Fall, Colorado, 2013--Colorado Springs

We left Fort Collins in a drizzly, very light snow mix about 11 am.  Traveled south thru Denver on our way to Colorado Springs.  Snow got heavier until we drove over Monument Hill where the snow stopped and the sun came out.  I know we are in Colorado but it is a bit early for snow.

Although it was cold and windy, the rest of the day was great.  The first place we visited was the Air Force Academy.  As we entered the gate, the guard told us that we were welcome to come in, walk around, and take as many photos as we wanted.  Unfortunately, the visitor center and the chapel were closed due to the government shutdown.  Major let down.  We then saw other tourists entering the visitor center.  It was open.  Yay!  The theatre which showed a film about the academy was closed but the rest of the center was open.  Very interesting.  We then took a short trail to see the chapel.  The chapel was closed.  I am sorry we didn't see the interior as I have heard many things about it.  But it is an awesome architectural building and I am so glad we were able to view it in person.  We then drove over to the Falcon Club for lunch and by the stadium before heading to the U.S. Olympic Center.

My favorite spot of the day was the Olympic Center.  It is a very nice facility for our athletes. There are quite a few sports that train here including men's gymnastics, wrestling, shooting, and weight lifting.  They do not train the women gymnasts because many are under 16 years of age. One must be 16 to train at the center.  There are many other sports in which they are privately trained.  In fact, I was surprised at how many.  We saw several athletes busy training.  

We then checked into our bed and breakfast.  Headed to supper at Crystal Park Cantina.  Mexican food and very good.  The place was packed.  That always says something about a restaurant.