Westcliff, Silver Cliff & Cripple Creek Colorado

Traveling from Pueblo Lake State Park to the small Western towns of Westcliff and Silver Cliff on Rt. 96 was a steady rise in elevation. I was advised of their existence by a park ranger who said just the ride alone was worth it. The mountains and the quaintness of both contiguous towns were worth the ride. They seem to be one town.  I stopped along the way at a small store with that name, “Store”. You can’t argue with simplicity. Some pictures. TC…

Snow...

From Westcliff and Silver Cliff the scenery and beautiful mountain views were spectacular. My destination was the mining town of Cripple Creek. As it was near the summit of Pikes Peak with mining tours, casinos, and more, it presented a great opportunity to see the history of this popular town. On the way in, I found an amazing little campground named Lost Burro not to far from town and made it my home for a few days. Set in a valley with a running steam 20 feet from my camper was a perfect setting.
Cripple Creek is a Las Vegas style town with the same type of gambling available. I gave back my Dodge City winnings, but had a great time doing it. The casino The Brass Ass reminded me of all the time I have been spending in the drivers seat.
The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine Tour was very interesting and the 1000 foot elevator ride to the 10th level was very cool. 
The picture of the coyote is there for a reason. It was taken at the Pikes Peak Heritage Center, but on the way into Cripple Creek I saw that guy’s cousin on the side of the road and he didn’t look much different from the one in the picture. Cousins.
As I am at an altitude of over 9000 feet the weather is quite cold. This morning I woke up to, according to weather dot com, 25 degrees and it said, “feels like 16”. There was also some snow, all gone now but still pretty cold. Colorado, awesome. Enjoy the pictures. TC…

                                           See my Jeep?  Just checking.

                                            Cripple Creek from above.

                                                       Scary huh?

                                                      Tour guy.

P.S. Remember the song by The Band, Cripple Creek?

"Up on Cripple Creek, she sends me

 when I spring a leak, she mends me

I don't have to speak, she defends me

A drunkards dream if I ever did see one".

For Rebel

While at the Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center I bought a book by C. J. Hadley.  I started reading tonight and the following passage made me think of my new friend in Western Kansas, Rebel, and the conversations we have had.
So Rebel this is for you.

"Cowboys have worked and lived on the ranges of the American West for over a hundred years.  They have tended cattle, tamed wild horses, and spent months away from the comforts of instant heat and light.  Sadly, their country and numbers are dwindling, their lives changing because of expanding urban population, pickup trucks, and a depressing switch from family to corporate ranch ownership.  But for the lucky few, the cowboy world is much the same as it was before the turn of the century."

Chris, you better show Rebel this passage, as I know he shies from the computer.

Pueblo Colorado

The scenery really didn’t change very much from Kansas to Colorado, at least until about 30 miles from Pueblo. That is where I got my first glimpse of the mountains to the west. Pikes Peak, the Greenhorn and the Sangre de Cristo mountain range forms a scenic alpine backdrop to Pueblo State Park where my two day home was to be. The park is located on the massive Pueblo Dam area which is a year round recreation resource. My drive into the park offered beautiful mountains that you see below. My camping area also provided me with a great front porch view. Mildly strong winds rocked me to sleep that evening.
The town closest to the park was actually Pueblo West which really did not have much to see, so I headed in Pueblo itself and the Chamber of Commerce to discover that Pueblo really has much to offer. Pueblo was established in 1861 and the Historic District along Union Avenue was packed with buildings built before 1900. Even the locals find it interesting. Can you find me taking the picture of an old building and the woman looking at me in the reflective glass, or was she just walking across the street?
The Union Depot which was built in 1889 is a preserved example of the train history of our past and an example of how important the train was to our expanding country. The Pueblo Railway Museum had many trains that are considered important to that history. They also preserved, at least in replica, some signs displaying the prejudice of the times.
I found out that this little town is the headquarters for the Professional Bull Riders Association. Who would have guessed?
I visited the High Vista Fine Art Gallery and picked a few pieces I thought interesting, but fine art, questionable. Enjoy some pictures.  TC...
                                         
                                              Entering the park.

                                                            

Not a bad front porch view.

            

        Ok, let's play where is TC... 

Yippes...what's left?

                               From the High Vista Fine Arts Gallery.   
                                   I have always loved Sun Flowers.