A Giant Step Back in Time

What better way to welcome fall to the mountains than by taking a giant step back in time? 

Say to an 1880s mining town.

On the way to South Park City, the weather was absolutely perfect in the high 70s, 

with a brilliant blue sky and not a drop of rain in sight. 

It made the trip across the Continental Divide even more breathtaking 

as entire hillsides magically turned to gold.

We spent the day near our mountain cabin visiting a reconstructed "ghost town" 

that recalled the romance of a by-gone era.

The town has a fascinating history.
In 1957 more than 40 original historic buildings were moved to a common site 

where an authentic mining town now called South Park City was born.

More than 40,000 artifacts and furnishings were donated to the project by local residents 

and today these original buildings stand in tribute to that time.

After gold was discovered in this area, mining camps sprang up in every gulch and gully.
Soon the hills were dotted with towns with such colorful names as
Buckskin Joe, Eureka, and Horseshoe.

While there were various reconstructions such as saloons
(there were probably a LOT more than just this one) . . . 

 train stations . . . 

and mines, 

my favorites were the recreations of pioneer homes. 

I couldn't help but think about our own little cabin that had been moved from this area 

and how it might have been used back in the day.

Plus I discovered lots of ideas on how to decorate our cabin.
I love this idea of using old newspapers as wallpaper.
The miners used layers of newspaper as insulation in their cabins. 

Fairplay loves its burros, the patient and sure-footed animals that were
largely responsible for the success of the mining operations.

Besides its famous Brown Burro Cafe, Fairplay hosts an annual burro race,
running approximately 30 miles through the mountains. 

Even the high school mascot is called the Burros!
I just love that!

Besides loving burros, the town of Fairplay in the real South Park
was the inspiration for the South Park animated TV series.

And, of course, like anyone else who has enjoyed "South Park" on TV,

we just had to get our photos taken as those characters! 

Such a fun and educational day.
With wooden sidewalks and a wide dirt road down the middle of town, it felt so realistic.
I have to say this was the best historic recreation I've ever visited.

If you're in the area, I highly recommend a visit. 

Take Hwy. 285 south out of Denver to Fairplay. It's just under two hours' drive. 

Exit at Fairplay. Turn left off of Main Street to Front Street and go to the end of the paved street. 

Then take a giant step back in time.

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Overnight in the Cabin ... Alone

Base Camp, Denver, CO, Elevation 5,280 feet

Journal Entry, July 30, 2018, 8 a.m. 

Today I'm driving about two hours straight up. 

I'm going to my cabin in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, elevation 11,000 feet. 

I've been there several times before but the big difference this time is 

I'm going by myself and staying overnight. 

The weather is cool and cloudy, not unusual for this time of day.
It should burn off in an hour or so. Perhaps it's a bit more hazy than usual
because of the horrific forest fires on the west coast.

I'm feeling excited, a little nervous, but mostly looking forward to spending the night
in Timberline Cabin solo.  I hope the skies will be clear enough tonight to see the stars 

and the bears will all tucked into their beds for the night.
I appreciate all of your concerns about my safety and have taken precautions. 

Timberline Cabin: Journal Entry, July 30, 2018, 10:30 a.m. 

I make it up the rocky road to the cabin with no unpleasant incidents. 

I drive slowly and carefully, relieved that I have four new tires and 

happy that I won't have to drive back out this road on the same day.

I feel as if this is my own little world up here. 

The cabin is dwarfed by massive mountains and tall pine trees that rise up all around me.
The weather is sunny, windy and cool. 

The temperature outside and inside the cabin is 55 degrees.

I have a lot of little projects to accomplish today so I get busy. 

I love decorating the cabin and making it our own. 

On my last visit, I spray-painted two bright green wicker chairs a dark brown.

Now, I tug freshly washed and bleached seat covers onto the cushions and 

add a red velvet throw pillow on each chair. So much better. 

I join two woven scarves to make one long one for the table under the front windows.

Then I add a Hopi basket, some antlers and two red battery candles.

 Next, I tackle the Roman shades in the bedroom. 

As they were nailed into the wall instead of screwed, it is quite difficult to get them down. 

With them finally removed, I hang some Martha Stewart lace curtains that I had at home. 

The room looks like an old Victorian bedroom now. Charming. 

I think the old miner who originally owned this cabin would have loved the lacy curtains. LOL.

Noon: This task actually wore me out (must be the altitude) so I take a lunch break.
 (Note: I don't get hungry up here and usually lose a couple of pounds
each time I visit which I promptly gain once I'm back in town!)

Temperature outside is now 70 and 66 inside. I have to be careful to close the doors so the hummingbirds don't get in. I don't think I could reach them if they flew up into the vaulted ceiling. 

As I putter, I listen to an opera CD, something that probably, 

no make that definitely, would NOT happen if Ron were here.

It's breathtaking to watch the light changing on the mountains as the sun dips to the far side of the cabin. When the wind gusts, it feels as if the whole cabin is shaking, as if it's a living thing. 

I feel safe and warm to have this little shelter from the elements. I've never had a skylight so I love putting my head back and watching the clouds slide past the glass framed by pine boughs.

7 p.m. I listen to a CD book but my attention is drawn to what's happening outside. 

The sun is slowly sliding behind a pine tree in front of the cabin; the mountains glow golden, 

gradually swallowed up by lengthening shadows. The rocks take on a rosy glow like a ripe peach.

Quietly, the shadow moves up from the base of the mountain 

until the entire mountain is wrapped in shade. 

I keep running outside to snap pictures of the changing scene.

I listen to a CD by John Barry, so reminiscent of a favorite Out of Africa soundtrack, 

sending me miles away. I go to bed early, weighed down by heavy blankets. 

It's totally dark and quiet. I fall asleep easily.

NEXT Day, 5:30 a.m. 

I wake up early but it is too cold to get out of bed.
I recall it was too cloudy last night to see any stars when I trooped outside to use the bathroom.
Pulling on my cold clothes, I see the sun peeking over a rocky ledge like a shy child.

It's 31 degrees outside, 49 inside. It must have been in the 20s last night.

Silvery frost blankets the front deck and bushes. I can't stop shivering
but I don't light the wood stove because smoke fills the room while the fire is catching

and I can't take the chance of a hummingbird darting through an open door.

Around 7 a.m., the sun is beginning to touch the cabin but it's still 49 degrees inside. 

I light the propane stove for the first time and don't blow anything up.
Then I make myself a cup of hot tea. It tastes unbelievably good. 

I stand in a tiny pool of sunlight while I sip my steaming tea,
cradling the warm cup with both hands. 

At 8 a.m. the temp has finally climbed to a whopping 50 degrees inside the cabin. 

I step outside and am pleasantly surprised to feel the warmth of the early morning sun. 

I decide to collect kindling, thinking some physical activity might warm me up.

At 9 a.m., it's a balmy 55 degrees. 

I go for a short walk down our road to see if any of my two-legged neighbors are home. 

I meet Glenda who welcomes me inside her warm and charming cabin. 

Nice to have a local phone number in case of emergency. 

We will make great hiking partners once I can walk
from my car to the cabin without getting winded.

When I return to the cabin, I am quite tired and don't want to think about driving back to Denver. 

But, believing it would be safer if I take off before I'm really fatigued, 

I reluctantly pack up and drive home without incident. 

But I do truly hate that bumpy road.

What I Missed at the Cabin:

Ron, my dog Roxy, indoor plumbing, paved roads, nearby restaurants, warmth.

What I Didn't Miss at the Cabin:

Traffic, people talking loudly on their cell phones, telemarketers, noise, did I mention traffic?

I hope you enjoyed your visit. Can't wait to go back!
(If you missed my last post about this cabin, you can read it Here.)

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Warming Up a Cabin Bedroom at 11,000 Feet

A bedroom should be a restful place with calm colors and soft textures -- 

a sanctuary where you can relax and gaze out the window at nature's beauty. 

But was it possible to warm up our cabin bedroom at a cool 11,000 feet?

Our small bedroom had a good start 

with rough plank walls, a dark wood floor and two windows 

with views of massive pine trees and steep mountains,

But it definitely needed some help in the furnishing department.

Here's a "Before" picture.

First, we cleaned out the stuff left behind.

We jettisoned a metal clothes rack, piles of junk, ratty rugs, and a gigantic plastic cooler.

Ron claimed this old dynamite box that had been nailed to the wall to store odds and ends.

I wanted to keep the look simple but cozy using warm colors and vintage accessories.

I was trying to decide what kind of headboard would look good

in this rustic cabin when I remembered I had a rusty metal headboard in my garden.

We lugged it up to the cabin. It was the perfect size and definitely looked rustic.

We'd decided to keep the bed that was already in the cabin.

The mattress was clean, comfortable and looked new.

Besides, we had no idea how to get a mattress in our compact car. 

The mattress lies on a home-made frame with six drawers

so we pitched the flimsy chest of drawers that didn't complement our style.

But guess what?

During a weekend yard sale hunt, we came across a rustic-looking chest of drawers.

It was marked $50 but the owner came down to $15 when we showed interest

and told her it was destined for our mountain cabin. Sold!

The oil lamp belonged to Ron's Aunt Viola.

A vintage hall tree found at an estate sale long ago and

 some old hooks along one wall hold hats, cameras and binoculars. 

I fell in love with this gorgeous comforter and pillow covers from Cabela's. 

Plaid cotton flannel reversing to fuzzy soft "primalush." 

Although I usually shop at thrift stores and estate sales, 

I plunked down some money for this new set. 

It was worth it. 

The little shelf and photo on the wall came with the cabin

although they were in a different place. 

On the other hand, the nightstands were a creative mix of our own things.

Ron's table is actually his grandfather's old milking stool.

And on my side is a garden table covered with a pretty crocheted piece

that my sweet neighbor Erin gave me and, of course, a pair of cowboy boots.

This vintage etched mirror came from my mirror collection at home. 

We have plans to cover the drywall separating the two rooms

with surplus planks stored in the loft

but for now I hung a Native American weaving flanked by two 

Harrison Begay prints. Both prints feature a young Indian girl tending her sheep. 

The antique rocking chair in the corner was my Dad's.

A Beacon Indian print blanket hangs over the back. 

The bedroom has been warmed up with soft textures and warm colors,
making it a cozy place to relax and snuggle.

At 11,000 feet, the nights are clear and cold, even in the summer.

We might have to add another blanket!

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Exciting Mountain Cabin News

Hi Friends!

I'm so excited to share my good news with you about my search for a mountain cabin.

After several disappointments and a few possibilities that fell through,

I finally found my rustic log cabin. 

Isn't it great? Exactly what I wanted. 

I've been dreaming of a mountain cabin getaway for years 

and honestly wasn't sure it would ever actually happen. 

I always feel better in the mountains -- relaxed, peaceful, grounded and happy. 

Like it's someplace I'm supposed to be. 

So, I'm thrilled my dream is really coming true. 

I made an offer the first time I saw it.

Realtor Phil called me the next day to say:

"Well, I have good news and . . . pause  (you're killin' me here Phil) some more good news! 

They accepted your offer."

Yippee!

I was so nervous thinking someone else might beat me out of this little beauty.

It pretty much met all of my wish list items. 

 ✓ I wanted a rustic cabin under 500 square feet (this one is 336 square feet). Check.

✓ I wanted some land so the neighbors wouldn't be too close

(there are only a few houses in this remote area). Check.

The cabin sits on about 4.5 acres at an elevation of --  ready for this? -- 10,000 feet!

✓ I was hoping it would be under two hours from home. Check.

(but it is on a rather bumpy road).

✓ I wanted to stay within my budget

(my offer was under asking price and they accepted it). Check.

✓ And I wanted lots of pine trees. 

(There are mountains all around the cabin and the property backs onto 

National Forest land so no one will be building there.) Check. 

So you're wondering what it looks like inside, aren't you?

I took some photos inside but am waiting until the closing to share them.

For now, I'm showing you just the outside.

It's truly a historic gem.

It's an old miner's cabin that was originally in the next town.

Somewhere along the way, somebody decided to move it to this piece of land.

I'm so glad they did. It's unbelievably beautiful.

This is one of the breathtaking 14,000 foot mountains right in our front yard!

Now, we wait for inspections and then the closing, scheduled for June 5.

I don't know if I can wait that long.

Meanwhile, we are making lists of things to take on our first visit 

when we will just be cleaning and disposing of unwanted things left behind. 

The cabin is in great shape; there will be some minor projects but nothing too daunting. 

I also want to take measurements of the two rooms and the windows 

so I can start planning what to take there. (Ever the decorator!)

My dream of a mountain cabin getaway is coming true, my friends. 

And I couldn't be more thrilled and can't wait to share some more pictures with you. 

I hope you'll join me on this adventure.

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, 

A Real Beaut

Looking for a getaway for a couple of days? 

Yearning for fresh mountain air, spectacular views and a touch of the Old West 

in an adorable small mountain town? 

Well, look no more. Come along with me to Crested Butte, Colorado.

I'd never been to this little jewel of a town before so we were lucky 

that our wonderful neighbor, Tonda, was happy to pet sit our dog, Roxy.

This was the first time we'd left her for two days so we were nervous parents. Tonda texted us 

photos of her lounging and eating so we were able to relax. We can't thank her enough.

Crested Butte, elevation 8,885, is about four and a half hours' drive from our home in Denver
 and lies nestled in the southwestern part of the state.
It's famous for its music festival, bike races, skiing and wildflowers.
We just missed the peak of the wildflower season but it was still breathtaking.

The mountains surrounding the town are perfect pointed peaks, almost like a child's drawing. 

Against a brilliant blue sky with big puffy clouds, it was just magnificent. 

As we drove up into the mountains, we spotted this "Marmot Crossing" sign, 

just as a marmot scurried across the road exactly where he was supposed to cross! 

He was too fast for us to snap his picture. 

Numerous hiking trails for all levels crisscross the mountains including this one for the 

"Oh Be Joyful" trail. One simply cannot be joyful in all this beauty. 

The town itself features an authentic 1880's main street lined with old store fronts, restaurants and shops. Venture off the main street to see where the locals live. Charming little cottages look like they've been transported from the 19th century when this was a booming silver mining town. 

It's a bike-friendly town and the locals are very friendly and polite.

Flowers are everywhere in hanging baskets, planters and unique containers.

Whether you enjoy visiting old mining towns or exploring rugged terrain, you'll love Crested Butte.

It's a real beaut!

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My Happy Place

My favorite thing about living in Denver is being so close to the mountains. 

From my front door in the city to a peaceful mountain meadow is only about 40 minutes. 

So, on the day before my birthday, I was happy to trek up to Mt. Falcon Park for a weekday hike.

Although this open space can be crowded on the weekends, weekdays are much quieter 

with mostly older hikers, a few shiny black ravens and an occasional hummingbird.

My happy place!

Signs are posted to be aware and alert to other denizens like bears and mountain lions. 

Although I've seen a few deer and a black Abert's squirrel, I've yet to have a "surprise encounter."

These bear-proof garbage cans do remind you to stay on your toes!

A loop trail encircles this lovely green meadow and the great thing about it is ... it's fairly flat!

The meadows are dotted with amazing rock outcroppings.

You might see an occasional mountain biker on the trail. Although they are generally polite to hikers, we noticed a new sign saying bikers with "bad behavior" would be fined. 

One of the most amazing things about Mt. Falcon is its castle,

not something you'd expect to find in the mountains. 

Now in ruins, this historical site is bittersweet to explore. 

Built in 1909 by John Brisben Walker, a self-made millionaire who owned Cosmopolitan 

magazine among other investments, this was once a grand home with ten bedrooms, 

five fireplaces, a music room, an observation deck and servants quarters.

Tragically, Mrs. Walker died just seven years after the mansion was built. 

Two years later, the house was struck by lightning and burned down. 

Although Mr. Walker left his dream house behind, the four thousand acres 

he'd purchased became what is now Mt. Falcon Park.

By preserving this beautiful land, Walker left a wonderful legacy that many people enjoy today. 

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