Aim High, Fly-Fight-Win

After high school, I visit an Air Force recruiter only to learn my eyesight would prevent me from flying for the Air Force. With that, I’ve always had an affinity and admiration for this particular military branch and its members. I’m excited to visit what might have been if only I had been smarter and had better vision; the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Both a military base and a University, the academy and small airport rests at the foot of the Rampart Range of the Rockie Mountains. Today, the airstrip is buzzing with glider plane traffic and skydivers. I already feel at home.

Curious Craig - Glider-Plane.jpeg

After a brief security check and vehicle search, it’s off to the visitor center. The center offers several static displays and a large gift shop. The adjacent theater shows a 21-minute film on a cadets’ first year at the academy. Watching the young cadet exiting the bus during in-processing under the yelling of superiors through to the cap toss and blue angle flyover at graduation is a heartwarming tribute to all who have graduated the academy. I ignore the gift shop and head towards the main event, The Chapel.

USAF Academy Honor Court and Chapel — View from Honor Court

Going to the Chapel

A short uphill trail from the visitor center leads to the striking chapel, the most visited man-made tourist attraction in Colorado. I’m really excited to see this chapel as its (17) 150-foot spires are striking and the design keeping perfectly with an aeronautical theme. Approaching the chapel, I see many separate troops marching in unison across the terrazzo below. The red-capped 1st-year cadets are required to earn their lunch by performing these formations daily.

Curious Craig - USAF Cadets Marching — Lunch formations on the Terrazzo

Hut 2-3-4

I’m not sure why this is so exciting but I’m mesmerized by the rhythmic stomping and shuffling of the footsteps and the Sargent calls resonating and lofting up to the observation deck.

As the troops disappear into the various surrounding buildings, my attention is back on the chapel. The place is just an engineering marvel. Though construction is completed in 1963 its design is timeless.

The most striking aspect of the Chapel is its row of seventeen spires. The original design called for twenty-one spires, but this number was reduced due to budget issues. The structure is a tubular steel frame of 100 identical tetrahedrons, each 75 feet long, weighing five tons, and enclosed with aluminum panels. The panels were fabricated in Missouri and shipped by rail to the site. The tetrahedrons are spaced a foot apart, creating gaps in the framework that are filled with 1-inch-thick colored glass.

Curious Craig - Chapel-Exterior.jpeg

This glass is a dark blue toward the rear of the church and becomes yellow and brighter as you near the altar. The designer wanted the walk into the Chapel to represent coming in from the darkness of the world into the light of God. I think he nailed it.

Curious Craig - USAF Cadet Chapel Interior

The Cadet Chapel serves as an all-faith center of worship for cadets and includes Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist chapels, an All-Faiths Room, and a Falcon Circle, each with its own entrance. The Chapel is capable of holding services in all rooms at one time.

Go Falcons

I leave the Chapel and drive around the grounds to see the football stadium. Something about the small venue in what is almost a college campus atmosphere is just endearing. I would love to return in the Fall and watch an actual game here.

Curious Craig - Falcon-Stadium.jpeg

Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt.

In fact, after walking around the football stadium I fill with patriotism and decide to adopt the Falcons as my new team. Granted, being from Kentucky, I’m not giving up much. I proceed back to the visitor centers gift shop to get some fan gear to show my new profound love and support for MY team. Much to my dismay, the fan shop is now closed for inventory. No big deal, I’m a loyal fan and I’ll be in town a while longer so returning won’t be a big deal…..

Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt (Take 2)

I return 2 days later, on the 4th of July, excited that there may be a special event going on. I head immediately back to the terrazzo to watch a new set of marching drills. This time with weapons. I anticipate a rogue cadet to break out in “Boomshakalaka” and “That’s the fact Jack” ala Stripes. But no such outburst today.

Curious Craig -Air Force Academy Marching — Boomshakalaka!

Watching the commitment these men and women have made confirm my new fandom. Even more excited about my new team, I return to the gift shop for my new fan apparel. Only to see a sign that the shop is closed and transitioning to new management.

Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt (Take 3)

I go through the security gate a 3rd time, wondering if I should have a VIP pass by now. No fooling around this time. I beeline for the gift shop and it’s open. The selection is overwhelming and I finally settle on THE shirt. Waiting in line takes forever. Finally, at the checkout, I’m the Charlie Brown to Lucy’s football. “Sorry, sir. This shirt is not in inventory and we can’t scan it or sell it to you”. What?!? ” There’s a price tag right there”, I counter. “Sorry, sir it’s a new system”

This dumbfounds me and I leave empty-handed again. My fan loyalty is teetering now. How can I support my team without a T-Shirt? I relay this story to my friend who lives nearby and she is even more indignant than I. She later lets me know that she spoke with the manager and they WILL have a shirt for me if I come back.

Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt. (Take 4)

My own personal Ground Hogs day, back through the security checkpoint, past the sports fields, up the steps into the visitor center and now, what. The rack of THE shirts is AWOL. All of them, the whole rack, nothing, nada. Sheepishly, I approach the counter and ask if by chance there is a dark blue academy shirt set aside. I’ll admit my enthusiasm for my new team has wained by now. When she returns with the shirt I covet, I purchase out of a sense of obligation.

I take one more loop through the Terrazzo observation deck and watch the young red-capped cadets hoofing it in the hot sun to earn their next meal. All I can think is: Go Falcons, BEAT ARMY!!

Curious Craig Air Force Academy — Go FALCONS!

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Curious Craig

Lead Membership Specialist at Thousand Trails

Craig spent a career in the Information Technology industry before selling his company to pursue full-time RV travel.He has written for various travel-related publications and is an amateur photographer.
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.

Going Up Mt Washington

The autumns day drive up to the mountains base, however, is beautiful, with trees showing off their reds, oranges, and yellows as if they were contestants in a beauty pageant.

Mount Washington is part of the Presidential Mountain range in the White Mountains. It is a favorite for avid hikers. But today, we opt to take the Mount Washington Cog Railway instead of hoofing the 6,000′ ascent hike,

The Climb

Cog Railway Engine

The Cog Railway, a charming, rickety train that looked like it was designed by a steampunk enthusiast. The conductor, a jolly fellow with a beard that rivaled Santa’s, assured us that the train was perfectly safe, despite its antique appearance.

Training going up mountain

As the train chugged up the mountain, the views grew more spectacular. We passed hikers who looked at us with a mix of envy and disdain. “Suckers!” I thought, as I sipped my hot cocoa and watched them huff and puff their way up the trail. I think to myself, one day I’ll do that hike….one day.

Mt Washington in Fall

Arrival at the Observatory

Stepping off the train at the summit, I am immediately struck by the view. The sky is a brilliant blue, the kind you only see in postcards or after extensive Photoshop editing. The air is crisp and clean, with just a whiff of pine.

Mt Washington Observatory

The observatory itself looks like a futuristic fortress, perched atop the mountain like a sentinel watching over the world below. I half-expect to see Dumbledore standing at the entrance, staff in hand, welcoming weary muggles. Instead, I am greeted by a sign pronouncing the worst weather in the world along with a list of those who had died on the mountain. A somber reminder that Mother Nature don’t play.

We find a series of exhibits showcasing the harsh conditions that Mount Washington is known for. There were photos of ice-encrusted buildings, windblown scientists, and snowdrifts that could swallow a car.

The Observation Deck

After a cruise through the little gift shop, we step out onto the observation deck, and are greeted by a view that can only be described as breathtaking. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, painted in autumnal hues. The wind, while present, was more of a warm gentle caress than the usual face-slapping force. I feel like I am standing on top of the world.

Atop Mount Washington

Tippy Top

While exploring the summit, I stumble upon the Tip Top House, a rustic stone building that dates back to 1853, making it one of the oldest structures on the mountain. Originally a hotel, the Tip Top House has weathered countless storms and still stands strong, a testament to the resilience required to endure Mount Washington’s notorious weather.

Stepping inside felt like a journey back in time, with the stone walls whispering tales of adventurers who sought refuge within its rocky embrace. The Tip Top House once housed an entire herd of sheep during a particularly brutal blizzard. As I look around, I couldn’t help but admire the blend of history and practicality, making the Tip Top House a charming highlight of the visit. But a herd of sheep, really??

Tip Top House

The Descent

We board “The Cog” for the ride back down, and I marvel that the chairs flip to the opposite direction of the ascent. This is to ensure that though the train is at a steep angle, we sit comfortably level.

Mt Washington Cog Railway

As we near the base, the conductor makes a final announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed this rare treat of perfect weather on Mount Washington. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir T-shirt that says, ‘I Survived Mount Washington’s Weather – On a Good Day!’”

Back at the base, I take a moment to reflect on the day. Visiting the weather observatory on Mount Washington during such impeccable conditions felt like winning the lottery. It was a reminder that even in a place known for its ferocity, there are moments of calm and beauty.