Bishop Castle Fun Run

August 8, 2005 was the MINI5280 Bishop Castle Fun Run and the one year anniversary of receiving our MINI. Oddly, this is the only MINI photo of this run.

2009-02-22T02:55:20Z

ColoradoRick
August 8, 2005 was the MINI5280 Bishop Castle Fun Run and the one year anniversary of receiving our MINI. Oddly, this is the only MINI photo of this run.

Bishop Castle is located in central Colorado near Colorado City, about 130 miles southwest of Denver. There were several tight S-turns driving toward and away from the castle.

2009-06-04T09:07:40Z

ColoradoRick
Bishop Castle is located in central Colorado near Colorado City, about 130 miles southwest of Denver. There were several tight S-turns driving toward and away from the castle.

Visitors will notice and read this sign upon entering.

2009-06-03T19:46:00Z

ColoradoRick
Visitors will notice and read this sign upon entering.

This is Jim Bishop, working on the moat. Bishop has been building his castle for over 30 years -- "Did it all myself, don't want any help." Quoted from Roadside America dot com: http://www.r ...

2009-06-03T19:40:17Z

ColoradoRick
This is Jim Bishop, working on the moat. Bishop has been building his castle for over 30 years -- "Did it all myself, don't want any help." Quoted from Roadside America dot com: http://www.r ...

The first view of the castle, just off the highway. All three towers (left, middle, right) are visible from this angle.

2009-06-03T19:26:50Z

ColoradoRick
The first view of the castle, just off the highway. All three towers (left, middle, right) are visible from this angle.

The dragon and the highest (left) tower, in the background.

2009-06-04T09:19:44Z

ColoradoRick
The dragon and the highest (left) tower, in the background.

Side view, with the highest tower on the left and the next highest (middle) tower just to the right of it. Far right tower is not visible. Two of the three towers are accessible, it you want ...

2009-06-03T19:44:03Z

ColoradoRick
Side view, with the highest tower on the left and the next highest (middle) tower just to the right of it. Far right tower is not visible. Two of the three towers are accessible, it you want ...

Wendy climbs the steps to the main level, where a wrought iron catwalk encircles the castle. Even the main level is about two stories off the ground.

2009-06-03T19:44:08Z

ColoradoRick
Wendy climbs the steps to the main level, where a wrought iron catwalk encircles the castle. Even the main level is about two stories off the ground.

The castle looks like it will stand for many years.

2009-06-04T09:18:25Z

ColoradoRick
The castle looks like it will stand for many years.

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, ...

2009-06-03T19:37:59Z

ColoradoRick
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, ...

Steeply pitched roofline, near the right tower.

2009-06-03T19:35:04Z

ColoradoRick
Steeply pitched roofline, near the right tower.

Wendy on the main level, a couple of stories above ground.

2009-06-03T19:34:19Z

ColoradoRick
Wendy on the main level, a couple of stories above ground.

The main room is bright and airy.

2009-06-03T19:35:57Z

ColoradoRick
The main room is bright and airy.

Stained glass.

2009-06-03T19:27:24Z

ColoradoRick
Stained glass.

The highest tower, with its wrought iron tower on top. There is also a crane (left) for lifting building materials.

2009-06-03T19:41:44Z

ColoradoRick
The highest tower, with its wrought iron tower on top. There is also a crane (left) for lifting building materials.

Looking though the middle tower, which is topped with a dome that supposedly rotates (see wheels in photo 18). The whole structure seems to shake slightly, even when nobody is climbing the c ...

2009-06-03T19:44:20Z

ColoradoRick
Looking though the middle tower, which is topped with a dome that supposedly rotates (see wheels in photo 18). The whole structure seems to shake slightly, even when nobody is climbing the c ...

Looking down from the top (inside) the dome. The iron screen floor gives it an airy, exposed feeling.

2009-06-04T09:11:23Z

ColoradoRick
Looking down from the top (inside) the dome. The iron screen floor gives it an airy, exposed feeling.

Wheels on a track below the dome, enabling it to rotate (or shake). Lots of welding of lots of small pieces.

2009-02-22T02:56:49Z

ColoradoRick
Wheels on a track below the dome, enabling it to rotate (or shake). Lots of welding of lots of small pieces.

Outside the middle tower, looking toward the left (smallest) tower from the incomplete staircase. A small rope across the walkway (outside the photo) indicated that you shouldn't use this st ...

2009-06-03T19:30:24Z

ColoradoRick
Outside the middle tower, looking toward the left (smallest) tower from the incomplete staircase. A small rope across the walkway (outside the photo) indicated that you shouldn't use this st ...

Rick, pretending to bungie jump without a bungie. Actually, the only thing Rick did was to manipulate this photo.

2009-06-03T19:50:29Z

ColoradoRick
Rick, pretending to bungie jump without a bungie. Actually, the only thing Rick did was to manipulate this photo.

One of two bells heard now and then, located in the left (tallest) tower.

2009-06-03T19:40:13Z

ColoradoRick
One of two bells heard now and then, located in the left (tallest) tower.

Entry from the left tower to the main level (large room).

2009-06-03T19:42:40Z

ColoradoRick
Entry from the left tower to the main level (large room).

The staircase inside the left tower.

2009-06-03T19:26:45Z

ColoradoRick
The staircase inside the left tower.

Looking toward the top of the tallest tower.

2009-06-03T19:54:54Z

ColoradoRick
Looking toward the top of the tallest tower.

Pre-cast concrete sections top the left tower, with the iron tower above.

2009-06-04T09:14:09Z

ColoradoRick
Pre-cast concrete sections top the left tower, with the iron tower above.

The top (excluding the iron tower) of the tallest tower is fairly large, but still a little unnerving to walk around.

2009-06-03T19:30:07Z

ColoradoRick
The top (excluding the iron tower) of the tallest tower is fairly large, but still a little unnerving to walk around.

The ornate wrought iron bridge between the middle (2nd tallest) and right towers. Looks are deceiving, though, because the bridge is incomplete on the top.

2009-06-04T09:17:39Z

ColoradoRick
The ornate wrought iron bridge between the middle (2nd tallest) and right towers. Looks are deceiving, though, because the bridge is incomplete on the top.

Part of the arched bridge between the middle and right (tallest) towers. The top side is also incomplete, spanned by only an aluminum ladder and a few old ropes. Scary!

2009-06-04T09:16:29Z

ColoradoRick
Part of the arched bridge between the middle and right (tallest) towers. The top side is also incomplete, spanned by only an aluminum ladder and a few old ropes. Scary!

For now, the arched bridge span is completed only by a ladder!

2009-06-03T19:41:39Z

ColoradoRick
For now, the arched bridge span is completed only by a ladder!

The partial bridge, connecting the middle (dome) and left (tallest) towers. The ladder completes the span.

2009-06-03T19:47:28Z

ColoradoRick
The partial bridge, connecting the middle (dome) and left (tallest) towers. The ladder completes the span.

The ladder is stretched to the limit to reach the tallest tower. How high can you go?

2009-06-04T09:10:20Z

ColoradoRick
The ladder is stretched to the limit to reach the tallest tower. How high can you go?

From the base of the tallest tower, looking toward the dragon. At times (especially in winter), the dragon breathes fire!

2009-06-04T09:44:31Z

ColoradoRick
From the base of the tallest tower, looking toward the dragon. At times (especially in winter), the dragon breathes fire!

Yet another crane, positioned atop the right tower.

2009-06-03T19:33:28Z

ColoradoRick
Yet another crane, positioned atop the right tower.

The view from the middle (dome) tower toward the dragon.

2009-06-03T19:36:02Z

ColoradoRick
The view from the middle (dome) tower toward the dragon.

It's a long way to the ground and this is not the highest point!

2009-06-04T09:29:10Z

ColoradoRick
It's a long way to the ground and this is not the highest point!

The interior of the right tower, which is round. The left tower is square inside.

2009-06-03T19:48:24Z

ColoradoRick
The interior of the right tower, which is round. The left tower is square inside.

Window in the right tower.

2009-06-03T19:51:05Z

ColoradoRick
Window in the right tower.

View of the highway from the highest tower.

2009-06-04T09:36:23Z

ColoradoRick
View of the highway from the highest tower.

Now on top of the metal tower on top of the highest tower -- always holding onto something!

2009-06-03T19:55:15Z

ColoradoRick
Now on top of the metal tower on top of the highest tower -- always holding onto something!

So far up that those on the ground had to shout to get the "climbers" to hear them.

2009-06-03T19:26:51Z

ColoradoRick
So far up that those on the ground had to shout to get the "climbers" to hear them.

Might as well enjoy the 360 degree views. Seems so much higher than the dome tower.

2009-06-03T19:32:20Z

ColoradoRick
Might as well enjoy the 360 degree views. Seems so much higher than the dome tower.

On the highest tower there is only one way to look -- down.

2009-06-03T19:30:45Z

ColoradoRick
On the highest tower there is only one way to look -- down.

The circular staircase up the tower (on the highest tower) gets smaller and tighter as you ascend. Thankfully, this tower didn't seem to shake like the other.

2009-06-04T09:10:52Z

ColoradoRick
The circular staircase up the tower (on the highest tower) gets smaller and tighter as you ascend. Thankfully, this tower didn't seem to shake like the other.

Sean is at the top of the top.

2009-06-04T09:09:23Z

ColoradoRick
Sean is at the top of the top.

The highest crane. How did this one get here? Probably piece by small piece.

2009-06-03T19:45:50Z

ColoradoRick
The highest crane. How did this one get here? Probably piece by small piece.

Watch your footing at all times on the mesh, circular staircase.

2009-06-03T19:48:33Z

ColoradoRick
Watch your footing at all times on the mesh, circular staircase.

The famous dragon, which breathes fire, on Bishop's command.

2009-06-04T09:57:12Z

ColoradoRick
The famous dragon, which breathes fire, on Bishop's command.

The dragon, looking toward the east.

2009-06-03T19:32:42Z

ColoradoRick
The dragon, looking toward the east.

DJ inside the rotating dome structure, atop the middle (circular) tower. Bobbi is below, but within the metal structure, which seems to shake alot, even when nobody is climbing the stairs.

2009-06-04T09:09:35Z

ColoradoRick
DJ inside the rotating dome structure, atop the middle (circular) tower. Bobbi is below, but within the metal structure, which seems to shake alot, even when nobody is climbing the stairs.

DJ is checking his photos.

2009-06-03T19:51:46Z

ColoradoRick
DJ is checking his photos.

On the partial bridge, looking toward the dome.

2009-06-03T19:30:40Z

ColoradoRick
On the partial bridge, looking toward the dome.

The ornate, if incomplete bridge, looking toward the upper base of the highest tower.

2009-06-03T19:40:16Z

ColoradoRick
The ornate, if incomplete bridge, looking toward the upper base of the highest tower.

Rocky is looking at you.

2009-06-04T09:15:19Z

ColoradoRick
Rocky is looking at you.

The vent for the small wood stove.

2009-06-03T19:46:42Z

ColoradoRick
The vent for the small wood stove.

The left side of the catwalk, near the tallest tower.

2009-06-03T19:40:34Z

ColoradoRick
The left side of the catwalk, near the tallest tower.

Rick on the catwalk, after climbing all over the castle. It's like being a small bug crawling on a large pile of rocks and metal. Fun, but a little scary at times. Can't wait for Bishop to f ...

2009-06-03T19:29:02Z

ColoradoRick
Rick on the catwalk, after climbing all over the castle. It's like being a small bug crawling on a large pile of rocks and metal. Fun, but a little scary at times. Can't wait for Bishop to f ...