the record of highest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge is 1,260 feet (384 m) long and 18 feet (5.5 m) wide, with a wooden walkway with 1292 planks. This bridge was constructed in 1929. There are various attractions in vicinity like Aerial tram, Incline railway, Skycoaster etc. we took ride in first two. Skycoaster was too scary for me; forget the case of Mom and Dad.

Garden of Gods contains numerous trails for hiking, walking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The reason of formation of these rocks here as I read from internet is – “The outstanding geologic features of the park are the ancient sedimentary beds of red, blue, purple, and white sandstones, conglomerates and limestone that were deposited horizontally, but have now been tilted vertically and faulted by the immense mountain building forces caused by the uplift of the Pikes Peak massif.” Two of these rocks are known as kissing camels and balanced rock. You will see in photos how Dad mocked Lord Krishna raising Govardhana Parvata at balanced rock.
We did overnight stay at Prasanna’s home. It was really nice to be with Prasanna and his family. We had great time with them and cherished some of old “Nipani (my hometown) memories”. Playing with Rutwij was also a fun which reminded me of my childhood days.
We left Denver the next day early morning (5th July) and reached Ottumwa after a long long journey of almost 13 hours. Thanks to those who read it till end. (might be really patient fellows). The photo link is given below. Enjoy!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/bharat7480/AaiBabaUSTripColorado#

Regards,
Bharat