Cripple, as in Cripple Creek...

I've know Randy since, well, I'm not sure. I think I have memories from elementary school, I definitely have memories from middle school and beyond. Our lives have crisscrossed many times since high school. He has a son, Alexander, that's aged between Liam and Galen. All in all, it's a good combination (and excuse) to get together, let the kids play, bond, and expend energy, and for us to get current.

The kid's and I flew into Denver, grabbed a rental car and drove off to Colorado Springs. We met up with my old friend, found out where we would sleep for one night, and proceeded to have a mellow evening. And even though he's been married for more than a decade, I finally got to meet his wife, Sashu.

The next morning we (the boys-n-men) drove off for Cripple Creek, CO. I didn't know what to expect. He'd arranged for a mountain cabin rental, and I knew we'd be at altitude. Beyond that, the plans for the week was unknown. Arrived brought into view an old mountain gold mining town taken over by casinos. At the very least we knew that us adults might find alternative entertainment if needed.

Turns out Cripple Creek does have a bit more than casinos and most of that is focused on their 19th century gold rush. We visited the old town jail, rode the Cripple Creek & Victor narrow gauge railroad, went down into the Mollie Kathleen gold mine, panned for gold at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, gazed upon a huge open pit mining at the American Eagle Scenic Overlook, ate some great ice cream (several times) at the Cripple Creek General Store, visited the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, stopped at several rock-n-fossil stores, and taught the kids War, the card game. There was also some time for the kids to wonder into the forest and for Randy and I to BS about the past, present, and future.

This was the second year that we had gotten the kids together for a summer play week, hopefully it's a fine start to a yearly summer tradition. Conversation, food, and kids at play all make for a fine time.

And for those so inclined, here are a few more pics. CLICKY CLICKY