.....A star was born.
Yesterday was my actual birthday but I was/am having computer issues.
But I have to share my exciting day with you!
I woke up Saturday morning at 5:45 am. This is what my windshield looked like when I finally made it out of the house on my way to my birthday adventure.
See this?
This is just the very beginning, there is more......
This is the view up.
This is the view down.
Down again
FINALLY at the top.
The Manitou Incline was once a cog railway that has been turned into a series of approximately 2,077 steps (might be a little more but I know it is around this.) The vertical gain is 2,200 feet (Altitude).
My friend in this picture climbed the incline for the first time as well.
The hiking crew. Everyone else bailed on us because of the early time. This is a popular place so to get parking and not have to battle a bunch of people you have to get up early or go late.
Here is the gorgeous view on our way back down. You can go down the steps or take the 3 mile back trail to get back down. The stairs can be pretty inconsistant equalling unsafe, so we elected to take the back way.
After the hike we went to a little cafe, Gertrude's, and met some other friends for brunch. This place was delish!!
Later that evening hubby and I went to PF Chang's for dinner. One of my favorite places! Yum, Yum. I usually order MuShu chicken or Candied Walnut Shrimp, but I have been really wanting spicy so we got Sichuan of the Sea. So tasty!
I made the decision to do the incline so that I had that since of accomplishment on my birthday. Let me tell you I felt awesome the rest of the day and even today. People thought I was crazy for choosing this, but that sense of accomplishment, was exactly what I was after. This was a tough climb and at spots I did not think I would make it, but I just kept telling myself "you can do this". And I did! So although I am getting older, I feel really great!
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Can't believe how fast it goes!