MP: Gold in dem der hills

On Monday we decided we had to come down our mountain and experience a little more of Colorado.  We chose nearby Idaho springs,  an area developed when a huge gold vein was discovered in the mid 1800s.

We toured the Argo gold mine and got a great lesson in rocks and minerals,  mining techniques and history.  Then we got to pan for some gold ourselves.

 Beautiful mountain water with lots of rafters.

 The funny thing is, we did actually see mountain sheep. Of course I didn't get a picture of them.

 Entrance to the more than 4 mile argo tunnel that enabled and prospered the mine for many years until an explosion in 1941.

 We got to tour the mill and see the actual equipment used.

 Panning for gold took patience and perseverance.  Some had that. Others enjoyed swishing water around and starting over.

 All vagrants will be arrested.

Our results!