The Tonsorialist

Trimmings and Clippings

The Springs

Favorite spots in the Colorado Springs area...

Davenport Campground

Our family's favorite campground!

Various Links

Cool stuff online...

Montezuma Photos

Old Photos

My Blog

A Compilation of Writings Etc.

A Garden

A garden is not just a patch of soil. It is a place set apart.
A boundary is drawn around it — a fence, a hedge, a stone wall. Something tender and valuable is growing within.Inside the garden there is life: soft soil, watered roots, fragrance, fruit, color, birdsong, quietness. Things flourish there that could never survive long in the open wilderness. Every flower, every vine, every tree depends on protection.The wall is part of the beauty.Without the wall, wild animals trample the plants. Weeds spread unchecked. Harsh winds strip away blossoms. The garden slowly becomes indistinguishable from the wasteland around it.Our hearts are much the same.People often see boundaries as restrictions — “Why can’t I let everything in? Why must there be limits?” But a heart with no walls cannot remain a garden for long. Whatever enters freely eventually shapes what grows there.The gardener understands this. He builds walls not to imprison the garden, but to preserve it.A beautiful garden is selective.
Not every seed is welcomed.
Not every voice is allowed to remain.
Not every influence is harmless.The wall says:
“This place is precious.”
“This place is cultivated intentionally.”
“This place belongs to someone.”And perhaps the most beautiful gardens are not those most exposed to the world, but those most carefully kept.

My morning inspiration written with the help of AI.

The Springs

June 07, 2024
Here are some of our favorite places to visit around Manitou Springs, CO.

Lodging.Town-N-Country Cottages. Better call way ahead to make reservations.

Restaurants.Rudy's BBQ - Love their turkey!Fargo's Pizza -Drinks and salads are expensive and some people aren't fond of the pizza but we love it for the experience!Leon Gessi NY Pizza - Not a fancy place but it's proximity to BJ's is a plus!BJ's Velvet Freez Ice Cream -Outside dining only.

Activities.All these are free except for the Shrine of the Sun.Hiking...Red Rock Canyon Open Space - Less People here. Neat old rock quarry etc.Garden of the Gods - More People here! Lots of paved trails but some real nice hiking trails as well.Helen Hunt Falls - Great hiking here up past the waterfalls and good places along the stream for a picnic and then take this road back into town for a scenic drive.

Other stuff.Skate Park. Some pretty crazy talent here!World Arena Ice Hall. Awesome figure skaters and sometimes some hockey.Shrine of the Sun (may need zoo pass?)Mineral Springs Find and taste all the springs! Each one is unique.

Davenport Campground

Davenport's Recreation.gov link

Davenport campground is an excellent campground if you like quiet, off the beaten path, type of campgrounds.Only tents are allowed. No trailers.There are a number of sites with small, open front, cabin type shelters. A large gazebo is available for cooking in during a rainstorm.
A small trickle of a creek runs thru the campground and a hand pump is there for water. (not sure I'd drink the water without boiling it first though)Lake Isabel and Bishops Castle are two nearby attractions.Marion Mine is a beautiful family friendly hike.

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Montezuma Historical Photos

If there are copyright issues with any of these photos please advise.

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