From Utah we drove east into Colorado and through the Rocky Mountains.

(Click on any of the photos below to see the larger version.)

piedras

Our first stop was in Manitou Springs at the home of old school chum Jeff Fox his wife Virginia.

A short walk from Virginia and Jeff's house brings one to the Garden of the Gods, a beautiful park with some fine, questionably legal climbing opportunities.

garden
jackalopes

The gift shop at Garden of the Gods maintains this excellent collection of almost rare Jackalopes.

Our next stop was at the somewhat funky but utterly delightful Cottonwood Hot Springs, featuring a series of soaking pools at different temperatures.

cottonwood
mesaverde1

We visited Mesa Verde National Park before leaving Colorado. Here is one of the cliff dwellings seen from across the valley.

Here is the same cliff dwelling up close. They even let us climb down into one of the kivas.

mesaverde2

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