We explored the higher altitude (6500-6000ft) Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs a bit more before heading on. Jen hiked and Des and Kai biked in a canyon then lunched in town. We plan to return and do the Manitou Incline – 2000 feet in one mile up a mountain. The next state was Wyoming! Seeing long time friends Justine, Tony, and “baby” Troy was awesome. The boys played nonstop and we all had a great overnight visit. 

We left our hotel 
at noon today. We ate at an amazing coffee shop, and then headed to Manitou Springs, Colorado.Once we got into town, we didn’t think there would be much to see. But we went and checked it out anyway. We drove past a “retail marajuana” shop but kept driving. To our utter amazement, there were magnificent Red rocks for us to climb and trails to hike. By the lake, there were geese. We came back to our $60 hotel room and called it a day.

We left Austin and headed north early. The drive was highlighted by stops through small towns, notably, Turkey, Texas. It is home of legendary country  musician Bob Wills and, for us, a previously unexplored gateway into Caprock Canyon State Park. Kai asked to stop at  This and That Thrift  store and met owner Kerrie Red before leaving with a board game and new glove. It was rather hot by the time we ventured into to Caprock. But it was cool to see prairie dogs, red rock cliffs, and a  Southern Plains Bison! A big lightning show awaited us in  Amarillo.

Below are some photos and here’s a link to a video about the Texas Bison.