Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

My destination on the day trip was Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Southwest Colorado. On the last 2 million years the Gunnison River has cut a canyon that in some places is 1900 feet deep. I visited the canyon on the less developed north side. The canyon is a favorite of rock climbers but there were none visible on the day I visited. There were several short hikes to the rim of the canyon, all of them worth taking. As you can see from the photos the canyon is black.

On the way I stopped at the Black Canyon Cafe in Crawford for a wonderful lunch of homemade soup and pie. If you are in the area the cafe is a great place for a meal stop.

Scenic Colorado Highway 133

On the day trip I left Glenwood Springs and turned on Colorado Highway 133. 133 is a Colorado Scenic Highway. I stopped at Redwood when I saw the coke ovens along the highway. In town I visited with the owner of a antique store. He told me that at one time there were steel mills in the area and the coke ovens turned the coal to coke for the mills. Further along the route I stopped at a waterfall and later took a picture of some of the snow covered mountain that were visible along the highway.

Glenwood Canyon Colorado

I took a day trip when I was in Avon. Part of that trip was through Glenwood Canyon. The construction of Interstate 70 through the canyon was an engineering marvel. If you are in that part of the state take the drive through the canyon. If you have time go both east and west through the canyon to see how the road was built. I caught some rafters starting their journey down the Colorado River. There had been a lot of rain and the river was high making for an exciting ride.

Wedding at the Westin in Avon

On the Sunday afternoon I was staying at the Westin Riverside Villa's there was a wedding out by the Eagle River. I did not know any one but took some photo's because it was such a great location. I also liked the fact that they included their dogs in the wedding. It looked like it would rain any minute but held off until the ceremony was over.

Other flowers in my yard

More Flowers

Last year I planted a bag of mixed lily bulbs. They did not bloom much last year but this year they have really put out some beautiful flowers

I had passed the marker for this National Historic Site several times and had never turned off. The water tower was built when trains had to stop to fill up along their route. It is still in very good condition. The hotel is located across from the water tower and is from the same era (1880's). It was re-done when a ranch owner wanted to fly in to check on his cattle and needed someplace to stay. There is a very short grass strip by the hotel. I looked like it would require a very short field landing. Both are located in Beaumont, Kansas and I passed by on June 10th on the way to Avon.

Betty Ford Alpine Garden

I visited the Betty Ford Alpine Garden in Vail today. I visit every time I am in Vail and really enjoy seeing how the garden has improved. Alpine plants are often very small and can grow in rocky places. There is a great variety of plants, an area with some of the high country trees and several water features. Enjoy a these photos for a virtual visit.

Doug, Chris and I

I got out the tripod and got this photo of the three of us while we were in Avon, CO.

Underground Salt Mine Museum

On the way to Avon I stopped at the Underground Salt Mine Museum in Hutchinson, KS. They have been mining salt underground since 1923 and in 2007 the Underground Mine Museum was opened to the public. This is the only Underground Salt Museum in the United State. Before you start on the tour you have to check out a hard hat and a emergency breathing pack. The tour starts with the lift taking you down 650 feet. During the ride down you are totally in the dark. The salt mining leaves large rooms and multiple passages through the salt. There are three different groups working below the surface. It is still an active salt mine. The museum uses some of the space and there is an underground storage company that also uses the mine. The museum part of the tour is self guided. I have pictures of machinery that was used in the mine. There is also a picture of an old truck left on the side after if was no long needed. Part of the self-guided tour is through the storage area. Some of the more familiar storage items are on display.

You can also sign up for the Dark Tour where you ride a tram through other parts of the mine. There is a large block of salt on display in the museum.