Denver Environs

I spent today with my friend K. This was a real treat as she did all the work to research and scout locations, and as well did all the driving. It was a nice break for me to have someone else take care of the details and transportation. And she found some great locations.

Denver and its immediate surroundings is usually relatively temperate as it sits in a bowl and is protected by mountains on all sides. This year’s crazy weather manifested today as low single digit temperatures. At some point during the day we saw 1 degree Fahrenheit. Overnight it is predicted to kiss the ass end of 0. In spite of the chill, we persevered and spent the day photographing in various locations. We did take frequent breaks to warm up in the car, which was a godsend.

We first went to the Great Western Sugar Milll in Longmont. From 1903 to 1977 the factory was a hub of economic activity and produced sugar from sugar beets. It has sat dormant since then. Much more history and information about the factory can be found here. For us, though, it was a gold mine for abstract photographs. We spent much of the morning at that location, then decamped to Whole Foods for a quick lunch and warm-up.

After lunch we drove out to Central City . The area was once a mining town. Now it is mostly ostentatious casinos, but some of the historical buildings and streets remain. It boasts, among other things, an opera house at which performances take place in the summer. Much of the city proper was closed up for the winter, but we explored the old buildings and one of the historical cemeteries, that of the Knights of Pythias . We were able to grab some images of the partly frozen Clear Creek on the way back.

K wanted to show me the Red Rocks Amphitheater. I was able to see the outside from the lower parking lot, but the road to the top was closed due to snow. We could have hiked up to the interior, but it was getting late and cold-er. I plan to come back to experience this amazing venue at a different time.

Our last stop before dinner was the Columbine memorial . It was dark when we finally arrived, but I was glad for the chance to pay tribute and bear witness to this terrible tragedy. Sadly it was only one of many that are, stunningly, becoming practically everyday occurrences.

Finally we had dinner at the historical Buckhorn Exchange, the first restaurant in Denver. It was founded in 1893 by Henry H. "Shorty Scout" Zietz, one of the most colorful figures of the Old West. It specializes in game animals and the walls are literally covered with the taxidermies conquests of the owner, and, I assume others, as well as photos of celebrities and political figures who have eaten there. The photo of Charlton Heston was on the wall behind our table. We dined on rattlesnake and elk, both of which were excellent.

It has been a full and rewarding day.  But it is already late.  Additional images will be posted in the Gallery tomorrow.