My first full day in Denver started out cool, but bright and sunny - offering an amazing view of the mountains we'd soon explore. After a morning at church that felt more like karaoke (I was pleasantly surprised to see the words to the songs up on a big screen) - we hit the road bound for Idaho Springs, Colorado.
Whenever we told anyone that we were going to Idaho Springs, they all said in unison "I hope you're eating at..." - Colleen quickly finished the sentence for them "Beau Jo's" - a fabulously unique pizza place with a salad bar made out of a bath tub. It lived up to its name. The pizza was unique, but not too fancy.
After, we set out for the Phoenix Gold Mine. To say it was off the beaten path was an understatement. Just ask our Garmin. Now I think I finally understand why she mysteriously stopped working just a few days after we forced her to guide us to this remote location. We quickly discovered the reward for our journey up a steep dirt road where the mountain peaks and tall trees filtered out the light of the day - until alas, a break in the road, a muddy parking lot and a shack. Eureka - our destination - the Phoenix Gold Mine. Part of me wondered if anyone would hear us scream if anything happened to us up there. The other part said, what the heck, let's go say hello to the 3 guys standing at the entrance to the mine.
Since we were the only ones there, we were given a very personal tour by a man who never really offered up his name - but he did offer the name of Al. During the course of our tour into the mine, we learned that Al was vacationing in Mexico, was the owner of several mines, came from a mining family and planned to pass the family business on to the next generation. About 10 minutes in, we asked, "so, does Al own this place?" Oh yes, yes, he does. After a tour of the chilly mine, a stop at the Lucky Bucket (see Boston Red Sox 2004 World Series victory), 
and some panning for gold, we left, feeling lucky to have our lives... and happy to have learned so much about Al. Our friendly host told us to come back anytime and take another tour at no cost - Just tell em you're in the books. It's great to be a friend of Al.
and some panning for gold, we left, feeling lucky to have our lives... and happy to have learned so much about Al. Our friendly host told us to come back anytime and take another tour at no cost - Just tell em you're in the books. It's great to be a friend of Al.Beau Jo's B+
Phoenix Mine A-
--POSTED BY: JON
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