June+25+to+26+-+Leadville

We packed up and traveled back roads up past Taylor Lake to Buena Vista, CO. John pointed out varoius ranges at the lake and shared a funny story of "Tinkle and the Moose" from the pass - 12,124 feet or so. Thin air! The Up and then the down the grade somewhat disconcerted some of the group. It is different for Flatlanders. Pretty nice to be high and see and in clear air. Lunch in Buena Vista and a yummy ice cream. In Leadville, which has a nice feel, but is depressed economically with the small shops trying to "make it" we checked in and went aloft to the old mine. As a thunderstorm threatened, we cracked rocks, found a few interesting pieces, but mostly not at all unusual. John presented an excellent explanation of faluts and veins and deposits. Starting to make sense. After dinner we drove to Turquoise Lake, obviously a place dear to John and I can see why. A place I would like to camp at.

The evening passed uneventfully, but few of us slept well. Must have been the "ghost" of the hotel or maybe the late night German revellers!

Friday the 26th we woke to somewhat clear skies that turned cloudy and later dumped rain on us. But, we had a chance to see the Climax molybdenum mine, search for samples at the train bin and see the "award winning" holding pond. Then, back to Ledville and the Mining Museum which is so interesting and full of gorgeous samples. But, more the history of mining in the area. Very neat.

Rain caught us in Buena Vista and we deferred to the longer, but better route back to Crested Butte.

Mind full of thoughts and questions. Some concepts coming together.

Pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/marion.patterson/ColoradoIGISST2009#