Sunday, March 27, 2011

We Hiked Smuggler...A Vacation Highlight

One of my highlights on our Colorado Vacation was our hike up Smuggler Mountain.
Here's the old mine...
And here's your history lesson for today...
In 1894, the world's largest silver nugget was harvested from Smuggler Mine. 
The nugget, 93% pure silver, weighed in at 2054 lbs. 
That's just over a ton of silver!
The view of Aspen and the mountains was spectacular.
While Emily is the picture of fitness and can hike to the top in 24 minutes...
She was very patient with her out-of-shape parents and we took our time.
The path looking up...

The path looking down...

Notice how the serious hikers have a pole to help keep their balance?
I came across a very large stick that was just the perfect length...
I don't think I could have made it up...or down without it!
(Funny story...many hikers are accompanied by their dogs. 
About halfway up, I had to wrestle my walking stick from a dog named Rosie)
On the way up, we stopped often to catch my breath!



Here is the Observation Deck at the top of the trail...
The view here is well worth the effort that it takes to get here.

Take care,
~Natalie

11 comments:

Holli~Where The Rooster Crows said...

Awesome pics!! I would never have made it all the way up there!

Oklahoma Granny said...

Wonderful pictures. Thanks for the history lesson about the silver nugget. Somehow, though, the word 'nugget' seems odd for a 2,000+ pound piece of silver.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Beautiful!!!
I suppose Rosie did not know who she was messing with huh???
:)

Suzanne said...

That last picture of you all is fabulous!

Attic Clutter said...

Oh Natalie (:) Love your longer hair so cute~!!
Looks like a fun trip..
OH those spinner -hippy- dresses ..hehehe
ya they are a hoot aren't they .. but I can't find the site I found them on ..darn~!!
..hugs P

Christine Burgess said...

Such stunning backdrop on your photos. Lovely post, Natalie.

Firecracker Kid said...

Holy moly Natalie! That's an awesome looking trail. I can imagine the settlers trekking it in the olden days. I'd definitely have to have a walking stick too and make stops to catch my breath. I suppose hubby had no trouble at all. That's the way mine is on walks. Hugs~Carol

Dawn from The Pip Berry Tree said...

Such a fabulous post Natalie!!! I love all the pictures, and the line about the dog trying to take your walking stick made me laugh.

Looks like a great time was had by all. Thank you for sharing. :)

Dawn

pam said...

Gorgeous! Though I'm afraid, I got tired just looking at it!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

What a fun time and some truly awesome pictures. I love the one of you with your walking stick and the last one of all three of you. What great scenery!

Deanna said...

Good for you on climbing the trail! I know Mr. Timeless and I would have passed out after ten minutes!! Loved the tidbit about the largest nugget. Did they let you bring it home? LOL!

Deanna :D

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