Bishop Castle and Pikes Peak

Lake Isabel in San Isabel National Forest

This morning we woke up early, before 6am.  The sun sure comes up early here.  We were out exploring by 8am.  First we headed southwest to Bishop Castle in the San Isabel National Forest.  Jim Bishop has been building the castle since 1969, mostly by himself.  It's a really incredible place.  Katy and I climbed to the top of the tower.  It was a little scary since there aren't a lot of railings of some places, but well worth it.  Encouraging to see what one man can do. 

http://www.coloradoadventure.net/attractions/colorados-most-hidden-attraction-bishop-castle.html

We visited with Michael and D'Ann over lunch at Amanda's Fonda in Colorado Springs before driving to the summit of Pikes Peak. What a beautiful drive.  The temperature at the base was 78 degrees and when we reached the summit it was 55.  The grade was steep and we all got just a little altitude sickness, but it resolved quickly and was well worth it for the experience.  I think the trek down was harder than going up.  But that may be because I was driving on the way down.  I did learn a lot about down shifting. 

                                                                           On the way up Pikes Peak Highway

At the summit.

View from the summit.

http://www.pikes-peak.com/page/122.aspx

After a wonderful day of exploring, we stopped to stock up on groceries before heading back to the camp ground.  We'll be traveling farther north tomorrow.  Maybe as far as Wyoming.

                                   Amanda