Up and back again

The elevation at the top of Pike's Peak is over 14,000 feet. I have already experienced somewhat the unpleasant side effects which can visit one at high altitudes, and I admittedly wasn't really keen to go. But this boy wanted this train trip up Pike's Peak more than he wanted to see a baseball game or go to an amusement park or a big city museum. And I have a soft spot for this boy. Jon was excited about the prospect too. So. We went up the mountain on July 9, by Cog Rail (see http://www.cograilway.com). 

There was a helpful sign in the depot warning about the potential for nausea, fainting, headache, fatigue, etc which may befall the high-altitude traveller. I decided I am a superhuman who would be immune to all these effects. 

Allons-y!

We were told by the train's entertaining conductor that the front of the train would be approximately three stories above the back, to give you some sense of the incline. 

I was happy just to watch the trees against the Colorado sky. 

As we gained altitude, however, far from feeling sick we felt increasingly exhilarated. I mean, just look! 

It was when we advanced beyond the treeline that I really began to thrill at the view. 

Look, a marmoset!:

In less than 90 minutes, we were at the summit. I thought the conductor was joking about the quality of the donuts up there; I wasn't totally sure there would be bathrooms. She was not joking, as it turned out. That will remain in my memory as the best donut I have ever consumed. 

Oh, and the view was fairly good too:

We made it!

The kids enjoyed the train ride a lot more than the summit experience. It was about 55 degrees and windy. But I was elated!

The beauty of the trip back was more luxurious since we had only to sit and glide back to Manitou Springs. 

Adele got into my purse and put on my lipstick at one point:
It's good to do things you're afraid of, every so often.

I did get a headache, if you're curious, but it was gone by mid morning. And that was the only side effect I encountered. What else can our family do?