James and I decided to take a road trip to South Dakota to see James's old stomping grounds where he served his mission 32 years ago. I had never seen Mt. Rushmore (except at 40,000 feet while flying overhead on our way to Pittsburgh) and I had heard a lot about Crazy Horse and was really wanting to see it. Our trip began on Wednesday, May 14th; we were leaving a day late due to car repairs and so we got a late start due to needing to pick up the Golf, but by 0845 we were on our way. The Golf is a Diesel and we don't need to make many stops; so by the time we arrived in Boise, we were starving. In an amazing coincidence, Kris and Brent were in Boise for State pole vault jumps with Alex (6 ft!) and they had 30 minutes to spare and scouted out a restaurant, just off the freeway and we met them there, ate quickly and went our separate ways.
Kristine and Kathleen
James got a kick out of all of us using our cell phones at the same time. We were walking out of the restaurant and Brent was on the phone with a client in Mexico, Kris was talking to Alex who was at the competition in Boise, Idaho and I was on the phone with Matt in Gresham, OR. It was a fast visit, but fun.
We arrived in Orem at 10 PM and after eating, and getting packages mailed off for Aaron's business, we dropped into bed at 11:40 PM. The next morning, Josh and Kaija joined us for 40 minutes and we had breakfast together. It was good to see them.
After Breakfast we drove through Spanish Fork and across to Grand Junction. The rock and cliff formations were magnificient, and the Colorado River has spectacular rapids We drove up to the 10,600 foot level at Vail and through the Eisenhower tunnell at 11,000+ feet.
We spent the next two days with Kurt and Pam in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, just outside of Denver and had a wonderful time visiting with them. They have been in Colorado for several years, however we had never been to see them. We enjoyed visiting with them in their beautiful home and seeing Tiffany, Paul and their family.
That evening after dinner we visited the Denver. Inside the temple, Pam said 'hello' to a friend of hers; I could not believe my eyes! I said, "Jolynn?" She looked at me confused until I told her that I was her roommate at Rick's College 30 years ago. We shared a room, she slept on the lower bunk and I slept on the upper bunk. We got along so well and even sent Christmas letters back and forth for several years until she was lost in one of her moves. It was so good to see her!
Denver Temple
Aaron and Lauren
Pam, Kurt, James and Kathleen
Saturday, after a good nights sleep, we drove up past Manitou Springs, and rode the Cog Trail up Pike's Peak. We started at the 6500 foot level and climbed to 14,100 feet. The view was beautiful and the company superb. The only hitch was at the top when several of us got altitude sickness. We were grateful that the train left 40 minutes later and even more grateful when we had journeyed down 2,000 feet and felt much better.
Cog Train Depot
Kurt and Pam
Pam, Lauren and Kathleen, James, Kurt and Aaron on Cog Train
View out window, headed up to Pike's Peak.
At the top of Pike's Peak--14,100 feet.
Manitou Springs and The Cliff House; James, Kathleen, Pam and Kurt outside the Cliff House and all of us plus Aaron and Lauren having lunch together. The food was good and and for dessert we had chocolate burnt creme. Mmm...
Sunday, we attended church with Kurt and Pam, listened to Kurt as he gave a very good lesson in Gospel Doctrine, and after another meal with Kurt, Pam and family we headed north to South Dakota.
Sunset over Wyoming
2 comments:
I loved reading about your adventures.
Who was the great photographer who took that sunset picture? ;)
What an awesome trip this was! We thoroughly enjoyed all the time we spent with you guys. It was so fun spending time with Kurt & Pam (and family) too. :)
We love you guys!
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