Cog Railway

We journeyed to the top of Pike's Peak for the first time since living in Colorado.  We took the Cog Railway, a train leaving from Manitou Springs that travels all the way to Pike's Peak.  The kids were super excited to ride on a train.  In the pictures you will see Andrew's enthusiasm.  

Here is a picture before boarding the train.

Our train left at 9:20 and the trip up took a little over an hour. 

It wasn't too crowded, so we had an entire booth to ourselves. Here we are pulling out of the station!

Choo-choo!!

When the train conductor starting talking on the train speaker, Sylvia became nervous.  She did not like the loudness and sat like this for 75% of the ride.

Going up!

Our views were absolutely gorgeous, we choose the perfect time of year.

Look at the fall colors!

The song America the Beautiful was written during a trip up Pikes Peak. We could certainly understand why the views would inspire a poem/song to be written 

Artsy

There was a clear line where the trees ended and the "Colorado gravel" started

Nearing the top

We made it!  It was freezing at the summit.  They said the wind chill was 0 degrees.  Andrew loved playing in the snow.

Altitude 14,110 ft.  Rachel felt like it was hard to breathe up there but no one else seemed bothered by the altitude.

They make world famous donuts at the top and we each made sure to try one!  They were super delicious.

It was veryyyy cold and windy.  We were glad to be back on the train.  

Andrew wanted to keep playing in the snow until he heard the train whistle blow.  I turned around and saw him running back to the train because Daddy told him that meant the train would be leaving soon.

Rachel was enjoying the view

We made sure the kids wore their heavy winter coats.

Colorado Springs is in the far valley down below.

    

The kids had a great time and we are glad we waited until now to ride the Cog Railway.