The Million Dollar Highway!

    One of the most scenic drives on the Western Tour is driving from Colorado Springs to Silverton.  Because we leave so early, the ride starts a little quiet.  It isn't long before that all changes.  The entire drive is made up of mountains, valleys, rivers and breathtaking views.  It's great when everyone on the bus recognizes the beauty in front of them and enjoys it!

    The end of our trip takes us across the pass near Silverton, Colorado otherwise known as the Million Dollar Highway, named for it's expense to build.  I think I will let the pictures of this incredible highway speak for itself. 

Lucky for us, this guy is always sharp!

Even Davis caught a nap!

Sweet dreams, Remi :)

Deanna is sleeping and hiding at the same time!

Let the Million Dollar ride begin!!!

Curve one of many!

Yes, it's a little close but we don't have to worrt!  Al is the Man!!
  The kids even seem to think he could fly the bus if he wanted to.

And, the excitement begins....lots of pictures being made.

George is loving the view.

Now everyone is into it!  Noone is sleeping

From the Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak

Today was a truly amazing day in Colorado Springs.  Not only was the weather perfect we got to spend the day wandering through two of the most magnificent parks in the United States.

Below are some pictures taken during a short hike we took at one of the over looks at Garden of the Gods.

 

This rock formation is called the "kissing camels".  Can you see them? 

Serious Group shot........

And the real group shot, the one that really shwos their character !

After we left The garden of the Gods we made the long trek up the step grade to Pikes Peak.  The Peak stands at 14, 110 feet above sea level, air is thin at the top!  The view was amazing on the trip up but once there we realized we were standing inside a cloud.  Everything around us was white!  Not much of a view, but still pretty cool!

Boy Picture, they are harder to catch than the girls...

Posing at Crystal Lake half way up to the top of Pikes Peak

I told you, girls jump for phto ops!

The road up to Pikes Peak

Standing in the clouds, not much of a view, but still a very cool concept to be "in" a coud!

On top of the world and knowing it!

Going for the Gold, Olympic Trainging Center

    This year we had an awesome tour of the Olympic Training Center.  Not only did we have a very knowledgeable tour guide, but we also got to see a lot of the facilities and training equipment. Many athletes were there training preparing for the 2012 Olympics in London.  And wouldn't you know as soon as the word that Michael Phelps had been there the day before us reached the girls, the excitement reached a whole new level with the anticipation that he may still be swimming!