Colorado, Day 3

We woke up at 6 am. We got ready and then headed out to Pikes Peak Cog Railway Depot. We made a pit stop at McDonalds to eat a quick breakfast. (I ate hot cakes for the first time in my life!! Not too bad...) On the way, we saw a fox. It was in a populated area, very weird. Stephen said, "Look at that dog!" I said, "That's not a dog, that is a FOX!!" :) We arrived there way early but I was glad. The road going up to the depot was a little treacherous, but we made it ok because I rented an all wheel drive! When we got our tickets, the lady told us that we had the best seats in the house, front row!! We could see everything. The only disappointing thing was that we wouldn't be able to go all the way to the summit. So, instead of 14,000 feet of altitude, we only did 12,000. (blessing in disguise, you'll see why soon!) We did the gift shop thing, bought that shirt, then the time came to board the train. I was excited and nervous all at the same time!! We started the trip. It was absolutely beautiful!! I never really got scared until we got about 12,000 feet, I looked over my shoulder behind me, and realized you could see a very long way, and it was way down there!! However, at about 9,000 feet, I started feeling the effects of altitude sickness. I got a very bad headache, dizzy, nauseated, the whole 9 yards.......I was very ready to get back to the car....

So, when we finally get back to the car, we go to the downtown Manitou Springs area. It is a very cute, quaint little town. I had really been looking forward to doing some shopping. We went in a few shops. Then we ate at a dive called "The Keg"..Stephen and I were the only 2 not drinking, pretty funny! :) The food was overpriced but you would expect that. I had a cheese quesadilla and it was $10. Stephen ate a buffalo burger and it was cheaper than the quesadilla. LOL!

At this point, I told Stephen I had taken all I could take. We went back to Col. Springs to the hotel and I took a 3 hour nap. I guess I needed it. I have been drinking so much water and I am feeling better now.

We ate dinner at Famous Daves. I love that place. We haven't had it since Florence.

So, that's about it for today! Tomorrow we are going to the Garden of the Gods, Air Force Academy, US Olympic Center. I have spotted some very cool Vancouver merchandise and I am "itching" to get my hands on it!! :) I told Stephen I had to go there first, before everything's gone. Yeah, like a day will make a difference, huh? Sooooooooo.....check back tomorrow. I am only getting on the internet once in the evening b/c I am cheap and didn't want to pay $10 a day for internet in the room. :)

We're having a blast!! This was a much needed vacation for both of us!