Up into the rocky mountains

The view of the Rocky Mountains from Denver Colorado is really inviting. 

Even better is the drive up into those snow capped mountains, sections of which reminds me  so much of some places in Switzerland.

Many historic buildings are on the tiny Main street

Recently we took a family trip to Breckenridge, an old mining town. However, gold mining ceased in the late 1800's.

Today it is a popular skiing area with lots of historic buildings and a population of just over 4,500, most of whom I assume work in the tourism/retail sector.

To ascend to the attractive town of Breckenridge, some twelve thousand feet above sea level, you go past a series of snow-capped  mountains of all heights and shapes and even a frozen lake which I hear some motorists actually race on when it is solid!

Some small towns on the way to Breckenridge are Echo Lake and Frisco.

Once there,  we stayed at the attractive Valdoro lodge where everything outside

was snow-covered and we even had icicles outside one window.  

Icicles formed outside our wind

But our suite had a lovely fireplace so we were really cozy.

I have to admit however that I have never seen more unsettled weather, with temperatures quickly changing from 17 degrees to in the forties within the hour, as heavy snow and even rain would come down  followed  by bright sunlight which left the streets nice and dry in no time. 

My granddaughter was excited to find icicles on a snowbank, which she reaped and eventually left in the refrigerator for the next guest checking into our room!

Reaping icicles from a mound of snow mound

All that happened during a 2 day stay in April, aka Spring!

However this weather did not at all bother a group of young people who we saw walking in shorts and even a thong, on their way to the heated pool on our property. Our shuttle driver opined that they had to be Europeans as when we saw them it was in the 20's!



I even actually enjoyed the weather when I finally ventured from our cozy suite with the fireplace, after I ceased being intimidated by the constant snowfall and reports about how cold it actually was.

We enjoyed the food in town

Apart from the skiing facilities which I don't use but admire, Breckenridge is a beautiful rustic town, perfect to escape to and enjoy the wonderful scenery, quaint gift shops and many restaurants offering a wide range of delicious food choices.




Other photos of Breckenridge and surrounding areas.