Garden of the Gods-RVC Outdoor Destinations
Colorado Springs, CO
June 26, 2014
With mild temperatures, a bright blue sky, and a cool breeze blowing, yesterday was a
perfect day to go exploring. To become acclimated to higher elevations and thinner air, we decided that an easy walk on flat ground was the way to go. Destination...Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. This park is owned and operated by the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services with support from the Living History Association. There is an admission to take a self-guided walking tour...seniors get a real bargain at $5 per person.
The trail meanders thru a meadow full of wildflowers, grasses, bunnies and birds.
The brightest and tallest thistle I have ever seen...
prickly pear cactus with beautiful redish orange centers...
bright yellow Perky Sue Plants...
and green, green grass with golden seeds dancing in the breeze!
This historic site is a living history farm and museum depicting life in the Pikes Peak region. Four time periods are represented.
1. The American Indian Area represents Ute and Plains Indians life in the 1700s.
There were no men around the tipi...only women and children. They were making beaded bracelets and necklaces to be sold in the General Store that is on the grounds.
 |
| I love baskets! |
2. The Homestead site depicts pioneer life in the 1800's.
A very simple way of life...and hard work too.
This home was built back in the 1970's by a college student. It was his project to build this home like pioneers would have done it. The logs are held together with a mix of mud, straw and ashes.
The door latch...made on the grounds at the Blacksmith Shop.
3. The Chamber's Farm site tells the story of one family that moved to this location in the 1870's. Museum guides, wearing the clothing specific to the time period, did a great job telling stories about the Chamber family.
As we entered the kitchen, we were greeted with warm smiles and yummy smells...potato pancakes and baked beans.
Beautiful china graced the table...a drop-leaf table like the one I ate on as a child.
 |
| The Chamber's home...Rock Ledge House |
4. The last site is the Palmer Farm with its gracious Edwardian Dutch Colonial home...the Orchard House...built in 1907.
This country estate was built by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, for relatives William and Charlotte Sclater.
The day we visited, the kitchen was quite busy. I cant believe I didn't get a picture of the original coal burning stove with two ovens. Rhubarb and blueberry preserves were being stirred and angel food cake was being mixed on the pastry counter.
Both recipes are from the original cookbook of the house.
 |
| Original copper sink...what a beauty! |
The two sinks were made of copper because it is "softer". It was very dented from all the years, but saved many a piece of china.
Unlike most homes in the area at this time, the Orchard House was equipped with all the "modern" conveniences...plumbing and electricity being at the top of the list.
I grew up using an old porcelain bathroom sink just like this...even the same faucets...we also had a claw foot huge bathtub like this home had.
Every room had windows...
and every window had a gorgeous view and some had wonderful breezes.
In addition to the four historic sites, there is a working farm, a blacksmith, and a General Store.
The blacksmith was making a chain.
So, can you tell I had a really good time?
I think a hike in the Garden of Gods is next.
Until then, take care and...
happy trails!
