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.
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.roadsideamerica.com/attract/COBEUcastle.html
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.
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 to climb the circular staircases.
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.
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, ...
Steeply pitched roofline, near the right tower.
Wendy on the main level, a couple of stories above ground.
The main room is bright and airy.
Stained glass.
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 circular stairs. Eventually the dome frame will be encased in glass.
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.
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 staircase.
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.
Entry from the left tower to the main level (large room).
The staircase inside the left tower.
Looking toward the top of the tallest tower.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Yet another crane, positioned atop the right tower.
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!
The interior of the right tower, which is round. The left tower is square inside.
Window in the right tower.
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!
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.
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.
Sean is at the top of the top.
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.
The famous dragon, which breathes fire, on Bishop's command.
