Day 18-
We started the day with another scenic drive on Route 24. We stopped at the Florissant Fossil Beds and visited the fossil exhibit. It was cold and rainy so we did not do any hiking. We then headed to Crippled Creek, CO where we rode a steam locomotive to Echo Canyon and several old mines. We also saw an active gold mine which is the largest current producer of gold in Colorado. Bella got to enjoy the train ride with us. One thing we have learned on our journey is to expect surprises and Crippled Creek was no exception. We found out that we had arrived in town for one of their biggest days of the year....the Donkey Derby! This mining town, like many others, has a wild herd of donkeys left behind by the miners. The great attraction in this town is rounding up the herd once a year, saddling them up in old mining saddles, and having them compete in various events. The event we happened upon was the main derby race. In this event locals and visitor are assigned to a donkey and then compete to see who can get their donkey down the middle of town first. It was a very interesting to say the least! Heading out of town Doug noticed a very ominous thunder cloud and pulled over to avoid the storm. Thank goodness he did because the storm produced a large amount of hail! After the storm we hiked in Garden of the Gods and then headed to our camp. In Colorado Spring we got on an interstate for the first time in days. Overnight- Manitou Springs
Miles- 155; Hiking- 4 miles; Garden of the Gods, CO
Favorites- Donkey Derby and Train, Crippled Creek, CO; seeing a Pronghorn, Route 24, CO; Kissing Camels, Garden of the Gods, CO