At Manitou Springs, the water flows through a vast network of fissures and fractures, forming caves and dissolving rock along its way. Rock formations of the Manitou Springs aquifer are tilted downward. Water collects in the fractures and caves filling the area underground. Artesian pressure then pushes the water to the surface in the form of natural springs.
Joani's plan for today was to sample water from each spring and take home a big bottle of our favorite mineral water. We arrived pretty early but not early enough to find parking along the main street. We did find free parking at the south end of town on the east side of Old Mans Trail between El Paso Blvd and Manitou Ave (Business 34) which worked out well. We could explore at a nice leisurely pace with no worries about an expired meter.
On Washington Avenue, just north of El Paso Blvd.
We all like this one, even Sam.
On Park Avenue around the corner from the Post Office and across the street from Soda Springs Park.
We all liked this one, too, it had an effervescent quality.
Carved, seemingly, from a lava flow and adorned with the initials JMK.
Nolon House was built in 1890 and purchased by "Honest John Nolon" in 1990.
Carved, seemingly, from a lava flow and adorned with the initials JMK.
Nolon House was built in 1890 and purchased by "Honest John Nolon" in 1990.
On Manitou Avenue (Business 24) southeast side of the roundabout at Ruxton Avenue.
Again, we all liked this one. It also had an effervescent quality.
This spring was drilled in 1936 to honor Winfield Scott Stratton who propelled Manitou Springs into tourism by use of a trolley system.
This spring was drilled in 1936 to honor Winfield Scott Stratton who propelled Manitou Springs into tourism by use of a trolley system.
To be honest, Sam loved all of the fountains. He loves his water flavored with David's cupped hands.
Sam always prefers catching his water in midstream.
I set my camera to do a burst of 10 shots to catch this lovely midstream bite.
On the north side of Manitou Avenue (Business 24) just west of Patsy's Candy and Gift Shop.
In the 1880s, the Manitou Mineral Water Company sold 20,000 bottles per day of Cheyenne Spring's naturally carbonated water.
In the 1880s, the Manitou Mineral Water Company sold 20,000 bottles per day of Cheyenne Spring's naturally carbonated water.
On the north side of Manitou Avenue (Business 24) just 80 feet east of Cheyenne Spring on the backside of Patsy's Candy & Gift Shop. Oops, it was dry on this visit.
Shoshone Spring
On the north side of Manitou Avenue (Business 24) just 350 feet east of Navajo Spring.
As it turns out, all the fountains tasted good although they each have a little different mineral content.
On the north side of Manitou Avenue (Business 24) just 350 feet east of Navajo Spring.
As it turns out, all the fountains tasted good although they each have a little different mineral content.
Dancer, by Michael Patrick Garman
John Prine quote from "Angel From Montgomery" recorded in 1971
I had no idea Dead Pool was directly over my head - I might have thought twice about sitting down.
Joani was told the crowd today was pretty light - that probably added to our enjoyment even if it wasn't great for the local businesses.
This cog wheel locomotive took tourists to the top of Pikes Peak for many years. The track incline was up to 25 percent in places - I'm pretty sure my car could not climb a 25 percent grade. It had to be like the uphill climb in a roller coaster clacking all the way up and back down the mountain.
It was difficult to tell if Pikes Peak was in the clouds or above them. We could see the beautiful weather we had enjoyed for the past three hours as we explored Manitou Springs was about to come to an end. We did not find and sample every spring in town so we may have to return to decide on our favorite.
We missed Twin Spring and Iron Spring Geyser. It's good to save something for another day!
The rain finally made its way up the mountain so we spent most of the afternoon staying warm and dry in the coach. I could not have had more perfect snacking than smoked gouda cheese spread with jalapenos on homemade cheese crackers and sliced Honeycrisp apples. Yum!
Most fathers would not consider this a Father's Day feast, but David is special.
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