Our New Mexico/Colorado Vacation July 2023 Part 4- The End

When we got up the next morning is was 48 DEGREES!  I loved it!  Kathy made a breakfast casserole which was delicious!  After breakfast, we showered and got dressed and headed to Colorado Springs (again) to go to the National WWII Aviation Museum.  I have to tell you, if you have never been, you need to go.  I am not much on just seeing airplanes, but all of these were from WWII and there was tons of history regarding the planes and WWII as well.  Also, there was another building, which you had to have a guide take you over (which was included in the price) because it is privately owned where they restored planes from WWII.  I really enjoyed it!

This plane was massive!!

Repair shop 

Tour guide at repair shop

After leaving there, we drove to Garden of the Gods.  I am pretty sure we have driven through the park before, but wanted to do it again.  This is a MUST if you are in Colorado Springs.  The formations of the rocks are the most amazing thing to see.  We only stopped at Balanced Rock to get photos.  

Balanced Rock

Shortly after that it started raining a bit and then hail!  We tried to find refuge under a tree while driving out (as did everyone else) and then decided just to go for it and leave.  All of a sudden hail was coming down in torrents, I have never in my life seen hail like that.  I felt bad for all the hikers in the park!  I was also afraid the windshield was going to get broken.  Greg found a street corner with a tree and he jumped the curb and drove up under it as far as he could.  After it let up a bit, Greg noticed a lot of standing water, but was able to put the Jeep in 4 wheel drive and get out.  

Fortunately, we did not get the huge dents like I thought we would have.  A claim has been made and waiting on the adjuster to come out and look at it.

The next day we would be leaving for home and I was really not ready.  The temps were so nice and I knew what we were going home to.  It was decided to drive as far as Wichita Falls, stay the night and have a shorter drive on Saturday.  Overall, it was a GREAT trip, the scenery and the visit with our wonderful friend made it memorable!

Here's to more memories!