Miramont Castle, Manitou Springs

Soooo, a new day dawns, and we're off to see another sight!  We found ourselves in Manitou Springs again, getting ready to tour Miramont Castle.  We had been told by the Visitors'Center that it had been in the process of being rehabilitated for years and it was really something to see inside now.  But first, we saw the Manitou Incline.  This is what remains of the old 3 foot narrow guage funicular railway that washed out during a rockslide in 1990.  There are over 2700 "steps," more or less, depending on what maintenance has been done recently.  Here's my picture, this is as close as we would get.  They grade is as much as 68% and the top is about 2000 feet higher than the base, which is already over 6800 feet above sea level.  There are signs all over warning hikers not to attempt it unless they are physically fit and able to complete the hike.  There is no vehicular access, to any portion of the trail, so the only way out in case of panic or injury is by the kindness and physical capabilities of fellow hikers.  In other words, if you get hurt, the only way out is down, carried by complete strangers.  Not my cup of tea, for sure.

Here is a public photo of the actual trail.  Not exactly a walk in the park, is it.

So, we were really intent on seeing this beauty. inside and out.

But first, let's see how what dangers lie in wait...

So, we pulled up our socks and went on in to the basement of the mansion, where Margie was waiting to take our money for admission.  Always admission fees, always.  But, I guess it's worth it, since all monies go to restoration and maintenance costs.  Knowing we were in the basement was a bit incongruous with what we were seeing. The front desk was handcarved and tremendously ornate; and the stained glass window in the stairwell was just stunning. 

We made our way under the staircase, into a maze of small rooms, each displaying memorabilia and artifacts all relating to the Manitou Fire Department.  I've always been a fan of Smokey Bear, and there was a whole window dedicated to his story.  

They had one of the original hose wagons of the town, which was pulled by the firefighters themselves, until one of the town's leaders had the means and generosity to lend them one of his prized horses, day or night, whenever the need arose.  I'm sure the guys in the photo were relieved when that gift was bestowed!

We made our way up the grand staircase, and into the drawing room, where guests were entertained.  Miramont, which means "look at the mountain" construction was started in Fall, 1895.  It was built by and for Fr. Fancolon, and his widowed mother, who supposedly financed the whole project.  They had travelled the world due to the father's diplomatic career, so he was very familiar with the chateaus and estates of Europe, and wanted to replicate them for his mother.  The entire castle was constructed of the native green sandstone blocks you see below.  

You can see the extent of the tableware they stored, just for entertaining visitors.

The monk and his mom only lived here a couple of years, after which, The Sisters of Mercy took it over as a tuberculosis sanitorium.  While the monk was here, The Sisters prepared all the meals in a smaller house, down the hill, and transported everything up to the castle.  After they were given the castle, they installed a small kitchen to prepare meals onsite.

This is the main staircase, which has been lovingly and painstakingly restored (some of the spindles have been recreated by the Historical Society).  It covered the 3 stories of the castle.  The 4th story was for servants only, and you'll see THEIR stairway in a moment.

Every room had a magnificent view of the mountains (remember, the name of the estate translates to "look at the mountain").  This is from the solarium, which was actually turned into and operating room for The Sisters.

This was mom's room... 

And here is the austere and narrow stairway for the servants' use.  It was VERY steep, and closed to the public. 

And here is the monk's room; a little smaller and plainer that mom's.

We interrupted our tour to visit the Queen's Tea Room for lunch.  They were kind enough to reserve a table for us...even though we were two of only 6 patrons for lunch that day.  We told them it was our 30th anniversary, hoping they would at least offer us a small dessert, but, nope, not a thing.

I had to admit though, it was a charming little room and the food was beautifully presented.  Dick got his favorite Reuben, and I got a fruit, nut and Spring greens salad with a delicious raspberry vinaigrette.  No crackers or breadsticks or anything extra, so, if you go, just beware that portions are not exactly overwhelming.  My lemonade was made using the mineral water from the natural springs of the town.  It was fizzy and a bit Alka-Seltzery tasting, but once I got used to it, it was actually pretty tasty.  In truth, it was better than the raspberry tea that Dick had ordered.  He agreed, but he didn't want to make a fuss and trade it in for a lemonade.  In retrospect, had he known our drinks were 3 bucks each, he says he would have traded for one that tasted better.

We resumed our tour up on the 4th floor, the servants' quarters.  There were 3 rooms this size, which were each shared by 2 servants, and 1 room much smaller, that is now off limits, and used as a closet.

Each floor of the castle is stepped up the mountainside so that you can exit them all and still be on "ground level."  As a result, the stone walls must be anchored into the mountainside.

It was only about a foot from tip to tip!

The gardens were on each level, and they were overgrown, but still very calming and quiet.

This is one of the "tuberculosis cabins" that The Sisters of Mercy had built on the premises.  We were actually very fortunate that there was another party of guests that had arrived shortly after we finished our lunch.  As it turns out, it was a lady about my age, her mom and a friend.  Her grandpa, who has since passed, was the caretaker there for years, and the mom was raised on the grounds.  She and the grandma are the original founders of Manitou Springs Historical Society, and spearheaded the entire restoration efforts.  It's been done over several years, and the original grant was for $15,000.  The rest of the millions were raised by gift shop sales, admissions and Tea Room luncheons.  It's amazing how much work and love has been poured into this remarkable building.

The mom told me that back in the old days (well before my time), if you suffered from tuberculosis, your remedy was cold, dry air.  You were quarantined in cabins like this until you either recovered or died.  Pretty stark, eh?

After leaving Miramont, we ventured on down to Rock Ledge Ranch, down at the base of the enormous rock structures of Garden of the Gods.  Unfortunately, the Ranch happened to be closed during this time.  We were permitted to walk the grounds and visit the animals (who took absolutely no interest in two hot people and a really hot puppy dog).  There were some pictures taken, but only the Good Lord knows where they were put.  Don't ask - it was an ordeal just to get where we are today, and that's good enough.  

Last night, I heard Hurricane Dorian was headed straight for Inverness, as were Lolly and Allen.  This morning, I heard they arrived safely yesterday evening, around 6 pm, and this afternoon, I have seen the predictions for the cone to be much farther east, and to remain off the coast of Florida, sparing most of the state the brunt of the storm.  I've spoken with Bob Wallace, and Brandi & Mike, all up in Lake City, and they are all hunkered down and stocked up on water and have their generators fueled up and ready to be put to use.  Hopefully, things will, literally, just blow over quickly, and not cause catastrophic damages.  

 Y'all stay safe!  Till next time...