Manitou Springs

Denny and Kenny took their motorcycles out for a drive in the mountains again this morning. So Cecilia and I ventured off to the little town of Manitou Springs. Boy, that must be one popular place, we had to hunt for a parking place *laughs*

Eventually we found one a little way off and hiked down into the town. Immediately we saw a big banner advertising a castle....A CASTLE! Woo Hoo! We decided we must check this out!

It turned out to be Miramont Castle. Originally built by a Catholic Priest, Father Francolon, as a home for himself and his mother then it was later donated to The Sisters of Mercy as a Sanitarium.

It was really amazing to explore all the old rooms with their original furnishings and some period clothing. We were really amazed that the beds were so small in the 1800's. No such thing as a King (or even Queen) sized bed back then I guess *grins*

One thing that I really loved was a large music box that was continually playing. It was beautiful, crystal clear and plenty loud. Really amazing for such an old treasure.

There was a gorgeous sun room on the second or third floor that let streams of sunshine in on the plush settee.

This next room is special because the ceilings are 24 carat gold! Wow! And, look at that enormous fireplace! I bet THAT would keep you warm in the Colorado winters huh!?
We finished off the tour with a walk through the Victorian Gardens. We really had a teriffic time exploring the whole place. Then we continued on into the heart of the city to wander through the little shops.
It was a lot like Old Colorado City, some art galleries, antiques, jewelry, etc. We found a good deal on some tee shirt souvenirs and then decided it was about time for lunch.

We discovered a neat German style restaurant and once again perfectly split a sandwich. We're such good sharers *winks*

After lunch we drove back to our hotel in Woodland Park to meet back up with the boys and finish off our evening. A rainstorm let loose just as we got back inside and ended in the most amazing rainbow you've EVER seen!!
Can you see that!?! There are TWO seperate rainbows it's so intense! This is one of those rainbows that makes you want to go hunt for the pot of gold *winks*

And you know what? It was the perfect end to a glorious two weeks of vacation! We had dinner and I got my bags all packed and prepared for my flight bright and early then next morning, all the while saying a little prayer of thanksgiving for our Yellowstone adventure!