Forth Stop, Royal Gorge Bridge

Sunday, August 15th, 2010 by Alyice

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is an adventure you don’t want to miss if you’ve got $25 to spare (per person for the entry fee) and aren’t afraid of heights.

First, you’ll experience the Royal Gorge Aerial Tram. It’s the “world’s longest single-span aerial tram”. It can hold up to 35 people, crosses 2,200 feet of open space and is 1, 178 feet above ground level—or the Arkansas River.

Once you exit the tram, you’ll walk down a hill to the Wapiti Western Wildlife Park. It’s home to 10 acres of land and animals native to Colorado, including the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, the American Bison, and the Rocky Mountain Elk.

Just passed the park is the Royal Rush Skycoaster—which sadly (err, happily for mom!) wasn’t functioning for us due to a thunderstorm and strong winds. It’s basically a bungee jumping experience in which you’re thrust at speeds of 50 mph over the Arkansas River—which is just 1,300 feet below. There is an extra fee of $15 per person to experience this thrill of a lifetime.

Passed the skycoaster is the Mountain Man Trading Post where you can buy touristy items, get old fashioned black and white (or sepia toned) photos taken of your family, and experience a Medicine Man show.

As you leave the trading post, you’ll come across the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge. It’s the “world’s highest suspension bridge”. The bridge sits 1,053 feet above ground level and crosses 1, 270 feet of open space. It was first built in June of 1929 and is continually maintained to ensure it’s safe to cross.

As you look down from the bridge you can see the Arkansas River. From every direction you see nothing but mountains, including the John F. Kennedy Mountain.

Once you exit the bridge you take a quick left and you’re at the Incline Railway. It’s the “world’s steepest incline railway”. The incline sits at a 45 degree angle and descends 1, 550 feet at 3 mph.

Once at the bottom of the railway, you get a peek at the original Wood Stave Pipeline. It’s deteriorating but it was neat to see how the city’s water supply was delivered for 70 years.

You also get a nice up-close-and-personal view of the Arkansas River—and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a few rafters (or kayakers) scurrying by.

And for aspiring photographers, such as myself, you also get some great shots of the landscape and an old railroad.

Once you return to the top of the Royal Gorge you can ride a replica of an antique carousel, watch a video of how the rides were constructed, do a little tourist shopping, or grab a bite to eat.

As for us, we opted to leave.

Just outside the park is a working scaled-down model of an 1893 locomotive. (Yes, we hitched a ride.)

It’s a short oblong train ride in which you see goofy things like stuffed teddy bears tied to an old metal bed post as the train conductor attempts to make you laugh with silly anecdotes. But I can’t complain since I got this awesome shot of a wild deer.

Until next time…

Disclosure: I paid for this attraction. This is “my opinion”. I was not paid to write a review.

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Third Stop, Garden Of The Gods

Saturday, August 14th, 2010 by Alyice

The Garden of the Gods is a national landmark and truly a site to see. It has 300 foot sandstone rock formations, walking paths, and rock climbing areas (though you cannot climb without proper gear and licensing).

There’s a lot to do at The Garden of the Gods if you call ahead of time to make arrangements. There’s horseback riding, guided tours, interpretation tours complete with skits, and yes, rock climbing.

If you don’t make arrangements ahead of time, you’ll end up having to do a walking and/or car tour by yourself—which is what we did.

There is just something serene and uplifting about this area, don’t you think?

Before you leave the park, you MUST stop by the Trading Post. Aside from lots of touristy stuff to buy, it’s got original artwork and some great chow. Their buffalo chili was delicious. I would, however, advise you to stay away from the Buffalo Burgers as they are overcooked—charcoal done.

Until next time…

Disclosure: I paid for this attraction. This is “my opinion”. I was not paid to write a review.

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Featured On MMCA

Friday, August 13th, 2010 by Alyice

I was featured on the Mixed Media Collage Artists Marketplace blog. I share what a typical day in my life looks like.

Here’s a glimpse into the piece:

…Over the years that followed Alyice was hit with an isolating depression that rocked her world and caused her to experience insomnia to the 9th degree. With lack of motivation, her business began to suffer as did her self-esteem… Slowly that depression began to lift and her days were once again filled with motivation. Though the insomnia remains, Alyice has learned to work around it.

To read a breakdown of my day and the rest of the story, Click here.

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AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

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