Returning to the Northeast

What a contrast - the dry prairies vs. the green tree-filled northeast...

Leaving Denver 

That's Central Park, NYC

Family Photos - Out West 2019

A couple of random photos taken on Cris' camera while out west...

Cris at the Boulder Pedestrian Mall

Our Family at a Greek Restaurant in Denver

Day Trip to Grand Lake, CO

For our last day in Colorado, Greg wanted to take us to Grand Lake. Its in the heart of the Rockies and quite a spectacular drive. We left from Denver...

...and south From Golden on Interstate 70, the Rockies were snow covered.

Once off I-70, the road to Winter Park is a series of switchbacks and the climb and views are incredible!

We were high!!

 Finally we descend a bit,,,

Thats a window reflection as I didn't open the window to take the photo...

After passing the ski resort of Winter Park, we traveled for a good distance through a wide practically treeless valley.

 Going to Grand Lake

But after turning off the main road to Grand Lake, there are a series of three lakes...

 At Grand Lake Village

As we left the Village, we were pounded with rain and hail!

 Heading Back

Eastward to the Flatlands!

On Tuesday we decided to take it slow and visit the rural area east of Boulder.  Our friend Jerry lived there so we stopped by his place for a quick visit.

Berthould

Of course, a visit to the train tracks and the former train station was mandatory! :-)

 Jerry and Judy's house was truly out in the prairie.

 His dog Enzo may hold the high jumping record - he can leap straight up as high as the fence!

 Jerry showed us around the property - here he is in front of his hay.

 City Bike Ride

Late in the afternoon, I decided to take a "city bike" ride. There are a few bike stations around Boulder where you can "rent" a bike really cheaply. The bikes are typical cruiser bikes and not as much fun as a real road bike but for a couple of hours of riding - it worked out fine.

You have to walk to the nearest "bike station" and check it into a "bike station"every half hour which was a pain in the butt but after riding a bit, I found the old Boulder train station (now a restaurant) and snapped a shot of my "hot rod" out front :-)

A rough estimate of the route I took (both maps)

I forgot to bring my camera but tried a one-handed video with my phone in the pedestrian mall. Its a little shaky...

Further Info

• Berthould, CO
• Boulder City Bike

Central City and the Mines

On Monday I gave my family a break [from me!] and got together with two friends. Jerry was super super generous and offered to drive me to the mountains and indulge me in documenting the mining and narrow gauge railroad remnants. It was great! As a "tour guide for Platapub Tours" he gets an A++++ rating :-)

Clear Creek Canyon

We headed into the mountains via Clear Creek Canyon and (unlike my son last year!: -) ) we stopped whenever I spotted a railroad or mine remnant.

Do you see the RR Right of Way remnant?

Jerry is a serious photographer!

Driving thru the tunnel

Railroad Remnants - OOO YEah!

Idaho Falls
Bill met us in Idaho Falls for lunch...

Good times!

"Oh My God!" Road

Next we headed north on the infamous OMG road. As Jerry explained, this was the gold mining area and almost everywhere you looked there were mine remnants. I ventured into the entrance of this one:

Behind the metal frame door, the shaft continues horizontally for quite a distance

As we continued the drive, mine remnants were everywhere!

We stopped by this stone building and started chatting - the conversation turned to past adventures and my story of nearly drowning in Rio de Janeiro was mild in comparison to Jerry's and Bill's harrowing experiences white watering! I think we might have chatted there forever but rain pushed us back in the car(s) to continue our journey.

More mines ...

Central City

As we entered Central City, Jerry pointed out the classic cowboy sign - "Grocery Liquor Dispensary" - all the essentials for the late 1800s miner!

Right in the midst of the town, we saw stark reminders of its mining origins.

Ooo yeah!

Coal Shute?

 We next drove to El Dorado Springs - the mountains around us were--needless to say--stunning!

El Dorado Springs

For our last diversion/excursion, Jerry drove into the funky (in a good way) town of El Dorado Springs). Rough dirt roads keep the "posh unadventurous tourists" away :-) and the hippie artist type permeates the vibe here. Jerry made sure I checked out one of his friend's sculpture garden - a mighty talented dude!!

 Heading west out of the town, the majestic canyon begins...

Another awesome day - thank you Jerry and Bill!