Prospect Lake with Pikes Peak in the background — Colorado Springs, CO.

Pikes Peak peeking through the tree trunks @ Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.

Panorama of Prospect Lake with the Front Range as a backdrop — Colorado Springs, CO.

Canada geese and other waterfowl enjoying Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.

"Snacking Squirrel" in a tree @ Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.

Panorama of Prospect Lake ... boathouse on the left — Colorado Springs, CO.

Looking across Prospect Lake to Memorial Park — Colorado Springs, CO.

Panorama of Prospect Lake from the far end — Colorado Springs, CO.

A "we are here" selfie @ Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.

Buffalo Soldiers Memorial with memorial to all who have fallen in the service of country (back) — CO

1st Outing of 2021

January 2, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 41 °F

We like to start off the new year with a walk ... or a hike ... or doing something active. It’s a tradition we began years ago when we were living in Virginia.

Alas, this year, we had to postpone that tradition to the second day of the year. Not because we were lazy, mind you. No, it was the gusty winds that added a chill to the already low temperatures kept us indoors yesterday.

Today, the weather conditions were much more pleasant. It was around 40F when we left the house ... sunshine and blue skies ... not even the hint of a breeze. Perfect.

Our plan, when we left the house, was to hike one of the trails at Palmer Park. Unfortunately, we neglected to consider the snow that was still on the ground. Snow that had melted and frozen again ... and again ... creating icy trails.

So, we switched plans. Searching the AllTrails app for a paved walking path, we headed off to Prospect Lake ... the Front Range and Pikes Peak adding to the beauty of the setting in which the lake is situated. The adjacent Memorial Park, with monuments dedicated to all those who have fallen in the service of their country, was an added bonus.Read more