A Rocky Mountain Road Trip through the Centennial State
In mid-November, I had the pleasure of attending a work-related conference in Aurora, Colorado. After the forum ended, Rebecca and I procured a rental car and embarked on a Rocky Mountain road trip through the majestic Centennial State. Our trip would hold no particular destination point. We embraced a level of spontaneity, stopping along the way to see various points of interest, and simply enjoy each other’s company enveloped in the spirit of adventure. Our only objective was to take in some of God’s beautiful scenery and possibly catch a snowflake or two. We had a wonderful time of it all and brought back these photographic memories to share with all of you.
The skyline of the Mile High City against a majestic backdrop.
Denver, being the gateway to the Rockies, was our first stopping point along the way. As seen in the picture above, (admittingly the only picture that I did not take), the Mile High City offers a panoramic view of the mountains that spans 140 miles long. Denver has the tenth largest downtown in the entire nation and is considered one of the most walkable downtowns in all of America. With all the hype, we put on our comfortable sneakers and set out to paint the town red. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Great Dining, North America and tagged Centennial State, Colorado, Denver, Rocky Mountains.
The Holy City and Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and its encompassing Holy City is a must-see point of interest… should anybody ever find themselves treading aimlessly through the prairie grasses of Southwest Oklahoma. Measuring over 59,000 acres, this wildlife facility is home to the plains bison, Texas longhorns, Rocky Mountain elk, and considerable other large mammals. Aside from the beautifully rugged terrain, visitors to the area might also delight in 806 diverse plant species, 240 types of bird, 36 species of fish, and 64 reptilian and amphibious creatures. With my baby doll by my side, I set out on Memorial Day weekend. My mission was to divide and conquer this marvel of the American Great Plains. Come along as we explore the Holy City and Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains.
Entrance into one of the many trails winding through the Wichita Mountains. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged holy city, oklahoma, wichita mountains.
Visit Palo Duro Canyon and See the Grand Canyon of Texas
Palo Duro Canyon, otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, is approximately 120 miles long and 800 feet at its deepest point. It is the second largest canyon in all of the United States. “Palo Duro” is a Spanish word meaning “hard wood“. As I began a short descent down the rocky trail it became abundantly clear as to why the Palo Duro Canyon received such a name. Junipers, mesquite, cottonwood, cedar, and other hardwoods sprang up from the walls and floors of the canyon in common form. Wildflowers, buffalo grasses, sage brush, yucca, and prickly pear cactus also dotted the panoramic landscape offering an array of splendid colors.
“Palo Duro” is a Spanish word meaning “hard wood“. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged palo duro canyon, texas.
A Snowfall on the Fields of Gettysburg
Perhaps there is not a more hallowed and reverent tract of earth in all of our beloved country than the battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Gettysburg is the most famous and important battle of the Civil War and was centered around the quaint market town of the same name. It began as a mere skirmish, but by its bloody end it involved approximately 160,000 brave American soldiers.
The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia was made up of 70,100 men and 280 guns. It was commanded by the talented and much-respected General Robert E. Lee. The Federal Army of the Potomac consisted of 93,700 men and 372 guns commanded by the fearless Major General George G. Meade.
| General Robert E. Lee
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Major General George G. Meade
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When we arrived at this national landscape on a cold January morning, the snowy landscape offered up a view that would have stood in stark contrast to what the soldiers experienced on the blistering hot morning of July 1st, 1863. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought on three of the hottest days of a Pennsylvania summer. During Pickett’s Charge on July 3rd, 1863, temperatures soared to a hellish 90 degrees. In the end, 51,000 men were reported killed, captured, or missing in one of the costliest battles of the Civil War. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged Civil War, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
John Brown’s Last Big Stand at Harpers Ferry
John Brown believed that he had been chosen by God himself to bring about the end of slavery in America. Although the raid on Harpers Ferry ended in failure, the actions of this abolitionist brought the question of slavery to the forefront. The death of this martyr would soon demand an answer from a divided nation.
Traveling with Rebecca and the kids through West Virginia, I couldn’t possibly pass up the opportunity to explore this notable piece of American history. The historic section of Harpers Ferry, WV, is now preserved inside of a federal park on the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers . Visitors to the site are shuttled from a parking lot via bus to the entrance of this beautifully restored 19th century town. Unfortunately my camera-phone died halfway through our self-guided tour, but I did manage to snap some rather interesting scenes.
The historic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia awaits visitors stepping off the shuttle onto Shenandoah St. (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged Civil War, Harper's Ferry, John Brown, slaves, West Virginia.