We went 2500 mile to get from Johnston to Colorado Springs this year. Also it took about a week to get there. Obviously we did not go by the most direct route. Interested in seeing Glacier National Park, we decided to take this detour on our way to volunteer at Glen Eyrie. As some of my previous blogs can attest, we usually spend a few months there every year. This year it was May and October.

 

Our trip to Glacier was very enjoyable. At the beginning of the second day we were blessed with a flat tire. I do mean blessed, really! It could have happened on route 212 in the middle of no-where. After a short delay in Belle Fourche, SD, we were on our way to Great Falls MT. We celebrated our 49^th anniversary there. So, on to Glacier NP the next few days.

 

 Unfortunately the sky was hazy due to persistent high pressure and the smoke of many wild-fires south and west of this region. Non-the-less it was quite the experience. On our way south we stopped at the beautiful cathedral in Helena. We skipped Yellowstone NP, because of time and a few previous visits to this beautiful and exciting National Treasure.

In Wyoming we stopped in Thermopolis, a small bubbling hot springs park area, with free soaking in the provided pool. This was a very beautiful area as well. Corrie's FB picture was taken here. We spend the last night before getting to the Springs, in Laramie, WY. A nice college town with another beautiful church building. The had there last of the season farmers' market that evening and we enjoyed great hospitality and fellowship.

Started our volunteer month at Glen Eyrie on the 30^th of September, with all the work and joy that continues to bring us.

GLEN EYRIE Spring 2014

New and exiting things have been going on at Glen Eyrie. Our month here is nearly finished. We'll be heading back to Johnston, Iowa, on Sunday, June 1. While we were here we only went on 2 hikes, so far. The weather has been very variable, with snow, thunderstorms, cool windy weather, also some sunshine, but cool for the time of year. Also we have been very busy doing our hospitality work at the Pink House. All the while major construction has been happening here. Due to the flooding last September, a decision was made to widen the creek, so it could transfer much more water. 

A canalization project with relining the widened stream bed with large rock rip-rap is ongoing. Two new bridges have replaced older stone-arch bridges, so the increased stream does not bottleneck at the crossroads. They will be dressed with stone later to preserve the overall look of the property.

Also, I am happy to report that our hummingbirds survived the frosty nights of mid May. They continue to feed voraciously at the feeder we provide for them. They seem to have no fear of us humans, to the delight of many people who come to visit the Pink House. Also, although they are known to be territorial and aggressive to competitors, they seem to get along pretty well; as the pictures show. 

We went on a small hike, to again capture Lady Bug overlook and again took some pictures of the views there. These views  never bore us! Always something new to see and experience. The surroundings are much greener that we have seen in the previous years, so I guess the snow and rain have been beneficial for the local fauna.

MOTER'S DAY 2014

It is Mother's Day. A day set aside to honor all women, those who are physically mothers, but also those who “mother” us. Motherhood may be the least appreciated executive position in our society.  The pay is minimal if any, but the pay-off is critical for our future.  

But who would have thought that we would have snow at Glen Eyrie in the middle of May?

A widespread cold snow storm blanketed the Rocky Mountains here. In the Glen it started snowing mid-morning and it still continuing as I write this at sundown; not that we did see the sun today, however.

What a change with the other days this past week. 

Less than a week ago, when we went up to our favorite spot, overlooking Queen's Canyon from the east.          Glen Eyrie overlook - Garden of the Gods, & Cheyenne Mountain

 

It was in the mid 70's on Monday and today the high was early this morning at 43 degrees Fahrenheit. It got progressively cooler after that.

I am worried about our hummingbirds, we have cleaned off the snow from the feeder, and they have been coming all day. They are not as feisty as usual, though. I hope they make it through the night, the temperature is supposed to go below freezing. By Tuesday it should be a bit warmer again, but no 70's for another few days. I am glad that I brought a few sweaters. 

 I honored my bride, the mother of our children. All our children did something special for their mother as well! All I all a very memorable day.

Back at Glen Eyrie

The week after my birthday we celebrated the birthday of my spouse. She is one week younger than I.  Believe it or not, it has been that way our entire life.  The next day we left for Colorado Springs, to attend a Marriage Get-Away at Glen Eyrie.  Our Marriage Get-Away was very good, breakfast in bed on Friday morning; lots of one on one time for each couple in the afternoons.  We were warned that we were not allowed to do any work, or anything that even looked like work, while attending the MGA. (I guess they know us here) Our sessions were excellent and focused on relationships, particularly couple interaction and understanding each others' love language. All our meals were spectacular!  The cooks outdid themselves. 

On Sunday (8-18) we moved into the lower apartment in the Châlet from the Castle Room, where we had been staying for the MGA.

It is warm here during the day, the nights are cool - mid 60s  but afternoon temperatures hit upper 80s and even  a few low 90s. But fortunately we don't have the humidity, which is so prevalent in the Heartland, so it is OK to be, and even work outside. 

We went for a walk (small hike) last Sunday (8-25) during the early afternoon and we appreciated the shade, when we could find it.

The work has been sporadic the first week, but we are really busy this week.  Right now there are but a few guests.  We have had some senior (High School) retreats, so lots of activity and energy.  Corrie has been doing dining room attendant work, and Joh is working for Facilities.  Some other tasks are in the works.  We still love working here!!  Surrounded by the rocks which hide this valley form the business of the city, we get to enjoy the peaceful quiet of Glen Eyrie.  Even in the midst of work, we can greet the turkeys, the big horn sheep, and chase the squirrels.

Memorial Day and beyond

My last blog was written at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, but on the 27th of May, the actual Memorial Day we went for a hike.  
We revisited “the scar” and went to an overlook of Queen’s Canyon.  On the way and at our destination we could really see some of the fire damage reslting from last year’s Waldo Canyon fire.  
A lot of mitigation work to prevent severe flash flooding and debris flow has been done in the area.  Monique and Rick were with us and they went right up to the edge of this overlook.

This was scary to me, because I don’t like to get close to any edge, even more so, if it is very high.  With proper encouragement, however, I did make it to the edge as well.  The Monique only picture shows Palmer’s dam in Camp Creek, which runs through Queen’s Canyon.  At this dam the water is diverted to a collection and pipe transportation system, which replenishes some of the reservoirs, now in Colorado Springs.  Also this picture shows the fire damage on the other side of Queen’s Canyon. 
 In a previous blog I published a picture in this area where a flood mitigation fence was built. 

 This time I included a picture of the new castle lawn as seen from this overlook area; it is beautifully green.  We all pray that there won’t be any flash flooding in the area.  Not only to preserve the beauty of Glen Eyrie, but also the area in the city where Camp Creek is canalized.

Meanwhile there is a large fire in the NE area of Colorado Springs, known as Black Forest.  Again the resources of those who fight fires are being stretched.  Many people have lost their homes and possessions.  Today, June 14, there is some rain in the area. 

 In Iowa the drought is over.  There is actually some minor flooding and the rivers run at flood-stage. We took a long motorcycle trip on June 13.  The weather was beautiful; no wind to speak of, sun-shine, and about 80 degrees.

Memorial Day 2013

On April 26 I blogged about the flood mitigation work ongoing at Glen Eyrie.  The work was hampered some by snow and rain, but I am happy to share some new pictures of the green green grass of (this) home.

We are starting Memorial Day weekend, and the weather is just gorgeous.
There are weddings, graduations, and memories of those who have gone before us.  It is good to be in this place of quiet memory of a man with a vision, namely William Jackson Palmer, who built this place for his home.  
For the protection of the Almighty, to preserve this place for its current function.  
For the insight of the Navigators, who share this place with the public; for retreats, contemplation, rest, and restoration.   

A quiet place in a busy world.  Even the animals know this and some come here to graze and rest. 

 



Our tenure here will end on June 2, after which we shall return to our home in Johnston, Iowa for most of the summer.  

 
On our past day off, we went to Pueblo.  Here we enjoyed great day of relaxing as well.  

Walking the river walk, enjoying the down town area and relaxing for a cup of coffee. The river walk also commemorated Medal of Honor recipients, as well as service members of all branches of the military.  
 A nice prelude to this Memorial Day weekend.

Cowboy Church

While we were volunteering at Glen Eyrie we attended church at the Flying W Ranch. The Flying W is a Western hang-out in NW Colorado Springs. It is only about 10 minutes from Glen Eyrie. We were invited by another volunteer to attend church here, with her the first Sunday we were present on the grounds of Glen Eyrie. Although our job of hosting the Pink House usually involves work on the weekends, we are able to break away to attend one of the many churches in the area. The Navigators are not a church, or a denomination. So, they do not operate a church on the grounds.
This does not mean, of course, that one cannot worship on the property.

Obviously many guests do exactly that. The serenity of the place, the peace it exudes, no cell phone signal in may areas, and no TV make you appreciate your surroundings.

The handy work of the Creator is manifest all around. The quiet wild life one may encounter, the rock formations, trees and flowers, and the beautiful sights seen on any of the many hiking trails.


But let’s go back to Sunday Worship at the “Cowboy-Church. The winter dining area is set up as a worship center.


The stage area contains the pulpit and also accommodates the Praise Team, which leads the congregation in singing and helps to focus on God. As you enter the rustic worship center, you are encouraged to take a pillow along. The pick-nick table benches get somewhat uncomfortable after about a half hour.

Old time hymns with guitar and mandolin music accompanying, makes for a great time of singing together. The sermons are very much Bible based, yet contemporary and helpful for daily living. No strange theology here!

We continued to attend worship here, except for our last Sunday. We had a great wedding celebration involving both of us on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Maybe I’ll share some pictures of this in another blog.

Spring Again !

Pikes Peak with fresh snow

It has been cooler here, in Colorado. We spent the first night in Fairplay, visiting Corrie’s brother. Here we experienced snow on the ground! The weather in Colorado Springs has been a little bit gentler, but we have gone from sweaters to shorts and back. I guess we get to celebrate spring all over again. It has been slower in coming than what we experienced in Iowa. Only two irises blooming in a sunny spot.

There is water running in the creek and if one wants to go to Dorothy Falls, wet feet will be part of the experience. The many creek crossings needed to get there, are awash with cool running water.

The Big Horn sheep are in the mountains, probably taking care of the lambs. The turkeys are alive and well, still roosting in the trees every night. They wake us in the morning with their calls and noise, when they come down again. The deer are losing their winter coat and the grass needs mowing.

We do have many new “SOWER” volunteers at Glen Eyrie and the General likes showing them around. We were privileged to show off the “Pink House” to a group of them. Normally the “Pink House” is not open for public tours, but we have the option to conduct private tours while we are hosting here.


It really is a blessing to be able to serve here. We meet many really great people and are able to share many of our experiences.


Not only do we serve as Pink House Hosts, we also help with food service and facilities functions, like helping with landscaping, painting, building maintenance, and other services.

Madrigals at "the Glen"

In my previous blog I eluded to the upcoming Madrigals, to be held in the Great Hall of the Gen Eyrie Castle. We have been diligently working on the backdrops, which are completed and in place. We started back in the beginning of November to build the boxes. We made five 4x8 boxes with sides of one-by-fours. Using “bendie-wood” we constructed three half circle arches; two 4 foot wide, one 8 foot wide. The inside was painted semigloss white to prepare for light reflection.

This week just a few days before the first Madrigal Dinner, the replica stained glass windows, laminated to plexi-glass, came in and we were able to complete the backdrops. For lighting we strung about 180 soft white LED Christmas lights per box. The effect, as you can see, looks like a stained glass window backlit by the sun.


We are all looking forward to serving at the Madrigal dinner and performance. The focus is to celebrate the truth of Christmas, while enjoying a classic Madrigal event, including wassail, boars head, accompanied by period music and dance.

Just visit the Glen Eyrie web-site for more information. I will be working as a food-server on three of the performances. Corrie and I will also will be able to observe the totality of the experience from above, off the balcony of the Great Hall, during one of our nights off.


Our time here is winding down. We plan to travel back to our home in Johnston, Iowa, at the middle of the month.

GLEN EYRIE (1)

Here we are again, at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs. I reviewed my posts from last year; (September 25, and a few in October) and found that not much has changed. The place is still very peaceful and wild-life abounds. Turkeys, deer, bighorn sheep, squirrels and rabbits,
just to name a few. There are snakes, a bob-cat, a bear, and they all claim this valley as their home. The animals tolerate the people, who visit here, pretty well. They do not act afraid, but do keep some distance from the people. The turkeys, deer and bighorns stay in groups usually.

We are Pink House managers for the month of October. This means we keep the guests in the three guest-rooms in clean towels and bedding. We have coffee and tea available and provide for the needs of our guests as may be needed. Many of our guests, just stay for bed and breakfast. The meals are provided in a central dining room, so we are not responsible for meal preparation. During conferences we often have guests who stay for a longer periods, and this makes our daytime schedule easier.
We schedule time off, when we can and take advantage of enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The weather has been fabulous the past week and we were able to repeat some of the hikes we did last year. We also visited Cheyenne Canyon State park and Helen Hunt Falls last Monday. Quite a view over the city and the Colorado plains, as we edged the mountains and traveled in the foothills of the Rockies.
On Wednesday morning on our way to breakfast I noticed a spilled garbage container. I joked, that it might have been a bear, who made the mess. To our surprise, this was true! We saw a well sized brown bear on the Castle lawn. As stated in one of our previous blogs, this is the home of much wild-life. Yet, the bear needed to be shooed away from the Castle area, because of the high density of people here; especially at breakfast time.

After breakfast, cleaning the rooms, and visiting with some of the guests, we hiked to Dorothy Falls. Although it only is about 3/4 mile form the Castle parking lot, it takes about an hour to get there.

The trail is rough and rocky, but the reward is great. The sun was out, the sky deep blue,




the trees displayed their fall colors. An added benefit was, that we were ready for lunch, when we returned from the hike. A very nice morning walk to enjoy and appreciate the glory of creation.