Day 18: Wallace, KS to Cascade, CO via Colorado Springs

After a thorough exploration of Wallace Cemetery in the daytime, including the wooden grave markers of early settlers and scouts, we celebrated Mother’s Day with a special breakfast at Peggy’s Diner. This was the most authentic diner I had ever been to, reminiscent of a Stephen King novel. We could have sworn it was off the set of the TV show 11.22.63 though we didn’t sneak back to see if there was a time portal in the closet.

 

Upon entering Colorado, we travelled to Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. This fort was the commercial hub for trade from Denver to Santa Fe in the late 1800s. It played an important role in Native American-settler relations and was a key part of the North American-Mexico war which resulted in Texas and New Mexico (previously part of Mexico) being claimed as part of the USA. We learned how Bent was a controversial figure being honoured by some and seen as evil by others. The boys completed the Junior Ranger program and listened intently during the guided tour.

After more driving, we finally made it to Colorado Springs for a visit to the Garden of the Gods. The boys loved bouldering on the red rocks and we took lots of cool photos. Seamus managed to get himself stuck and had to be lifted down from a rock shelf after he was too scared to retrace his steps.

Ali is pointing out the kissing camel. Can you see it?

Fun until it is time to get down

Mule deer. Oh dear, not scared of people at all.

We are snuggled up tonight in Lone Duck Campground at the base of Pike’s Peak. Seamus has a bit of altitude sickness so we went to bed early hoping it will resolve itself by morning. The warm showers (the first in many days) was a superb treat. We are clean and ready to rest after a busy day.