Wind Wishes TeePee - Uptop Colorado

by Debra Martz

Title

Wind Wishes TeePee - Uptop Colorado

Artist

Debra Martz

Medium

Photograph - Photography With Digital Filters And Brushes

Description

Wind Wishes TeePee - Uptop Colorado by Debra Martz In the summer of 2018, the Springcreek Fire in the Sangre de Cristo mountains left more than 200 structures in shambles. The Lathrop Sisters, owners of historic Uptop, Colorado, feared that the fire would swallow this National Historic Site as well. But the firefighters were also worried about losing Colorado history and with their great efforts only one structure was lost, the Sawmill that was established in 1917. Driving the Old La Veta Pass through the mountains just a few months later, I saw first hand how close and destructive it was. But 8 structures survived including the 1877 depot, chapel, dancehall and more. Even this "Wishing Wind Teepee" was saved. The sisters continue to add wishes and let the gentle breezes carry them to the mountains.

A bit about Uptop, CO...While hwy 160 is the current way of crossing the LaVeta Pass in Colorado, you can still travel a dirt road of the old pass. Originally the pass was home to the Denver and Rio Grande Railway Depot which opened in 1877 and attracted tourist who wanted to ride the highest railroad in the world, “Railroad Above the Clouds.” The railroad was torn out and moved south in 1899, later coal industry and sawmills brought life back to Uptop but that died out, also. The road brought motorist to the tavern for music, drinks, cards and dancing. A small ski resort, though short lived, was built after WW11. When the new pass, Hwy 160, bypassed Uptop, it was finally abandoned and became a ghost town. However, 2 sisters, in 2001, bought Uptop and restored 9 of the buildings, with the stone depot being a small museum and the entire Uptop area a National Historic District. Today, Uptop Historic District hosts cross-country skiers, hikers, and dance and music festivals. The Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival is the most notable and I found myself in LaVeta just in time to attend all three days of it which was partially held here in the dance hall and also spread across other venues in Huerfano county!

©Debra Martz
In My Galleries/Collections
"Colorado"
"Digital Art Photography"

20180920-DSC_9228-Edit.tif

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December 27th, 2019

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