From USAFA to Pueblo

Poor Garden of the Gods. Once again we planned to take our visitors there. Once again we changed our minds. This time because the skies were mostly cloudy and the light was dull. You really do need blue skies to enhance the beauty of the red rocks of this amazing natural area.

Instead, we headed out after lunch to give mom, Aylin, and Murat a tour of the US Air Force Academy grounds. We spent some time at the Visitor Center from where we were going to take the trail to see the Academy Chapel. We knew the building itself was closed due to ongoing restoration work, but did not anticipate that the trail would be off limits as well. Oh well! At least the deer that we always see around the USAFA grounds made an appearance before we left.

The second part of our day’s plans went as anticipated — a drive down to Pueblo to stroll along the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk. It was after 3:00p when we arrived to find the city all but deserted ... quite surprising, I thought. But then again, perhaps there was a football game that kept people indoors on this unseasonably warm winter day.

Since we wanted to see the holiday lights along the Riverwalk, we decided to have dinner first. Mui had already done his research, so we headed to the Brues Alehouse. The brewpub is housed in the city’s revitalized old police building/jail. We had a nice meal — and enjoyed some of the beer brewed on the premises — but I was disappointed that more of the ambiance of the original building was not retained.

After dinner, we bundled up in a few extra layers and went for a stroll towards the far end of the Riverwalk before slowly making our way back to the parking lot where we had left the car. The holiday lights were indeed a-twinkle by this time and the calm water provided a mirror to reflect the lights. We wrapped up our evening with a quick detour to the Pueblo Union Depot where a synchronized light show was on display.

While we enjoyed our evening, I’m not sure I can say that the drive to see the holiday lights — 60 miles each way — was worth it. That said, I did spy some lovely murals in Pueblo, so a return trip is not unlikely.Читать далее