Church & Red Rocks


This post was published on Sunday 21 July 2013.

Today was a quieter sort of day.  I took a long time packing up my room, much to the consternation of the housekeeping staff, who knocked on my door no fewer than three times before I had to check out!  I took so long, partly because I liked Colorado Springs, and partly because I was listening to England destroy Australia at Lord’s, which is never a bad thing to happen.

I went to The Springs Church (unimaginatively, the closest to my hotel), ch turned out to be run by Gary Wilkerson, son of David, of The Cross and the Switchblade fame.  It was exactly what I was expecting—a full band playing good, loud worship music, and a long but passionate sermon, on Habbakuk (I wasn’t expecting that part).

I had a nice chat with one of the welcome people before the service, whose maiden name was Green, and who asked after William & Kate’s baby (I think I need a sign round my neck about it).  But afterwards, everyone was talking amongst themselves, no-one came up to say hi, so I just left.  I had hoped someone might take pity on me and feed me, but I’m not sure it was that sort of church—there must have been  1000 people in there so it’s easy to slip through the cracks.

I passed by Red Rocks Park on my way to Estes Park, but unfortunately the amphitheatre was closed!  I had been told I needed to visit.. but sadly there was a global dance show on, so I couldn’t get in without a ticket, which I didn’t have.  So in protest I walked the whole way round the park, in baking heat, and staggered back to my car, which was insanely hot inside, but at least had water and a towel.

Here are some pictures from the circuit round the park:

As you can see from the sky, it was hot.  But a good frogmarch round nonetheless.

The drive up to the Rocky Mountains was really very busy—I think I was spoiled during the first week, having the roads almost to myself the whole time.  Driving past Denver was like being in the rush hour—it was 2pm on a Sunday afternoon—and the roads didn’t improve at all, the whole journey!

That said, of the four states I have visited so far, I could see myself living in Colorado, it is beautiful and large—and the ‘gas’ is so cheap!  Not since I first started driving have I filled a car with a tank of petrol for £35..

Tomorrow I head into the Rocky Mountain National Park, for some walking and driving and hopefully some spectacular views.  From what I’ve seen so far of the Rockies, I don’t think I’ll be disappointed.