Pike's Peak or Bust

That memorable trip: The Summer of '72

Posted 3/16/2008

Thirty-five years ago. Can it really be that long? The six of us who trekked from Yonkers to Colorado and back again in July 1972 will never forget it.

Four weeks in a motorhome: One week heading West, two weeks in Colorado and a week returning. Two adults, four kids age 11-18, and one beagle. Who would think that was a good idea? Well it was, and we've never stopped talking about it since.

The following is a brief summary of the trip by Lorraine, excerpted from an autobiography she wrote in 1996.

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The six of us, plus old faithful Timmy, started out on July first and traveled for a month in the motor home. It was a once in a lifetime experience and we're so happy we did it. It was really togetherness - and we all came back still friends. Timmy enjoyed every minute of it - he barked at every cow from here to Colorado and back. It was fun living in the motor home - not exactly roughing it, with air-conditioning and stereo - and we enjoyed the marvelous scenery along the way

Some highlights were a stop at St. Louis and a ride up through the Gateway Arch for a wonderful view of the city. We spent my birthday at a great campground in Lawrence, Kansas, where we all enjoyed a swim in the pool, and Dan and the kids fixed a delicious steak dinner for my birthday party at our campsite. Kathy fixed a nice cake for me, candles and all. It was the first, and only, time I celebrated my birthday in a Kansas wheatfield!

The scenery suddenly changed as we approached the Rockies in Colorado. We spent many days exploring this beautiful state, including Central City, an old gold-mining town and Denver, a large, modern city. Colorado Springs was wonderful; we drove into the Garden of the Gods, Dan's favorite place when he was living there, and it was spectacular. Danny and Kathy enjoyed horseback riding in the park - their first time. We also saw the Cave of the Winds, and visited the Air Force Academy where we were given a very nice tour by John Burke's brother, Captain Dave Burke.

Another highlight of our trip was a cog railroad trip to the top of Pike's Peak for a fantastic view in perfectly clear weather. We enjoyed Cripple Creek and the Mollie Kathleen goldmine, and a melodrama at the Imperial Hotel. We also visited Royal Gorge and walked across the worlds highest suspension bridge, then Mesa Verde and the cliff dwellings - very interesting. We also enjoyed visiting Four Corners, where Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah meet - the kids had fun stepping from one state to another. We then turned eastward, through New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, all interesting states to visit. We decided to stop at the Indiana Speedway, where Brien and Kevin enjoyed a treat - a guided bus tour around the track. Our last stop was a very nice campground at Pittsburgh, Pa. where the kids enjoyed a huge swimming pool and slide, and many other activities.

Then the trip back to Yonkers! Our own beds really felt good again, but we certainly enjoyed the whole trip. We were so fortunate we were able to do it, enjoy it so much, and arrive home safely. God was with us all the way.