Up early this morning, thanks to a truck sitting outside my window revving its engine at 6:30 a.m. But it meant I got to the Garden of the Gods by 10 a.m., before it got too hot. What an amazing place this is - and free! It's a geologist's delight, with evidence of many different landscapes (and in fact seascapes at one point) and climates over the millennia. It must also make life difficult for creationist visitors ;-) The characteristic vertical red rock formations are stunning (this formation is called The Three Graces), and nicely spread out among 13 miles of trails, at least half of which I walked today.
After a restorative caffeine infusion, I set off to see Cripple Creek, the last Gold Rush town. It's now full of casinos, though the old buildings have been well-restored, so I didn't stay long. I headed for Victor, a much more authentic looking mining town. This miner's shack is on the pretty road between Cripple Creek and Victor.
I left Victor by what was marked on the map as a scenic road ... they weren't kidding! Phantom Canyon Road is also gravel for most of its 30-mile length, and drops about 5,000 feet to the high plain, so it makes for very exciting driving. Only 1 little (and controllable) skid - don't tell the car rental company! So exhilarating, I really want to do it again!
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