To read previous parts:
Cottonwood Pass, Taylor Park Reservoir - part 1 of Independence Day trip 2015
Lake Irwin - part 2 of Independence Day trip 2015
Peanuts and Meridian lakes - part 3 of Independence Day trip 2015
Crested Butte - part 4 of Independence Day trip 2015
We were so tired last night and slept like a baby. Next morning we woke up early and started from Gunnison. The next
planned destination for our adventure was Lake City. Tired of the beaten paths we would like to take small and not very crowded
highways. The Silver Thread Byway (Highway 149) from Gunnison to South Fork is one of the roads that doesn't really attract
many travelers. That was exactly what we needed...
But the very first stop we made was just after we turned off Highway 50. The view of Blue Mesa Reservoir was so
spectacular... The reflection in the water was so enchanting... The sky was so morning-like...
It only took about half an hour to reach Lake City. And... we
stopped again. The small mountain town was ready for Independence Day Parade - the people roamed back and forth, the chairs
were arranged along the street... the flags flattered... We decided we want to see the parade too.
We had about one hour to enjoy the city and we discovered many
really old houses there (most of them were built in 1880s-1900s). This town was incorporated in 1873 and just in a few months
the population grew to 3000 to 5000 settlers. The town was a supply center for surrounding mines and also was a home for the
miners who used to work on the mines just outside the city limits. By 1905, the mining era was over and Lake City entered a
decades-long period of economic decline. Population figures hovered at 1,000 then dropped to 400 after 1910. Now it's still
around 400 people call Lake City their home.
We slowly walked along the streets and enjoyed the fresh air
and emptiness of this place. Finally we found a cafe and saloon and a nice ad between them, offering Husband Day Care... We
just couldn't decide, if the coffee shop or saloon put it on the wall?
We were slowly walking on the streets of this mountain town and
we already forgot about crazy Denver life, about constantly running but always remaining in the same spot. All we can think
about at this moment was "life is good"...
Continue reading:
Pictures were taken on July 4, 2015.
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