Gorge-ous!

Tuesday, July 1

Today, we got up and quickly ate, got ready and headed to Cañon City, for our train ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. We knew we were early for our 12:30 ride, but we wanted to make sure we got there in plenty of time, not knowing what the roads were like. We took our lunch, as well, so we could eat before we departed. We arrived at the depot in Cañon City about 11am, so we had plenty of time to walk around the depot, gift shop, and walk out to the nearby public access park to look at the Arkansas River as it was rushing past. Beautiful!

The overlook on the Arkansas River

Me and the Arkansas River

The Cañon City Depot

We ate our lunch, and got ready to board at 12. In the waiting area to board the train, there were two HUGE cottonwood trees, about 3 times bigger than any cottonwood I’ve ever seen. We were told they were 140 years old, and drink 1000 gallons of water a day.

Our seats were on the “river side” of the train, but the seats were set up as 2 and 2 facing each other. Another couple was in the seats opposite ours, and it was a little tight. We were able to move across the isle to empty seats once the train got moving… We did not realize that most of the good scenery was on this side of the train. However, one of the other benefits was that there were two open-air cars that anyone could visit and watch the scenery. This was the best view of the gorge, the river, and the train as it snaked along the edge of the river. It was truly amazing! I know I keep saying that, but it really is awe inspiring to see what God’s hand can do. And then see how man has made it possible for others to see what God has done. The trip through the gorge was about an hour and a half, then we reversed and went back through (thus, the seating arrangement of facing seats). Tony spent much of the trip in the open-air car, taking pics with his good camera. We even got to see a herd of bighorn sheep getting a drink at the river edge. It was mostly females and babies. So cool!

Huge cottonwood tree at the depot

Taken from the open car, heading into the gorge.

View of the Arkansas River, Royal Gorge RR engine and Tony as we head into the gorge.

Our first glimpse of the Royal Gorge Bridge

 See the suspension bridge, high above the tracks!?

Notice the suspended track supports, through the narrowest part of the gorge.

These supports help hold the track suspended above the water.

Bighorn sheep go for a drink

Rafters in the gorge. This was a big rapid!

Waiting to head back through the gorge (the reverse trip!)

After we returned to the depot, we decided to stop and get a treat. We stopped at Dairy Queen, and each had a blizzard, in a waffle cone. Most excellent! But very messy, not something I would get “to go.” We also stopped into Safeway for a few items, then headed back to home.

After we got back, both of us crashed for a nap for a while. For dinner, we ate leftovers, and then Tony took a walk around the park again and played some video games at the park’s rec-room while I worked. The clouds today helped keep the temps down, and it was quite pleasant!

Tomorrow, we head to Manitou Springs, for the cog railway ride to Pike’s Peak.