The Joint Section Picnic was a rousing success this year as we tried something new and different. The Pikes Peak Section hosted the Mile High Section and we had an enthusiastic response from both groups – so much so that we filled up the bus and the parking lot! And speaking of the bus – we reserved a 34-passenger motor coach complete with a guide for an hour-long tour of the inspirational, beautiful Garden of the Gods.
Our guide, Chris, was knowledgeable, funny, and very patient as he responded to numerous questions about this geological wonder. He pointed out iconic rock formations and even surprised hardened Springs-ers with his obscure knowledge. We stopped for photos at Overlook Point and at Balanced Rock before returning to the Garden of the Gods Trading Post for lunch. Everybody had some unique photos to commemorate this occasion.
Our private pavilion in the garden was beautifully set up with a buffet lunch and the gallery manager, Janice Zerbe, provided us with a short history of the pueblo-themed Trading Post itself. Originally built in 1929, it’s been a fixture in Colorado Springs for 90 years. After lunch, our attendees were free to use their discount coupons to shop in the Trading Post gift shop or visit the Visitors Center or just drive around to look their favorite rock formations one more time. Everyone agreed this was a great way to spend a Saturday – friends, views, and Mercedes – couldn’t ask for better than that!
