Rock Ledge Ranch – 100th Anniversary Celebration

Rock Ledge Ranch celebrated their 100th anniversary last Saturday. My wife was charmed by the community’s involvement – particularly the appearance of the Ladies of the Evergreen Cemetery. This is a group of women who dress in period costume to represent some of the people buried in the prestigious Evergreen Cemetery. Their costumes were elaborate Victorian and Edwardian era style and most included parasols. It’s amazing how much better the photos turned out because of the parasols in the blazing sunlight. Just Lovely!

That same afternoon, I caught a glimpse of a Rock Ledge Ranch docent walking towards the grounds church. It made me think of how hundreds of years ago, people wouldn’t even hitch up their horses on the Sabbath because that would be making the horses work. They walked quite a distance to get to their church. This solemn scene was a big contrast to the gaiety throughout the rest of the park. Perhaps through its supplication it felt more sincere.

Later in the evening a terrific storm brewed over Garden of the Gods. The rain hit the road so hard it created a fine four-inch thick heavy mist hovering over it. Lightning lit up the park from behind the monoliths. It was amazing. I became soaked, but fortunately the equipment just got a few drops.