Nowhere to Go But East: Tuesday, July 03, 2018

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Clear Creek Waterfall

I don't know anything about geology, but according to those who do, the La Garita and San Juan mountains formed about 30 million years ago. Eruptions from massive volcanoes, like the Creede Caldera, were followed by tremendous flows of ash and mud. As the layers of volcanic debris cooled, crystals and mineral ores collected into veins and pockets and created extensive mineral fields.It is because of these ancient volcanos that we find several beautiful waterfalls in this area, including the Clear Creek waterfall, which we visited last week. From Clear Creek, we can see the western side of Bristol Head mountain in the distance. The eastern side of Bristol Head is the view from our cabin window and the namesake of our neighborhood.

Getting closer, the waterfall is quite impressive. You can't tell the scale from this picture, but it's probably close to 100 feet high. These cliffs are also home to a rare type of swallow that likes to nest in the misty rocks. In winter, it migrates to South America.

Closer views of the volcanic rock.

Another great outing in a beautiful place.

Denver

Spent an-all-too-short weekend in Denver with Charlotte and Hannah. Can't rave enough about The Brown Palace Hotel -- it's The Plaza of the West. Continuously open since 1892, it features stunning architecture, Mexican onyx stonework, and cast-iron railings around an eight-story atrium, where they serve high tea every afternoon. We ate one dinner at the hotel's Ship Tavern, a Prohibition-Era bar with great food and service.