Day 5: Colorado Springs

Today was a very eventful and nonstop day in Colorado Springs! We were on the go from when we woke up till we laid down. We started the day out at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center with an informational movie called "How Did Those Red Rocks Get There?" The video had us travel back in time to learn how the vertical sandstone and limestone rock formations occurred over millions of years.  After exploring the museum and learning about the rocks via the movie, we enjoyed a step on guide tour of the National Natural Landmark which includes the Kissing Camels, Balanced Rock and the Gateway Rocks. 

After the Garden of the Gods, we were off to the Olympic Training Facility. The campus has so many awesome facilities! We visited the training areas for shooting, swimming, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, volleyball and a general strength and endurance gym after watching a short film on the athletes that have competed for Team USA in the past. Several of the travelers said it gave them chill bumps to watch the video. Our tour guides did a fantastic job of explaining the different facilities purposes and even let the travelers out on the floors of several of the different practice areas. The Olympic Training Center put into perspective for a lot of our travelers just how much hard work and effort it takes to compete as an Olympic athlete. 

Our last stop before heading back to the hotel and Chick-fil-a was Pikes Peak. Pikes Peaks summit is 14,115 feet above sea level and allowed us to take in breathtaking views of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Utah. We were able to see Chipmunks, Marmots and Mountain Sheep on the ride up. Feeding the chipmunks was a huge hit! Upon reaching the summit which was encompassed by clouds, travelers were able too check out the gift shop as well as eat Mile High Donuts.