Retirement……LOVE IT!

After spending the night in Fraser, Colorado (see previous post), we were on our third and final day of this road trip. Instead of immediately heading north back home to Fort Collins, we headed south. We wanted to visit a couple of historic towns today before we actually headed home.

First stop was Georgetown, CO. We have driven by Georgetown numerous times when we would come out to snow ski. We never stopped because (1) it was winter and cold, and (2) we were always in a hurry to get to the ski slopes!

Georgetown is a quaint little town, founded in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. In September of 1864 the town grew rapidly following the discovery of silver in nearby mountains.

As thousands of mines were dug in the surrounding mountains, the town itself was not a mining camp but a center of commerce and entertainment for prospectors and mine workers. Georgetown is snuggled in a beautiful valley and between I 70 and the mountainside. The day was gorgeous and the perfect temperature. Here a some of the photos I took.

Next stop: Central City, Colorado. Central City is a historic mining settlement also founded in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. It became known as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth” when the Gregory Lode vein was found, followed by many other veins being discovered in the next two months.

By 1860, as many as 10,000 prospectors had flocked to the town. However, many soon left returning to their homes back East. By the 1900 census, there was only 3,114 people left; the 2010 census showed a population of only 663.

We enjoyed walking the hilly streets, visiting little shops in the old buildings, and learning a little about the history of the area from shop owners.

Central City is also known for all the casinos in the area. Needless to say, we had to stop in one and try our hand at the slot machines (they still use REAL quarters here!). Here are a few pictures.

Here is what happens to you if you sit at the casino tables too long! 😆

The drive back to Fort Collins took us through the town of Nederland where we stopped for lunch. The route we took went through a gulch with a river running along side the road. The drive back was beautiful!

So, for now ….. “On the Road Again!”

Betty