Pike's Peak, Elevation 14,115ft

On the first official day of our road trip, we ventured up Pike's Peak in Colorado. It was astounding. First of all, it was my first actual look at the mountains of the West.  We could see them as soon as we came out the door at our hotel,  seeing as how we came into Colorado at night, this was an incredible sight to see.  The views were unreal.  

Before we went to the mountain, we drove around Colorado Spring and looked at the places that my grandparents lived and went to when they lived out here fifty years ago, it was a once in a lifetime experience seeing that with them.  After that, we made our way to the mountain, which was super crowded.  There are downsides to traveling on a holiday weekend after all.  After the wait to get through the gates though, the road to the top was smooth sailing.  Every single turn provided a unique but always breathtaking view.  We all kept saying 'look over there' and then someone else would say 'woah, look at that', literally every single view was stunning.  Seeing the peaks growing in the distance.  Seeing the chilling drop offs where there was no railing.  Seeing mountain goats and various other creatures.  Seeing the snow-capped mountains in the distance and above us. It all left me speechless.  As we climbed higher and higher, the views were not only leaving me speechless, but also breathless. More on that later though, I am getting ahead of myself.  

Towards the top of the mountain, there was a parking lot where you could get out and walk around, or catch a shuttle up the last few thousand feet.  We did both,  This is where I first became acquainted with breathing at a high altitude, or in my case, not breathing.  We got out and hiked around, I had some trouble hiking, I could still do it, it was just a struggle.  It was beautiful and wild and grand. I loved it.  At this point, I was really starting to feel the elevation, but decided to go to the top anyways, not only because I wanted to and on account of my pride, but I was told by a ranger that there was an epic doughnut shop at the very top.  A promise of once in a lifetime views and one of my favorite treats...I was in.  We hopped into a shuttle with a charming ranger and began our way to the top.  We saw mountain goats and marmots in our five minute drive up to the top.  Once we reached the top, the shuttle doors open to revealed what seemed to be inside the clouds.  There was an amazing view, photo taking areas,  tourists taking selfies, and then I spotted them, the doughnuts.  Inside we went, to acquire a pin for my collection and a doughnut for my happiness.  It was inside this shop that the altitude sickness hit me hard. I had to sit down because I could barely stand.  It felt like a panic attack and the flu at the same time.  I am sure that my situation wasn't helped by the panic of not knowing how quickly I could get to an elevation that didn't feel like this.  If I had known then that there were emergency personnel at the top I may not have panicked as much, but I only found that out later.  So I just sat down and waited for the shuttle. I still got that doughnut though. (thanks mom and dad) 

We waited in line and took the shuttle back down a few feet and I quickly felt fine again.  I can honestly say though, with all of that, that the drive to top of the peak is absolutely worth it.  If your health allows, you should do it.  It is an unbelievable experience and I am so glad that I got to do it.  

I will add the rest of my photos from the day in another post.  In the meantime, I wanted to provide some tips for your visit to Pike's Peak....

*take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints 

*don't leave your trash

*respect signs and rules

* use the bathroom when you see one, they are few and far between 

*bring snacks and water, there isn't another option until you reach the top 

*doughnuts apparently lose size once at the bottom, I didn't test this though since mine didn't even make it to 13.000ft. 

*keep your eyes peeled for wildlife 

*BRING A JACKET! 

* take it slow, the oxygen change isn't easy, especially if you have health problems

*respect the mountain and leave it better than you found it