After two full days of teaching and lecturing for the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild of Colorado Springs, I stayed over an extra day to see something of the area as I had never been to Colorado Springs before.
It was amazing! First, we got an early start at GARDEN OF THE GODS. I cannot express how incredible this place is. Rock formations millions of years old. The story of how this land went from private ownership to a Colorado State Park, free for everyone forever, is a good story. My photos won't do it justice so take a look at the link above for more information.
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| Great signage everywhere in the Park |
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| Don't have to tell me twice |
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| The Dedication Plaque |
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| Great opportunities to learn what I am seeing |
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| Pikes Peak |
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| The rocks are such different shapes and colors |
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| Kind strangers took a photo of Jonnie and I |
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| I was struck with the excellent infrastructure of paths, fences, and signs |
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| History Lessons |
I did climb up BALANCED ROCK, where millions of people have had their picture taken. Nothing special about this other than how grateful I am to be able to climb up rocks like these with a smile on my face. It wasn't too long ago this would have been impossible. Photo thanks to Jonnie:
After the morning hiking Jonnie and I went to nearby Manitou Springs for retail therapy and lunch. The town is so much fun to wander around:
Jonnie's favorite boutique was a "must stop" destination and I made two purchases:
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| Dragonflies are my "spirit insect", rayon batik, perfect for speaking engagements |
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| The shop should you be in the area |
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The shopping "bag" they gave me with my purchases, a silk tote. Marketing is everything!
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After lunch at a little local Mexican restaurant we made one more stop, to an art installation at Green Mountain Falls:
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| This would make an awesome quilt! |
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| Art installation over the little lake, my photo doesn't show much |
Click to play this news story to see what makes this an "art installation":
Art InstallationIt was a long day but now it was time to change hotels at the end of the day. My 6 am flight home meant I needed to be close to the airport. Another Home2Suites where that kitchen was put to use. Leftovers made a good dinner and it was early to bed.
Traveling mercies saw me safely home early afternoon the next day.
Next up? I am teaching on two cruises, back to back, New England/Canada for 10 days then a 5 day cruise to Bermuda. I will have friends from home on both cruises which makes it extra special.
Let's quilt!
Barbara
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