Hey there, adventurers!
Welcome back to Uniquely Mixed. This is where mystery meets memory. Family road trips come with plot twists, ancient ruins, and maybe even a conspiracy or two. If you’re into escape rooms, historical breadcrumbs, mysterious landmarks, and unforgettable moments with your crew — buckle up.

This time, we’re heading to Colorado — a state I hadn’t explored much… until my truth-seeking brain caught wind of some hidden symbols and historical breadcrumbs. Spoiler: Colorado delivered.

---

🚐 Meet the Pikes on the Road

Over the last 12 weeks, my in-laws have been RVing across the U.S., and we’ve joined them at a few pit stops along the way. For this leg of the journey, we flew into Denver and set up camp (well, hotel) in Colorado Springs.

The mountains, the air, the energy — Colorado had us hooked immediately.

---

Day 1: Touchdown, Reunion & Mountain Vibes

After landing in Denver and grabbing our trusty minivan, we road-tripped 2.5 hours south to Colorado Springs. We met up with the in-laws at their RV site. We caught up by the fire. We got our minds right for the adventure ahead.

---

Day 2: Garden of the Gods & Echoes of the Ancients

Garden of the Gods was our first stop — and wow. Free to the public, protected by purpose (no booze, no buildings), and full of awe. It felt like walking through a natural cathedral carved by time itself.

Next, we explored the Manitou Cliff Dwellings — ancient Puebloan homes that were relocated and preserved as a museum. Walking through those stone structures? Like stepping into another era. You could feel the stories in the walls.

We ended the day fireside, watching the sun melt behind the mountains.

---

Day 3: Pikes Peak, Disc Golf & a Whole Lotta Cold

We hit up Pikes Peak. Yes, that is America’s Mountain. Then we moved on to a disc golf showdown at Cottonwood Creek Park. I won. Obviously. But let’s talk about that FREEZING weather. The fire pit tried, but we eventually waved the white flag and cut card night short.

---

Day 4: Mountain Zoo Magic & Bourbon Battles

This was an unplanned gem of a day. We visited the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, built into a literal mountain. Gorgeous views, happy animals, good eats — and a very happy daughter.

Later, we hit up a military-themed distillery where we sampled some very strong bourbon. I bowed out gracefully after shot three. Shuffleboard and card games wrapped the night — you know I’m always down for game night.

---

🧩 Day 5: Escape Room Glory & Nacho Heaven

Back in Denver for our final full day, we found an Egyptian tomb-themed escape room and locked in (literally). It took a few clue nudges, but we escaped like champs.

We celebrated with the most glorious nachos across the street at Rock Bottom. Every. Single. Chip. Was. Loaded.

---

Day 6: Breakfast & The DIA Rabbit Hole

Before our flight home, we visited a breakfast spot. It was so good that I wish I remembered the name. Truly, the mystery makes it legendary.

Now… Denver International Airport?
Let’s just say, if you know, you know.

We’re talking gargoyles, secret tunnels, Masonic symbols, apocalyptic murals — it’s a conspiracy theorist’s Disneyland. If you haven’t googled DIA’s hidden history… trust me. Go down that rabbit hole.

---

✨ Memory Maker Moment

Here’s a fun challenge for the family:
Next time you travel, create a “mystery journal.”

• Write down clues from your trip (symbols, odd facts, strange signs)
• Let each person guess the “hidden story” behind them
• Compare theories at the end. Who cracked the case?

Your kids will LOVE it — and it’s a memory you’ll talk about forever.

🕵️‍♂️ Ready to Earn Your Colorado Conspiracy Badge?

Think you’ve got what it takes to uncover the hidden truths of the Centennial State? 👀
Before you ride off into the Rocky Mountain mist, we’ve got one final mission for you.

Decode the secret message hidden below using your shape substitution skills. If you crack the code, you’ll unlock your official Conspiracy in Colorado Cadet Badge. It is a symbol of curiosity, courage, and cleverness.

So… are you ready to see what’s been hiding in plain sight all along?

Let the decoding begin. 🔎

🔠 Step 1: The Cipher Key (Legend)

Letter	Symbol
A	🔺
D	🟪
E	🔷
G	🟢
H	🔸
I	🔵
L	🟧
N	🟥
O	🟤
P	🟥⬛
R	🟥🔺
S	🟦
T	⬛
U	🔶
Y	🟨

Step 2: Encoded Message – 5 words

_{^{⬛ 🟥🔺 🔶 ⬛ 🔸 🔵 🟦 🔸 🟵 🟪 🟪 🔵 🟥 🔵 🟥 🟥⬛ 🟧 🔵 🟥 🟦 🟦 🔵 🟢 🔸 ⬛}}