Fourth Capital Trip

Dad sitting on the capitol steps
in Denver, 1 mile above sea level.
3/22/1976 dwm photo

 We drove west for our fourth trip to state capitals in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.  After a day of driving, we stopped in Nebraska, then toured the Colorado capital March 22, 1976.

 Around the capitol dome there was a balcony which provided an amazing view of the Rocky Mountains, including Pikes Peak, 63 miles away.

 One snapshot from the trip shows Dad sitting approximately 5,283 feet above sea level.  

 In addition to touring the capitol, which is a smaller version of the one in D.C., we visited the U.S. Mint; stopped by Buffalo Bill's grave; Coor's Brewery in Golden; and saw the Red Rocks amphitheater.

 At Red Rocks, Dad told me about visiting with his parents and he ran up the steps.  I ran the steps, but the high altitude left me breathless for several minutes.

We visited the Utah capitol March 23.
(1976 postcard showing state capitol)

From there we crossed the Continental Divide to Utah.  It was a fantastic adventure climbing into the mountains where snow was piled high where we crested the mountains.

Bee hives were part of the building's décor as representatives of the work required by settlers to carve out a life from few natural resources.

As a side trip in Utah, we toured the public spaces of the Mormon Church Temple Square.  I remember seeing the sanctuary where their famous choir performed.

It took a full day's drive from Salt Lake City to Phoenix as we visited Bryce Canyon National Park; Glen Canyon Dam; the Four Corners where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado meet; and the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Arizona statehouse was being renovated and one consequence was no postcards showing the capitol for our scrapbook.  I don't understand why they didn't take pictures before the work began.

One comment in our book concerned the statue atop the capitol; it was Lady Victory which acted as a wind vane and target for local cowboys who took turns shooting to make it spin.  (Doesn't that sound like a cowboy thing to do?)

It was our longest trip in terms of miles; I bet we sang She'll be Coming Around the Mountain a bunch of times on our way west and back.