Colorado!!!

Colorado Springs

Just west of Colorado Springs, the home of the Air Force Academy, is Pike's Peak. It is part of the Pike National Forest and rises up more than 14,000 feet. There is a cog train that makes it's way up to the summit of Pike's Peak and trip itself is breath-taking.

We went when there was snow on the mountain and we started with no snow and ended at the summit with completely covered. The air is very thin up at the summit so make sure you are healthy enough to go up there. It is noticeably more work to breath up there. But if you are medically OK it is worth every breath.

You can purchase snacks and lunch to eat on the way and there is even a gift shop at the top. You need the souvenir that says, "I made it to the summit at Pike's Peak". It is a fantastic trip and is one of the things you should put on your list of things to do before it is too late.

In Colorado Springs proper, there are many historical sites and the Native American influence in our country is very obvious. My wife and I are particularly interested in the KOKO PELEI artifacts and we were in shopping heaven while there. We were there for about 8 days and didn't begin to be able to go everywhere. It was a great trip and there are still places we want to go back and see.

Louisiana!!!

Diamond Jacks of Bossier City

If you ever pass through Bossier City, next to Shreveport you should stop and see Diamond Jacks. The rooms are decent, clean and reasonably priced. The slots or usually generous and you can see shows that you won't see in Las Vegas. If you are antique like me you will be amazed at how many of the entertainers you grew up with, that are performing in this town.

There was one draw back. The casinos still allow smoking anywhere so the smoke is a little thick, but if you are a smoker it probably won't bother you. If you are like me and you quit smoking more than a few years before, you may want to take frequent breaks from the fun.

We had a lot of fun. Try www.diamondjacks.com or you can call them at 1-318-678-7777 for reservations and information. They are in Bossier City, LA 71171.