Inside COS Town Tidings Issue #006

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

🌞 It’s heating up again!

🏞 'Keep Colorado Wild Pass' Success Despite Dip in Visitation 

🔦 Hidden Cave at Garden of the Gods??

🚧 Deadly Train Derailment Disrupts I-25 Commute: Alternate Routes Cause Delays! ⏳

📆 Upcoming Events

🤶 Holiday Craft Fairs

⛰️ High Altitudes, Higher Productivity: Cultivating Healthy Habits! 🌿

❓ How did we do on this issue?

❓ How do you fix a broken pumpkin?

🎃 With a pumpkin patch! 🤣

Our hope is that we made you smile today…pass it on.

🏞 'Keep Colorado Wild Pass' Success Despite Dip in Visitation

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has generated over $33 million from the "Keep Colorado Wild" pass, which allows Coloradans to add the pass to their vehicle registration. The pass costs $29 for most people and $145 for those with "collector" vehicle plates. Despite over a million passes sold, park visitation in 2023 has seen a slight decline compared to peak season during the pandemic.

While CPW has received millions from the pass, they state that the pass sales and visitation numbers are not directly correlated. CPW attributes the visitation decline to storms and the availability of more indoor activities this year compared to previous summers with the pandemic. The goal for the first year of the pass is to collect $36 million, with additional revenue going towards wildlife projects and outdoor education programs.

CPW plans to allocate $32.5 million for park maintenance and development, $2.5 million for search and rescue teams, and $1 million for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Overall, the "Keep Colorado Wild" pass has been successful in generating revenue to support the state parks, despite the slight decline in visitation numbers.

🔦 Hidden Cave at Garden of the Gods??

Did you know that in 1848, a trapper named Jacob Spaulding discovered a secret cave at the Garden of the Gods? The hidden cave, estimated to be 15 feet wide, 200 feet long, and 100 feet high, was sealed in 1935 due to safety concerns. Now, local history enthusiast David Hughes is determined to reopen the cave for study and preservation.

Despite the city's current reluctance, Hughes hopes to apply for a grant to conduct an archaeological survey, seal the cave, and create an interpretive display for park visitors. Over the years, there have been various attempts to unlock the secrets of the cave, but limited resources and preservation efforts have posed challenges.

Hughes and other advocates believe that studying this hidden cave will help document a significant part of the region's history. They hope to shed light on the cave's past and preserve it for future generations. While the fate of the cave remains uncertain, the passion for uncovering its mysteries persists.

🚧 Deadly Train Derailment Disrupts I-25 Commutes: Alternate Routes Cause Delays! ⏳ 

A tragic train derailment between Colorado Springs and Pueblo has significantly impacted travel on Interstate 25. Multiple train cars carrying coal derailed, obstructing both the rail tracks and the interstate lanes.

The northbound lanes of I-25 were particularly affected, with damaged rail cars blocking the roadway. The incident resulted in one fatality as the train crashed onto a passing semi-truck.

To manage the traffic, detours have been established. Travelers heading south are redirected onto Old Pueblo Rd and Colorado 47, while those traveling north are advised to use Highway 50 westward, connecting with Highway 115 through Penrose before rejoining I-25 in Colorado Springs.

These alternative routes are expected to cause delays and increased traffic congestion. Emergency crews are working diligently to clear the debris and ensure the safety of the area, although there is no definitive timeline provided for the cleanup efforts.

The National Transportation Safety Board is set to investigate the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and its ongoing impact on regional travel.

Upcoming COS Area Events

• Oct 20-29, 2023 (every Fri-Sun in Oct); 10 AM - 3 PM: Venetucci Farm Pumpkin Fest

• Oct 21, 28, 2023; 9 AM-4 PM: Miners' Pumpkin Patch. 225 North Gate Blvd, COS

• Oct 20-22, 27-29 and 31, 2023; 4-8:30 PM: Boo at the Zoo 

• Sat. Oct 21, 2023; 12-4 PM (FREE): Pumpkins in the Park: Old Colorado City's Fall Festival is a friends & family MUST DO!

• Oct 21; 9 AM - 4 PM & 22; 10 AM - 3 PM: Holiday Craft & Gift Shop! at the Masonic Center, 1150 Panorama Dr, COS

• Oct 27, 2023; 3:30 PM: Young Scholars Academy Food trucks, costume contest and more.

• Oct 27, 2023; 5-7 PM: Stetson Elementary School: Fall Festival with STEM activities, StarLab, hot cocoa buffet petting zoo, food trucks and more.

• Oct 28, 2023; 4-6:45 PM: The Little Gym of Colorado Springs Halloween Maze & Trunk or Treat for kids up to 12 yrs old

• Nov 7, 2023; 4-6 PM: Children's Mindfulness, Bear Creek Nature Center ages 5-10 with parent. Registration required + fee

🧶🧵 Upcoming Holiday Craft Fairs 🤶

• Oct. 22: Viking Fair, Bazaar and Brunch — 9 AM -3 PM., 719-351-3554, .

• Oct. 28-29: Front Range Maker's Market — 9 AM - 4 PM (Sat); 10 AM - 3 PM (Sun), Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, $5 for ages 13 and older;

• Nov. 1-5: Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild Fall Show and Sale — 4-7 PM Nov. 1; 9 AM -7 PM Nov. 2-4; 10 AM -2 p.m. Nov. 5

• Nov. 4-5: Chipita Park Association's Arts & Crafts Fair — 9 AM - 4 PM Nov. 4; 10 AM - 3 PM Nov. 5

• Nov. 4: African Marketplace — Noon - 4 PM, Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St.

• Nov. 10-12: Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show — 10 AM - 5 PM Nov. 10 and 12; 10 AM - 6 PM Nov. 11, Colorado Springs Event Center, $11.50, free for ages 13 and younger.

• Nov. 11: Antelope Ridge Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show — 9 AM - 2 PM, Antelope Ridge, 4001 Gray Fox Heights

• Nov. 18: Holiday Craft Show — 10 AM - 3 PM, Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

👉 Click here to submit your event for consideration 👈

⛰️ High Altitudes, Higher Productivity: Cultivating Healthy Habits! 🌿

Enhance your overall well-being in the hustle and bustle of Colorado Springs' high-altitude lifestyle by focusing on balanced nutrition.

Whether you're constantly on the go with work, family, or other responsibilities, providing your body with the right nutrients is key.

Consider the following tips for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet:

1. Embrace Balanced Meals: Focus on incorporating a variety of foods into your meals. Opt for a mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins (like chicken, fish, or tofu), whole grains (such as brown rice or quinoa), and healthy fats (like avocado or nuts). This combination provides essential nutrients and sustains your energy levels throughout the day.

2. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial, especially at high altitudes. Keep a reusable water bottle at your desk and aim to drink water consistently throughout the day. If you find plain water boring, try infusing it with slices of fresh fruit or herbs like mint or cucumber for a refreshing twist.

3. Smart Snacking: Choose nutritious snacks to keep you fueled between meals. Try options like Greek yogurt, mixed nuts, carrot sticks with hummus, or granola bars with whole ingredients. These snacks provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, keeping you satisfied and energized throughout your busy day.

4. Plan and Prep: Take some time each week to plan and prepare your meals. This will help you avoid relying on unhealthy fast food options during busy workdays. Prepare meals in advance, pack them in containers, and bring them to work. This way, you have control over the ingredients and can ensure you're nourishing your body with wholesome choices.

Remember, proper nutrition is crucial for overall health and well-being, even for those with busy schedules or always on the run. By adopting these simple tips, you can support your body's needs at high altitude and feel your best throughout the day in Colorado Springs!

**Information in this newsletter is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any condition nor is it medical advise. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your current lifestyle.

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