OPUS Hut

For "Pie and Beer" Pi-on-eer Day, Dani and I visited the OPUS Hut near Telluride, CO.

OPUS stands for "Ophir Pass Ultimate Ski"

On Friday we hiked from Ophir to OPUS. We were blown away by the beauty of the mountains and the cozy luxury of the Opus "Chateau". Cool clouds like the ones above continually moved through the mountains.

On Saturday Morning we went for a walk. (Above) Dani a step outside the OPUS front door.

Our hike took us past wildflowers and Ruby Lake.

Ruby Lake

From Ruby Lake it was up and over to Columbine Lake, which was still half frozen.

Columbine Lake

From Columbine Lake we headed over the next pass to Bridal Veil basin.

Lewis Lake

Lewis Mill

Built in 1910, Lewis Mill was a 60 ton capacity ore concentration mill location at 12, 450 feet. On May 6 2009 the mill was placed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.

At its peak the Lewis Mill churned out 12 tons of concentrate each day, and was one element in a mining complex that boasted a mine portal, triple/tram house, bunkhouse, and business office. The five-story structure, originally powered by electricity from the Smuggler-Union Hydroeletric Power Plant/Bridal Veil falls Powerhouse, serves today as an outstanding example of timber frame construction.

We found this stove cover laying in upper Bridal Veil. A quick internet search gives the backstory: Garland stoves were designed and manufactured in the late 1800s through 1955 by the Michigan Stove Company and became famous because of the 15-ton wooden replica stove built for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

http://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/garland-stove

Back above Ophir Dani takes a break with the Wilson Complex in the background.

Us on top of the world. Ophir Canyon and the mountains between Ophir/Trout Lake in the background. Brian and I coined - these mountains are called the "Dream Zone". To see these mountains in the winter see our earlier post:

http://utahtransplants.blogspot.com/2015/03/rico-dream-zone-mega-dream-zone-and.html

North Lookout Peak

 While at the top of the world Dani found a throne.

......and back to Opus hut to relax, read, and eat gourmet food.

The OPUS Hut is really a Chateau.

On Sunday our plan was to hike from Ophir Pass to Trout Lake via Clear Lake > Ice Lakes > and Hope Lake. However we made it as far as Clear Lake basin, where we found the exposure and length of the trip too much.

(Above) Dani scrambling out of Paradise Basin - she's had enough scrambling for the weekend.

Clear Lake

The last shot of Clear Lake before we returned to the Ophir Pass to find our car was attacked by a bear in our absence. Never leave any food in your car, or pay the high comprehensive deductible price.

Overall, we had an incredible trip. Props to the Opus hut and the owner, Bob, who made our stay incredibly cozy and relaxing. We will definitely return in the future.

 Thanks to Ophir Family #1 for helping cook the second night's amazing dinner and providing great company. Thanks also to everyone that helped to shuttle us around the mountains - Matt and Becca Percy, Sean, and Ophir Family #2.