All Mine…

You just never know.

So Greg and I had all but finished riding our bikes on the Rec Path around Lake Dillon, when we were taking a short water break and a couple comes towards us with three Cocker Spaniels, heading out for a hike.  Some pleasantries were exchanged and before I knew it, we were invited on a hike (the next day), sponsored by the Summit County Community and Senior Center.  The woman we were talking to, Charlotte, was leading the hike and had written a book on many of the mines in the area, including this one.  It was a silver/lead mine, that over looks Frisco and back in the day, was a big deal.  During our short visit, it was clear that Charlotte had lived here a long time and was very involved with the community. 

Feeling like we had just fallen into a great opportunity to get some local expertise and a hike that is off the beaten trail, Greg and I decided to join them the next day for the hike to Surprise Mine.  At this point, I am sure that one or two of you (if there are that many of you that read this), might be chuckling just a bit, because this is a hike for “seniors.”  Am I a SENIOR?

Noun   1.  an elderly or aged person, especially one who is retired.

According to this definition, I fit the later part of the description, but I’m not feeling the first half.  Oh well, with a little contemplation, I’ve let go of this blip on the radar and will take it up with myself at a later date.  Maybe when I’m more of a senior.  Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against being included amongst the ranks of my senior friends, but its a bit of a gray area at what point one becomes a senior…62 years of age for social security?…55 for my golf league?  Not sure what it is here for the SCSC, but I’m sure they would have easily welcomed any age to hike with them.  Lets just say, I think I was the youngest senior on the hike, but their legs could tromp mine, all day long.

The men outnumbered the women by one on hike day, as we met up at the Meadow Creek Trailhead.  The mosquitoes were letting their presence be known, but soon the upness of the trail took my mind off of any annoyance they caused while we were still on level ground.  It was also a “dog-friendly” hike and we were accompanied by 5 (give or take a few).  All of which were very friendly and trail experienced.  On these dog friendly hikes, it was obvious the trip leader had them in mind, making sure there were plenty of water sources for them along the way.

It is as steep as it looks.

After a quick dip and a shake and the hike continues.

The difficulty of the trail was not easy.  More like killer semi strenuous.  But we took frequent breaks as needed, on the approximate 1400 ft elevation gain we would make during our 2-hour ascent.  We hiked for a while on the main Meadow Creek Trail before branching off onto what could be described as a game trail at times, at least for a while.  This trail, although known, is not well known; at least to the average tourist looking for a day hike.  The “game trail” gave way to the remains of the wagon road used during the mine's heyday.  The steepness made it hard to imagine a horse drawn wagon, most likely loaded down, attempting to go up to or down from the mine…in one piece.  

Charlotte points out a log structure (top-center), but not related to our mine.

The trail is littered with blow-down...
Beetle-kill trees that died and then
were blown down in heavy winds.

Soon, the trail is not much more than
tamped down vegetation.

Still as steep as it looks.

Maybe steeper than it looks!

Our first mine related stop, as we neared the Surprise Mine site, was a “boarding house” used to feed the miners.  A log structure, still recognizable as one, but having fallen in on itself, not to mention time and nature having its way with it.  A few relics were scattered around.  And you had to wonder, given the time and technology, or lack there of, how’d they do it?  And we hadn’t even gotten to the mine site yet!

Time and nature reclaims the "boarding house."

A once busy wood stove that fed hungry miners.

The mine was within striking distance now and we made it as lunchtime approached.  We were right on the edge of this mountain, with a view over Frisco and Lake Dillon that caught your attention.  The mouth of the mine had been long since covered over to keep anyone from entering it, but there were still two rusting steel rails exiting the mine, where the small cars would have brought debris from the inside to dump over the outside of the mountain.  The old air compressor and another machine of sorts, were still sitting there next to the opening of the mine, earning every speck of rust they were wearing, since the glory days.  Charlotte shared some of the mines history with us, we ate our lunches, and we visited with those that made it to Surprise Mine this day.

Almost there.

A visual appreciation for our elevation gain.

We posed for photo ops and then headed back dowwwwnn.  It took about half the time as it did going up.  And at the end of the trail, there is always that good feeling of making it back to the trailhead.  Beth picked us up and transported us back to the future, from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

Reaching the Surprise Mine, we were greeted by some relics of the past.

The air compressor (above) and some other
important piece of machinery...for sure.

We ate up some lunch and some mine facts.

Greg and I rested, restored, and ready to trail run down the mountain...
but we stayed with the group, cause that its the safe thing to do. 

Not a bad view.  Wonder if the miners thought so.

You never know whom you will meet when you say hello to a stranger or strike up a conversation.  In this case, we gained some new friends, some history, and a lot of elevation!  Say hello to a stranger or strike up a conversation.  Not a strong point for me, but I'm workin' on it.  And if this is what is up for this senior...I'm looking forward to it.

My new friends, that have legs like mountain goats.

My Zen from the Trail:  One of our rest stops was that of a small spring.  It was a good level rest stop for the humans and a great watering hole for the canines.  At this point in the hike, the dogs’ energy was waning.  As we drank from our water bottles, the dogs took advantage of the cool spring water, trickling down the mountain.  First, one of the Cocker Spaniels nestled into a low spot filled with spring water to cool off.  Then, I believe it was Willis that after lapping a good portion of water, seemed to have found a second wind comparable to that of a tornado!  This dog found the energy of a split atom and starting tearing around us, dodging trees and people, about as fast a “caninely” possible.  Mind you, above and below the trail we were standing on, the angle of the mountainside was steeeeep!  Of course the other dogs were drawn into the frenzy and it ignited a chase scene, worthy of Charlie Chaplin and the Keystone Cops.  Up, down, and around us humans…over and through the spring water.  They soon tired and returned to the spring for a soak and a drink.  Their energy, gave me the energy, to make the final push to the mine.  I will not soon forget those 5 dogs in that amazing display of sheer exuberance and joy, on the side of a mountain, in the middle of the woods.  Makes me want to lay in spring fed puddles…or just my feet!  You never know.