" VISIT TO COLORADO'S NATURAL WONDER "

Saturday , May 12th , 2007 morning, we saw a clear blue sky and being the week end, we made up our mind to visit Colorado's Springs to see Royal Gorge Bridge and the Park. There was a spring in our steps, joy in our hearts as we know we will be visiting Colorado's Natural Wonder. The place is situated at a distance of about 200 k.m. from our residence. Aparna made some food for baby Karthik, bought some crisp snacks, and it was also decided to have the lunch out. karthik and Vignesh were seated in the baby seats, we both in the rear, Aparna in the front and Sekhar took the wheels of Honda Oddessy and it was 10.30 a.m., the car started moving south words and started speeding up to 110 k.m. The music system started playing melodious songs while the TV showed a Spider Man movie which Vignesh stared enjoying.

We had a sumptuous lunch at about 12.45 p.m. before buying the entry tickets to Royal Gorge and the Park. A Gorge is a passage with steep sides enclosed on each side by the mountains. In fact, as we were driving south, we saw the ROCKY MOUNTAIN Stretch on the west and as we were nearing the place, the stretch of the mountains were in all the four sides which meant we were driving into the mountain. A long green stretch at the ground level and the scenic mountain sight all around made us to wonder what " NATURE " is !!

NATURE IS MANIFESTATION OF GOD. STUDY NATURE, LOVE NATURE, STAY CLOSE TO NATURE. IT WILL NEVER FAIL YOU. Togetherness is a bond which one enjoys in the midst of the family members. Love is a canvas furnished by NATURE and embroidered by imagination. In my opinion, nothing occurs contrary to Nature except the impossible and that never happens.

WORLD'S HIGHEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE:

The Royal gorge Bridge & Park is a great attraction for all ages. It is a world's highest suspension bridge stung 1053 feet above the Arkansas River. Baby Karthik was put in the stroller and all of us started walking through the bridge whose length is 1260 feet, width 18 feet. the towers stood 150' high and galvanised wire strands in each cables of huge weight in suspension. The cost of building such a suspension bridge today will certainly amount over US$15 million.

WORLD'S STEEPEST INCLINE RAILWAY ;

We, next boarded this world's steepest railway and started going down 1550feet, at 45 degree angle. It is an OTIS Elevator with SCR Drive system. We descended at a speed of 3mph and in 5.5 minutes we were at the bottom of the Canyon. We dipped our feet in the White water of the Arkansas river. Arkansas River water was transported as drinking water by wood stock pipes till 1974 to Colorado city.

World's Longest Single-Span Aerial Tram ;

The tram drive is at a height of 1178' and the distance travelled is 2200'. It is world's longest single span aerial tram.

World's highest Sky coaster:

Height: 100', height above Arkansas River:1300'. one to three people harnessed in the drive. The Royal Rush Sky Coaster releases harnessed riders a 100' tower and swings out over the Royal gorge. The swing at a height of 1200' thrills the riders. Thrill seekers will love the Free fall plummeting up to 50 miles per hour with nothing but the air between them and the canyon floor.

Water Clock :

One of only three in the world, the water clock is electronically powered. The gushing water is turning the medium sized wheel. Visitors can read exact time, day, month and year.

Wild Life Park:

Native Colorado animals - royal Mountain Bighorn sheep generally found at 8000' elevation. American Bi sons with a heavily mantled shoulders, Rocky mountain Elks, the vanishing tribes were all seen in a calm atmosphere, though they are wild species

' Buckskin Joe '. This a model town of the famous frontier town of 1860s where bull fighters hold shootouts on the streets. Buckskin Joe attraction in Royal Gorge is just an inspiration of the old town faithfully restored.

Note: In 1880s passengers began experiencing the spectacular beauty of the royal gorge from the rails of the Denver & Rio Grandee western Train line.

We enjoyed some of the most breath taking scenery in the world. Besides all we enjoyed FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR IN COLORADO'S WORLD WONDER.
We did not take the Raft Master adventure , an enjoyable trip over the white water of Arkansas river through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We believe it is a world class excitement over water !!

After some finishing touches, we had juicy three in one fantasies, before we decided to call it a day. The return drive lasting a little less than three hours was equally enjoyable. We reached home by 6.45p.m. The children enjoyed the fun. We enjoyed the Nature's wonder!!

Art begins where Nature ends! Every Artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his picture !!