A Vision of the Future, A Trip to the Past

We had two things planned for our last day in Colorado Springs, but we ended up doing three.

The plan, explore the Air Force Academy and have high tea at a castle (you know how much the Schneiders love to have tea).   

Who doesn't love a day that starts with tether ball?

A view of the Academy from one of the overlooks. Not my favorite style of architecture.

We learned all about the history of the Academy and bought a pin for our board!

I was the only one who wanted to hike from the Visitor Center to the Chapel.

Ok, so, the Air Force Academy chapel is world famous for it's architecture. But I thought it was every kind of ugly... until we went inside.

This is inside the Protestant chapel. Once inside, the cold, steel exterior becomes a rainbow of light that draws the visitor's eye to God. I didn't take any pictures of the Catholic chapel because I was too busy praying and being quiet with God. If I were a cadet, I would come to Mass every day.

Before we left the Academy grounds, Rob wanted to get pictures of the kids.  He was thinking that if they decide to go to the Academy for college, it will be really neat to have a picture to show them of their first visit.  It did not go as planned.

Anne Schneider, USAF Academy class of 2034?

Ryan tripped and skinned his knee (barely). Poor guy couldn't stop crying for the picture.

We returned to the camper for a quick change and to doctor Ryan's knee.  It wasn't even bleeding, but he insisted on a band aid.  Poor kid.  The change of clothes was due to our next stop being fairly fancy, high tea at Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs!

First, I failed to get a picture of the outside of the castle.  You see, it's in the trees and the streets are windy up a mountain to get there. There is really no good way to get a photo of the outside.  Please imagine it in your mind as a red sandstone castle (or Google it, no judgement here).

Walking down from the parking lot to the main entrance.

Miramont Castle was built in the 1890s by a Catholic priest, Father Francolon.  Fr. Francolon was from France and the castle was built in the style of chateaus he had seen growing up.  He and his mother lived in the castle while he served as a missionary priest to the people of Manitou Springs.  The pair left abruptly in 1900, returning to France with their treasures, but leaving the castle.

One of the solariums has since been turned into a tea room and the castle is operated by the Historical Society.  We toured the castle after tea.  

This little boy loves his daddy.

We could get used to this.

First course, white chocolate cranberry scone and house made clotted cream. The kids had the same dough made into a cookie.

The kids enjoyed strawberry tea. Notice the crumbs on Anne's plate? They loved all the food.

Second course for the kids, chicken salad, peanut butter and jelly, strawberries and cream cheese.

I do not remember what these were, but they were delicious.

Dessert for the 4 of us. We each had a cookie, a swan, a parfait, and another chocolate thing.

Miramont means "View of the Mountains" and you can see why! Due to the historical preservation occurring in the castle, we were asked to not take pictures in any room except this solarium.

Heading back to the parking lot. It really was a cool old castle, I recommend a tour if you find yourself in Manitou Springs.

The kids were so good during tea, they ate everything and barely wiggled.  Then they were good on the tour, even though you could tell they weren't into it (hello, they are 5 1/2).  So after the castle we drove to the Ghost Town Museum.  This is not my favorite type of activity, kind of a tourist trap without much actual history.   But the kids loved it (and so did Rob).

Swinging lassos.

Driving the carriage.

Panning for gold.

The "ghost town" is mostly indoors.

The only pot we saw.

Time for dinner!  Since the next day was Father's Day we went to Rob's favorite restaurant in C. Springs, Edelweiss, and had dinner in their outdoor Bier Garden.  Unfortunately, all the foreign pollen was catching up with me and I felt horrible.

Beautiful setting, wish I felt better.

German beer.

Ok, this salad was weird. Lettuce, potato salad (warm), green beans (cold), tomato and beets.

Schweinhoxe! Its a pork shank slow roasted and soooo good.

Happy Father's Day, Rob!

After dinner, Rob and the kids danced to a lady playing the accordion.  The perfect end to a great day in Colorado Springs!  We really loved this place and I'm sure we will be back.