Mining Claim Pics for Angie

[Timberline]

Well, Angie, here are some pics of our place for you. I will post in two or three threads so hopefully the pics will download for those with dial-up.

I don't know how much homesteading (as far as gardening and livestock) could be done there. No frost free growing season, very high altitude and short summer and lots of snow. But a Richard Proenneke type of lifestyle would certainly be possible (and it's so tempting). We have 3 patented claims (totaling a bit over 30 acres) that are all connected to each other, at 11,500 feet elevation. The mine was patented in 1883 and operated until the early 40's. There is still some mining equipment left there.

This first shot is where the mine itself was located. The ATV is parked on the big tailing pile that was created from the material removed from the mine.


This iron headframe was to support and guide the cable that was used to hoist ore buckets, tools, and miners in and out of the shaft. The square grate below it is covering the shaft.


This was used to wind up or release the cable to raise and lower the ore buckets.


And this is the big wood fired boiler that provided power (it's laying on it's side next to it's support frame).


This is our little storage shed, with some firewood storage behind. You can see the headframe behind it.


I will add some landscapes pics in the next post.

[PhilJohnson]

Very nice. Makes me want to get some land in the mountains

[rider]

are you near the old argintine mine it sure looks like the same county love that place we used to go up there and go threw the tailings piles and back into the mine shaft as far as the ice block i do miss colo for those things but sure dont miss the people in denver rider

[AngieM2]

Oh, I remember seeing those types of piles in the Rockies when I lived in Denver and we'd occasionally take rides in the Mtns when company would come. (ex didn't care for it normally).

Thank you so much. I'd love to spend a night or two there, and see the stars. Cook outside and sit by a fire.

I'll be looking forward to the others you post.

Thanks Again - Angie

[tnokie]

Are you going to build there? Wow what great artifacts to place around the cabin! May not be coducive to regular homesteading but you could do a B&B ,with trail rides,cookout,etc, Isn't it neat to own your own little piece of old west history. If only those moutains could talk. Congrats,keep the pics comming.

[Murray in ME]

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing them.

[ShaunaRB]

Beautiful scenery!! Thanks for sharing!

[Timberline]

Originally Posted by rider

are you near the old argintine mine it sure looks like the same county love that place we used to go up there and go threw the tailings piles and back into the mine shaft as far as the ice block i do miss colo for those things but sure dont miss the people in denver rider

Rider, I'm not familiar with the argintine mine, so must not be too close. Where is it?

I hear you on Denver. We don't go to Denver, at all, period. We like to shop at Sam's and Home Depot twice a year and used to go to Colorado Springs for that. Now, it's too much like Denver, so we go to Pueblo. But even that has gotten to be more city than I can stand so we only go once a year.

[Jan Doling]

Lovely...I can almost feel the cool mountain air.

[Timberline]

Originally Posted by tnokie

Are you going to build there? Wow what great artifacts to place around the cabin! May not be coducive to regular homesteading but you could do a B&B ,with trail rides,cookout,etc, Isn't it neat to own your own little piece of old west history. If only those moutains could talk. Congrats,keep the pics comming.

I am something of a history buff, so I just love to find those things that were left behind. We've founds lots of small things around, nothing valuable but very interesting and meaningful to us. The old Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad (narrow gauge) and the Alpine Tunnel are nearby and we like to hike around there. Fun stuff.