Lou and Carolyn DeCarolis and Sam and Kathy Smith
On top of Pikes Peak, 20 Rovin’ Pebbles RV Club members started the first part of a two week adventure in both Colorado Springs and Santa Fe, New Mexico. At the top, 14,115 feet above sea level, club members stood in 53 mph wind with a temperature index of 27 degrees and gazed over the far expanse of mountain ranges and the sea-like sweep of the plains. On the way up and back, by Cog Rail, we heard stories about the history of the mountain. Katharine Bates, who wrote the poem America the Beautiful, was inspired by the view from Pike’s Peak. It almost became the national anthem.
During our six days in the Springs, the group participated in several activities. A professional guide led a two-hour tour of the Air Force Academy. After the tour, members explored further, with some having lunch at the Officers Club. At the USA Olympic Training Center, a guide showed us deep inside the 30 acre facility. We saw Olympic athletes training at the two-level indoor gun range, a dozen gymnasts going through their routines and weight lifters making us all feel it was time to skip Happy Hour and fit in some exercise time! On another day we headed to The Garden of the Gods. Some toured the grounds with some members taking hikes while others canvased the large city park and visitor center. All of us had lunch outdoors at the Trading Post.
The group bid adieu to Colorado Springs and headed south to Santa Fe, New Mexico where we linked up with several more club members.
To give members a taste of what Santa Fe had to offer, we drove to the historic Santa Fe Plaza where we boarded open-air trolleys for a tour. We observed the different styles of architecture that are unique to the area. We toured the art district with its abundance of galleries and the museum district. We were also regaled with some of Santa Fe’s colorful history. Following the tour we enjoyed lunch at The Shed restaurant which gave the group a taste of New Mexico cuisine. The circa 1600s adobe building that houses the restaurant added to the atmosphere.
The following day was a free day in which some members of the club enjoyed a round of golf at the Marty Sanchez Santa Fe Links Golf Course, while others enjoyed the art and museum districts. Some chose to spend more time at the Plaza with its abundance of shops and restaurants.
On our third full day in Santa Fe, some of us braved the weather and took a walking tour of Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum. The 200 acre site has numerous structures that represent Spanish Colonial life in the 1700 and 1800s. For our final Happy Hour, we convened at the nearby Santa Fe Brewing Company.
Alas, all good times must come to an end, so the Rovin’ Pebbles broke camp and went their separate ways.