My main purpose for being in the U.S. was a family reunion in Breckenridge, Colorado. To get there, I hopped in a car and drove with family from Texas. We made a couple of stops on our Colorado road trip to the mountains.
Texas the musical
Our first stop was just outside of Amarillo, Texas in Palo Duro Canyon. For more than 50 years, throughout the summer, a pageant has been put on in the canyon. The amphitheater uses the lovely red canyon walls for a backdrop. The show tells the historical fiction story of the pioneers who settled the Texas Panhandle.
It is a musical production along the lines of “Oklahoma.” Most of the cast members are students from nearby colleges or locals who participate year after year. It is a fun show and shares some interesting culture and history, but it is not a masterpiece of theater. If you’re driving across Interstate 40 and have time, the show may be worth a pit stop. The canyon is. If you’re an international tourist, it is definitely a glimpse into a slice of Americana and patriotism you may not find as easily on the tourist circuit.
Air Force Academy
Our second stop on the way to Breckenridge, in hopes to better adjust to the altitude of the Rocky Mountains, was Colorado Springs, CO. Our family has experienced Colorado Springs many times being the former location of the Texas Boys Choir’s summer training camp when myself and my two older brothers were in the choir. And, a few years ago, I spent a day ascending Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway.
We have seen all of the sights in this exciting city, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great ones to repeat, especially since I was a kid when I visited most of them. The Air Force Academy is one of these places. However, it was much better now with a better background and appreciate of architecture. The campus is a modern masterpiece designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.
The crown jewel of the campus is the Cadet Chapel. Its shape mimics the wings of a jet. A latticework of stained glass windows floods the interior with rainbows of light. The building isn’t only special because of its architecture and design. It is a multi-faith building with worship spaces for multiple religions and denominations.
There are several other lovely structures on camps and open spaces for the public to experience. I highly recommend a visit to the Air Force Academy.
Focus on the Family
Just across the freeway from the academy is the Focus on the Family campus. This is a conservative Christian organization. My mom and sister wanted to visit their visitor center, which has a very fun play area for kids in the basement and large Christian bookstore. The play area includes themed rooms include a Narnia room for kids’ parties.
Garden of the Gods
On the way out of Colorado Springs to Breckenridge, we drove through Garden of the Gods. This park is famous for its red sandstone fins and other rock formations. It isn’t super big, but it is an anomaly for the area. This makes it a draw for visitors. Unfortunately, it was super crowded when we drove through, so we didn’t stop to hike or explore.
However, this was the place where, in 1992, I was part of the centennial celebration of “America the Beautiful,” which was inspired by the author’s visit to Pikes Peak. The Texas Boys Choir was there for its summer camp and appeared at daybreak on “Good Morning, America” along with a military band to sing the song. This is one reason why Colorado Springs will always hold a special place in the Earl family memories.
