Colorado Springs, Colorado

The anticipation built as we drove the 455 miles from Salina, Kansas to Colorado Springs, Colorado. The group could hardly wait to hit the Rockies!

Stop One: Air Force Academy

Our first stop in Colorado takes us to the US Air Force Academy. The Academy sits in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, just outside of Colorado Springs. We made our way into the visitors center and watched an informational film about the academy. We then ventured into the book store where the group bought shirts, postcards, and sweatshirts. After shopping, we walked the short path over to the chapel. What an amazing structure it is!

Alex, Jayne, and Callie took a minute out
of shopping in the bookstore to pose for a picture!

A view on the trail from the bookstore to the chapel.

Margaret W., Evelyn, Carson and
McKenzie we posing so I took advantage.

View of the Chapel, from the path.

Inside the upper chapel.

Molly, Michael, Evanne, Bessie Rose and Evelyn in the chapel.

Lower chapel at the Air Force Academy.

Fun on the Bus

Here are some pictures from our ride from the Air Force Academy to the hotel. As you will see, we make the most of the bus rides.

Greetings from Colorado!!

McKenzie LOVES sitting at the front
of the bus. He is a ham!

Think Carrie is excited?

Fun at the Durango Hotel!

They went for a run and then were a little afraid of the cold pool water!

These guys were some of the few that
braved the cool June pool water.

They finally gave up and jumped in, it didn't last long!

More join the fun!

And....they're out and in the sun!

Stop Two: Giuseppe's Restaurant

During our first night in Durango we went to the old train depot in Colorado Springs. It has been transformed into a unique Italian experience. We enjoyed a delightful buffet of handmade pizza, pasta and salad. To finish it off we had huge fudge brownies. The group all enjoyed an opportunity to get dressed up and dine together. Enjoy the pictures, some of the tables were sitting in low light so the pictures didn't quite turn out.

Didn't get everyone's face because they were in the middle
of what seemed to be a pretty important conversation.

These girls, Sujette and Carson, were brave to
join this group of boys.

Check out the buffet, fit for kings and Queens!

Molly is enjoying herself!

Barney, Tripp, Matt, and Nicholas

100% Margaret W.

Evelyn, Turner, Margaret, and Evanne
seem to be having a nice time.

MeHegan, Allie, Madeline, and Julia
have a nice spot together!

Group shot outside of the restaurant! Everyone loved their meal!

Stop Three: Olympic Training Center (More Pictures Coming soon)

As we unloaded at the Olympic Training Center the one thing that was on everyone's mind was, "Will we see any Athletes?". Unfortunately, we did not but we did have a guided tour through the facility this year. We got to see many more of the facilities than we have in the past! Check out the pictures below.

The front entrance

"It was cool to see the athelete training facility. I learned new information about certain athletes. i actually saw the pool Michael Phelps swam in!"
-- Allie G.

They took us into the gym and we saw the girls national
basketball teams for Chille and Costa Rica warming up for a game!

I believe this is where the girls found out our guide
was a swimmer. Guess what they asked? "Do you know Michael Phelps?"
As soon as he said yes, they swooned!

Maybe they will be in the next winter Olympics?

Stop Four: Garden of the Gods (more pictures coming soon!)

The Garden of the Gods is an amazing Colorado State park, full of Sandstone rock formations. The group saw such formations as The Kissing Camels, Balancing Rock and the Scottishman. We also hiked a good little ways down into the park to get a birds eye view of how it looks with the amazing formations all around you.

This is the entrance to the park!

Here's the entire gang after completing a hike through the Park!

These guys wanted a picture of their better side!

Stop Five: Pikes Peak

Well, the kids were excited as we left the Garden of the Gods and headed up the steep mountain to the Summit of Pikes Peak. With the twists and turns our man, Al, couldn't take us to the top. Instead we were in smaller Grey Line Buses. The kids enjoyed the time together and used it to become closer. Check out the amazing scenery both on the trip up the mountain and from the summit at the top!

Bessie Rose and Evelyn were trying to take a

picture together and Carr decided to pop in!

I think this sign says it all about the trip up! It's no joke!

This is road to the summit, at least part of it!

"Pike's Peak was amazing! Driving up to the Peak, I wasn't expecting much, but when we arrived I was surprised to find gorgeous views on all sides! Even more importantly, they had the best doughnuts ever! We enjoyed these world famous doughnuts while soaking in the scenery and bonding with old and new friends. We all had a great time and I'm sure it's a part of this trip we will never forget!"
--Margaret C

This view is of the part of the road that

we were looking down on! Yes, it's twisty.

I know it's June, but check out the snow drift that we
drove through as we got close to the top!

This is a sea gull flying over a lake

that we passed on the way up! Yes, I said Sea Gull!

We made it, all 14, 110 feet above sea level!
Some of the group got a little light headed
from the altitude, but other than that it was
a great success! Everyone was happy to be up top!

Sweet view from the top!

They had a blast up there!!

"It's not about how far you go or how long it takes you to reach your destination. It's about the journey we take and the friends we make along the way." Blake L.

Group shot, this shows the excitement that we all felt as we looked out into the amazing distance. Being at the top and checking out the trip up worth it!