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Molas Pass, Colorado - July 2009
It is said that thunderstorms are common occurrences on summer afternoons in Colorado. We had yet to see one. We’d experienced some wind and a few raindrops a day earlier in Mesa Verde, but this was the first real rain we had encountered on our trip. The cool temps and grey skies were refreshing for a while but it didn’t take long to realize that we wouldn’t enjoy being stuck in the camper for any length of time.
Silverton, Colorado - July 2009
As we descended from Molas Pass toward Silverton we could see the tracks of the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. I had taken the ride from Durango to Silverton on this railroad years ago during one of our family vacations. I remember that I wasn’t particularly impressed, but I found myself contemplating a second trip anyway for the sake of a certain train-loving boy – until I saw the ticket prices.
Yankee Girl Mine
Hwy 550, Colorado - July 2009The drive between Silverton and Ouray, where we would be based for the next few days, is spectacular. This section of highway 550 is often referred to as the Million Dollar Highway. I’ve read various explanations for the moniker. Some say it is due to the difficulty and expense of constructing this section of road. Others say it is due to the small amount of silver and gold that made it into the pavement itself as it winds through this mineral rich section of Colorado. Both explanations seem plausible.
The remnants of Yankee Girl mine, seen on the hillside east of the highway, allude to precious minerals found throughout the San Juans. With a four-wheel drive vehicle, it is possible to venture deep into these mountains on old, unmaintained mining roads where a treasure trove of grand vistas, flower-carpeted meadows, ghost towns, and old mining sites await anyone willing to endure the journey.
Ready for a Ride
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009After spending the night in Ouray, we returned to the Silverton area to take a mining tour. The Boy would get a train ride after all – a decidedly different one deep into the side of a mountain.
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009
Our Grizzled Guide
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009This guy didn’t just look the part of a grizzled mine worker. He lived it. He was none too happy that our tour group was comprised primarily of children. (To be honest, I wasn’t that excited about this fact either.)
Our guide – I can’t remember his name so I’m going to call him Bill – warned everyone to watch their heads as we went down the tunnel into the mine. That didn’t keep me from nearly losing mine. Fortunately, Darla was paying attention. The iron girder that nearly took me out wasn’t as obvious through my viewfinder. I was glad Bill happened to be looking the other way at the time.
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009
Jackhammer Demonstration
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009The tour featured live demonstrations of various mining tools including this jackhammer. The one thing these tools all had in common is that they were all unbelievably loud. My ears are still ringing.
Artifacts of a Life in the Mine
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009Bill’s depiction of life in the mine was always interesting and sometimes surprising. At no time did I want to quit my job to become a miner.
No Stupid Questions
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009I loved Bill. He knew his stuff – and he pulled no punches. One of his first instructions to the group was no stupid questions. Only intelligent questions would be entertained. Needless to say, it was a matter of seconds before one of the kids raised a hand and asked a question that was apropos of nothing related in any way to mining or our tour. Bill looked down and shook his head in obvious disgust. “Now that’s a stupid question!” he informed the child, who was completely unphased by this response. It was pretty obvious that a room full of unsupervised children would be Bill’s personal hell. Was I offended by his attitude? Not at all. He told the group that my question was a good question.
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009
Just in Case Anyone Could Still Hear
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009This machine was the last one of the tour. Bill showed us how it worked – just in case there was anyone who could still hear.
Old Hundred Mine, Silverton, Colorado - July 2009
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next image set: San Juan Mountains, Colorado
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