Still in Colorado

We are still in Monument CO. Our campsite is 7,443 feet above sea level. You have to do everything a little slower or you run out breath. After last weekend weather of snow and 20 degree lows, today  clear skys and 78 degrees.
Today is a rest day. After the snow, wind and cold last weekend, we have been trying to get the tourist things in.
Wednesday we went to Manitou Springs and driving thru the Rocky Mts.
Thursday we climbed Pikes Peak by rail. The Cog Railway, driven by gears and cogs goes to the top. There are three 25 degree climbs. It is 30 degrees colder up there , 14,110 feet altitude. Great view. You can see 4 states from there.
This is a view of the tree line, right at 14,000 feet. No trees above this line.

This is the cog train  we rode. Note the cogs on the center rail. A gear meshed with them and is driven by 4 diesel engines.


 











On the way down. One of 3 25% grades

 











Friday we went thru Royal Gorge by rail. Very nice dinner train.
The blue car was ours. It was a dinner trip. They had a very good menu.
 

 The suspension bridge is over 2500 feet above the bottom of the gorge.














They even had a good micro-brewery beer and a full service bar. Note the mug label.













The Arkansas river runs thru the gorge. Note the foot path.

We still want to go to the Air Force Academy and the Gold Mine Museum.  Thursday we go to Cheyenne, WY and the Terry Bison Ranch.