Colorado Springs, Colorado – July 11, 2012
Today was the day to go to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for a buffalo burger. On the way, I took a short detour to the overlook on Mesa Road. I wanted to take some photos of the Garden of the Gods. I also wanted to see the burn scars from the recent Waldo Canyon fire. From the overlook, the mandatory photo is of the rock formation which contains the Kissing Camels with Pikes Peak looming in the background.
One of the other photos I took was looking to the northwest to see the burn scars. Looking at the picture, one can see a burn scar on the left and right sides. The left side was progressing down Queen’s Canyon before being extinguished. At the mouth of Queen’s Canyon is Glen Eyrie. That is the beautiful home and estate that William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, Colorado, built circa 1870. It is a spectacular development that would have made the disaster all the more tragic if it had burned. On the right side, one can see the scar that reached down into the Mountain Shadows neighborhood, destroying nearly 350 homes.
The Waldo Canyon fire burn scars are visible on either side of the abandoned quarry.
From the overlook, we drove to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. We took the winding road through the Garden of the Gods. It is by far one of the most beautiful spots in the city. I always enjoy the ride, marveling at all of the red sandstone rock formations. As we neared Balanced Rock and our turnoff for the Trading Post, we noticed the Rampart Range Road is still closed. That road traverses directly across the burn area of the Waldo Canyon fire toward Rampart Reservoir. I am not sure when the forest service will reopen the road.
We were some of the first diners at the Trading Post. We all opted for buffalo cheeseburgers. I must admit I had never had one before. They all came with French fries. The bonus of the day was at the cashier. By showing our Colorado driver’s licenses, we received buy-one-get-one-free! The cashier gave us a number. We went outside, selected a table near the small stream, and placed the number on our table. The sound of the bubbling water was very soothing.
Shortly, one of the wait staff brought our burgers. I believe it was the best cheeseburger I have ever had!
After lunch, we strolled through the vast gift/art shop. We bought all sorts of Colorado tourist items. I plan to use some of them as representational gifts once we arrive in Guyana.
A sign for the Garden of the Gods Trading Post in the outdoor seating area.
