July 20, 2022
I hope everyone is looking forward to the reunion and to see where everyone ended up since leaving Alice. Some of us ended up in Colorado Springs, including Joanne and myself. We actually moved to Manitou Springs in Fall of 2018 and get to look at Pikes Peak every day.
There are several ways to get to the top of Pikes Peak including hiking, driving, and the cog railway. The Pikes peak marathon is actually the weekend after the reunion and is sold out so this isn’t an option unless you are already signed-up. (May not be a practical option anyway)
The cog railway (https://www.cograilway.com) was purchased by the Broadmore hotel and had a couple years of a complete update, including new trains from Switzerland. To get up the grade, the track has a “gear” in the middle and the engine has a cog to engage and pull the train up the hill (and keep it under control on the way down). The Broadmore has made some changes as part of their overall efforts for tourism in Colorado Springs (note: they also bought and updated the Seven Falls which is cool and has a nice restaurant but now is a bit pricey)
Our plan is to coordinate a time and make our own reservations directly with the cog railway. Joanne and I are departing on Wednesday, 14 September at 9:20 in car 3, seats 45 D&E.
The railway is more about the journey than the destination with lots of mountain views on the 9 mile trip up & down but only 40 minutes at the top. The top is 14,115 ft elevation so that may be enough time for someone not used to the altitude.
Parking may be the biggest headache and we can car pool if folks would like to coordinate. You can park at the railway or in Manitou Springs and then take the shuttle up to the railway. If you park in Manitou Springs, you can walk down the hill, get lunch and explore Manitou Springs after the railway trip. Manitou Springs is a quirky and interesting place so this is a good option.
Hope to see you at the reunion and on the cog railway!
- Rich
August 23, 2022
Just a quick note on what to expect. According to Weather-atlas.com, September, the first month of the autumn in Colorado Springs, is still a pleasant month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 48.2°F (9°C) and 70.9°F (21.6°C). September is a beautiful time of year and we should have good weather but it may be cooler than some are used to with the evening in the forties. And Colorado weather is unpredictable so we may have a high of 80 one day and see a couple snow flakes the next. Remember that Colorado Springs is at about 6,000 feet above sea level. Pikes Peak is 14,000 feet and about 15 degree cooler so even if you are comfortable when we get on the cog rail, you may want a light jacket when you get off at the top. And if you are coming from sea level it is helpful to make sure you drink enough water to help with the altitude.
Bottom line - we will have a great time and Colorado is a beautiful place but it is probably a good idea to bring a light jacket with you.
- Rich