The anticipation of seeing the mountains caused us to high tail it out of Kansas as quickly as possible. We were checked out of our hotel and back on the highway by 7:30 am.
We kept our eyes peeled for the mountains.
We knew not to expect them right away, but we were pleasantly surprised with the change in landscape. Gone were the flat lands of Kansas.
Every once in a while someone would shout, “I see them!”
Then, “Nevermind, those are just clouds.”
When we finally could see them, it was like an illusion… “Wait. Are those mountains?”… “I think so…” …and then a resounding, “YES! Those are the mountains!”
Yes! Those are mountains!
While working our way further west, we decided to go through Denver first. My hubby is a huge music fan, and has always wanted to see the Red Rock Amphitheater. Being this close, we had to go. He was itchin’ to go on stage and help the setup crew, but I let him know I wasn’t interested in spending my first day in Colorado bailing him out of jail.
Dreaming of being on the Red Rock Amphitheater stage.
It did surprise me how many people use the amphitheater as a gym! This guy was being wheel-barrowed down the steps and “hopped” all the way to the bottom. Crazy!
Wheel-barrowing down the amphitheater steps.
From there, we stopped at a nearby lake for a picnic lunch, then drove down to Colorado Springs, oohing and aahing over the mountains all the way down… the camera steadily clicking away.
Fascinating
We dropped our things off at the hotel, (yay! I’m on the guest end!!…)
then we headed straight to The Garden of the Gods.
Garden of the Gods
My #3 son was totally in his element here! If you remember, it was his idea to go to Colorado to see the mountains. The Smoky’s wouldn’t do. It had to be the Rocky mountains.
He can never seem to get high enough.
Very much in awe of what we were seeing.
Seeing him in this environment… happy, carefree, and loving every minute, made the long-a** drive worth it!
We arrived back at the hotel exhausted, but incredibly happy.
I think we’re falling in love….
shadowrun300 
towardshealthylife
July 28, 2012 at 4:10 am
I know exactly the feeling of “watching for the mountains” as I live about 3 hours from Jasper, in the Rockies. Everytime we go it’s like the first time! Enjoy every minute of it! 🙂
shadowrun300
July 28, 2012 at 4:22 am
Lucky you! We are absolutely enjoying every minute! Some of the best parts are seeing the kids, especially our son, so happy. I can totally see him moving here…
agg79
July 28, 2012 at 2:35 pm
It’s hard not to be jealous/envious. We’re stuck down here in the coastal plains of south Texas, so the only mountains we get to see are overpasses and speed bumps (and the occasional Coors can). Every chance I get to head to Colorado or New Mexico, it is always a fantastic time. I can feel your excitement (giddiness?) over the change in landscape. I know you will be aching to run the trails up there. Let me know how it goes.
shadowrun300
July 28, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I am loving the trails! My calves and ankles? Not so much. I’m used to running on fairly flat terrain, so those particular muscles are feelin’ the strain of the uphills and downhills.
Definitely one of the best parts of your traveling must be seeing the different sights and landscapes. I find myself staring at the mountains and drinking it in. The pics are nice, but they’re nothing like the real thing.
Oh, and we couldn’t be in Colorado without buying some Coors….
Abby
July 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Sometimes, living here, I can take the place for granted. Even though we love the mountains (and pretty much live here because of them), it’s really great to see things from an “outsider’s” view. And now I’ve just realized that in all my years, I’ve never wheel barreled at Red Rocks!
shadowrun300
July 28, 2012 at 9:22 pm
I totally know what you mean about taking it for granted. I do the same thing in St. Louis. As I head across the bridge to get to work, I always see people with their cameras stuck out the window trying to get a picture of the arch. And of course most everyone I check in to the hotel can’t wait to go see it! It’s fun to see it from their point of view, and it’s hard not to join in their excitement.
The Thin Lady Inside
July 28, 2012 at 5:26 pm
That’s awesome Shadow! I love mountains! Soooo love them! I was born in a city that is surrounded by them… please check these images: http://blog.soloingles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/monterrey.jpg
It really is a beautiful place there! Huge, beautiful city! Monterrey! … My dad’s side of the family they all still live there… I love it… and I really miss the mountains sooo much! 🙂
So happy you enjoyed! 🙂
shadowrun300
July 28, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Those pictures are incredible! It’s easy to see why people use the words majestic and awe when describing the mountains. Maybe some day we will be able to travel in your direction!
meleah rebeccah
July 30, 2012 at 12:25 am
Wheel-barrowing down the amphitheater steps = TOTALLY IMPRESSIVE!
I can’t get over these images. How beautiful!
shadowrun300
July 30, 2012 at 8:11 pm
While my hubby was staring at the stage, I was staring wide-mouthed at what these ‘athletes’ were doing, but I was kind of afraid to watch the wheelbarrower…. the drop off from each step huge!
territerri
July 30, 2012 at 2:40 am
So glad to hear your vacation is such a success so far! I’m a little jealous. We have no real vacation plans this year and I’m already regretting it.
shadowrun300
July 30, 2012 at 8:13 pm
Even as short as this one was, it has been awesome. It’s difficult planning a trip when you’ve never been, but luckily I had an inside source. 😉
If you plan a spur of the minute trip to St. Louis, let me know….
Jules
August 1, 2012 at 12:46 am
Love the pictures! The Garden of the Gods looks very cool. And that guy wheelbarrowing down the stadium? Holy crap! That takes some talent!
shadowrun300
August 1, 2012 at 1:24 am
It was scary watching that wheelbarrow guy. The Garden of the Gods was beautiful – even more so than the ones in Missouri. If you can brave the drive thru Kansas, I would totally recommend the trip!