The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is a unique formation hidden away off the beaten path in Calhan. The park was only recently aquired by El Paso County. The mines had been abused for decades and the trash and graffiti had to be cleaned up before the park could be opened to the public.
Gulleys are cut into the clay and sandstone from years of wear from the elements. Archeological finds of ancient pottery, tools and other artifacts seem to enforce the belief that the mines were once frequented by Native American tribes. The colored clay is thought to have been used for pottery and paint.
The colors and formations, called 'hoodoos' stand out starkly against the landscape. The natural sculptures are ever changing with each rainfall as they have been for hundreds and thousands of years.
I was entranced by this particular formation, which looked like a sandcastle one would expect to find on a beach by the ocean.
I apologize if these pictures do not load correctly. I am currently using my dial-up connection and am not sure of the quality of the pictures' resolution. Hopefully I will be able to get my broadband running again because I'm really hating my current connection. Aghhhhhh!
14 comments:
We lived in El Paso County for 15 months. I never knew there was anything there like that. How very cool!!! That is one of the things I love most about Colorado are all the wonderful rock formations. They are awesome, as are your pictures.
Beautiful! So peaceful! Looks like a great place to think!
Lori
http://journals.aol.com/scotthlori/DiscoveringMe
What ever you are doing keep it up!!!! The photos are outstanding.
Betty
Hi dornbrau - I have just recently been receiving your beautiful pictures and commentary. Thank you. You certainly know how to take beautiful and instructive photos. Jeanne
Your photos ALWAYS look superb including these.
Is this park near where you live? or are you on vacation?
These are beautiful photos!!!
Marie
Wow! These pics are really interesting. Dial-up is a pain in the backside, I know, because I can't get broadband where I am located. It takes me forever to read journals, make entries etc.
Nice Nice Nice!!!!!!!! Can't wait to go back and look around some more when we don't have commitments!
http://journals.aol.com/tc01hm/FirstDigitalPhotos/
Tess
THey are beautiful! It's so beautiful where you live!!
The formations are extremely interesting. The way you have composed each photo is outstanding. Your commentary is very imformative. mark
The pictures loaded up beautifully! Very nice shots of the terrain. Always a pleasure to see what you are up to with your photos..:)
Wonderful shots.
Gabreael
I enjoyed all your work very much, especially this set. It should be more widely known.
Best wishes,
Steve Poleskie
SPoleskie@aol.com
Very interesting formations and shots too! Lisa
I love nature, thank you for sharing. What an artist you are.
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