Day Twelve / Spring Road Trip 2012

Today went went to the top of Pikes Peak. I wanted to hike up but the folks thought it would be better to take a train. Big Wussies, it's only 14,110 feet. Anyway off we went to Manitou Springs and caught the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak.  When we got on the train ( and I use that term loosely cause it was more like a trolley) the weather was great, right around 70 degrees and sunny. By the time we got to the top it was 19 degrees, with the wind chill it was -2 degrees and the wind was blowing. It was however still sunny (not that that helped much). It's a good thing we came prepared with coats, hats and gloves and even then I think my sunburn turned into frostbite.        
The trip up took just over an hour. We passed huge boulders, streams and even a waterfall. We didn't see any critters although it is home to bears, elk, deer and bighorn sheep. They probably heard I was coming and got scared.
Once we got to the top it was spectacular and I'm not talking about the world famous donuts they make up there. Although I must say they were excellent. Apparently it's a secret special recipe that they use to make donuts at 14,000 feet.
The view wasn't too bad either. From the top we could see Kansas and beyond.
Pikes Peak  is known as America's Mountain because back in 1893, Katharine Lee Bates went to the top and was inspired to write "America the Beautiful".  I can definitely see why. It was awesome. My words can't describe it so I will just show you some pictures.

At the top

Mom and the only other critter besides me

Dad at the top

Minnehaha Waterfall at around 8500 ft