We stayed in at the Golden Eagle Campground for ten days while Randy helped with security at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Since I was sitting by myself outside of the RV, when reading or eating, a couple of ladies stopped and chatted at different times. It was nice getting to know them a bit, rather than just saying the normal “hi” in passing. Also, Randy was able to get free tickets to the rodeo, so I met a friend to watch the Saturday matinee competition. (We picked up the old 4-Runner from a friend’s house, so I would have a vehicle to run around in.) Watching the poor calves and steers get roped and tackled is not my favorite past time, but the barrel racing and bronco/bull riding events were more fun to watch.
One day, we drove into COS and visited the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, as well as the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum. I thought the guided tour at the Training Center was really interesting; especially learning about the High Altitude Training Center (HATC), a room where the temperature, altitude and humidity can be controlled to mimic any competition venue in the world. The Museum was interesting, but the interactive games left a lot to be desired. Good idea, but poor implementation. Most of them were more frustrating than fun, since they weren’t sensitive enough to detect motion and work well (or some TOO sensitive). It had a mostly complete set of torches and medals, along with uniforms and equipment from past olympians, so still worth going. I really enjoyed reading the many inspirational quotes posted throughout both places, like “Winning doesn’t mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve ever done before.”
For the last four days in the Colorado Springs area, we moved about 30 mins east and stayed at the Falcon Meadow Campground. This was closer to the El Paso County Fair in case Randy decided to work security there, too. He didn’t, but we still went to the fair one day. After looking at 4-H projects and animals, grabbing some food, and walking around the carnival rides and games, we watch the Demolition Derby for a while. Neither of us had ever been to one, but it didn’t take long to figure out that they just crash into each other until all but one car is disabled. The crashes weren’t as noisy or violent as I had imagined they’d be, since the cars moved pretty slowly within the arena. It was entertaining to watch a few rounds.
While near enough to Monument, we were thankful to be able to go to The Ascent Church for a couple of Sundays to worship in our home church and catch up with our friends! It was so nice to see friendly, familiar faces and get lots of hugs!! The time flew by and before we knew it, it was time to head back out for another month, to continue the adventure!
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