Towns like Ridgeway and Ouray.

Mountain towns like Ridgeway and Ouray were enjoyed for various reasons. The settings were stunning, but it was the unexpected moments that will be remembered.

The Ourayle House Brewery, otherwise known as 'The Mr Grumpy Pants Brewing Company'.He had a simple ethos; he only opened when he wasn't brewing or doing something else, and didn't worry about consistency in his beers - "There is always a dark, a light, an amber and a stout beer on. Except sometimes there may only be one beer to serve. Nobody ever complains, though". A refreshing and fine idea. As was the beer.

Note the landlords suspended, sliding chair. Economy of effort in action.

At Ridgeway we were nudged by a local towards a large basement which houses the home of the Billings Artworks, where the Grammy awards trophys are made. John (and now his team of three) has been making them for the past 40 years, and was happy to show us around some of the history in his workshop. His skill was in making metal moulds for casting. This entails actually carving a mould in the negative, a skill which will probably not exist past his generation. That is a shame.

John - a true gent and passionate craftsman.

 

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