April 25, 2021: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Joy Yang
- Apr 27, 2021
- 1 min read
We walked so many miles today and my calves are sore. First, the Garden of the Gods. Pine trees, cacti lining the red soil. Most of all, looming rocks, red rocks, round and layered and stacked, large and small. They were usually beyond the path, but at the end of the path, top of the hill, we could climb a few of them. This was my heaven. I didn’t know that rocks would imitate the structures in rock climbing gyms - although of course I knew that rock climbers prepared for real climbs on the artificial rock. The risk is what made it worthwhile for me. My feet and momentum against cool friction, rough and exciting and nothing stopping a fall.
Next, Manitou Springs. We thought it would be slightly more exciting - mostly lines of tourist gift shops, specialty shops, fudge and keychains and imitation Native American pottery. Again, so many people. Hot. Smiling at cho-cho in the stroller. Sneakers and french braids laughing and walking. One thing of note: scattered along the line, a few roped-off fountains gave spring water - salty, sulfur-infused spring water, each of a different bitterness. My mom insisted on filling my water bottle and chocho’s water bottle with the healing stuff so we did. I played a piano on the road. We ate at a Korean restaurant where I eavesdropped on the table next to us. We walked back and washed our clothes, chocho’s bed-sheets, his stroller. A large dog named Penny was beside our RV when I washed the stroller and she watched and whined.
I have an Aunt in Colorado Springs. If I'd known you were stopping there she could have given you a tour of Peterson AFB. What did you overhear while eavesdropping. If it's not juicy enough, just make it up. 😉 You know, like "Billy Kate ran off from Brucey Bob to Vegas with some guy from the flea market and left her three youngins at home for a whole week and when she got back she caught Bruce flirting with the widow woman from down the street! Well, I never!"