We got a good start to our 2nd day. We enjoyed the rock formations surrounding Amarillo. We were smart enough to fuel up, but we didn’t see the chupacabra that we spotted 2 years ago on our last trip to Yellowstone. As always, we made a quick stop in Dalhart, TX to stretch our legs and stock up on snacks. From Dalhart, there was a lot of flat farm land until we crossed into New Mexico. From there, it started to get hillier, and we always enjoy looking out for the Capulin Volcano. One day, we will have to make the drive to the top. I also enjoyed spotting the deer.
Shortly after crossing into Colorado, we made our 1st stop. There is a nice little park just off I-25 that has some huge slides, a splash park, some picnic tables, and offers a the perfect mountain view. Zach had a blast playing on the slides. He went down the biggest one this year. Afterwards, he cooled off by running around the splash park and playing in the fountains. He did get cold quick, so we dried him off and got him in a fresh change of clothes. (Luckily I remembered to pack towels just in case Zach had a chance to get wet.) After a few more times down the slides, we were back on the road.
Shortly after crossing into Colorado, we made our 1st stop. There is a nice little park just off I-25 that has some huge slides, a splash park, some picnic tables, and offers a the perfect mountain view. Zach had a blast playing on the slides. He went down the biggest one this year. Afterwards, he cooled off by running around the splash park and playing in the fountains. He did get cold quick, so we dried him off and got him in a fresh change of clothes. (Luckily I remembered to pack towels just in case Zach had a chance to get wet.) After a few more times down the slides, we were back on the road.
Our next stop is Cave of the Winds in Colorado Springs. The drive up was breathtaking yet scary. Luckily, this area had not been damaged by the Waldo Canyon Fire. We had a short 30 minute wait for our turn to go through the cave so we shopped around the gift shop, took in some of the amazing views, and enjoyed the nice cool breeze outside. Zach picked out a purple egg shaped rock for his souvenir. Before we knew it, it was our turn to go through the cave. It really was a fun and unique cave experience with lots of ups and downs. It’s no longer windy inside due to some of the man made modifications to the cave over the years. However, there were still some very interesting and unique formations. Zach thought it was pretty scary in the cave. Maybe he will be more adventurous about caves in a few more years.
After visiting the Cave of the Winds, we were stuck in Friday evening traffic from Colorado Springs through Denver. Our GPS took us on a back route to Rawlins, WY, and it was a very pretty drive. There was a thunderstorm off in the distance, and we eventually got to drive right through it. Once in Rawlins, we stayed at the Hampton Inn. It was definitely the nicest hotel stay of our trip. Our room had a small living area with a couch and chairs in addition to the sleeping area. The beds were the most comfortable for the duration of our trip as well. Zach and I got to go swimming in the pool and soak in the hot tub. Glenn caught up on some work during this time. The swimming sure wiped us out, and we fell asleep right away in the soft beds and fluffy blankets.