Colorado Springs, CO

Getting adjusted to city life was not easy as we settled into Manitou Springs, just out side of Colorado Springs.  We are country folk and don't really care for busy streets and traffic.  But, our campground at Krystal Kangaroo was somewhat rural with beautiful views of the mountains.  Surprisingly we couldn't see Pikes Peak from our mountain side, but the views to the east, of the Garden of the Gods, was exceptional.

We all enjoyed our tour of the Air Force Academy

The campground had resident bears with cubs...a little scary!

The deer hung out by the campers.

We enjoyed three different trips to Garden of the Gods.  I don't care for the name - it should be Garden of Our God - so that is what we called it.

I love the fact that there is no charge to get into the park.  The property was donated to the city with the condition that it would always be free to enter.

It is definitely not a secluded place to reflect on life; there are people everywhere!  Most parking lots are full to the brim.
But, it is worth the visit - really beautiful formations.

Of course the kids loved Focus on the Family's headquarters.  There is a huge kids area that is free to go to.  There are slides, activities, and more fun than a day can hold.  We went back 3 times!

Off-roading was a must while in this part of the country.  The dust was terrible, but the views awesome.