Julie's sister and brother in law (John and Nancy) came to visit us in Colorado. We had an opportunity to show them various parts of our state.
They flew into Grand Junction and we met them there. They live at sea level in California and we thought it best to spend time at a lower altitude than our cottage to ward off altitude sickness. The plan must have worked as they had no issues during their stay.
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| You can't go to Grand Junction without stopping at the Enstrom Candy Company |
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| Their Almond Toffee is wonderful! |
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| We stopped at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and admired the beauty |
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| I could make an entire blog post of Nancy taking pictures - she is an accomplished photographer |
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| The "V" shaped model in the Visitor Center shows how narrow the canyon is at the river |
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| The very remote location of the park eliminates light pollution and offers wonderful star gazing |
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| The Narrow Gauge RR display at Cimarron |
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| July 4th found us in Lake City throwing candy while participating in the Parade |
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| All ready to join the parade |
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| The City Park in Lake City is a happening place on the 4th |
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| Never want to miss a chance for ice cream at the San Juan Soda Shop |
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| We also found our way to the colorful town of Crested Butte |
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| A brief hike took us to the overlook to Lake San Cristobal |
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| This lake was formed by a landslide blocking the river |
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| Further up from the Lake is a mountain overlook |
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| Illustrated signage defines each mountain peak |
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| Similar signage tells about North Clear Creek Falls |
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| The cattle have quite the view |
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| We found a talented metal workers art at Creede |
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| Michael Garmin's studio in Colorado Springs is always interesting for its 1/6th scale city scene |
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| One of the trip highlights was seeing this fellow on the way home from Creede - John Cook Photo |
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| Our critter just wants to make sure we are paying attention - Nancy Cook Photo |
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| We spent a day at the Denver Art Museum |
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| Enjoying the Rockers in front of the Museum - Nancy Cook Photo |
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| Several special exhibits were to be found - history of armor was one |
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| City view from the Museum walkway |
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| Loved this painting |
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| The Colorado Statehouse is just uphill from the Art Museum |
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| We decided to check it out |
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| The rose onyx wainscoting was beautiful |
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| The Capitol was a beautiful blend of polished brass, marble and rose onyx |
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| Nancy Cook photo |
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| A dedicated team keeps the brass detailing gleaming |
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| The House Chamber |
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| Making the climb to the dome - One flight of steps here is the same effort as three at sea level |
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| Once at the dome level there is another spiral staircase (closed) up to a higher lever |
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| Doorways open to a walkway around the outer dome |
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| Views of the City are fantastic |
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| Markers indicating Colorado landmarks are placed around the walkway |
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| View looking down the dome steps |
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| Lots of interesting architecture to be found in the various stairwells |
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| The "Attic" is found between the inner and outer domes and gives a history of the building |
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| Cottonwood Pass is a recently paved road that takes you over 12,000 feet of altitude. These hikers were on the Continental hiking trail |
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| We explored the remains of the mining complex in Creede, Colorado. This is a massive complex slowing decaying into ruins... |
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| Nancy Cook Photo |
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| Nancy Cook photo |
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| Our miniature schnauzer loved travelling with us |
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| Mining is a big part of Colorado history. A good overview of mining history can be found at the Hard Tack Mine Tour outside of Lake City, Colorado. |
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| Ready to enter for the tour |
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| Gift shop inside the mine |
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| Good warning to stay out of abandoned mines - so many ways they can kill you |
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| Our mine tour guide - Nancy Cook Photo |
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| Example of one type of mining display |
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| Opportunities for photographs with the Miners - I was dealt a bad hand |
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| Further up the road is the famous Ute-Ulay mine which took out millions of gold and silver |
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| Much of the infrastructure is still there and much more ore is to be mined when conditions permit |
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| We explored the Lake Fork of the Gunnison canyon below our cottage |
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| Gold Medal trout waters to be found here |
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| John and Nancy explored on ATV's |
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| Nancy getting decorating ideas at an IKEA showroom |
Nancy captured our cottage with a deer checking things out
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| Colorado sunsets capped the visit - Nancy Cook photo |
