Historic Redstone, Colorado and the Coke Ovens

 

249 Coke ovens were built in 1899, from the high grade of coal in the surrounding 

mountains.  At the peak, they produced 6 million tons of coal per year.  Much of it was used to build railroads.

90 ovens are still here today.  There are back to back ovens.

I was surprised by a deer running toward me, and of course, using the walking path.

Then she bounds over the top ridge of the ovens.

Examining the supports used to keep the mines from collapsing.

Up close viewing of the beehive ovens.

Within ten years of their construction the ovens fell into disuse when the mines closed. Their support steel was removed during the scrap metal drives of World War II, and later they were used as living space by hippies who moved into Redstone.^[

On the drive over to Paonia, this deer jumped in front of us, then  just stopped and stared.

Lovely way to end the day with some wine tasting.

MARBLE/marble

 

Since we had finished our work, we enjoyed being a tourist!

The Marble Gallery has some magnificent carvings

This one is $125,000

(nice addition to anyones yard!

Perhaps a smaller one for $4500.

Perhaps the entrance to your estate?

The local shop had these interesting things.

This stone is Honeycomb Calcite from Hannah, Utah

We were told that the sculptors love to work with this one.

Love this flower, don't know the name, but reminds me of the Columbine.

The annual Marble Symposium - gathers many artists learning to carve the magnificent marble, and spectators are free to wander through the 'open air' workspace.  

This artist is working with the Honeycomb Calcite

-yes, he loves working with it.

I was surprised at the variety of stones.

Even Jade??

Hmmm--

Creativity in action.

Progress toward the $125,000 mark?

All in all an interesting and enjoyable day.