Mary Murphy Mine and Pomeroy Lake

This is our last day of trails in Buena Vista, CO. We visited Pomeroy Lake and Mary Murphy Mine. It was another day spent between 11,000’ and 12,000’. I would like to say we have acclimated to the elevation, but we still need to take an occasional deep breath. Out resting heart rates have not yet returned to our sea level norm, and are still in the high eighties for the most part.

I wish we had pictures of Saint Elmo, CO. A few hardy souls still live in this town that once had a pobulaton of over two thousand mine workers. The general store sells antiques from the area, and more importantly, ice cream. There are about one hundred chipmunks, and one mean squirrel,  that hang out across from the general store waiting for handouts. The store sells little bags of nuts for a buck, good for the squirrels and good for the store. People literally have chipmunks climbing all over them to get the nuts. Barbara had a ball.

We have enjoyed our stay in Buena Vista and exploring the local area. Leadville was a nice treat, even if it was to take Barbara to the clinic to get medication for her continued eye irritation. If you get to Leadville be sure to visit the mining museum and have lunch at the Tennessee Pass Cafe. We are already planning next year’s return to this beautiful area.

Mine relics

Pomeroy Lake in the distance. We are having lunch at 12,000'.

Departing Pomeroy Lake overlook.

Approaching Mary Murphy Mine in the distance.

Returning from Mary Murphy Mine.

More mining relics.