An Afternoon of Scouting, Part I

Not too long ago, my husband and I took an afternoon and headed into the mountains to the west of Denver, Colorado. The goal was to get some ideas of places to photograph quilts.

I've often noticed this abandoned mine while traveling on the highway and we were able to get a closer look.

I love the patina of the building, and the broken windows and patched roof give it such character. You can still see the name of the company at the top.

We found that the property is part of the Stanley Mining Company, now owned by the Empress Gold Mining and Milling Company, Inc.

I wish I could go back in time to see this property alive with smoke poring out of the chimney.

We continued driving on the service road that parallels the interstate highway toward Georgetown. As you drive into the town center, you pass a chalet-style hotel called Hotel Chateau Chamonix, which sits on Clear Creek. It's a charming property and we often talk about staying here when we're in the area. Perhaps, some day!

A view from the back where the creek flows.

Driving into the town center is like stepping back in time. I didn't take a lot of photos because I have many from other visits. But here are a few for you to enjoy . . .

A taste of France in this small, mountain town. I've wondered what the rooms look like. Are they 1800's period-style or updated?

A lion guards the gate leading to a courtyard at the back of Hotel De Paris.

I'll share a few more photos of Georgetown and where we headed next in Part II.