This first picture shows part of the town of Idaho Springs, as taken from the OMG roadway. Immediately behind town you can see Interstate 70 as it swings by east to west
I took this next picture of an abandoned chute, or something, from a mine, that had probably been standing there for a hundred years. This was one of many we saw, and not the most photo scenic, but if you look real hard you’ll see the road running across that high peak in the background. There was a vehicle up there just before I could get the camera out so once again, trust me.
As we approached Central City we found this excellent mining structure, just sitting there since who knows when. It almost looks like they could start it up this afternoon if they wanted.
Just around the corner, so to speak, we ran into another mining complex that just had to be photographed.
We reached the end of the OMG road and spent some time driving around Central City. A really neat, older town with many of the nineteenth century buildings still intact and in use. There were far too many to choose from so we settled on the old Opera House. As you can see, Madame Butterfly is scheduled shortly.
We returned to Idaho Springs via the new Parkway that was constructed a few years ago. While driving through we decided to take a picture of the enormous Argo Gold Mine & Mill, which we had passed several times. This complex is open for tours.
We headed west and made a stop in Georgetown, another old mining area. One of Georgetown’s claim to fame is the little train that runs three miles to Silver Plume and back. Their literature shows the train, pulled by a steam engine, crossing a high bridge, huffing and puffing. Well here’s the train, crossing the bridge, with a small diesel doing the work. I think it is a ripoff.
We spent a little time cruising around town, which also has number of very old, still in use, structures. From here we chose to take a ride out to Guanella Pass, a high area about 15 miles from town. Unfortunately, the highway folks have closed off a portion of the Byway, six miles up the hill. Part way up we were able to get a nice picture of Georgetown, laying in the valley. Again, our old friend Interstate 70 is found on the left hand side of the picture.
At the end of the six miles we came to Clear Lake. Besides a pretty place to picnic or fish, what more can I say about this little piece of treasure.
After we left Georgetown, heading east, we became part of a parking lot. Apparently half of Denver takes advantage of the three day holidays and heads out into the mountains to play, They also return home on Monday afternoon. We crawled a few miles and then turned up US40 , driving through Empire, and headed up to Berthoud Pass. The picture of the sign gives all the info and also proves that we were actually up there. Brrr. It was chilly at 11,307 feet.
At the far northern end of the parking lot we had this wonderful view. A chunk of the Rockies heading off in the distance, and Highway 40, snaking its way down the mountainside at four different locations.. I like this picture.
We left the Pass and made our way back to Idaho Springs, along with many of the locals. Stopped to see another of the town favorites, a very old water wheel. This wheel was constructed in the 180’s somewhere and brought to town a bunch of years ago. It’s a nice setting, with the waterfall providing the raw materials and the water wheel going round and round.
We finished off our day at the Smokin Yards BBQ, and field tested the Baby Backs, along with numerous townies. The ribs were excellent. The townies could use a little work. Tomorrow we head south, spending a little time in Leadville and ending up in Cripple Creek.
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