4/4/2011, Idaho Springs and Dillon

Today we went into the mountains exploring.

We stopped at the Historic Argo Mine in Idaho Springs.

 It was a c-c-cold and windy day!

The kids were excited to look for gold.

 They look too happy to be in jail!

GOLD!!!

 Coprolite. Can you guess what this is?

 Fossilized dinosaur poop!!  

The kids thought that was fabulous.

 

We enjoyed a thorough presentation on the history 

of the mine and mill from manager, Bob Maxwell.

He showed us many rock and mineral samples from the area. 

 After a short drive up the mountain, then a short hike,

we began our self-guided tour of the mine.

 They look ready to mine!

 The Headridge family - Peter, Bridget, Thomas and Elspeth

 Exploring the mill

 Finally, it was time to try our luck 
panning for gold. It was so COLD we 
had to do it in short bursts and then 
thawour hands under warm water inside.  

 

 Can you see it?

 Next, we drove up to Dillon for lunch at 
Red Mountain Grill. We discovered this unique 
restaurant a couple years ago and love the 
food and atmosphere here.

 

There is still lots of snow on those peaks!

We then drove back to Littleton and the grownups

went out to dinner at The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant.

 

The gentleman at the table next to us proposed to his

lady guest and she said yes!  It was very sweet to see.