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Golden
Circle Railroad
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Last updated: 15.03.2010 16:14
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The
following text is from a booklet published in July 1902 and is transcripted
here as I fell in love with the wording of this text.
When
mountain railroading in Colorado ceases to charm, there will be
one remaining line always of interest even to those who frequently
travel over it.
The
Golden Circle railroad, a part of the Florence & Cripple Creek
system, is not so very long, but for scenic grandeur many so
heralded cannot compare with it.
It
starts at Cripple Creek, runs through Victor and after passing
Goldfield proceeds to climb the mountains toward the turquoise sky,
passing between the famous Portland and Independence mines, around
curves and up lofty hillsides at the bottom of which can be seen
towns, mines and great reduction mills. From the summits, yonder
in the distance lofty ranges with their white peaks piercing the
clouds and kissing the sky.
Puffing
and snorting, the little engine pulls the train up a constant
grade over a track smooth as oil.
Anaconda, Elkton, Victor and Goldfield are all viewed from the
dizzy heights above and a mighty imposing picture it is.
The
scenery along the Golden Circle line viewed from the summits of
the highest hills in camp is a panorama of astonishment and
admiration!
Mountains
and eminence everywhere!
We
forget our very existence!
Indescribable!
Unfathomable!! Immeasurable!!!
We
disbelieve our eyes and wonder at the insignificance of humanity
after all.
Everything
grand, charming and sublime!
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The
train stops in the midst of it all and then slowly rewinds
about the green coated, flower bedecked hillsides, down onto
the level surface below where the wonderful little towns and
cities nestle.
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The
line is twelve miles long, extending from Cripple Creek to Vista
Grande, the round trip fare is 16 cents in coupons, trains depart
from Cripple Creek at 7:00 a.m. and 2:50 p.m., Victor at 7:23 a.m.
and 3:15 p.m., and two hours are consumed in making the trip. |
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