Back from Vacation

[la_samtyr]

I went on a brief vacation last week. It was a tour that highlighted the trains of Colorado -- *Not* Amtrak.

Let me tell you, the narrow gauge RR from to Durango to Silverton is amazing! I highly recommend it. And the cog train up Pike's Peak is another must. However. One thing you have to remember about the mountains is altitude. If you do not live in a fairly mountainous area (i.e., above sea level), you need to be aware of this and prepare. Denver, while known as the Mile-High City, does not count.

To best enjoy Pike's Peak, bundle up good. It is above the treeline, and it is very *very* windy. Amazing views though. You can literally see for miles. So definitely keep it in mind for a "to do" list.

Now I am off to take a nap. Take care everyone and please stay safe!

((hugs))

Comments

[shirebound]

Amazing views though.

I'm sure of that! Cool, clear air sounds lovely during these warmer days.

[la_samtyr]

It was lovely and cool. So much fun. You have to be double sure to stay hydrated, though. Altitude sickness is a real thing.

[cairistiona]

I have done both trains/railways and concur--they're amazing. (I had soot in my camera nooks and crannies for all the years I owned it after that ride.) Also concur about altitude, adding that even Denver is rough if you're not used to anything over 2000 feet ASL. I had some shortness of breath there in the city, though nothing like when we drove up one of the fourteeners (Mt, Bierstadt, Guanella Pass--we drove, and I declined to hike over to another outlook from the parking lot XD). I just took it slow and did fine, though.

Glad you had a lovely vacation!

[la_samtyr]

Those trains are amazing! Glad you had such a good time. Where I live is roughly 1500 ft. above sea level and while Denver is ok, Pikes Peak is *much* different -- almost 15x what I am used to lol.

Another fun fact is that earlier in the day, they were holding time trials for the yerly car race up the Peak. Yikes! I can't imagine anything I'd rather do less -- unless it's actually trying to hike the darn thing!

It was a lovely vacation -- I needed this. :)

[hhimring]

Those train trips sound amazing! Glad you had a good time.

[la_samtyr]

Oh, they were great! I highly recommend them to everyone!

[erulissedances]

I was wondering about what you were up to, and just got your postcard yesterday (Thanks!!!). I have taken both of those trains, although I'm more likely to be in a car driving from one point in the state to another. Beautiful views, yes-cold because of the never-ending breeze. I do miss my mountains, but I love the water that I have in Minnesota. Water is at a premium in a lot of Colorado.

Glad you had a great time. *hugs*

- Erulisse (one L)

[la_samtyr]

So glad you got the postcard! I love train rides and I take them every chance I get!

My driving skills are ok but I do not like large metro areas because it is just too much pressure for me. I grew up in a very rural area, still do and super-heavy traffic is a big N.O.