Our 2013 Summer road trip began with a quick stop over in Lubbock, TX. It has been 15 years since I have visited my old stomp'n grounds. The town has changed immensely...new stadium, new buildings (at least they built them to look like the others), no ghetto (now condos), and the city is no longer dry (the poor strip is a ghost town!)
Of course we have to stop at each state line!
Campsite #1...Mueller State Park, at the base of Pikes Peak. We were welcomed by a lightening and thunderstorm that made us eat dinner in the truck. The next day was perfect for a long hike! Thanks to the Wild Boys for letting us borrow their tent (ours was too big!)
A quick trip down the street to visit the Garden of the Gods and to Wally World to buy gloves and hats...this TX girl did not pack appropriately. The nights dropped close to the 30's.
Took the Cog (only 3 left in the USA) to the top of Pike's Peak...BURR!!
Campsite #2...Golden Gate Canyon State Park. We rented a yurt, because we can and where else would we ever stay in one again? More hiking and a gorgeous view of the front range of the Rocky Mountains.
Toured an old gold mine with some cousins with my dad's side. The kids had a blast, I felt short, and we did not leave millionaires! But memories were made.
Then we finally met up with my mom's side of the family. We woke up and ran the Red Rocks Amphitheater and visited Mother Cabrini's Shrine...each taking a shot of the healing waters. Alex was the only one up for one last hike up the steps to view the Stations of the Cross and the stairway of prayer.
Sunday, we left at sunrise and made it home by sunset...15 1/2 hours of non-stop driving in daylight! Glad to be back in ATX!!
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