 |
| This is the fabulous view from our home across the prairie to the mountains..... We really love this RV Park and the owner, Nancy is a real sweetie, folks say I never stop but she knocks spots of me .......wonder if she would let me drive her Bobcat ???? |
 |
| Today we head just north of Canon City to The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.... Big tourist attraction but a huge area and plenty of room for all.... This engine built in 1902 pulled freight throughout this area until being retired and resting here on the Royal Gorge overlook....sadly her caboose was destroyed in the big Royal Gorge Fire of 2013.... |
 |
| You have to look closely to see this beautiful hummingbird "sucking" the nectar from the petunia....she/he went into most of the flowers in this pot before flying away, a joy to watch... |
 |
| Folks at the RV park recommended taking the gondola first and then walking back across the suspension bridge as it's then a downhill walk to the bridge and as the temps are topping 100F/38C we went along with the suggestion !!! |
 |
| Great views of the gorge and as so often a great chat with a family from Michigan who couldn't believe a couple of Brits had extensively visited their state.... |
 |
| Our first proper views of the Gorge, Arkansas River and the Royal Gorge Railroad.... |
 |
| We discover when we ride the train a few days later that this section of the railroad is called "The Hanging Bridge"...because the gorge here was too narrow, only 30ft wide, to lay track a hanging bridge was built in 1878/79.... We are always amazed at the ingenuity of the worlds early designers, engineers and builders..... |
 |
| The suspension bridge spanning the gorge.... |
 |
| This is an "insane" "ride" !!! Hauled back and then catapulted out over the gorge !!!! A few years ago we might have done it !!! |
 |
| The suspension bridge built in 1929 is one of the worlds highest..... |
 |
| A nice touch on the bridge is a flag of every state of the USA..... We had expected a suspension bridge like the one at Grouse Mountain Vancouver but this one was still pretty spectacular and great views down into the gorge.... |
 |
| There is a steady flow of white water rafters going down the Arkansas River.... |
 |
| We had a really good visit to the Gorge and head back down to Canon City via The Skyline Drive..... This is the Gateway Arch built in 1932 and uses stone from every state in the union... |
 |
| The 4 mile Skyline Drive is a narrow one way (thankfully) road over a limestone ridge known as a hogback..... |
 |
| A view across the valley & part of Canon City.... |
 |
| The road was built in 1905 by inmates of the territorial prison in the town for visitors and residents to enjoy the panoramic views of the Canon City, The Wet Mountains and the Arkansas Valley..... Canon City is known as the city of prisons having 13 in the surrounding area.... The original territorial prison in town, now federal, houses max security disabled prisoners...... |
 |
| The road is described "not for the faint hearted" !! |
 |
| 800ft drops on both sides... |
 |
| The view down to US50...... |
 |
| An interesting drive and great views.... |
 |
| Part of historic Canon City.... |
 |
| Another beautiful sunset..... |
 |
| And a full moon rising... We have had a really great day, lots of highs (excuse the pun !!) we are so enjoying this area and this RV Park.... No light pollution so clear starry nights... Until the next post.... The "High" Campers.... |
Hi Sue + Michael,
ReplyDeleteOnly one song for your lullaby tonight , got to be Don Mcleans Vincent.
I think you should have tried the gorge ride ( or maybe not)
Is there any reason why there are so many prisons in Canon City?
Still enjoying great weather here .
, big match tomorrow night. Plenty of hype that we might actually win the world cup!
Enjoy
Ann + Dave X
Good one re song...took us a while to get the connection though...duh...
DeleteRe prisons, it seems to be something that just grew...there are several really high profile inmates including the Oklahoma bomber....
Carry on enjoying the good weather...
M & S xx
Hi Both!
ReplyDeleteYet more stunning photos, I'm getting Maxine used to the idea of suspension bridges and gondola rides in advance of our Canada trip, all a bit tentative so far! You certainly have great luck meeting up with like minded folk but then I guess your average yobbo would hardly be indulging in that sort of holiday. Watched France beat Belgium tonight and thereby through to final. England play tomorrow. If they are fortunate to beat Croatia I don't see them penetrating France's defence. We wait with barely bated breath!
Carry on you two!
A&M xx
Thank you re photos....
DeleteI never used to like gondolas or especially ski lifts but have to say it is a great way to see the views, so go Maxine.....
Enjoy the game/games...
M & S xx