Yesterday we were touristy and went to the Royal Gorge which is only a few miles from Emily's. This was one tourist attraction that lived up to the hype. The gorge is a thousand feet deep and the bridge across seems like an impossible feat of engineering. The whole area is full of interesting things to do. You pay a hefty sum to get in and then you can do anything you want. There was a carousel that Jenny rode 16 times; a tram that you could ride across the gorge, suspended on a cable; a ride that went down to the bottom of the gorge at a 45-degree angle; a miniature train that went around a nice safe flat track outside the main gates; a petting zoo and wild-animal enclave; information movies and historical dramas; and then of course the requisite gift and food shops that of course weren't included in the price.
Something that wasn't included in the price was a swing that you get strapped into and then it swoops you way out over the gorge. This fascinated the guys but no one was willing to cough up the money.
Among the fascinating sights were all the Plain people: A large Amish family that included one teenage boy who was obviously theirs but also obviously in his wild years, with a t-shirt and buzz cut; a Holiness family; a BMA-Mennonite family; a Western-fellowship type young couple that Paul was sure were on their honeymoon and it bothered him that they didn't hold hands, which is an unusual thing for Paul to notice; a German Baptist family; a Beachy guy restocking the Choice Books rack; and us.
Quote of the Day:
"Prison ministry is nice as long as they stay in prison."
--a local woman, on the realities of working with people both in and out of prison
How could Paul tell they were on their honeymoon? Maybe they weren't married yet...and weren't allowed to hold hands!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day. We enjoyed Royal Gorge so much last summer. Check out my blog on July 16 and 23. I don't remember seeing any other Mennonites.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge- "impossible feat of engineering" Did you notice how MANY cables came together at the ends and were embedded into the rocks? Unbelieveable! Yes, definitely a must-see!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the Q.O.T.D.!!!!! LOL :o)
ReplyDeleteI loved your description of all the Plain People you saw! I pick them out and analyze them wherever I go too!
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh at Paul's observation. =))
ReplyDeletewhen i lived in CO i bought a season pass to the royal gorge the first time i went. it definitely paid off- i went myself enough times to more than pay for the pass, and when my family came to see me (in the off season), all 13 of us ended up getting in on my season pass!
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago Elaine, another student, and a teacher, went on that ride that swings out over the gorge. The teacher screamed the whole time. Elaine loved it!~Edith
ReplyDeleteWas the Beachy guy restocking the Choice Books rack my cousin Shane I, Mrs. I's son? Or was it my second cousin Ken M?
ReplyDeleteHans--it was Shane.
ReplyDeleteMary--yes, I noticed all the cables. Fascinating.