Engelhorn Gathering '06

The 13th biannual Engelhorn family reunion was held June 23-25, 2006 at the Silverwood Hotel and Conference Center in Colorado Springs, at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorful Colorado. The area offered a great variety of activities and scenic wonders. 

A total of 33 family members attended this, the 13th biannual, Engelhorn/Englehorn family reunion. The family began to arrive on Thursday, June 22 for early registration. Friday was a day for activities on our own and some took the opportunity to ride the Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak while others journeyed through the Garden of the Gods.

The family meeting Friday evening was devoted to introductions, latest family news, sharing family stories, and remembering those who could not be with us.

Saturday morning we had free time to explore the scenic sights of the Colorado Springs area. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway was visited again by some while others took in the sights at Seven Falls. Saturday afternoon we boarded a charter bus for a tour of the Anasazi Cliff Dwellings, where we enjoyed the exhibits depicting historic Indian dwellings and the fine museum of artifacts and history of the area. Our bus arrived in good time to enjoy an excellent performance of several Native American dances presented by some very talented young Indian men.

Following the Cliff Dwellings it was back on the bus for a very informative tour of Garden of the Gods Park. The park is one of Colorado Springs' city parks maintained free for the public. Our knowledgeable driver and guide pointed out numerous anthropomorphic rock formations and scenic vistas. A stop at the Garden of the gods Trading Post afforded a chance to purchase souvenirs of our visit.

The family banquet Saturday evening was an excellent buffet dinner. Several family members were recognized for having traveled the farthest (Olympia, Washington); nearest (Colorado Springs); oldest and youngest in attendance, and also to draw door prizes, mostly with some sort of German significance.

We had planned to have a special visitor from Germany; a historian from Hockenheim, who was to present a slide program about our places of origin. We were all disappointed that he was unable to be present, having changed jobs to become music director at the Speyer Cathedral. This job change required that he be at The Vatican for a conference the same time as our reunion. Never-the-less we all wish Herr Dr. Otmar Geiger the best in his new position and hope he will be able to attend a future Engelhorn family gathering.

Sunday morning we said our farewells and began looking forward to our next get-together in 2008; date and place to be determined.