Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, November 2, 2012

More from Colorado Springs 9/15/12

After visiting Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods on 9/14,   since we were still in Colorado Springs on 9/15,   we visited the Air Force Academy Chapel,  Seven Falls and the South Cheyenne Canyon,  Helen Hunt Falls and the North Cheyenne Canyon,  Silver Cascade Falls,  and the Royal Gorge.... It was GO GO GO all day long --and we loved it.

Today I will share some of our day with you that beautiful Fall day in Colorado.   The picture above is of the beautiful CHAPEL at the AIR FORCE ACADEMY.  I had always seen pictures of this gorgeous place ---but seeing it up close and personal was AWESOME.  Be sure to click on the photos for enlargements. 




As gorgeous as the outside of that chapel is,  let me tell you that the inside (all of the colors) is even more beautiful...  Here is only one photo (of many which I took) from inside that chapel...  Isn't it amazing?




After leaving the academy,  we headed to Seven Falls.   In order to get there,  we had to drive through the SOUTH CHEYENNE CANYON...  Wow--what a neat place!!!!




Here is a picture of SEVEN FALLS.  Seven Falls is just what it says that it is:  it is seven different waterfalls (all with their own names).  In this picture,  you can see FIVE of the SEVEN.  There is a small one (named SHORTY FALLS) hidden from your view in the middle,  and there is another drop at the top --to the left (also out of view)...

For your information,  here are the names of the SEVEN falls (from bottom to top):  Hill Falls,  Weimer Falls,  Hull Falls,  Shorty Falls,  Bridal Veil Falls,  Feather Falls,  and Romona Falls.  If you'd like more information as to how these falls got their names,   click HERE .




Look at this photo ---and find the OVERLOOK  'way' up there!!!!  See it?   NOW---go back to the previous photo... The overlook is where we were when we took the photo of Seven Falls, in the previous photo.   Interesting, huh?




Here is a picture of us taken at that overlook shown previously.   We really enjoyed being at SEVEN FALLS.




I took this picture from the bottom of Seven Falls --looking up!!!!!  You can see all of the steps that we climbed, much better in this picture.  




I took this picture of George --as we were climbing those steps....Pant Pant!!!! You can see the bottom drop (Hill Falls) to the left in the picture.   (In order to see the top waterfall,  we 'had' to climb up those steps!!!!  YES---the climb was worth it!)




After leaving Seven Falls,   we traveled in the NORTH CHEYENNE CANYON area... This canyon is also marvelous!!!!  I took this picture of a cute little cabin we passed... Neat,  isn't it???? 




Here is a picture of HELEN HUNT FALLS.  This waterfall was named after local Colorado writer,  Helen Hunt Jackson.  There is a little bridge above the waterfall where you can walk and then eventually get to another waterfall,  Silver Cascade Falls.  There was not much water up there this time of year.




This picture is out of order---but I saved my favorite photo 'til last!!!!!   Every once in awhile,  a photo comes along which "I" took that just blows me away...  This one did it for me...  I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.... Be sure to enlarge this one!!!!!

To me,  this is the PERFECT reflection photo straight out of the camera!!!!!  This was taken at Seven Falls ---and I am looking back toward the visitor center on the left.   The reflection makes the visitor center appear as if it is built on a big rock or cliff hanging out over the water....   It's NOT ---but wow--what a picture!!!! Hope you like it as much as I do.  Pictures like this make photography SO SO SO much fun!!!!!

Hope you have a great weekend.  I will see you on Monday.

Hugs,
Betsy

67 comments:

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Betsy this post was just sensational - the Chapel, and all of the waterfalls - (and those stairs!!)
I can sure understand why you left your perfect reflection til last WOW.
I just loved! loved! this.
Have a lovely weekend too.
x

Elizabeth Edwards said...

do you & your hubby ever use your photos together as a Christmas card? that would be so perfect for your friends & family. you both take some great photos.

love the views in the post. sure hope we can see Peaks Peak (Peek) one day soon. i remember on Dr. Quinn one of the visitors talking about it. such fun! (:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What fun. I love the pic of George climbing the steps!

RoeH said...

I loved the Air Force Academy Chapel. Was there several times. I never got to see all of the falls but did get to Royal Gorge sometime. Walking across did not cure my fear of heights problem. :)

Dorothy said...

The Chapel is gorgeous! We missed that:(
Love your pictures of the falls, especially the last one, because I love reflections!

MadSnapper said...

love the church in the header and i got dizzy looking down at George. scary looking to me.

Janice K said...

Your pictures bring back memories of so many past trips. Your reflection picture is awesome as well as your pictures from inside the chapel. I remember being at the seven falls back in the 1950's. We went there at night and there were different colored lights on each of the falls. I think they are much more impressive in your pictures.

Jo said...

What a chapel, Betsy. Awesome! I just loved scrolling down and reading about all the waterfalls and WOW, those steps you climbed... And the last photo took my breath away: it is indeed a most beautiful photo. Thanks for sharing all these lovely trips, memories and images. Through your blog, I get to visit the US! Have a great weekend. (((Hugs))) Jo

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice selection today. My 1st time at the chapel was taking a classmate up to visit his future school.We were so proud of his accomplishment and on a youth trip with church.Later we all realized we were at war, a tough time to enter this school.

TexWisGirl said...

the chapel is really amazing.

Jeevan said...

Wow Betsy! The seven falls is stunning and worth climbing those steps for you which is not easy for sure. The chapel looks awesome indeed... and I also enjoyed the great reflective shot and the wood cabin.

Have a great weekend!

Big Dude said...

You guys sure made the most of these two days. Your photos are awesome.

MTWaggin said...

This was so fun to see! Someplace I've not been but looks like I may have to make the trip someday.

Sylvia K said...

What an awesome place and I do love the waterfalls!! The chapel is indeed beautiful as well! Another great trip that you've shared with us and your photos are always the next best thing to being there myself! Have a great weekend, Betsy!

Rose said...

What fun you did have! The inside of the chapel is just amazing. Like a prism.

Ruth Hiebert said...

When I was at the air Force Academy Chapel,I said I wanted to get married there.That didn't happen,but it is a gorgeous place. That last picture is priceless.Yes,that makes all the effort worth it.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Beautiful photos, Betsy! I really want to go back again after seeing these. We saw the beautiful AFA Chapel, but didn't go inside. We also saw the Seven Falls, but didn't climb the stairs. You and George sure covered a lot of ground in one day! Colorado is such a beautiful state. Have a wonderful weekend!

Karin said...

I'm speechless today! These are totally awe inspiring! Love the last one - it really is special!

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Those pictures are fantastic, Betsy! What a beautiful area! It makes me want to hop in the car and go there immediately!

Susannah said...

Each photo is absolutely amazing! And your descriptions make me feel like I am right there with you! Thank you, Betsy. I love the chapel the most!

Ms. A said...

I'm trying to imagine climbing ALL THOSE STAIRS. You two amaze me!

I can see why the last one is your favorite... it DOES look like the visitor center is on a cliff! What a terrific reflection photo!

carolina nana said...

What beautiful places you were able to visit. I agree that last photo is a winner,you should enter that in a contest !!!
Love looking at your trip photos
Blessings
Marilyn

joy said...

I love most the first, second and the last. But all pictures are awesome and a place worth visiting!

Devilish Angel said...

Wow... Nice photos...

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That chapel is just spectacular, inside and out. The "five" falls picture is lovely, and the little cabin in the woods looks so inviting. Your reflection picture is indeed a work of art. Well done, on all counts.

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, these are fabulous photos! The chapel is beautiful. I would love to visit the Seven falls, it is a gorgeous place. And I agree , the last shot of the reflection is gorgeous. They are all wonderful photos, thanks for sharing.

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, these are fabulous photos! The chapel is beautiful. I would love to visit the Seven falls, it is a gorgeous place. And I agree , the last shot of the reflection is gorgeous. They are all wonderful photos, thanks for sharing.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness - the inside of that chapel - was one of the most magnificent things I have ever seen - I would love love love to go see that someday. Thanks for the lovely photos. sandie

Susie Swanson said...

Awwww, I've been missing out on all these beautiful photos.. I went AWOL for a little while. Sorry! Looks like ya'll had an awesome trip with all the beauty.. Blessings, Susie

A Colorful World said...

I enjoyed this post so much, Betsy! Of course you two would find some great falls to visit! Looks like you saw lots of wonderful sights! I love that last photo as well. The entire trip seemed just perfect!

Sally Wessely said...

I haven't been to Seven Falls for years and years. I will have to go again. You can be sure I am not climbing those stairs though. Good for you for doing so! You two are awesome. Loved all the photos.

Fred Alton said...

Outstanding photos, ALL but especially the "reflection" shot of the visitor's center and the water. Beautiful.

happyone said...

I so enjoyed seeing more of your oh so beautiful photos. Too hard to pick a favorite!

Ann said...

Awesome pictures. My daughter lived in Colorado Springs for a while. I wish I would have had a chance to visit her there. I would have loved to have seen some of those sights. I love that little cabin.

JDS said...

On my first trip "out west," my parents took me to the Air Force Academy chapel when I was 8 years old. I was so impressed with that enormous pipe organ that I remember looking at it like it was yesterday...even though Jimmy Carter was in the White House and "The Devil went down to Georgia" was the hot new hit on the radio. Funny how the mind works!

JDS said...

My parents took me to that chapel the first time I went out west. I remember staring at its giant pipe organ like it was yesterday...even though Jimmy Carter was in the White House and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" was the hot new song on the radio. Funny how the human mind works!

Lady Di Tn said...

You are correct the last photo was the best. What you call a perfect shot. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend too. Peace

Grandma Bonnie said...

The Air Force Academy Chapel is very beautiful. I love the new photo in you header. All your pictures are awesome today that last one is stunning. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

Karen said...

Wow Betsy these photo's are great, thanks for showing them. I love the inside of the chapel it is truly beautiful, and the log cabin, I imagine myself living in a log cabin sometimes, a bit bigger though. The photo of the both of you is wonderful you both look so happy. Best Wishes Karen.

Neal said...

Very, very nice. The last picture is special.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

More fabulous shots Betsy! I love the inside of that church, and I think my favorite shot today is of George on the stairs- fantastic view down below of that falls and also gives me an idea of how many stairs y'all had to climb!

troutbirder said...

What a beautiful place and series of pictures. My son and family lived for a few years in the Fort Collins area...:)

Miss Debbie said...

Such a great trip. Would love to go there some day!

Farida said...

The interior of the church is really amazing! Is it made of colored glass? Oh! and the cabin looks pretty cool too! I wonder how it looks inside :)

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, thanks for sharing the trip and the photographs with us. Those of the seven falls were so interesting to me. The varied angles with regard to the falls.

That last photo was truly awesome. Someone just gave me their used digital camera (they bought a new one) and so I have now entered the modern era! I'm going to have to learn how to use it effectively.

What kind of camera do you have? I think I could get into this whole photography art form. Peace.

Hootin Anni said...

Beautiful images of my ol' 'stomping grounds' Betsy. Did you both go up to Pike's Peak on the tram?

Linda P said...

The inside of the chapel is beautiful.
Thank you once more for sharing your trip to Seven Falls. What a spectacular place to visit! The climb to see it from different perspectives must have been so worthwhile.

DeniseinVA said...

I am really impressed you climbed those steps. Great photos as always.

Catherine said...

Hope your November warmth and sunshine give you some late rose blooms Betsy!
xo Catherine

GreatGranny said...

Just loved it all, especially the chapel and the reflections photo.

Anonymous said...

All the photos are outstanding, but the reflection is my most favorite.

HolleyGarden said...

I have family in this area, so I knew the chapel - it is amazing! But, they've never taken me to the falls - and all those steps!!! It looks so beautiful there, though. The next time I visit, I'll have to request touring there. Thanks for showing us these wonderful sites.

Small City Scenes said...

Wow, those are all super pictures, Betsy. You sure had to do a lot of climbing to achieve those shots. MMMMmmmmm I hope my knee will hold out. haha!! MB

Linda G. said...

I really have to gather up the photographs I have from my visit to Colorado Springs many, many years ago. I also went to Seven Falls. It was in November, and the falls were frozen. That is a beautiful photograph of the inside of the church; love the colors.

Faye said...

In my working days I took a group of Farm Bureau volunteers to this amazing AF Chapel. You're right, when the sun shines through the colors inside are just stunning.

And I understand what you mean about loving certain photos--sometimes magic just happens and it makes you so happy. Cutting comments short as Blogger is testing my patience and losing them this weekend. Enjoyed this series of photos.

Anonymous said...

What fabulous blues and scenery. That cottage is so gorgeous as is the chapel. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Busy Bee Suz said...

The chapel is absolutely gorgeous.....magical!!!
So glad you had a lovely visit.
XO

Connie said...

Betsy, these photos are wonderful! I love the ones of the chapel. Inside of there is so beautiful! I love all those colors. The picture of the stairs looking back made me a little dizzy, it's so high! ha! :)

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Betsy, precious friend,
Oh! I love your awesome photos.
The one you took of George climbing the steps and taking pictures is so cute...
Thank you for sharing your world with the world!
You have a super blog, and you are also a super friend.
I highly appreciate your Online friendship.
I wish you have a Happy Election Day with your loved ones!
Make the right choice for the next US President who should lead our country to a successful future, and a better life for all of us.
Thank you for writing to me, Betsy!
Thank you also for visiting my sites, sweetheart!
All the Best,
Poet Starry.

Unknown said...

Want to know something fun? The academy chapel's design is based on paper airplanes stood up on end. The father of one of the architects was a family friend. That's also where Tall Guy and I had our first argument as a married couple because we got lost trying to find it. Ah, the good memories :-)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I was excited to read thsi post, Betsy as I ahve yet to visit these palces in Colorado so now I ahve them on my list!

Thank you for all your kind words of support for the Hurrican Sandy victims. I have been voluteering at a temporary shelter for people that lost their homes. It is wonderful to see how many people are helping and donating goods that are needed.

~mel said...

As always ~ breathtakingly beautiful!! Thank you so much for sharing :) ... Betsy ~ what are you doing to yourself ... doesn't George feed you? You're getting skinnier and skinnier; and looking fantastic!! If your secret is all those steps you climb looking at waterfalls ~ it's working! You and George both are looking good :)

Joyful said...

Gorgeous photos. I love all of them and I especially like that church. I'd love to worship in there.

diane b said...

What a busy day you had and an adventurous one. You did so well climbing all those steps. The Seven Falls is a beauty and your last photo is just stunning.

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

I love the chapel.
Of course the rest of the snaps are also very charming and show beauty.
You and george look great.

Cheqna said...

Hi Betsy,

That last one certainly is breathtaking.

What a nice treat, to get seven at one go..but I'm not sure if I'm fit enough to climb the stairs like you both, likely in the link said that it's also accessible by elevators ..ha ha..

:-)

Annie Jeffries said...

I think I would be very challenged to get to the first landing but trying would be so worth it.