Sunday, March 9, 2014

Take a Ride to Breckenridge With Me!


My husband and I went on an overnight trip to the Rocky Mountain ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado, a couple weeks ago, and I thought you might like to come along for a virtual ride with us! Here we are traveling west on Interstate 70, which is a ten to fifteen-minute ride from our house. (All photos in this post will enlarge if clicked on)



As you can see, here in the foothills of Colorado, we have not had that much snow this winter. When it has snowed. the temperature goes up enough to melt it rather quickly. March is supposed to be our snowiest month, and so far we've had one 4 inch snowstorm. The mountains. meanwhile, have had plentiful snow--Breckenridge has had 300 inches of snow this winter!  Great for skiing and all winter sports.


One of the first milestones we passed along I 70 is the town of  Idaho Springs. You can see the historic Argo Gold Mine in my photo collage in the lower left corner. As you can see, snow is beginning to become visible in the distance.



We pass through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel--a dual bore, four-lane vehicular tunnel approximately 50 miles west of Denver, Colorado. The tunnel carries Interstate 70 under the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. Completed in 1979, with an elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest vehicular tunnels in the world.  The tunnel is the longest mountain tunnel and the highest point on the interstate highway system.


As soon as we exit the tunnel the Rocky Mountains appear!




There are severe grades all along this road which makes me feel as if we are driving on a roller coaster---no gas required as we drive down this steep grade---whee!


We soon see the sign to turn off Interstate 70 to Route 9 towards Frisco and Breckenridge. 


Frisco has some beautiful scenery! It is close to four ski towns: Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapaho Basin.


Continuing on, we see the Breckenridge ski trails come into view!



Aren't they beautiful? 


 Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most visited ski resorts in the western hemisphere. 


With five huge peaks spanning 2,908 acres, skiing in Breckenridge is for all abilities. It also has North America's highest chairlift, the Imperial Express, which brings one up to the high alpine bowls for unforgettable views. and steep skiing.


Some more views of the ski peaks and lodging.  


Considering this area has had over 300 inches of snow this winter the streets and sidewalks are very clear.


The charming town of Breckenridge is comprised of many authentic buildings that over a hundred years old. There are many options for shopping, dining, and nightlife.



The visitor center in town had a few exhibits about Breckenridge's history.  Click on to enlarge the photo above, and then click on again to make it full size, to read this letter from a miner to his wife about Breckenridge, written in 1860.


Imagine finding this 20-pound gold nugget? Click on photo to enlarge it. The gold rush days brought many speculators to Colorado. Now winter and summer sports are the biggest draw of most old mining towns.


This was the view we had outside on our hotel terrace. We watched as skiers walked to a lift. 


I zoomed in to see a few on the lift ready to begin their adventure. 


We were not staying in Breckenridge to ski, however. We were going to enjoy a few other adventures. This is my husband beginning to walk into one of them. Check back next post to see more!


Bookmark and Share

50 comments:

pam said...

I'm looking forward to more of Breckenridge. We took my dad there 5 years ago for his 80th birthday. There was a business that allowed you to learn how to operate bulldozers and other big equipment. My mom gave him a half day as his birthday gift that year. We did a bit of praying as he had to push dirt around to build a little hill then take the mini dozer over the hill without any incidents. lol...he had a blast, but we kept pretty much to the house we had rented since we rarely get to see the Colorado family. I can't wait to see more of your pictures.

SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Happy Blue Monday, Pat :) Beautiful photos - It now feels like I've been there ;) Autumn greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

The Gathering Place said...

What a wonderful place to stay! Utah has Park City, which has the same kind of old houses and shops. We love to go there. The mountains are a beautiful place to visit and play (and live)!

Kris said...

I always love to go on a trip with you Pat! So beautiful!!!
xo Kris

diane b said...

Thank you for this beautiful trip. The scenery is breathtaking. I'm looking forward to find out more about your adventures.

Daniela said...

My dear Pat, when I come and visit you I feel always more and more amazed, my friend, your tales and your pictures always leave me breathless, the charming town of Breckenridge still as once, and the letters from James Fergus ... everything's so exciting, I'm looking forward to your next post !!
Sending heartily thanks and hughs for wishing you a lovely new week ❤
Dany

P.S. in my last post for the first time I'm also talking about a little piece of Colorado's history, I think it to be far too fascinating :)
Love xxx

eileeninmd said...

What a lovely place to visit, the mountain scenery is gorgeous.. It is funny you posted about Breckenridge, our neighbors just returned from a week stay there. They really enjoyed the skiing. From your pictures I can see why! Lovely post, enjoy your week ahead!

eileeninmd said...

What a lovely place to visit, the mountain scenery is gorgeous.. It is funny you posted about Breckenridge, our neighbors just returned from a week stay there. They really enjoyed the skiing. From your pictures I can see why! Lovely post, enjoy your week ahead!

Lynn said...

Very pretty Pat! Great colors for winter pics-enjoy:@)

podso said...

I can feel the chill in the air from these photos, especially the last one. I hope you are enjoying your stay, My son just got back from there so it's nice to se your photos. I hope you have a great week!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What an amazing difference as you drive into higher elevations. For a moment I thought of the Austrian Alps, but the minute I saw the town, I knew I was out west. What a fun place to visit. Everything looks so clean too.
Sam

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Interesting trip. Thanks for bringing us along.

Old Kitty said...

I love James's letter to his wife - his very neat handwriting and the utter awesomeness of the mountainous landscape he and others like him were prospecting! I think that;s the word? But anyway - what a place! Breckenridge looks so pretty too!

Oh but what happened to Tom Groves and Harry Lytton?! They discovered this almighty nugget and yet it's ended up with someone else! Oh dear! What a fab mystery!

Take care
x

Hootin Anni said...

Going UP from Denver through Eisenhower tunnel isn't as scary as going DOWN the massive degree incline back INTO Denver.

Still lots of snow...good thing. Maybe the drought has been broken.

Such reminiscing with this post...for me a former Colorado resident. ;-)

Roan said...

Enjoyed reading about your adventure. The mountains are truly impressive. That last shot...amazing!

Skye said...

What a beautiful area you moved to! I always wonder how incredibly different it must be for you coming from NYC! Looks like you are all adjusting well. I have always wanted to visit CO and ski! Maybe one day :)

Barbara said...

Pat, you've done a great job capturing Breckenridge (and the drive up there) with your camera! The pictures I have taken aren't as good as yours. That last one with your hubby walking through the snow/ice bridge/tunnel is dramatic. I look forward to your next post!

Unknown said...

Somehow snow always looks nicer when it's on mountaintops. Thank you for sharing!

ellen b. said...

What a great winter adventure drive. So much to see in our world. Looking forward to your next post.

Pamela Gordon said...

The mountains there are beautiful Pat. I enjoyed seeing your photos. The tunnel is amazing to me. It must have taken a long time to build it through the mountain. An engineering marvel. I can't wait to see your next post. The photo has me intrigued. :)

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Oh you're making me long for downhill skiing again. I missed it entirely this year and just went cross country skiing, but not in beautiful terrain like where you are. I can't wait to read what Vinny's about to walk through.

Lorrie said...

Over 11,000 feet is a mighty high road. I'd hate to have to stop and go for much of a walk there. I noticed that the miner's letter described the air as "light" whereas we now say it's "thin."

Beautiful scenery and a charming town to explore. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

GranthamLynn said...

Beautiful Blue post. I love Colo.
I/we got the opp to in Boulder for 6 months. I loved it. I still remember driving those wonderful mountain roads and exploring. Thanks for sharing your new memories and helping me remember mine.
Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

These are amazing shots! Love those blue skies and mountains.

Electra said...

Great photos. Much like where I live. That must be cus it's the same Rockies!

Anonymous said...

Stunning scenery! Love that amazing last shot.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I love seeing the gorgeous scenery of Colorado! Now I'm wondering what your hubby was walking to or through. Can't wait to see the next post!

TheChieftess said...

A beautiful spot...I can see they don't have much snow either...

Unknown said...

Enjoyed my virtual ride and visit. It's such a beautiful place to be. thanks for sharing.

orchid0324 said...

Hello Dearest Pat;
Wow great scenery of "the Rocky Mountain ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado"!!! To tell the truth, I've never been to America and these places are my dream to visit, if possible♡♡♡
Enjoyed the virtual trip with you very much and the enlarged pictures are wonderful.

Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Tracy said...

What a FUN trip... those snow-capped mountains never fail to impress and awe-inspire! And AMAZING pic of your hubby surrounded by all that snow & ice/icicles! Glad you had a good time away--and to share with us. :o) Happy Days to you all there ((BIG HUGS))

SmilingSally said...

Hi Pat,

Thanks for sharing that beautiful Colorado blue sky, and thank you for your kind comment.

Have a Happy Blue Monday!

carol l mckenna said...

Delightful tour with your beautiful photography ~ brought back very warm memories of my previous travels on this route ~ thanks, xxx

artmusedog and carol

Barb said...

Hi Pat, What wonderful post about my Home Sweet Home. Next time you visit, let me know - I'd love to meet for coffee.

Unknown said...

Pat,
What an amazing part of the country. Those views are amazing, and you must so enjoy exploring. I love that name Breckenridge, it's perfect.

Have a beautiful day.
Karen

Unknown said...

Pat,
What an amazing part of the country. Those views are amazing, and you must so enjoy exploring. I love that name Breckenridge, it's perfect.

Have a beautiful day.
Karen

Laura said...

beautiful views… I enjoyed those icicles especially!

Vee said...

Filled with so many interesting things! Of course, I just had to take a closer look and have been reading fir so e time. Such highways would make me happy to be the passenger and not the driver!

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

That is one place that I've never visited in CO. How beautiful. The last photo of the blue-ish ice is amazing. And that blue sky! WOW!

Linda W. said...

Thanks for the delightful tour! Wish I could come here and ski.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

It's hard to find a more inspiring vista! Love the Colorado mountains.

annie said...

I enjoyed the ride. Thanks for asking me along Pat!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, We are home from George's fabulous birthday trip. I will blog about it tomorrow. It was truly a trip we will be talking about for a VERY long time!!!!

WOW--gorgeous post, Pat... Breckenridge and the area is beautiful.. Thanks for taking us there. There are so many fantastic areas of Colorado to visit... Awesome.

Hugs,
Betsy

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

A lovely recap of your visit to beautiful Breckenridge. Well, with only a sneak peek of the Ice Castle. Can.Not.Wait for the post of your pics of that place.

Sarah said...

Pat, it's always fun to travel along with you. It's been years since I visited Breckenridge. The vistas are amazing. CO is such a gorgeous state.

Parsimonious Décor Darling said...

Beautiful pictures! Breckinridge is gorgeous! We've only had the opportunity to drive through as we headed to Pagosa Springs/Durango or Vail, can't remember which. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos with us!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see more..Thanks for showing us thes wonderfull pics. Have a great day, Inge

Proud Italian Cook said...

Breathtaking views all around you Pat, how fun for you and Vinny to discover your new home together, love it!

Margaret said...

What a wonderful winter getaway Pat! I enjoyed my armchair visit to Brekenridge. Thank-you for sharing your Colorado! I know I would fall ( am! ) in love with it! I can hardly wait to find out about your last excellent intriguing photo of your husband!
Margaret from B.C.

Judy said...

Colorado Rocky Mountain High! What a great place to 'get away' to. A 20 pound nugget? Now that is hard to picture. And the ice. Wow!