Always There

Now that the sun is peeking over the house, it's time to think about the mountains to the West.

They've always been there as an anchor to my world. Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, Lookout Mountain; with Green Mountain and the Table Tops at their feet.

I've always wanted to be up there, but always the obligations were down here on the plains. If not school, it is work. If not work, it's those I care about.

Silverheels was the name given to a peak overlooking South Park; the real South Park not the TV pretend place. Apparently, so the story goes, a kindly prostitute cared for miners suffering from smallpox. She contracted the disease, died, and to memorialize her kindnesses, the mountain was named for the distinctive trademark she was known for.

I believe the town was Fairplay. So called because the settlers there were forced out of other diggings over claim disputes. Feeling abused, the miners wanted a name reflecting a 'fair play' for everyone.

One of the most spectacular views in Colorado is provided by the overlook at the top of Kenosha Pass as one makes a start down into South Park.