I just got back from two wonderful weeks in Colorado which included some of the adventures writin' in my trip report headnote.

I stayed in Sedalia, CO, in a home exchange home. I can recommend the following restaurants in nearby Castle Rock:

The Old Stone Church
Pino's
The Augustine Grill

I drove to Canon City and took the train through the Royal Gorge. That was great, but rafting through it the next day was much better (the rapids look much scarier from the train than they really are). I did an all day raft trip with the Bill Dvorak company. There are scads of rafting companies in the Canon City area and I imagine the trips are all very similar. I love whitewater rafting and it was an enjoyable day. No, I did not get dunked, but a few people in another boat did. It usually happens where they set up the cameras to take your picture. The people who get dunked always get the best photos. Drat!

I stayed at the Super 8 in Canon City. It was fine and not very expensive. There are tons of motels in various price ranges. It is right behind the Village Inn restaurant on the main highway. In addition to railin' and raftin', I did see the prison museum (interesting; allow an hour). I did not go to the Royal Gorge park although I drove there and got some photos of the suspension bridge. I just did not have enough time to justify the $20 entrance fee. You make your choices. . . .

Please note that rafting is almost over for the year and--yes--I know it is better in spring. The bottom line: I went when I could get there.

I also drove to Durango with my cousin (she lives in Denver). It takes about 7 hours to get there from Castle Rock (which is about 30-40 minutes from downtown Denver) no matter which way you drive. Warning: If you go via the Black Canyon of the Gunnison (we did not), it will take longer due to twisty roads through the mountains. Drive carefully! I have reserved the Black Canyon of the Gunnison for a future trip. My cousin and I had plenty of time to catch up on 20 years of family gossip while we drove back and forth. We took the steam train back and forth from Durango to Silverton--which was the point of our trip to Durango. We also ate at Chez Grandmere in Durango. I highly recommend this restaurant!

In Durango we stayed at The Comfort Inn. It was OK, but too far out of town. For the same price we could have stayed closer in--even in one of the historic properties. My cousin made the arrangements and I kept my big trap shut about them because she did the work.

I also took the cog railway up Pike's Peak and enjoyed the nearby Garden of the Gods both on horseback and walking. Beautiful scenery! I went riding with the Academy Riding Stables--located near the Garden of the Gods Trading Post at the south entrance to the park.

Also in Colorado Springs, I went to the Air Force Academy and the Mining Museum just across the highway from the Academy.

In Manitou Springs, I ate at the Stagecoach Inn. I recommend the elk chops! I went to both the Cave of the Winds and Miramar Castle. The cave is, well, just another cave. There are plenty of similar ones near me in Virginia. I did not see the laser show. Also in Manitou Springs, I bought one of those chain saw moose. Mine sports a red bandana which is quite funny. I bought a small one and managed to stuff him in my expandable suitcase. Big chain saw bears or moose are not advised if you want to avoid shipping charges. All the places selling these items do, however, ship if you want giant size.

In Denver, I toured The Capitol building and went to the Colorado History, Science and Art museums.

North of Denver, I went to Golden and visited the Colorado Railway Museum and then toured the Coors Brewery. You do get free samples at the end but I had to limit myself because I was driving.

And, yes, I did find time for the outlets in Castle Rock. I bought some athletic shoes. I never have found outlets good for anything but tennis shoes, underwear, socks and umbrellas. Sorry, I am not a shopper.

And that about sums it up for my two weeks in Colorado. Did I tell you I had a great trip?

By the way, it was not my first trip to Colorado, and I have seen most of the big deal things West of Denver on prior trips (and rafted and railed in other places), so those prior trips did affect my choices on this trip.

Enjoy your trip to Colorado wherever you go!