In Search of the Train

We were delighted , this week, when we were invited to be part of a small group going on an expedition of sorts...in search of answers to questions about the old Denver and Rio Grand Railroad, that ran from Sapinero,CO to Lake City from  1889-1933.All traces of the train were removed in '33, including the tracks. Several miles north of Lake City, we visited the old Nathan C. Carr Ranch to try and find out how the Medera Water Tower (located on that ranch), which serviced the train, got it's water source.

 Below is all that is left of the Carr Ranch family home built in 1890. I scouted around and found a chip of pretty pink and white flowered china, a button and a green marble, proving to me that there was life here at one time.

      Several other structures were still standing on the property (well almost).

      Just a gentle reminder that we were in Mountain Loin country!

 Leaving the Carr Ranch (water questions answered). We trekked along near the end of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River (before it spills into the Blue Mesa reservoir);actually walking the  old railroad bed. We were looking for any signs that there was once a bridge.(shown on old photos). Two miles in (from our starting point)  the pilings were visible on the river bank. Although, several of us turned back at a mile and a half! After all we had roamed around the Carr Ranch, up and down hills, for over an hour. Very interesting adventure!

The Hidden Waterfall

 On Saturday, returning from our hike, we came upon a couple trying to push their wrecked vehicle off of the road. The car would not start after hitting a large deer (may he rest in peace). We drove them into Lake City since cell phones do not work in that area. Thankfully neither were hurt.

While they were unloading their vehicle, I stepped through the bushes and discovered this waterfall cascading down into the river. Can't tell you how many times I have passed this spot and not seen this sight because it was hidden by foliage.

Slippin n Slidding

 Cutting through the campus of Western State Colorado University

After driving sixty miles, running several errands and loading up our car with groceries we always cut through the Western Campus to a fast food place, where we order a soft serve ice cream cone, to enjoy on the long ride home. We were brought to a stop by this site. A bunch of college students having fun on a warm day!

The Deserted Cabin

Back in 1952 Lake City did not have a lumber yard. So unless you wanted to build a log cabin, or buy expensive brick...the only way to build  was to dis-mantle an old structure and reuse the timbers. A young Doctor (47 yrs. old) and his wife from Dallas, Texas had a better idea. Their newly acquired property on Henson St. was only several hundred yards from the river . On their three week vacation the two of them carried smoothed river rocks up the steep bank of the river constructing this modest cabin and matching outhouse.
Sadly,  the doctor over exerted himself and died in the newly constructed cabin, at the end of their vacation.The cabin remains in the family, but has stood vacant and boarded up for many decades now.

 *info gathered from Historic Home of Lake City, Colorado

On The Trail Again

 I didn't let my fall last week keep me from hiking. Saturday dawned a beautiful day and Tom and I headed for The Dillon Pinnacles.

The hike doesn't actually go UP the pinnacles...but it takes you a lot closer than you can get from the road...and there are no logs to cross :)

Cabin on the River

 click to enlarge

We had dinner with friends from Texas this week, who had rented a small cabin, down the hill from us, on the river. In the little living room is this huge mural (painted by local artist Russ Brown). The ceiling is high and it takes up the entire wall. If you look closely, on the bottom corners, you can see the edges of the lamps on either end of their sofa. Maybe not for all, but it gives me a cozy warm feeling....so did the wonderful dinner which ended with hot blackberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. Yes, I went to Zumba this morning!

Momma Mia

One last entry from our trip over to Grand Junction. That night, we ate at a wonderful little Italian Restaurant on the corner of main street. Our waitress who was a real Italian Momma was the best. I missed the shot, but when she poured our coffee.... she held the pot in her right hand, up over her head...and aimed it at the cup in her left hand, which she lowered as low as it would go. I was amazed! I must admit though I did notice a few spots on the carpet! :) Good Food!