Leadville, Colorado- The Rich Mining History

 What a way to spend our 28th anniversary!

A great tour of the 1200 mines in and around Leadville.

It all started here in California Gulch in 1860.

Soon there were over 10,000 prospectors  and over $5,410,000 in gold from here.

(Almost within the 'city limits'!)

We combed the hills with many roads like this.

Oro City - somewhere down there is the Matchless Mine, 

one of the richest silver mines in Colorado 

and home of Baby Doe Tabor, where she died penniless  and alone.

Other mines in the area are JJ Brown- Husband of the "Unsinkable Molly Brown",

another true legacy of American history that is so typical of 

Rags to Riches to Rags.

They call this "The Wedding Cake"

It's amazing that all these mines and tailings are so close to town.

The Leadville Bike Path that surrounds the town is here.

We felt like we had gone to the top of the world!

Standing on the remains of one of the richest mining areas of the era.

( and the best view of the entire valley with so many of Colorado's 14 er's)

Tis a treat to peek into the history of this colorful era.

(And visit a mining town that is still an old mining town - not a casino town!)

Lunch at the historic Silver Dollar Saloon

And a prime rib dinner!

Happy Anniversary with 28 wonderful years.

We are so blessed!! 

Capitol Reef National Park

Big crowds in the National Parks on Labor Day Weekend!

Line of one.

(Probably why we like this park so much!)

There is a thin line of yellow and gray sandstone that contains uranium. 

Early prospectors began searching  for the metal in 1904.

(Mines located at lower right of photo)

It was thought to have valuable medicinal properties.

Radioactive ore from these mines was packed into pouches and worn around the neck, or it was crushed and mixed into water and consumed as a ‘health tonic.’

By 1950 the US Atomic Energy Commission encouraged the mining of Uranium. Companies were allowed to build roads, dig mines, and construct camps in the National Park. However, little Uranium  was found.

Help!

It's easy to get lost in the rocks.

Glad we could find "The Gifford House"

( we stop and get our peach pies every time we come through this area!)

Yes, this is a worthwhile National Park to visit,

(Look at the crowds!😊)

 

Ouray- Yankee Boy Basin

I have been wanting to see "The Bear" at Glen Eyrie, but never did.

Today was my lucky day!!

On the way to Yankee Boy Basin, this little guy crossed the road in front of us and stopped his journey down hill to take a look at us.  He was young and quite curious.  ( and so cute!) 

 

He kept coming a little closer, and was looking like he might jump up on the side of the truck for a handout.

Lou couldn't see him from the drivers side, so he finally took my advice to drive on after I told him that the bear might jump up on the side of the truck.

The view of the basin is wonderful,

and the twin waterfalls are a favorite.

Fun by all

When we are here in July the Columbines are in full bloom.

The fall colors are coming and are lovely.

Too bad we won't be here another couple of weeks.

A nice stay and now we head home.