A day off from driving meant I would be hanging around Manitou Springs and taking the short drive over to Old Colorado City. I grabbed lunch at the Townhouse Sports Grill in downtown Manitou. Having been in months of gloom and wet weather, it was a relief to be able to eat outdoors.
One “companion” made an appearance–a three-legged cat presumably named Tripod.
I walked around downtown, then drove over to Old Colorado City, which is on the border of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. I didn’t get far–I had wanted to stop in at Little Colorado & Camino Real, which is a store with a seemingly endless supply of items imported from Mexico. I’ve purchased a few items from this store, as my family room has a Southwest theme.
I purchased a pair of these hand blown margarita glasses (similar to those on the top shelf) last time I visited, and they truly are hand blown, as they are heavy, not perfectly straight, and slightly different in size and shape. I picked up a pair of wine glasses this time.
I was looking for some pots for the backyard, and while they’re not pictured here, this is just a small portion of their outdoor offerings.
I almost brought home a chiminea, but with a rally ahead, I really didn’t want to worry about it rolling around in the back. Here are some of the shorter chimineas.
I picked up a few items and since I was checked out of the motel, I headed over to the Garden of the Gods to hike for a while.
Trust me, I live near no view as good as the views at this park, and no place to walk or hike that is as inviting. (The header image for this page is a view near the entrance to this park, with Pike’s Peak out in the distance.)
About 4:00 pm, I started on my way up to the La Quinta at Castle Rock, the recommended pre-rally hotel. Castle Rock is a short distance south of Denver, named after a rock that, not surprisingly, looks like a castle…from certain angles.
After checking in, I walked over to a neighboring Mexican restaurant, Guadalajara Family Mexican, and not feeling like heavy food, got the Tapatío Salad (carne asada , Romaine lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, onions, avocado slices, asparagus, whole pinto beans, deep fried corn tortilla strips, fresh cheese, seasoned with vinaigrette dressing).
Off to bed early, so I could get out the door by 7:00 am. We were instructed to be at the Rambler Ranch by 8:00 am, about a half hour due east of Castle Rock. Knowing rush hour traffic in the Denver area, I wanted allow enough time to make it on schedule.