Tuesday, August 25, 2009

OUT AND ABOUT IN COLORADO

Susan at A Southern Day Dreamer
is hosting Outdoor Wednesday for us to show off our outdoor pictures. Check her blog for a list of the participants this week.

We're on the road again with the grandkids in an effort to have some new experiences this summer. We headed into the mountains to view Bishop's Castle. What is more exciting for a 7-year old boy then to see a real castle? Since Caitlin is just a month & a half away from being a teenager; she was a little less enthusiastic, but ended up having a great time, also.

The castle is the vision of Jim Bishop who acquired the land in 1959 at the age of 15. The structure started as a family cabin, but grew into the castle constructed by Mr. Bishop's own hands of stone and concrete with wrought-iron bridges and walkways that cling to the towers.

The jutting dragon is made of recycled hospital trays; and the fireplace vents through the dragon's nose expelling smoke.

We climbed and climbed up through narrow turrets and outdoor walkways to reach as high as the dragon. We didn't go up any further, as it was getting a little scary without as many guard rails. Plus, Grammy & Papa's legs aren't as young as they formerly were!!!!

The large ballroom is decorated with beautiful stained glass and skylights.

There were also rocks to climb.

What a fun day we had enjoying the castle and having a picnic lunch in Colorado's glorious mountains.

The castle is open to the public at your own risk for free. Donations are accepted for the on-going construction.

13 comments:

Sarah said...

What a fascinating place! Thanks for sharing.

Hope to see you at Hyacinthforthesoul for some outdoor rooster fun.~ Hyacinth

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally! Oh, what an amazing place! I would have felt like a kid visiting here. Your grands are just precious!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Thanks for sharing. Happy OW.

Regina said...

Beautiful mosaic and photos. Nice castle.
A great outdoor post!

storyteller at Sacred Ruminations said...

I've never heard of this place but certainly enjoyed your photos and mosaics. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hugs and blessings,

Mary Bergfeld said...

I had never heard of this place before I read your post. What a marvelous place to take children. I'm sure a great memory filled day was had by all. I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Looks like a kid's dream to me!
Brenda

Kathleen said...

Wow, that is amazing..My gkids would love it!

Sue said...

Hi Sally....what a great looking place to take the kids (who are so adorable) and a picnic lunch to boot, what could be a better way to spend the day...Miss B would love a place like that....

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That looks like so much fun! What an incredible place. Your mosaics and your header look great! laurie

Kat said...

What an amazing place! Can you imagine growing up in a house like this? How fun would that be?? I love the dragon, and having the fireplace vent through the nose is just genius. Thanks for sharing these. Kathy

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally! Thanks for popping in to see my Roosters! You know how I love 'em. Have a wonderful week and I'll see you when I get back!
be a sweetie,

Shelia :)

Susie Q said...

What an interesting place and a FUN place too! I know you all enjoyed it...your grands are just adorable...look at what sweet memories were made!
Love,
Sue