The Kudzu Files

At the urging of Loren and Jeff, this morning we went to Garden Of The Gods. And wow! Garden of the Gods is - spectacular doesn't do justice to it, but I can't think of a better word. Awesome scenery, awesome geology. I shot up an entire roll of film walking the loop around the Gateway Rocks area. Hopefully some of the shots will come out. An added "attraction" was seeing a rock climber, climbing without ropes despite the warnings, fall about 40 feet landing flat on his back. I hope the guy was OK. He was moving, anyway.

We decided to eat lunch at the Nature Center there, sitting outside staring at the Garden and Pike's Peak in the distance. Definitely one of the most scenic meals I've ever eaten. After lunch, we drove west along Highway 24, past Woodland Park and on up to Mueller State Park. One of the nicest state parks I've ever seen: new, clean facilities, great campsites (electric hookups only!), and truly astounding views. And 9640 feet up. It has to be one of the highest state parks in the country. Cool, clean mountain air. Pike's Peak just to the east, with some snow still showing near the summit. A great way to spend the 4th of July.