Last Saturday a friend and I headed up to Silver Plume for a day outing. It’s been a few years since my last trek up to the 7:30 mine. Felt good to get out on a cool fall day and stretch the legs.

There’s some fun history with the 7:30 mine. Starting with the name, the owner gave the workers an extra hour to start there shift. Mr. Griffin moved West after loosing his fiancé in in NY. At a spot above town close to the mine, he would play his violin every night. Finally the grief was too much and he took his own life. Later the town of Silver Plume placed a monument in his honor.

Starting the climb above Silver Plume.

Last bit of Fall.

Good views of Silver Plume and the depot for the Georgetown Loop.

Perfect Fall weather.

Old mining building.

The hike is a gradual grade UP.

Griffin’s monument. If heading West on I-70 through Silver Plume and look up, you’ll spot it.

Fine views from the entrance of the 7:30 mine. Griffin’s monument, the grade for the Argentine Central, Pavilion Point and Silver Plume in the distance.

Looking down on Silver Plume.

Griffins monument.

Last weekend, I made a quick visit to St. Paul. A short but fun visit with my brother and his family. Somehow I managed to miss my flight, a first for me. A full but fun day. We hung art, watched construction equipment (nephew favorite thing) and enjoyed an evening down on the Mississippi. Weather was perfect.

At the airport and going through security. Big lines but moved pretty quick and smoothly. Still kinda odd to not have security check in on the lower level, South side.

Progress. On the train to the gate.

Sadly, when I got to my gate, the plane was taxing out. Just missed it! A United Club was conveniently right next to my gate. So walked over and asked agents about options. They booked me on the next available flight, no charge. After just spent time at the airport. Grabbed a burger and beer for lunch, then hung out till flight.

Finally made it to St. Paul. Good to be with brother and his fam:).

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