09 Jul Colorado Springs, Open For Business

My brother-in-law, along with his wife and two kids, came out to Colorado Springs last week for a visit. A quick thanks to them for supporting Colorado Springs Tourism in the midst of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Don’t quote me on this, but I think I read somewhere that the fire was impacting the city and surrounds by some $1M per day in business losses. It’s sad to think of the long term economic effects this brutal wildfire season is going to have on our state. Here in Colorado Springs, we had about a solid week where all of our major attractions were closed. I remember thinking it was a little overkill that ALL of our local parks and hiking spots were closed, even those that weren’t anywhere near the fire. However, having just been up at the overlook in Palmer Park on Saturday, I can see why… cigarette butts all over the place. Idiots!

Anyhoo, when the family decided they would still make the trek out here to visit, Cec and I were thrilled but also worried that everything would still be closed. In fact, when they first arrived everything was still closed with the exception of Seven Falls so they checked that out first. Due the drought, the falls weren’t flowing like they usually would this time of year but it was still enjoyable. It was nice just to be out! Thanks to the tireless work of the firefighters and some cooperative weather, throughout the week the rest of the local parks, along with HWY 24, opened back up. The fam was pretty much able to do all the things they wanted, We hit Garden of the Gods, took the COG up Pikes Peak, spent a day at The North Pole..the kids loved it, the adults not so much, only because our equilibrium isn’t what it used to be..the tilt-a-whirl did a number on my brother-in-law and the umbrellas hit me pretty hard. I remember the days when I could go on rides over and over again, now I can barely handle two minutes. We capped their vacation with a hike through Palmer Park. I think we may have convinced them to move here from Kansas City. I LOVE COLORADO!!

For any of you out there reading this thinking about visiting our beautiful state but having reservations due to our wildfires, please don’t let that hold you back. There is still a ton to do and see. You won’t be disappointed! Also, if you want to help some of those people who have lost their homes or the fabulous firefighters who are out there battling the blazes:

http://www.coloradoredcross.org
http://helpcoloradonow.org/
http://imsalvationarmy.org/
http://www.wildfiretees.com/

Here are some shots from the week. Again, I found myself shooting primarily with my iPhone. This time I edited just about everything with VSCO Cam App and a few with Instagram. There are couple below that I shot with my slr but edited on my iPhone. Can you tell which ones? I’m heading to Seattle in a couple of weeks, I’ve decided to rent the Fuji X-Pro 1…see how I like it.