We walked around the exposed upper walkways for a bit. We did get to the top of the shortest tower, but cold and gusty winds made us hesitant to do much more.
Andreatta Tower
Potentially one of these is Roy's Tower. It's hard to get a clear story of what actually happened, but here's one version of the tree accident: In 1988, there was a severe windstorm which weakened a tree that later toppled over and killed Jim's 4-year-old son, Roy.
An array of symbols
You always have to watch your step!
The roof of the Grand Ballroom
The scales of the dragon are made from old, discarded, stainless steel hospital trays. Apparently it actually breathes fire during summer weekends, thanks to an old burner from a hot air balloon. Vents from the ballroom’s fireplace are positioned to make smoke flow from its nostrils.
View from the top of the tower
It was a bit too gusty out to feel comfortable walking across the bridge...
... so we went back down the stairs.
Note that the handrail is pounded into shape by hand, not machine
We continued all they way down to the basement, as it were. Here were piles of rock and lumber as well as other interesting future ornamentation.
There are no plans or blueprints. The building just evolves from Jim's creative imagination.
Recognize this symbol from one of the above photos??
If you are different, there will always be those who are going to try to stop or change you.
Wow, seems like a bit of a touchy subject!
We took a different mountain road back down to the main highway, eventually getting stuck in Denver traffic. But after almost a 13-hour day, we finally made it home.
The largest herd of Pronghorns I've ever seen in these plains
Ah yes, back in 'civilization'
The sun sets on another journey.
