I had no idea the general public was ever allowed on the Air Force Academy grounds. I guess I just always assumed it was a closed and secured facility for the cadets and instructors alone. Of course, naturally, I always wondered how folks were allowed on the grounds for the different hockey and football games, but actually didn't give it a whole ton of thought. Then the place opened up to me with an end-of-the-season hike with Kory Kilmer.

The AFA is nestled into the hills just north of ...