Royal Gorge

Wednesday we followed the Arkansas River for about an hour to Royal Gorge.  Sterling and I walked the bridge and rode the inclined railroad down to the river level and the aerial tramway across the gorge.  Plans are to string zip lines across the gorge, whenever they can overcome various permission issues.  Should be quite a thrill, says one who has never done a zip line.  Susie doesn't do heights, so she relaxed in Tuzigoot.

The bridge is nearly 1000 ft. above the river and about a quarter-mile across.  Here are some pictures:

It's not easy fishing from 1000 ft. above the water, but if you're so inclined, please note the warning.

 Looking down.

That RR track used to carry regular rail travel.  Now, it's just for a tourist train from nearby Canon City and an occasional freight train.  At the Cotopaxi KOA I had asked, When do the trains come by?(I wanted the dramatic picture.)  Son, there hasn't been regular service for eight years.

Looking up.

 The inclined railroad, for those inclined.

Looking up.

Looking down.

We continued on Wed. p.m. to Chatfield State Park, near where Jeff Easterling and family live.  Had a nice evening with them, then safely delivered Sterling the next day into the hands of TSA in DIA for his flight back to hot Oklahoma.  'Twas great to have him with us for a 10-day visit and Colorado trip.  Good memories and experiences for all.

We got back to Chatfield early enough that we decided to hook up Tuzigoot and head for Westcliffe and actually got there early enough to hear most of the evening's bluegrass festival session.  For several years we've been coming to Westcliffe for their bluegrass weekend (the weekend after July 4) and have thought about, maybe yearned, to stay longer.  This year we are.  Will be here through two more weekends.  We'll be in touch.

Susie and Rob