NORTHERN COLORADO, CENTRAL CITY

After breakfast at the Echo Lake Lodge we coast the remaining 12 miles into Idaho Springs.  Here we tour the Phoenix Gold Mine.  This and other mines around it were so bountiful that the area was called the richest square mile in America.  The Phoenix was so productive the Mars lander was named after it.

We head north up the Oh My God Road.  Shortly out of town Peggy wants to ride her bike (uphill).  She says she has to do the uphill part so she wont feel guilty about the downhill part.  She pulls 8 miles before we crest the mountain then coast 3.5 miles into Central City.

Central City is another old mining town that has been revived by the gambling license.  The historical district contains several casinos.  We have supper at Millies in the Easy Street Casino.  We loose 15 cents at the nickel slots.  Peggy hits the sack before dark.

Mitch in front of the Phoenix gold mine.

Hard rock mining is 'hard' work.

Peggy panning for gold.

Entering Central City.

Downtown Central City.

Yes, Central City is a gambling town.

Mitch traded in Peg for Millie.  She doesn't talk!

Mitch on Easy Street...

...where fortunes are made and lost.