1986 Colorado Springs/Canon City
Prolouge
Summer of 1985 to the summer of 1986 saw a single major change in my life. On Sunday, September 29, 1985, Margo and Jolene moved in with me, at my apartment. With my well-paying job at Distron, I had moved out on my own in January or February, of 1985. Dennis had moved in with me. It was a two-bedroom apartment, and I think we were paying about $425 a month.
But, Dennis never stayed put in one place for long. He and Carrie, his girlfriend at the time, who had moved in with him for the last part of his stay, moved out during the summer. They went to California. I think that her dad was living out there, and she wanted to go. There was probably some sort of job opportunity for one or both of them. I really don’t recall. But, they were gone
.
I had made very sure that I could financially handle the financial end of the apartment on my own, because knowing Dennis, he would not be a long term roommate. With my work schedule having me working swings and spending quite a bit of time over at Margo’s mom’s place, I was really not home that much anyway. So, I never really had anytime to see if I was lonely or not.
We had enjoyed our trip to the Springs during the summer of ’85, and when the subject came up some time after the new year had been marked, we decided to head down to the same area. We had given Colorado Springs its fair due, but had not ventured any farther south. I don’t think I realized it at the time, but my eyes had been opened to seeing new places.
After first traveling under someone else’s planning in 1984, and then planning (with Margo), our first adult trip, in 1985. The natural progression would be to venture a bit further. I had the perfect spot, Canon City. Home to both Buckskin Joe, and The Royal Gorge. We would stop in Colorado Springs, because there were a couple of things we wanted to do, that we had missed, but 100 miles further south would be our next stretch of the legs.
But, Dennis never stayed put in one place for long. He and Carrie, his girlfriend at the time, who had moved in with him for the last part of his stay, moved out during the summer. They went to California. I think that her dad was living out there, and she wanted to go. There was probably some sort of job opportunity for one or both of them. I really don’t recall. But, they were gone
.
I had made very sure that I could financially handle the financial end of the apartment on my own, because knowing Dennis, he would not be a long term roommate. With my work schedule having me working swings and spending quite a bit of time over at Margo’s mom’s place, I was really not home that much anyway. So, I never really had anytime to see if I was lonely or not.
We had enjoyed our trip to the Springs during the summer of ’85, and when the subject came up some time after the new year had been marked, we decided to head down to the same area. We had given Colorado Springs its fair due, but had not ventured any farther south. I don’t think I realized it at the time, but my eyes had been opened to seeing new places.
After first traveling under someone else’s planning in 1984, and then planning (with Margo), our first adult trip, in 1985. The natural progression would be to venture a bit further. I had the perfect spot, Canon City. Home to both Buckskin Joe, and The Royal Gorge. We would stop in Colorado Springs, because there were a couple of things we wanted to do, that we had missed, but 100 miles further south would be our next stretch of the legs.
Day One-June 01, 1986
I had been working for Distron for 1 ½ years by now. But, with turnover at near zero, and a small staff to begin with, I was both working swing shifts and weekends. But, I had also accumulated some vacation time and with summer finally here, it was time to use it.
Like last year, there would be a compromise on when to get this trip going. Getting off around midnight, driving 30 minutes home, and then winding down for an hour or so, did not lend itself to an early rise come morning. On the other hand, you can’t see anything from your bed. I think we would have been on the road by noon. It could have been later, but I doubt it was much earlier.
It was a pleasant hour and half drive to the Springs. In 1986 traffic was nothing compared to what it would grow to in the coming decades. Our biggest challenge was making sure we knew where to turn to get to our hotel. Unlike last year, where we were at a loss as to where to stay, this year, Larry and JoEllen Hoffman, who knew Margo since she was born, told us about a place called the La Fon Motel, located in Manitou Springs.
We checked in and were given a second floor room. Margo says she remembers we were supposed to be on the ground floor, but assuming she is correct, I don’t recall why we ended up using the stairs. We were in our room long enough to bring everything up, unpack some, and get things set up for the next few hours. Jolene was nearly two by now, and has always been a good traveler. We got very lucky with her, in that she would just sit in car seat, and not fuss or cry. She liked to look out the window and watch us chase down the world. When that got boring, she slept. Margo always knew if she needed changed or fed, so it was maybe a bit of squirming or some fussing to sound an alert. Ten minutes later everything was fine again.
I was anxious to get to the fun part, but with a toddler along, rushing into a trip was a bad idea. Margo had to make sure she had her diaper bag packed and to make sure Jolene was dressed right for the elements. It was hot, late spring day in Brighton, when we left. But, it was cooler in the Springs (6400 ft), and would be cooler get when got to the top of Mt Manitou (8,600 ft)
Like last year, there would be a compromise on when to get this trip going. Getting off around midnight, driving 30 minutes home, and then winding down for an hour or so, did not lend itself to an early rise come morning. On the other hand, you can’t see anything from your bed. I think we would have been on the road by noon. It could have been later, but I doubt it was much earlier.
It was a pleasant hour and half drive to the Springs. In 1986 traffic was nothing compared to what it would grow to in the coming decades. Our biggest challenge was making sure we knew where to turn to get to our hotel. Unlike last year, where we were at a loss as to where to stay, this year, Larry and JoEllen Hoffman, who knew Margo since she was born, told us about a place called the La Fon Motel, located in Manitou Springs.
We checked in and were given a second floor room. Margo says she remembers we were supposed to be on the ground floor, but assuming she is correct, I don’t recall why we ended up using the stairs. We were in our room long enough to bring everything up, unpack some, and get things set up for the next few hours. Jolene was nearly two by now, and has always been a good traveler. We got very lucky with her, in that she would just sit in car seat, and not fuss or cry. She liked to look out the window and watch us chase down the world. When that got boring, she slept. Margo always knew if she needed changed or fed, so it was maybe a bit of squirming or some fussing to sound an alert. Ten minutes later everything was fine again.
I was anxious to get to the fun part, but with a toddler along, rushing into a trip was a bad idea. Margo had to make sure she had her diaper bag packed and to make sure Jolene was dressed right for the elements. It was hot, late spring day in Brighton, when we left. But, it was cooler in the Springs (6400 ft), and would be cooler get when got to the top of Mt Manitou (8,600 ft)
The Mount Manitou Incline is a funicular narrow-gauge rail system that was originally used to take people and supplies to the water tanks at the top of the mountain. A funicular is a dual cable car system, that is both counterbalanced by a large weight, and operate in tandem. The two cars are on side by side rails, and as one goes up the mountain, the other comes down. They are used on very steep grades. This certainly qualifies, as you gain 2000 feet in elevation in about 4650 feet of trave. That works out to about a 45% grade. I can tell you it feels like you are going straight up, even though it is only around 24 degrees on average.
We got there mid afternoon near the peak of the daily temperature. But at the base of the incline it was a pleasant day. We purchased our tickets, $5 each for Margo and I, Jolene was free. They offered a one way ticket, which meant you walked down. To me it looked like you would slip and roll down like a single rock avalanche. Even being a month shy of my 23rd birthday, I was wise enough to pay the extra $2.50 for a safe and quick return trip.
The trip up the mountain came complete with a guide who told us about the train. He gave us particulars about weight and height, and how safe it was. Truth be told, I was more concerned after his speech then before. His conclusion about having lunch in Kansas if the cable breaks has stuck with me. I am not sure if because it was amusing, or because of the dry, gallows humor.
We got to the top in short order. I don’t recall it taking more than just a few minutes. We dutifully waved at the other car as we passed at the half way point. At the top we were told we could hang around as long was like. There was a hiking trail, a small snack bar, gift shop, and most appealing to Jolene, the chipmunks. Forever known to Margo and I as chick-munks, following Jolene’s pronouncement of their name.
The Mount Manitou Incline is a funicular narrow-gauge rail system that was originally used to take people and supplies to the water tanks at the top of the mountain. A funicular is a dual cable car system, that is both counterbalanced by a large weight, and operate in tandem. The two cars are on side by side rails, and as one goes up the mountain, the other comes down. They are used on very steep grades. This certainly qualifies, as you gain 2000 feet in elevation in about 4650 feet of trave. That works out to about a 45% grade. I can tell you it feels like you are going straight up, even though it is only around 24 degrees on average.
We got there mid afternoon near the peak of the daily temperature. But at the base of the incline it was a pleasant day. We purchased our tickets, $5 each for Margo and I, Jolene was free. They offered a one way ticket, which meant you walked down. To me it looked like you would slip and roll down like a single rock avalanche. Even being a month shy of my 23rd birthday, I was wise enough to pay the extra $2.50 for a safe and quick return trip.
The trip up the mountain came complete with a guide who told us about the train. He gave us particulars about weight and height, and how safe it was. Truth be told, I was more concerned after his speech then before. His conclusion about having lunch in Kansas if the cable breaks has stuck with me. I am not sure if because it was amusing, or because of the dry, gallows humor.
We got to the top in short order. I don’t recall it taking more than just a few minutes. We dutifully waved at the other car as we passed at the half way point. At the top we were told we could hang around as long was like. There was a hiking trail, a small snack bar, gift shop, and most appealing to Jolene, the chipmunks. Forever known to Margo and I as chick-munks, following Jolene’s pronouncement of their name.
This little guys were used to being hand fed sunflower seeds which were dispensed from a machine. I am sure, today, that this would never be allowed, much less sponsored, but it was a hoot. Jolene was not shy at all. We poured a generous helping into her out-stretched hands and then a swarm, or gaggle, or herd of chipmunks were quickly scavenging the nuts. Margo and I also fed them, but we got more fun out watching Jolene’s face light up with delight.
We checked out the gift shop and having done our part to make the wildlife dependent on handouts, boarded the conveyance for our descent. It was just four years later when a rock slide took out a portion of the tracks. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, who both owns the Mt Manitou Incline, and whose train we would ride tomorrow, decided not to rebuilt. It was turned into a physical fitness hiking trail with over 2700 steps. At least one person has died trying to conquere this torture test. I will die some day, but it won’t be trying to hike a straight up trail when a perfectly good road exists to get you to the top.
It was late afternoon when we had finished. We went back to the room to get Jolene into warmer clothes and then found a place for dinner. We may have made our way back to the Mason Jar, a restaurant we discovered last year. I don’t recall for sure. But, we did eat. We were done with our first day. The highlight of our night was putting Jolene in the business chair that was paired with the desk in our room. We would spin her round and round and stop. Her eyes would keep shuffling from side to side as she watched the world keep moving. She was having a grand time on this “ride”.
It wasn’t long before she was put to bed. Margo and I were up later, with her retiring first and me likely around midnight. It had been a nice first day.
This little guys were used to being hand fed sunflower seeds which were dispensed from a machine. I am sure, today, that this would never be allowed, much less sponsored, but it was a hoot. Jolene was not shy at all. We poured a generous helping into her out-stretched hands and then a swarm, or gaggle, or herd of chipmunks were quickly scavenging the nuts. Margo and I also fed them, but we got more fun out watching Jolene’s face light up with delight.
We checked out the gift shop and having done our part to make the wildlife dependent on handouts, boarded the conveyance for our descent. It was just four years later when a rock slide took out a portion of the tracks. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, who both owns the Mt Manitou Incline, and whose train we would ride tomorrow, decided not to rebuilt. It was turned into a physical fitness hiking trail with over 2700 steps. At least one person has died trying to conquere this torture test. I will die some day, but it won’t be trying to hike a straight up trail when a perfectly good road exists to get you to the top.
It was late afternoon when we had finished. We went back to the room to get Jolene into warmer clothes and then found a place for dinner. We may have made our way back to the Mason Jar, a restaurant we discovered last year. I don’t recall for sure. But, we did eat. We were done with our first day. The highlight of our night was putting Jolene in the business chair that was paired with the desk in our room. We would spin her round and round and stop. Her eyes would keep shuffling from side to side as she watched the world keep moving. She was having a grand time on this “ride”.
It wasn’t long before she was put to bed. Margo and I were up later, with her retiring first and me likely around midnight. It had been a nice first day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day Two--June 02, 1986
We were up reasonably early this morning. I, as mentioned, was used to sleeping in. It was about 10 AM while Margo was getting Jolene ready, I went down to the front desk to get something. It was probably a brochure, but I don’t recall. Our plan today was to ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad to the top and do Seven Falls, so maybe I was getting a remembrance for our scrapbook.
Anyway, I went down the stairs, and made my way to the office. I was on my way back, rounded the corner and came up beside a policeman in full SWAT gear holding an imposing assault rifle. It was pointed away from me, and across the parking lot towards one of the motel’s buildings. I was startled and took a step back. What the heck going on? It looked like they were waiting for John Dillinger to come out of one of the rooms, and were ready for him to come out with tommy gun blazing away.
Another cop asked me what I was doing here, and I told him I was staying at the hotel. He asked my room number. I couldn’t remember it, and give him the first number that popped into my head. It started with a 2, and I was staying on the second floor, so that was good enough for him. I went to the room and told Margo. She was already looking out the window watching. I missed the whole thing, but they brought several people out of a downstairs room.
Much later I found out that they had taken a guy named James Elroy Denton into custody. He was an escapee from Georgia and had been involved, along with the two other people, Gary Allen Eddington and a nineteen year old girl, Gloria Lassab, in a police shoot out the day before.
At 2 AM Sunday night, while we had all still been in Brighton, sleeping in anticipation of our coming trip, these three had been pulled over by a Springs patrolman because their car had a loud muffler. Obviously these guys were either rocket scientists or brain surgeons, as one of them was out on bond for (deep breath), unlawful discharge of a firearm, destruction of city property, interference with a police officer, and resisting arrest (out on bond for two days), and the other guys had escaped from jail, so of course they would out at 2 AM in a car that would attract attention.
The first policeman called the local noise officer and while she was on her way to the scene, the first officer approached the car. Denton pulled out a .38 and put it to her head. When the other officer arrived, they were ordered by Denton to give up their guns. They wisely declined. Right after that, officer number one, knocked the gun away from her head, and the three idiots sped off. Denton fired two shots at the officers. The policeman returned fire with an average of five bullets a piece. None of the suspects were hit.
Apparently Denton did not go quietly when they found him hiding under the bed in his La Fon Motel room. He came out in handcuffs with a torn shirt and was bleeding from the face. When asked to account for Denton’s injuries, the press was told that he “had been hit with a piece of equipment, when he tried to grab a policeman’s gun”. I told you, brain surgeon. A memorable start to our second vacation day.
Anyway, If my memory of thirty plus years ago is accurate, we had made reservations in advance for our trip this morning. Our plan for the day was to conquer Pikes Peak, via the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. There are several ways to get to the top. You can hike. Yeah, not with a toddler or my wife’s knees. You can drive. It takes about an hour to drive to the top, but the driver has to watch the road, or risk making the news, in a stupid, Dentonesqe way. Or you can take the Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway, or more commonly known as, The Pike’s Peak Cog Railroad. That was us. Sit down and leave the driving to them.
Getting to the top of Pike’s Peak had not been a goal of mine. But, when I heard about the train, that sounded like something I would like to do. This would really be a case of the journey being more important than the destination.
I had no idea what a cog railroad was. I only knew that it was train that went to the top of the mountain. We would come to learn that trains don’t do well with mountain grades above 6%. A 6% grade means you gain 6 feet in elevation for every 100 feet you travel. It doesn’t sound like much, but it is very, very noticeable, and down right steep. Instead of climbing this grade, the wheels of the train just spin on the rails.
To overcome this, a cog railway has a third rail right down the middle between the other two rails. But, this rail has either teeth, like a gear, or holes, in which a gear could mesh. The train has a big gear (cog), which spins right along with the other wheels on the locomotive, and helps to pull the train up the steep grade, by aligning with the teeth or holes, depending on which system is used. There are only two active cog railways left in the US. One on Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, and the one we were about to travel, going to the top of Pikes Peak.
We got our tickets and explored the small terminal near Rocky Mountain, which is home to the Mount Manitou Incline, which we did yesterday. The Pike’s Peak Cog Railroad has self-contained, modern cars, Swiss made cars. The seats were all polished wood, handsome, but hard and un-cushioned. We didn’t mind. This was to be one of the highlights of the trip. We were taking the highest cog railroad in the world, to the top of Pikes Peak.
The trip to the top was uneventful. We were hoping to see bear, and deer, and mountain lion, and elk, and big horn sheep. All of which are inhabitants. But, all that we saw were a few marmots. A marmot looks like a large, fat prairie dog. Travelers from back east get all gaga over prairie dogs, but they are nuisance animals, detested by everyone who ends up with them on their land. They burrow, leaving holes, and carry disease. Bubonic Plague, anyone? They do make nice meals for coyotes and eagles. Anyway, the marmots are kind of cute.
The scenery started with trees, which got smaller, and less dense as we gained elevation. At some point, the tree line, vegetation stopped. The landscape was nothing but a layer of large rocks, like they had been excavated from a giant’s gravel pit. To me it was surprising. I was picturing a solid slab of rock. Or maybe several of them jammed up against each other.
Another thing that caught me a little off guard was the snow. We had been warned that it was common to see snow on the mountain, deep into the summer, up on the mountain. It was still weird to leave Manitou Springs with temps in the 80s and arrive up on the mountain, with temps in the 40s, and a very stiff wind. It truly looked like winter.
The view from the top was awesome. The view conditions were not optimal, as it was a bit overcast, but you could still understand why the view inspired Katherine Bates to write America the Beautiful. They lyrics “purple mountain majesties” “fruitful plains” and “amber waves of grain” were inspired by her trip up Pike’s Peak and her travels in 1893 to get there. I had not known this until I saw a sign up on the mountain.
We had all dressed in pants, expecting a weather change with our ascent. Margo and Jolene had jackets, but I am not even sure I brought on this trip, let alone this day. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t like I was being forced to brave the elements. They had a nice little gift shop and snack bar inside. We got a trinket or two, including an “I Made it to the Summit of Pike’s Peak” button for Jolene. We pinned it to her for the trip back down.
The trip back down seemed to take longer, but I doubt it really did. I think it was because we were all a little sleepy and we had scene the same stuff already. I know it sounds awful, but tree after tree, just got a bit boring. We did see the remnants of a log structure, collapsed and maybe burned. I don’t recall seeing as much as a bird on the way down. But, that is how goes with wildlife. They decide when they will be viewed, and I imagine most have a fear of both man and train.
It was around mid-afternoon when we finished our train ride. Margo thought it would be a good idea to head back to our room. She could put Jolene down for a nap. We might also join her, but that was not something I generally did back then. Margo could also get a head start on packing. We would leaving in the morning for Canon City.
Towards late afternoon, we found some supper and afterwards we headed into the mountains to find the place billed as “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado”. Seven Falls was pretty impressive last year, so we decided to see it again this year. Not a lot had changed since last year. Margo still wanted nothing to do with the stairs. She had done them once and that was plenty. I left Jolene with her this time and climbed up. I stayed just long enough to admire the view.
At the bottom of the stairs Margo and Jolene had been admiring the golden trout that were captive at Seven Falls. The golden trout is only found at high elevation lakes. These would have been very nice to catch on a line, as they were large and well fed.
The Tafoya family has been putting on Indian shows in the Springs area for years and did one here at Seven Falls. I can recall very little about it, other than there were several people doing dances. At the end they slapped a head dress on my head and Jolene and I took a picture.
They light up the falls at night. I don’t recall if we saw the lights come on last year, or not. This year we made sure we did. I failed to get a picture, but that was not for lack of trying. It is just I did not have a camera capable of taking a very good night shot. So, I got a shot of the retaining wall and a few spots of white and red light.
Years later, 2013 to be exact, the Seven Falls area, and much of the front range for that matter, was hit with a 100 year storm. Major flooding devastated Seven Falls, which was and had been family owned for something like 100 years. This flood caused the closing of the falls and its sale to the Broadmoor Hotel people. They poured millions of dollars into the rebuilding, and it reopened in 2015. I understand much has changed in the 35 years since we were here last. But, enough of this step outside of the narriative. Back to the story.
After the lights came on we decided that was basically it. We made sure to at least visit the gift shop. But, I don’t recall what little remembrance we picked up.
Anyway, I went down the stairs, and made my way to the office. I was on my way back, rounded the corner and came up beside a policeman in full SWAT gear holding an imposing assault rifle. It was pointed away from me, and across the parking lot towards one of the motel’s buildings. I was startled and took a step back. What the heck going on? It looked like they were waiting for John Dillinger to come out of one of the rooms, and were ready for him to come out with tommy gun blazing away.
Another cop asked me what I was doing here, and I told him I was staying at the hotel. He asked my room number. I couldn’t remember it, and give him the first number that popped into my head. It started with a 2, and I was staying on the second floor, so that was good enough for him. I went to the room and told Margo. She was already looking out the window watching. I missed the whole thing, but they brought several people out of a downstairs room.
Much later I found out that they had taken a guy named James Elroy Denton into custody. He was an escapee from Georgia and had been involved, along with the two other people, Gary Allen Eddington and a nineteen year old girl, Gloria Lassab, in a police shoot out the day before.
At 2 AM Sunday night, while we had all still been in Brighton, sleeping in anticipation of our coming trip, these three had been pulled over by a Springs patrolman because their car had a loud muffler. Obviously these guys were either rocket scientists or brain surgeons, as one of them was out on bond for (deep breath), unlawful discharge of a firearm, destruction of city property, interference with a police officer, and resisting arrest (out on bond for two days), and the other guys had escaped from jail, so of course they would out at 2 AM in a car that would attract attention.
The first policeman called the local noise officer and while she was on her way to the scene, the first officer approached the car. Denton pulled out a .38 and put it to her head. When the other officer arrived, they were ordered by Denton to give up their guns. They wisely declined. Right after that, officer number one, knocked the gun away from her head, and the three idiots sped off. Denton fired two shots at the officers. The policeman returned fire with an average of five bullets a piece. None of the suspects were hit.
Apparently Denton did not go quietly when they found him hiding under the bed in his La Fon Motel room. He came out in handcuffs with a torn shirt and was bleeding from the face. When asked to account for Denton’s injuries, the press was told that he “had been hit with a piece of equipment, when he tried to grab a policeman’s gun”. I told you, brain surgeon. A memorable start to our second vacation day.
Anyway, If my memory of thirty plus years ago is accurate, we had made reservations in advance for our trip this morning. Our plan for the day was to conquer Pikes Peak, via the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. There are several ways to get to the top. You can hike. Yeah, not with a toddler or my wife’s knees. You can drive. It takes about an hour to drive to the top, but the driver has to watch the road, or risk making the news, in a stupid, Dentonesqe way. Or you can take the Manitou and Pike’s Peak Railway, or more commonly known as, The Pike’s Peak Cog Railroad. That was us. Sit down and leave the driving to them.
Getting to the top of Pike’s Peak had not been a goal of mine. But, when I heard about the train, that sounded like something I would like to do. This would really be a case of the journey being more important than the destination.
I had no idea what a cog railroad was. I only knew that it was train that went to the top of the mountain. We would come to learn that trains don’t do well with mountain grades above 6%. A 6% grade means you gain 6 feet in elevation for every 100 feet you travel. It doesn’t sound like much, but it is very, very noticeable, and down right steep. Instead of climbing this grade, the wheels of the train just spin on the rails.
To overcome this, a cog railway has a third rail right down the middle between the other two rails. But, this rail has either teeth, like a gear, or holes, in which a gear could mesh. The train has a big gear (cog), which spins right along with the other wheels on the locomotive, and helps to pull the train up the steep grade, by aligning with the teeth or holes, depending on which system is used. There are only two active cog railways left in the US. One on Mount Washington, in New Hampshire, and the one we were about to travel, going to the top of Pikes Peak.
We got our tickets and explored the small terminal near Rocky Mountain, which is home to the Mount Manitou Incline, which we did yesterday. The Pike’s Peak Cog Railroad has self-contained, modern cars, Swiss made cars. The seats were all polished wood, handsome, but hard and un-cushioned. We didn’t mind. This was to be one of the highlights of the trip. We were taking the highest cog railroad in the world, to the top of Pikes Peak.
The trip to the top was uneventful. We were hoping to see bear, and deer, and mountain lion, and elk, and big horn sheep. All of which are inhabitants. But, all that we saw were a few marmots. A marmot looks like a large, fat prairie dog. Travelers from back east get all gaga over prairie dogs, but they are nuisance animals, detested by everyone who ends up with them on their land. They burrow, leaving holes, and carry disease. Bubonic Plague, anyone? They do make nice meals for coyotes and eagles. Anyway, the marmots are kind of cute.
The scenery started with trees, which got smaller, and less dense as we gained elevation. At some point, the tree line, vegetation stopped. The landscape was nothing but a layer of large rocks, like they had been excavated from a giant’s gravel pit. To me it was surprising. I was picturing a solid slab of rock. Or maybe several of them jammed up against each other.
Another thing that caught me a little off guard was the snow. We had been warned that it was common to see snow on the mountain, deep into the summer, up on the mountain. It was still weird to leave Manitou Springs with temps in the 80s and arrive up on the mountain, with temps in the 40s, and a very stiff wind. It truly looked like winter.
The view from the top was awesome. The view conditions were not optimal, as it was a bit overcast, but you could still understand why the view inspired Katherine Bates to write America the Beautiful. They lyrics “purple mountain majesties” “fruitful plains” and “amber waves of grain” were inspired by her trip up Pike’s Peak and her travels in 1893 to get there. I had not known this until I saw a sign up on the mountain.
We had all dressed in pants, expecting a weather change with our ascent. Margo and Jolene had jackets, but I am not even sure I brought on this trip, let alone this day. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t like I was being forced to brave the elements. They had a nice little gift shop and snack bar inside. We got a trinket or two, including an “I Made it to the Summit of Pike’s Peak” button for Jolene. We pinned it to her for the trip back down.
The trip back down seemed to take longer, but I doubt it really did. I think it was because we were all a little sleepy and we had scene the same stuff already. I know it sounds awful, but tree after tree, just got a bit boring. We did see the remnants of a log structure, collapsed and maybe burned. I don’t recall seeing as much as a bird on the way down. But, that is how goes with wildlife. They decide when they will be viewed, and I imagine most have a fear of both man and train.
It was around mid-afternoon when we finished our train ride. Margo thought it would be a good idea to head back to our room. She could put Jolene down for a nap. We might also join her, but that was not something I generally did back then. Margo could also get a head start on packing. We would leaving in the morning for Canon City.
Towards late afternoon, we found some supper and afterwards we headed into the mountains to find the place billed as “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado”. Seven Falls was pretty impressive last year, so we decided to see it again this year. Not a lot had changed since last year. Margo still wanted nothing to do with the stairs. She had done them once and that was plenty. I left Jolene with her this time and climbed up. I stayed just long enough to admire the view.
At the bottom of the stairs Margo and Jolene had been admiring the golden trout that were captive at Seven Falls. The golden trout is only found at high elevation lakes. These would have been very nice to catch on a line, as they were large and well fed.
The Tafoya family has been putting on Indian shows in the Springs area for years and did one here at Seven Falls. I can recall very little about it, other than there were several people doing dances. At the end they slapped a head dress on my head and Jolene and I took a picture.
They light up the falls at night. I don’t recall if we saw the lights come on last year, or not. This year we made sure we did. I failed to get a picture, but that was not for lack of trying. It is just I did not have a camera capable of taking a very good night shot. So, I got a shot of the retaining wall and a few spots of white and red light.
Years later, 2013 to be exact, the Seven Falls area, and much of the front range for that matter, was hit with a 100 year storm. Major flooding devastated Seven Falls, which was and had been family owned for something like 100 years. This flood caused the closing of the falls and its sale to the Broadmoor Hotel people. They poured millions of dollars into the rebuilding, and it reopened in 2015. I understand much has changed in the 35 years since we were here last. But, enough of this step outside of the narriative. Back to the story.
After the lights came on we decided that was basically it. We made sure to at least visit the gift shop. But, I don’t recall what little remembrance we picked up.
|
|
Day Three-June 03, 1986
Bright and early was still a hard sell to me. I was definitely used to being up until past midnight and the rising mid to late morning, depending on the day’s duties. Today’s schedule was firm in itinerary. No so firm in when to begin. We were on the road by late morning. I think I was orginally planning to take 1-25 to US-50. But, I seem to recall a road sign pointing us away from the highway, and ending up on US 115. This was a much shorter route, and I remember taking it for that direction. But, I was also not a confident traveler back then, and the interstate seemed so much safer. I recall US 115 being just a two lane highway back then. No idea what it is all these years later. But, it felt like I had taken a back trail.
It took about an hour to make the drive. I don’t recall what hotel we stayed out. Back then I would grab a post card from the front desk as a memento. I seemed to recall having a post card. Maybe we stayed at the Super 8. I seem to remember it being a discount chain, but not Motel 6. It could have been the Best Western. There was no SWAT team on site to make an impression this time.
We checked in and Margo got us all prepared for our outing of the day. I was looking forward to this. Today we were going to Buckskin Joe’s. Buckskin Joe’s is Colorado’s answer to Old Tucson of Arizona. Old Tucson was created to be an outdoor movie set for the film Arizona. Buckskin Joe started life as a collection of Colorado buildings from the times of the old west and infantile mining days. One of those included Horace Tabor’s Post Office from the original Buckskin Joe, which was further south.
It opened in 1957. There were gift shops, stagecoaches, horses, gunfights, food, and plenty of employees in period dress. By 1986, these things were still going on. In between then and now, Buckskin Joe also was used for the movies. John Wayne filmed part of True Grit and The Cowboys there. Cat Ballow, How the West was Won, and The Sackets among others had scenes from Buckskin Joe. Knowing John Wayne had been there was more than enough for me.
We spend the next few hours wandering from building to building, paying particular attention to the clock, as gunfights were scheduled several times each day. We were told that each to the fights was based on an actual event. I can remember two of reenactments. One had some sort of black hat call out the sheriff using the term “tin badge”. I had seen that in print, and knew that it was a degrogatory term for law enforcement in the 19th century, but I had never heard it spoken. It sounded a little odd to me.
The gun fire was loud. I had not been raised around guns, so the report startled me. I am sure it had the same effect on Margo and Jolene. I don’t recall her crying, but I do recall she was not thrilled about it. I think Margo took her inside to help her escape the drama and noise.
The other event I recall was a hanging. I could be confusing this was another trip, because I was sure I took a picture, and can’t find it, but it definitely happened. I was very impressed with this as they had built gallows and had rigged it so the actor actually dropped. They would be hard pressed to find volunteers if the hangee’s neck was actually snapped, but I could not tell how they rigged it so he was unharmed. They let the crowd wander by and snap pictures. From what I have read, actual hangings were prime entertainment in the old west. People would come from miles around and stake out a good spot.
I am pretty sure we saw three gunfights that day. They were space out and the last one was mid afternoon. We filled the spots in between with a trip to the Golden Nugget restaurant to have a meal. It took up the bottom floor of the building, with the Crystal Palace Saloon occupying the upper floor. I had a hamburger and fries. I recall it being a decent burger.
We wandered and saw other buildings. The sheriff’s office and the Silver Dollar saloon. There was a general store and another building with the inside papered in old mining stock. Most mines never generated a profit and stock issued for those was literally not worth the paper it was printed on. At least back then. Now it would have collector’s value.
We saw a bath tub with a sign that John Wayne and Lee Marvin bathed in it. We took quite a few pictures of the buildings and of each other. Jolene was in most shots that had a person in it. She was pretty photogenic when she wasn’t being shy or ornery. We have her in front of teepee, in front of a wagon, on a bench in front of Tabor’s general store, and lastly on a mule.
You could rent a mule to plop your kid on top of and lead her around a trail behind the town. I thought this was pretty cool. Margo did, too. Jolene did at first. She looks like she had been in the saddle her whole life in one picture. Then in the next, with Margo leading her, she is holding on like she expects to become airborne at any minute. The pace Margo was leading the little animal was very slow.
It had been a fun day. By the time the last gunfight was over it was late afternoon. Jolene had napped a little, but much. She was a good traveler and was not the type to whine and fuss, but she was tired and we had seen everything. We called it a day and went back to our hotel.
It took about an hour to make the drive. I don’t recall what hotel we stayed out. Back then I would grab a post card from the front desk as a memento. I seemed to recall having a post card. Maybe we stayed at the Super 8. I seem to remember it being a discount chain, but not Motel 6. It could have been the Best Western. There was no SWAT team on site to make an impression this time.
We checked in and Margo got us all prepared for our outing of the day. I was looking forward to this. Today we were going to Buckskin Joe’s. Buckskin Joe’s is Colorado’s answer to Old Tucson of Arizona. Old Tucson was created to be an outdoor movie set for the film Arizona. Buckskin Joe started life as a collection of Colorado buildings from the times of the old west and infantile mining days. One of those included Horace Tabor’s Post Office from the original Buckskin Joe, which was further south.
It opened in 1957. There were gift shops, stagecoaches, horses, gunfights, food, and plenty of employees in period dress. By 1986, these things were still going on. In between then and now, Buckskin Joe also was used for the movies. John Wayne filmed part of True Grit and The Cowboys there. Cat Ballow, How the West was Won, and The Sackets among others had scenes from Buckskin Joe. Knowing John Wayne had been there was more than enough for me.
We spend the next few hours wandering from building to building, paying particular attention to the clock, as gunfights were scheduled several times each day. We were told that each to the fights was based on an actual event. I can remember two of reenactments. One had some sort of black hat call out the sheriff using the term “tin badge”. I had seen that in print, and knew that it was a degrogatory term for law enforcement in the 19th century, but I had never heard it spoken. It sounded a little odd to me.
The gun fire was loud. I had not been raised around guns, so the report startled me. I am sure it had the same effect on Margo and Jolene. I don’t recall her crying, but I do recall she was not thrilled about it. I think Margo took her inside to help her escape the drama and noise.
The other event I recall was a hanging. I could be confusing this was another trip, because I was sure I took a picture, and can’t find it, but it definitely happened. I was very impressed with this as they had built gallows and had rigged it so the actor actually dropped. They would be hard pressed to find volunteers if the hangee’s neck was actually snapped, but I could not tell how they rigged it so he was unharmed. They let the crowd wander by and snap pictures. From what I have read, actual hangings were prime entertainment in the old west. People would come from miles around and stake out a good spot.
I am pretty sure we saw three gunfights that day. They were space out and the last one was mid afternoon. We filled the spots in between with a trip to the Golden Nugget restaurant to have a meal. It took up the bottom floor of the building, with the Crystal Palace Saloon occupying the upper floor. I had a hamburger and fries. I recall it being a decent burger.
We wandered and saw other buildings. The sheriff’s office and the Silver Dollar saloon. There was a general store and another building with the inside papered in old mining stock. Most mines never generated a profit and stock issued for those was literally not worth the paper it was printed on. At least back then. Now it would have collector’s value.
We saw a bath tub with a sign that John Wayne and Lee Marvin bathed in it. We took quite a few pictures of the buildings and of each other. Jolene was in most shots that had a person in it. She was pretty photogenic when she wasn’t being shy or ornery. We have her in front of teepee, in front of a wagon, on a bench in front of Tabor’s general store, and lastly on a mule.
You could rent a mule to plop your kid on top of and lead her around a trail behind the town. I thought this was pretty cool. Margo did, too. Jolene did at first. She looks like she had been in the saddle her whole life in one picture. Then in the next, with Margo leading her, she is holding on like she expects to become airborne at any minute. The pace Margo was leading the little animal was very slow.
It had been a fun day. By the time the last gunfight was over it was late afternoon. Jolene had napped a little, but much. She was a good traveler and was not the type to whine and fuss, but she was tired and we had seen everything. We called it a day and went back to our hotel.
|
|
|
|
|
Day Four-June 04, 1986
|
We got an earlier start today, as we had a lot we wanted to do. Today we would be spending the day at the Royal Gorge. I did know anything about its history, but I was to find out. The bridge was built in 1929 and took only six months to complete. But, back in 1878-9 what was known as the Royal Gorge Railroad War was fought, mostly in court, but it a very Old West connection. Why would there be a railroad war in the Royal Gorge? Silver was discovered in Leadville and surrounding areas. So, there was a big need for a railroad to haul the ore and to deliver supplies. The most expedient way, at the time involved going through the Royal Gorge. The problem was there was only room for one set of tracks and their were two railroads racing to get tracks though it; the Rio Grande railroad and the Santa Fe railroad.
There was lots of court fights, but there was also military-like shenanigans. Bat Masterson, of Dodge City fame was hired by the Santa Fe to take control of the railroad stations from Denver south to Canon City Among the hired guns were Doc Holliday, Dave Rudabaugh, Josh Webb, Ben Thompson, and Mysterious Dave Mather. No one apprears to have been hurt, and after more non-finalizing legal wrangling the gunmen went home. Later that summer, when the court rulings turned against the Santa Fe, Masterson returned and took over the roundhouse in Pueblo and commandeered a cannon to set up a defensive position against the men of the Rio Grande, and the local authorities. The Rio Grande guys broke down the door to the roundhouse, shots were fired, and the Masterson guys either surrendered or ran out the back. There are conflicting stories on what actually happened. And all of this before the bridge was built in 1929. The Royal Gorge Bridge was kind of the original Bridge to No Where. It was not built with the idea of enhancing commerce or to get automobile traffic across the canon. Nope. In true American fashion it was built as a tourist attraction. Along with the funicular that was built to take people to the bottom of the gorge, it worked. Here we were. |
|
|
|
We arrived but stopped short of the entrance because a couple of deer had gathered. These deer were not afraid of people. In fact they had seen use humans as a food source. Who were we to disappoint Bambi? We did not bring any Deer Chow, so we found some left over potato chips from our road trip. Things have changed as in current times there would be signs everywhere warning us not to feed the animals. There might even be a sign warning us the animals might become dependent on the handouts from government, err, I mean people and would no longer be able to fend for themselves. If only deer could vote, people today could enjoy what Margo and Jolene did these many years ago.
The one that approached was still pretty young. Jolene was pretty apprehensive at first, content to let her mother distribute what Frito-Lays has provided. But soon as she saw that the deer meant no harm, she had her hand in there, an even let the young on lick the leftover salt from her hand. What was I doing this whole time. Taking pictures to preserve for posterity, of course. Isn’t that dad’s job? I was all caught up the photography, so when the deer left to find someone else, I was looking for other things to take pictures of. The entrance to the park made a nice photo. So I took a few there. Then I noticed something moving over by the bushes. It had black fur and a white stripe. Any person of my generation and prior grew up with Looney Toons and Pepe LePew, the skunk. So, I of course recognized what it was, and what an amazing picture that would make, if I could only get to it before it got into the bushes. |
|
I know what you are thinking, and you watch too much TV. I took two steps towards, bringing up my camera for the shot, when my common sense slapped me in the back of the head. I was approaching the back end of a skunk, who could decide at any second I was a threat. That would mean the skunk would defend itself in the manner Mother Nature had bestowed on it. That thought froze me, and I watch Pepe finish its getaway.
We parked. In those days you could still drive across the bridge. You could go a short way and then you had to turn around and come back the way you came. I guess because I had no reason to drive to the other side, I did not. But, it would have been cool. We settled for walking out on it. There were several signs telling of various things. An episode of the TV series That’s Incredible was filmed there. Four people of questionable intelligence bungee jumped for that episode. One told of it’s status as the highest bridge in the world. Another warned against fishing from the bridge. Someone has a sense of humor. It’s nearly a 1000 ft to the river. We took our pictures in front of a couple of them. It was pretty windy on the bridge and I can remember the bridge moved a little. That is not the most reassuring feeling in the world. |
|
|
|
There is really not a lot to do on the bridge. We saw the view from both sides. We looked down and saw the tiny brownish line that was the Arkansas River, and we took pictures. Then we were done with that. We walked back to the main side and decided to take the Incline. I mentioned it in passing a few paragraphs ago. Once the bridge was complete someone came up with the idea to take people down to the bottom of the gorge to get a completely different view. The answer to this problem was the same as for Mount Manitou. A funicular is the only conveyance that could handle the weight and grade. They had it completed in 1931 and it was still working 55 years later. This ride was even more steep than the one in the Springs. It was so steep that you stood up in it. The cars were more akin to steel cages, than cars. I did not find it disturbing, but I was in wonder. The place that they built it felt like it was a crack in the canyon. It was just wide enough, in spots for the cars to get through. |
|
It took about five minutes to get to the bottom. At the halfway point we passed the other cars coming back up and yelled the traditional salutations at them as we passed. Once we reached the bottom we could see the train tracks, a clear picture of the Arkansas River, and a number of buildings.
The most striking thing was how much bigger the river was, but how much smaller you thought it would be. From 1000 feet above its surface it looked like a worm. Now, it was a rapidly flowing river, about 50 feet across to the other side. The train tracks, fought over in the railroad war, was on this side of the river. On the other side was something I never considered. A wooden pipe. In the early part of the 20th century more water was need to feed the growing Canon City. In 1908 the city solicited bids to have 8 miles of steel or wood conduit pipe laid along the bank of the Arkansas River. It was completed in about two years. The pipes were used into the 1970s. They were obviously not in use, as pieces were missing. They looked like they should have carried water back when Bat Masterson had been in town, rather than in the last decade. |
|
We didn’t spend tons of time down there, because there was just not a lot to see or do. One thing we could see was the gondola that would make its way back and forth across the canyon. The aerial tram, as it called, was added the park in 1969. Neither Margo or I had ever ridden a gondola, but we wanted to. Minutes later the three of us were on the incline railway on our way back to the top.
Margo and I were both 22 years old. Babies, really, when I look back. Jolene would be two in a bit less that three months. That meant that riding in a box, suspended from a cable, more than a 1000 feet about the ground, was absolutely an adventure for us. In the coming years we would do things to make this seem tame, but in 1986, this was exciting and had a real edge of danger. We got our tickets, boarded, and it was not long before the wheels in the wheels started turning and the ground disappeared underneath us. I had never flown before and I wondered if it felt like this. Once we got completely over the canyon, the ground seemed so far below us, that we must be flying. I don’t recall Jolene’s reaction to all of this. I know she did not fuss. She was always a good traveler and was rarely shy about joining in on the things we were doing. |
The ride was over pretty quickly, relatively speaking. It wasn’t like it was a roller coaster, and over in a minute, but it really did not take long to travel the 2000 plus feet. We got off and explored a little bit. There was not a lot to see or do, so it was not long before we made our return trip. We could have walked across the bridge, but why, when the tram was right there and we would not have to carry a toddler.
The Royal Gorge offered one final attraction; The Royal Gorge Scenic Railway. The Royal Gorge Scenic Railway is a minature railroad, with a 50s looking diesel engine, pulling small open air cars, which seat a tight ten, or five per car, comfortably. The engine runs on gasoline and the engineer sticks up above the top of the engine.
The railway was located close to Buckskin Joe, which is nearby. We left the Canon park and drove a short distance to the small train depot. They had a nice gift shop, restaurant, and a car museum. I believe it opened in 1958, when we visited it, this railway was in its heyday.
The Royal Gorge offered one final attraction; The Royal Gorge Scenic Railway. The Royal Gorge Scenic Railway is a minature railroad, with a 50s looking diesel engine, pulling small open air cars, which seat a tight ten, or five per car, comfortably. The engine runs on gasoline and the engineer sticks up above the top of the engine.
The railway was located close to Buckskin Joe, which is nearby. We left the Canon park and drove a short distance to the small train depot. They had a nice gift shop, restaurant, and a car museum. I believe it opened in 1958, when we visited it, this railway was in its heyday.
|
We bought our tickets, and boarded the tiny passenger cars. It got a seat to myself, while Jolene and Margo took the seat behind me. It was a much simpler time, where a 15” gauge railroad, running through arid conditions, complete with small cactus, scrub brush, and rattlesnakes (we did not see any) was exciting. Taking our daughter was what made it fun. She enjoyed the train.
Once we got a little closer to the canyon we started to see more trees and the train passed over several wooden bridges. There was no water under them, which I am guessing to mean that the primary purpose was just to clear the small gullies we passed over. The train reached iits furthest point, Point Alta Vista, which gave an unobstructed, but somewhat distant view of the Royal Gorge Bridge. We got to stop and get out for a few minutes here. They had constructed a small depot, which was covered and had chain link, so you did not become part of the scenery. The bridge was in the distance, but the Arkansas River below was much closer and the canyon itself was a nice diversion. |
Jolene with engine in the background
|
Jolene and me at Point Alta Vista with bridge in the background
The ride back was almost identical to ride up. The engine circled back around to the bridges, which had double tracks. After we cleared the bridges we were back on the single track, watching the trees give way to bushes and then to scrub brush.
Back at the depot we took in the car museum, which I only barely remember. I recall that the cars were all vintage and interesting. We had some ice cream and that was it. Our day was now pretty deep into the afternoon and we had a 2 ½ hour drive home. That is what we did. We had had a good time and really were laying the foundation for our grand trips we would be taking in the next forty years, with and without our kids.
Back at the depot we took in the car museum, which I only barely remember. I recall that the cars were all vintage and interesting. We had some ice cream and that was it. Our day was now pretty deep into the afternoon and we had a 2 ½ hour drive home. That is what we did. We had had a good time and really were laying the foundation for our grand trips we would be taking in the next forty years, with and without our kids.
Day Five
|
|
|
|
|
|