Adventure · Travel

Rodeo revamp 2018

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

 

With S’mores, horseback rides, barrel racing, mutton bustin’, hot air balloon rides, firepits and live music, the COS Rodeo bring lively images of what the magic of the world looked like as a child…

AOW-089.jpg

As a young adult….

IMG_5564.JPG

And as those who will always remain young at heart. Treasuring the simple, beautiful things about life and the magic it holds….

AOW-021.jpg

A big thank you to everyone who came out and participated in our 2017 rodeo. COS Rodeo 2018 renews the spirit June 20th with the same exciting layout. Western Wednesday’s wouldn’t be the same without the amazing people who participate and attend!

-The Adventures Out West team

Adventure · Uncategorized

THERE’S GOLD ‘N DEM DER HILLS

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

It all started with Bob Womack, panning in the mountain creeks 18 miles (as the crow flies) west of Colorado Springs. In 1890, he hit pay dirt and the race for gold was on. In no time, the unnamed cattle field of fifteen was a town of 50,000 people.
It was not known as Cripple Creek in the beginning. It was just a cattle camp for the Welty family who had moved up from Colorado Springs because it was getting to populated due to General William Palmer and his railroad. One day while building a shack over the spring that fed the creek, a rifle accidentally discharged, scaring a calf. The critter wanting out of there right now, tried to jump the creek but banged up his leg real bad doing it. Papa Welty said, “well boys, this is some sort of cripple creek” and a town name was born.
Soon the railroads came and the town was filled with a variety of people. Men in city clothes might be mine owners, brokers or politicians. Mule skinner, miners, gamblers in fancy shoes and others rubbed shoulders on busy Bennett Avenue. Ladies in Paris gowns might be of the “Upper Tens” (the rich folk) or the “sporting women”. They lived on Myers Avenue, 433 yards of dance halls, parlor houses and pawnshops.
Womack’s mine, the El Paso Lode and the Independence mine, owned by Winfield Scott Stratton yielded millions of dollars. Stratton sold his holdings for more than ten million and went on to buy massive amounts of land in the Colorado Springs area, much of which carries his name. Womack sold his mine as well but died broke. His name lives on in present day. Cripple Creek which for years was a Summer tourist destination. In 1994, the State legislature allowed low stakes gambling to be legal and the small shops that catered to tourist needs and wants became large houses of “try your luck at the one armed bandits and card tables”. Now everything is electronic. You do not need to pull the handle anymore. Just put your money in the slot and hit the button. Bob Womack’s Casino is there along with the Midnight Rose, the Brass Ass (which used to be a store selling brass articles), Bronco Billy’s, the Double Eagle and many more.
Oh yes, they still dig for gold but not like 100 years ago. At today’s price per ounce, more than eleven billion dollars came out of the Colorado Rocky Mountains around Cripple Creek during the mining period.

Adventure · Travel · Uncategorized

PIKE SUMMITS HIS NAMESAKE PEAK FOR 2006 BICENTENNIAL

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

Colorado Springs: After 200 years of trying Zebulon Montgomery Pike has finally succeeded in climbing Pikes Peak, with a little help from his friends at Adventures Out West. Pike took part in this year’s bicentennial celebration by taking a Jeep Tour up the once un-scalable mountain. Pike commented on how professional his cowboy driver was, and is quoted as saying “This view is amazing, could their be another like it?” to which the unnamed cowboy said “Yep, you should see it from one of our hot-air balloons.” Well Pike still being the adventurer agreed that he would have to try flying now that he conquered Pikes Peak.
The morning of Pike’s flight he was understandably nervous considering that he had never flown in anything before. The pilot and crew eased Pike’s fears with their humor and knowledge of the balloon system and the weather. The last time he was upon these plains he was lost and hungry on a yearlong expedition of the west. Once airborne Pike marveled at the views of his “little” mountain and was moved to tears by a dream now realized, and that dream was to see the top of Pikes Peak. Now he had not only stood on the top, but he could also now see the top from his bird’s eye view from the basket. Although Pike was fascinated by the views of the peak he also could not help but marvel in the scenery and wildlife that was directly below him.
When asked if he had a good time on his trip Pike responded “This trip to Colorado Springs in my opinion is every bit as memorable as my first trip 200 years ago, but this trip has been made special by the pilot, crew, and tour drivers of Adventures Out West!”

Adventure · Travel · Uncategorized

NEW AND IMPROVED CARRIAGE MUSEUM

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

Julie Penrose, widow of entrepreneur Spencer Penrose who built the BROADMOOR in 1918, built the Carriage Museum in 1941. The Museum features the many carriages that Mr. And Mrs. Penrose collected throughout their lifetime. El Pomar Foundation operates this prominent historic resource in keeping with the Penrose commitment to preserve and promote the regions history and heritage. The Museums extensive collection contains 33 horse-drawn carriages and five motorized carriages, including three Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb race cars (circa 1920’s), Mrs. Penrose’s 1928 Cadillac limousine, and 1906 Renault.
Among the exhibits are two presidential carriages, including an 1841 Williamsburg Brougham used for the inauguration ceremony of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States. The other presidential carriage, an 1862 “C” Springs Victoria, belonged to the 21st U.S. President, Chester A Arthur.
Museum doors re-opened to a brand new 8,500 square foot facility adjacent to Broadmoor Hall. Several new exhibits are featured, along with a Broadmoor casino table, authentic Native American artifacts, antique firearms and collection of vintage riding tack-saddles, harnesses and stirrups. The Museum is open to the public and free of charge.

Adventure · Uncategorized

MISSING STAGECOACH OF 1881 SIGHTED

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

Rumors persist on the recent sightings of the missing payroll stagecoach that left Cripple Creek on July 21, 1881 with four passengers and a miners payroll of approximately $120,000.00 in gold dust. The stage driver, Silas Peabody, and his shotgun man “Big Stick”, a loyal Mescalero Apache, have been sighted recently in banks and bars in and around Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City trying to exchange the gold dust for drinks, Poker games, and cold cash.
The most recent sighting of the stage coach was in the vicinity in what is today Bancroft City Park, in Old Colorado City. The authorities were called in to retrieve the coach but by the time they arrived it was gone. Over the years the coach has been sighted on the Pikes Peak Highway during the Hill Climb, at Colorado College during prom and even back in Cripple Creek.
A $50,000 reward is still in effect for the return of the gold dust. Be on the lookout for Silas and his 1875 vintage Overland stagecoach, if sighted please do not approach, “Big Stick” is known for being the fastest shotgun man in the west, and not for his sense of humor. If seen please contact the authorities at once. If the coach is found you will claim your reward.
The strangest part of the whole story is that all four passengers, of Silas’s ill fated stage, arrived at the Colorado Springs Stage Depot the next morning with no recollection of how they got there, or what happened to the stage. The passengers said the coach had a foul smell about it and the ride was the smoothest they could remember.
JJ Montana reporting

Adventure · Uncategorized

LOCAL WILDLIFE TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

The Pikes Peak region is flush with wildlife, from eagles and hummingbirds to elk and mountain lions. Many of these animals make their homes here in our back yards. The local population of the white-tailed deer spend their entire lives jumping fences and dodging cars trying to get to the next garden. The deer have nicknames such as Half Horn, Old 3 Legs and Dam Varmits. But compared to the dog-eating mountain lion, the deer are tame. Every year in Colorado Springs a dozen or so family pets become prey. The mighty mountain lion can weigh 130 lbs and can jump 20 feet. Dogs, cats and the occasional jogger end up on the plates of kitten lions. Check out the nature center at Helen Hunt Falls for more information on these and other beautiful Colorado animals.

Adventure · Uncategorized

FAA CONFIRMS MANITOU TIME PORTAL

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a NOTAM (notice to air men) about flights in the Manitou Springs area.

Last week during the most recent sightings of Bigfoot, airplane piolets noticed a high degree of Magnetic deviation in the Manitou area. For years Manitou has been considered a hot bed of paranormal activity. Witches, Crystal gazers and even the Ute Indians believed Manitou had spiritual powers. Bigfoot uses Manitou all the time as a portal between universes. Under the bridge leading to the Garden of the Gods you will see the mysterious designs left behind by aliens passing through.

With the confirmation of the abnormal magnetic field by the FAA, the FAA and NASA have teamed up with local balloonist to try and find the portal with high-tech laser beams. They are going to use crystals found in the local granite and samples of the mineral waters to create a prism capable of opening the doors. As a precaution NASA has built a 300 million dollar doggie biscuit to give to big foot in case they come across him.

Adventure · Uncategorized

AOW TO HOST CELEBRITY TOURS

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

Celebrity rockers, political icons and TV producers all showed up to support the annual summer vacation. Rockers included Aerosmith and Cher touring the area.

Steven Tyler was spotted in the back of a pick-up truck towing a llama. When asked about the incident he said “IT’S NOT VERY OFTEN I GET TO RIDE IN A TRUCK LIKE NORMAL FOLK.” We told him normal folk don’t ride in the back of the pick-up, just hillbillies. He never did stop talking.

Cher was a bit more secretive requiring a private tour with pick-up out by the dumpsters. “We were not informed as to who our secret guest would be so it was quite a surprise to see her.” Said Twister. “She was standing next to the grease pit with her poodle in hand and hot pink leather pants, real subtle.” During her concert that night at the World Arena Cher thanked Twister for letting her twirl his gun.

The political power house known as NATO also took the time to visit the area and support our summer. The group was headlined by Mrs. Donald Rumsfeld and other world leaders. During training with the secret service our drivers were told never to stop for anything, even if the endangered Mexican Spotted Owl was in the road. Twister said, These ladies were some of the most fun guests we’ve ever had.” The guest asked the famous Jeep drivers to pose with them for photos to take back to Washington.

TV coverage included appearances on The Outdoor Channel. The Outdoor Channel came along to support the summer long event and to get away from it all. The producers were quoted as saying. “It’s nice to get out and support the summer like this. We work all year long in hot and sweaty exotic locations. The cool dry climate here in Colorado Springs is second to none. “The show was amazing, and broadcasted scenic vistas of Colorado Springs world-wide. The celebrity tours have been such a success that many inquiries have been made for future tours. AOW has agreed to host next year’s summer tours.

Adventure · Uncategorized

The Conquest of the Skies

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

Journal de Paris, 22 November 1783

Official report drawn up at the Chateau de la Muette after the experiment with the aerostatic machine of M. Montgolfier.

On this day, 21 November 1783, at the Chateau de la Muette, an experiment with the aerostatic machine of M. Montgolfier was carried out.

The sky was, in several places, obscured by cloud, in others clear, a north-westerly wind prevailed.

At eight minutes past noon, a mortar was fired – a signal to begin the filling of the machine, within eight minutes, despite the wind, it was filled out evenly and ready to take off, with the Marquis D’ Arlandes and M. Pilatre de Rozier on the observation deck.

Their first intention was to send the machine into the air, but to restrain it at the same time with ropes in order to test it, study the precise weights it was capable of carrying and ensure that everything was as it should be for the important experiment that was about to be carried out.

But the wind caught the machine which, far from rising vertically, drifted in the direction of one of the pathways of the garden, and the ropes which were holding it down, working too violently, caused several rents to appear – one more than six feet in length. When the machine had been brought back to the platform it was repaired in less than two hours.

It left, refilled at six minutes to two, carrying the same gentlemen as before. It was seen to rise in a most majestic fashion and when it reached about 250 feet above the ground, the intrepid travelers, taking off their hats, bowed to the spectators. At that moment one experienced a feeling of fear mingled with admiration.

Soon the aerial navigators were lost from view, but the machine, floating on the horizon and displaying a most beautiful shape, climbed to at least 3,000 feet at which height it was still visible; it crossed the Seine below the gate of la Conference and, passing between the Military Academy and the Hotel des Invalides, it was borne to a position where it could be seen by all Paris.

When the travellers were satisfied with this experiment, not wishing to make a longer journey, they agreed to descend; but realizing that the wind was bearing them down upon the houses of the Rue de Seve, in the Faubourg Saint-Germain, they retained their calm and, increasing the production of gas, rose once more and continued on their way through the sky until they had passed over the outskirts of Paris.

They made a gentle descent into a field beyond the new boulevard, opposite the Croulebarbe mill, without suffering the slightest discomfort, with two-thirds of their supplies still intact; so they could, if they had wanted to, have journeyed three times as far. Their voyage had taken them 20 to 25 minutes over a distance of 4 – 5000 fathoms.

The machine measured 70 feet in height and 46 in diameter; its volume was 60,000 cubic feet and on this occasion it carried between 1,600 and 1,700 lbs in weight.

Written at the Chateau de la Muette at five o’ clock in the afternoon. Signed, the Duke of Polignac, the Duke of Guines, the Comte de Polastron, the Comte de Vaudreil, d Hunaud, Benjamin Franklin, Faujas da Saunt – Fond, Delisle and Lercy from the Academie des Sciences. AOW-043 LR

Adventure · Driver Stories · Travel · Uncategorized

The Last Stretch of Gold Camp Road Isn’t Boring

adventuresoutwestblogLeave a comment

Coming north along Lower Gold Camp Road from Helen Hunt Falls, there are lots of thrilling vistas to see. Eventually, however, you get back to paved road and then cross over Bear Creek Road at the northern end of High Drive. From there it’s only a short way over to 26th Street. The views may not be so great along this brief segment of Gold Camp, but the geology – if you’re into that sort of thing – is fascinating.

First, just a few yards past Bear Creek, is the overflow parking lot for Seven Bridges hiking trail. Here, nuggets of Pikes Peak granite are piled up just across the road. Given its pink microcline feldspar, its large crystals, and its various mineral inclusions, this rock is unique to the region – and therefore, because you can also get it so cheaply, it would make the perfect souvenir of your visit for yourself or a relative.

Next, just past the trail head for Seven Bridges, you’ll see a ravine on the left where, if you look carefully, you can see that rocks of granite mingle with rocks of sandstone. At this point you’re passing over the tail end of the Ute Pass Fault, one of the major factors in our local terrain. This dramatic change in geology becomes apparent a few yards farther on, where you pass through an impressive hogback of Dakota Sandstone from the Late Cretaceous, so within a hundred yards you’ve jumped from 1.1 billion-year-old granite to 100 million-year-old sandstone.

13467838_1137799142909763_1460067782_o

Finally, almost to 26th street, at Pullout # 1 of Lower Gold Camp you can see an impressive wall of sand and limestone a few feet to the west. If the light is right (best in the morning), you can see the ripples of an ancient seafloor at the southern edge of this wall, plus another small patch of ripples about ten feet to the north. This is the beginning of the Western Interior Waterway which covered the area in the Late Cretaceous. It was the shallow ocean of this period that created those ripples in the sand. Near the ripples are also raised tracks that look like those made by sea-worms. A few more feet to the north of the ripples you can see (but only if you get out and walk up close to the wall) the embedded fossil of an ammonite. It’s pretty much worn away now, but you can still make out the spiraling chambers of the shell, which are like those of its modern relative, the nautilus. Finally, to the right of the ammonite fossil are layers of whiter limestone which were deposited here during times of deeper water at the end of the dinosaur age.

-Whipper