Day 15 - Leadville, CO (Day 2)

We're functioning at over 10,000 feet and tend to gasp for air from time-to-time.  We explored Leadville and some of the surrounding area, anyway.

Victorian Homes:
Leadville was established in the Victorian era.  Many of the homes have been beautifully restored and maintained.  The following homes are on W. 6th Avenue, approaching downtown.  There are many others throughout the town.

We picked this one because of the flowers

Downtown:
Harrison Avenue (US-24) is the main street in Leadville.  It's wide, well maintained and offers lots of free parking.

North on Harrison Avenue
toward the Delaware Hotel

Iron Building at
Harrison and 6th 

South on Harrison Avenue
toward Quincys

Quincys

Leadville had more than 100 saloons by 1880

Tabor Opera House was built in 100 days

Railroad Tour:
We took the 2 1/2 hour Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad Tour.  It went through the San Isabel National Forest and climbed another 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River Valley.

Leadville train depot (front)

Leadville train depot (back)

C&S 641
The line's last operating standard-gauge
steam locomotive was used until 1962

Our ride arrived at noon

We boarded at 12:30

OK, let's get going

We climb the mountainside overlooking
the Arkansas River Valley and CO-91

Mt. Arkansas

End of the road is at French Gulch

French Gulch water tank

Carol re-boards for return

Conductor Lynette & Carol

Rounding the sharpest curve on the run

The scenery was dramatic and the conductor brought life to the trip.  She did an excellent job of narrating the trip.

First Presbyterian Church:
Years ago, Carol's daughters (Elizabeth and Barbara) went on a mission trip to First Presbyterian Church in Leadville.  These pictures are for their memories.

Turquoise Lake:
Turquoise Lake is a reservoir created by Sugar Loaf Dam.  We're camped nearby and decided to drive around it.  Some of the route is near water level, the rest rises quite a distance above the lake.

From end near Sugar Loaf Dam

Moving clockwise around the lake

Beginning to climb

Highest point

Heading back down, sky is darkening

Ah, yes!
Here comes another, pesky afternoon shower

There was light hail in Leadville

Restaurants:
Periodic restaurant reviews may be helpful to others.

We had brunch at the Golden Burro.  The outside wasn't too appealing.  The inside was another story.  Our breakfasts were very good and the service was great.  We must remember not to judge a book by its cover.

We had dinner at the Tennessee Pass Cafe.  The menu offered a wide selection of healthy dishes.  We both had delicious Cobb salads.  The ingredients were fresh and well prepared. The server, however, was inexperienced and forgetful.  We won't return.

Day 14 - Leadville, CO (Day 1)

The sun is out and the temperature is rising.  We're going to get high today ... by going to Leadville.  At 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the United States.

The route:
The 170 mile route went east on US-24 to CO-115, southwest on CO-115 to US-50 at Penrose, west on US-50 through Cãnon City and then along the Arkansas River through Salida to US-285 at Poncha Springs, north on US-285 to US-24 at Buena Vista, then north on US-24 to Leadville.

Views along the way:

US-50, leaving Cãnon City

US-50, south of Royal Gorge Park

US-50, approaching Salida

Deer along the Arkansas River

US-50 follows the Arkansas River from
Royal Gorge Park to Salida

US-24, approaching Leadville

Leadville, toward Mt. Sheridan

The temperature was in the mid-80s most of the way.  It began to drop shortly after we turned north at Salida and was down to the mid-60s by the time we got to Leadville.  It's supposed to dip to 42°F tonight.

Campground:
We arrived at the Sugar Loafin' RV Park at around 4pm.  It's a mountain campground; there are no city frills.  

An afternoon shower decided to let loose just as we were backing into the site.  We stopped backing, hopped into the trailer and waited 10 minutes for the rain to stop.

Site #16 - after the shower

An ominous thunderstorm moved in from the southeast at about 5pm.  It brought dark skies, lightning, very loud thunder, and some wind.  A lot of rain fell somewhere, but not here.

Here it comes!

These late afternoon thunderstorms
move quickly

Exploring:
We drove the few miles into Leadville to get the lay of the land.  It's a lively, attractive, little town. We'll report our discoveries over the next few days.

Quincys Restaurant & Tavern was highly recommended by one of Carol's friends.  We found it on Harrison Ave. in Leadville, tried it and now we know why.  They have an unusual, simplistic menu.  On Sunday through Thursday they only serve filet mignon (6, 9, 12 or 15oz).  They serve only prime rib (8, 12, 16, or 20oz) or slow roasted sirloin (7 or 11oz) on Friday and Saturday.  Our $8.95 6oz filet dinner included a salad, baked potato, warm bread and excellent service.  

Recommendation:
Quincys deserves your attention if you're in the area.