Hiking in Colorado Springs

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Day 96

Kris took us to Mass at the Convent of St Francis Assisi.   This was a lovely church not far from their home in the hills of Colorado Springs. We really enjoyed the Mass and felt very welcome there. The music was terrific.

St Francis of Assisi

There were three things that were different about this church than what we had seen in our travels so far. First there were overhead screens with the hymns and prayers on them on either side of the pews instead of the hymnal. Next, before the liturgy of the eucharist, the priest and deacon invited the children who had not yet had their first communion to come forward for a blessing. The priest and deacon sat down in the front pew so they were at the children's level and they all filed through for a blessing. Lastly during the closing hymn a choir member placed a box on the floor with various musical instruments like maracas and tambourines. She picked up a tambourine and when the song started, the children came forward and grabbed an instrument and played along. What a fun way to include the children in the Mass.

Jack and I took Kris out for breakfast and then we went back to her house and Jack and I got ready to go hiking. Kris had recommended the 7 falls hike but we found it closed. On the way there we passed by a 1977 VW Westfalia camper van. Jodi really wants one of these but finds it ridiculous to buy a 38 year old van for $15,000. Why won't Volkswagen build another one of these? They are the perfect camper van for old tent campers! After talking to some people we found a different hike, Middle and Upper Columbine to Helen Hunt Waterfalls and then hike up behind that waterfalls to another one. It was 4.3 miles to the upper falls. 

Helen Hunt Waterfall

We are out of shape and hiked down the shorter road back to the car. It is amazing to us how close it is to get a great hike in.  No wonder people love Colorado Springs!  What a great place to live.  We had a great last night here.  Kris cooked us a great halibut dinner. Early to bed for an early morning departure toward Dinosaur National Monument.