On day three of our trip we ventured onto the Air Force Academy and went EVERYWHERE. That’s not even an understatement either, we literally went to every part of the base. Hannah’s dad was an Air Force pilot so she has a military ID which allowed us to get into anywhere we wanted to without being searched. It was kind of spooky, especially when we pulled up on a check point and a man with an automatic weapon stopped us. Not something I’ve ever experienced before, it was crazy. First we stopped at the gift shop (naturally) and then walked over to the chapel. We explored the Chapel and surrounding area, unfortunately the AFA was on Spring Break so we didn’t get to see anything cool.
The stained glass makes the interior of the chapel so magical and beautiful; and check out that organ – AMAZING!
After visiting the chapel we hoped back in the car and drove to the next location on the tour map. It was an awesome over look of the school, pardon my crazy hair, it was SO windy out! So windy in fact that we had trouble walking without getting blow around.
After the lookout we stopped by the football field. Hannah was timid to approach, unsure of whether or not we were allowed. I ventured confidently, deciding that if we do get in trouble we can just flash her id, tell them how her dad and my uncle both attended the academy, fake cry a little, and if none of that worked and we got arrested – hey! At least I would know what it would be like to get arrested on a military base, right? (My mom would not appreciate this…) Alas we did NOT get arrested and were even met by a father with his two daughters down on the field. He gladly took our picture and then Hannah attempted to do a cartwheel on the field.
Next we stopped by the sports center and were able to find Hannah’s, Dad’s hockey team picture, so cool. We wandered around there and then it was time to head out, we HAD been at the AFA for 4+ hours at this point.
By the time we finally left the Academy we were starving, as we had missed lunch in our excursion around the base. We wandered into downtown Manitou, a fabulous small town area, and ended up at PJs Bistro. Let me tell you the food was AMAZING. My favorite meal of the whole trip, hands down. It ended up being a polish restaurant and our waiter was excellent in recommending dishes for us. Hannah had the Hungarian goulash with potato pancakes and I had the Perogies. SO GOOD. I wish I could go back, just for this meal.
After eating we went shopping in the area and the headed back to our hotel, totally worn out again from our adventures.
Happy Traveling,
Jennifer
To view more pictures from our trip – go here. To read about our other adventures visit – Day 1 and Day 2.
