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Join Me for a Spooky Adventure: Exploring the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hey there, fellow adventurers and fans! If you’re ready for an exciting Halloween escapade filled with history, a hint of humor, and a sprinkle of the supernatural, you’re in for a treat. Today, I want to take you on a journey to Idaho Springs, Colorado, where the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel await with ghostly tales and hidden treasures. What’s more, this unique location has found its way into my upcoming book, “Fallen Angel,” and my previous work, “Elfshot.” So, let’s dive into the depths of the Argo Tunnel, where history meets the otherworldly.

The Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel: A Step Back in Time

Imagine this: it’s 1912, and you’re standing in the heart of Idaho Springs, surrounded by the clamor of the Gold Rush era. This is the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, a place that once buzzed with the hopes and dreams of prospectors. A visit to this historic site transports you back in time, and I’m thrilled to be your guide on this adventure.

The Argo was a marvel of engineering in its heyday, boasting a remarkable 4.5-mile-long tunnel that snaked through the mountains, leading miners to their dreams of wealth hidden deep within. As you explore its dark and mysterious corridors, you’ll hear tales of hardworking miners and their relentless pursuit of gold, all shared by knowledgeable tour guides.

Ghostly Encounters

Now, let’s dive into the spine-tingling stories that have surrounded the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel for generations. Countless visitors and staff have experienced strange occurrences and eerie sensations, often attributing them to the lingering spirits of miners from the past.

The Phantom Miner

Perhaps the most famous ghostly encounter is that of the Phantom Miner. Picture this: you’re walking through the tunnel, and suddenly, you catch a glimpse of a spectral figure in old-fashioned mining gear. Some have even reported hearing faint echoes of pickaxes striking rock. Could it be the spirit of a miner, forever trapped in the quest for gold?

The Mysterious Elevator

Here’s a curious one: the elevator that sometimes moves on its own. People have felt an inexplicable drop in temperature and a sense of unease when they ride it. Is it a playful ghost’s prank or something more sinister at play?

The Crying Woman

Deep within the tunnel, some have claimed to hear the faint sobs of a woman. Legend has it that she was a miner’s wife who anxiously awaited her husband’s return from the depths. Did her grief linger on even after her beloved miner’s tragic fate?

Idaho Springs: A Hub of Haunted History

Idaho Springs itself is a treasure trove of ghostly tales, and the Argo is just one piece of the puzzle.

The Goldminer Hotel

Take the Goldminer Hotel, for instance, right in the heart of town. Guests have reported mysterious footsteps, whispers, and that eerie feeling of being watched. It’s said to be haunted by a miner who met his end in one of the rooms. Does he still seek the elusive gold that slipped through his fingers in life?

Charlie Tayler Water Wheel Park

This park, named after an early settler, boasts a water wheel that often turns on its own, especially under the moonlight. Locals believe it’s the handiwork of Charlie Tayler’s spirit, who had a deep affection for the wheel during his life.

The Argo in Urban Fantasy

Now, let’s switch gears to the literary world. I’m thrilled to share that the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel have played important roles in my upcoming book, Fallen Angel, and my previous work, Elfshot. These stories take the supernatural elements of the Argo to new heights, weaving them into a story filled with mystery and intrigue.

In Fallen Angel, the Argo Tunnel becomes a portal to another realm, where angels and Dark Elves plot to slaughter all humans. Meanwhile, “Elfshot” brings a fantastical twist to the location, involving Drow, magic, and hidden secrets within the tunnel’s depths.

So, my dear fans, if you’re on the lookout for a Halloween adventure that combines history with the paranormal, join me in exploring the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Who knows what secrets and spirits await us in the shadowy depths of this historic site? Together, we’ll uncover the mysteries that make this place a true gem for the curious and the adventurous.

Beary Bad: The Bear who Visits Us

This late summer has been eventful, if anything. We’ve been visited nightly by a bear–a BIG bear. This bear is about 6 to 7 feet long from rump to shoulders, which might make it a grizzly. My spouse only saw him once from above and at 3 am, which made it difficult to determine the actual species beyond “big fucking bear.” Could be a black bear or a grizzly. Either way, he was BIG. He was on my front porch, if you want to know how up close and personal it was.

Alarm Llamas and Electric Fences

The reason why we know he’s been around is that Llorelei the llama has been alerting Hel herself that the bear has come around. Llamas have this alarm call that is unmistakable. Sounds like a cross between a neigh and someone yodeling. And loud!

She lets us know he’s around, which is usually around 3 am, although he’s shown up at 9 pm and 5 am. Llorelei does her job well and herds the goats behind her into the barn. We have an electric fence that serves as a deterrent, but I suppose a bear could get into the goat pen. The amperage is pretty strong on the fence, so if a bear were to touch it, it would be pretty unpleasant.

The Beary Lowdown

The bear appears to be habituated, making him dangerous to humans. He’s definitely a “trash bear,” which puts him looking towards humans for food. Not good. Some people don’t secure their trash around here, thus aggravating the problem. And according to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, there’s been four known grizzlies in the area.

Grizzlies are protected in Montana, so unless one attacks you, you can’t shoot them. You can hunt black bears, but since the bear comes around at night, shooting isn’t an option anyway. Self defense and attacking livestock, yeah. Just being a nuisance? No.

But this is why we carry bear spray when outside, except during the coldest times when it would just freeze. Bears hibernate, but have been known to take a walk around on warmer winter days. So, we’re always prepared.

Possible Ordinances

I read on a local news site that our county is going to require bear-proof trash cans and dumpsters for all residents. We already have a bear-proof dumpster. We switched over after years of deterring bears with bungee cords on the lids. It took just one time when a bear decided it should get in our trash for us to make the switch. If this ordinance becomes law, they give everyone three years to comply. Sigh. Three years of trash bears is so not worth it.

Getting people to comply is going to be difficult. Sure, those with dumpsters will get changed over by their trash company, but those who want to just leave their stuff on the side of the road will do so. Still, stopping bears from eating trash and associating humans with food is the best way to reduce conflicts. And maybe, maybe the bear who is visiting us will figure out somewhere else to go.

Raise Your Cups: “Magical Potion” Recipes for Ironspell Enthusiasts!

For those who’ve shared in Ironspell’s adventures across the Mile-High City, you’re well aware of the magic that courses through the streets of Denver. Today, I’m offering you a new way to experience Ironspell’s world: through recipes for autumn “potions” you can make and enjoy this fall!

Check out the elixirs inspired by the creatures that stalk Denver. Each potion can be crafted from authentic Colorado ingredients laced with a dash of fantasy. From ferocious Jotun to cunning wizards, unpredictable Trolls to elusive Werewolves, these elixirs are a tribute to the Ironspell Chronicles characters. You don’t need to be an alchemist to whip these drinks up and enjoy them.

So, my fellow Ironspell adventurers, whether you’re rejoining the battle or just joining the fray, let’s raise our glasses high. Together, we’ll dive into the flavors of Denver and honor the magic that fuels this extraordinary world. Here’s to your unwavering support, your relentless spirit, and the thrill of every battle yet to come.

Or something like that.

—

Here are five recipes for yummy, non-alcoholic concoctions you might enjoy this fall:

1. Vetr’s Jotun Chai Elixir

Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 2 black tea bags
– 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative
– 2 tablespoons Colorado honey
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 4 whole cloves
– 4 green cardamom pods

Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in honey and milk.
4. Strain the mixture into mugs and serve hot. Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick if desired.

2. Ironspell’s Wizard Wild Berry Brew

Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed Colorado wild berries (e.g., huckleberries, crushed chokecherries without pits, strawberries, raspberries)
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)

Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the mixed wild berries and apple cider. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp.
3. Stir in maple syrup to sweeten to your liking.
4. Serve chilled in magical goblets or glasses.

3. Troll’s Tangy Pumpkin Potion

Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh Colorado pumpkin puree
– 2 cups apple juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the pumpkin puree, apple juice, lemon juice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until warmed.
3. Serve in mugs, garnished with a pinch of extra nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.

4. Luna’s Werewolf Maple Moonlight Nectar

Ingredients:
– 2 cups local Colorado apple cider
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, warm the apple cider over low heat.
2. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness with more maple syrup if desired.
4. Serve hot in moonlit cups or mugs.

5. Fanger Justin’s Vegan Elixir

Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 tablespoons Colorado honey (adjust to taste)
– Sparkling water

Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the cranberries, pomegranate juice, honey, and orange zest. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture into glasses, filling each glass about halfway.
3. Top off each glass with sparkling water for a fizzy finish.
4. Serve with a garnish of fresh cranberries or a twist of orange peel.

Enjoy these magical potions inspired by Colorado’s ingredients and creatures during the enchanting autumn season!

Ironspell Chronicles Characters — Ulf and Callan

Ulf is actually Sköll, the wolf of Ragnarok who is destined to swallow the sun. He is Vetr’s BFF whom Vetr raised as a puppy. Callan is Ironspell’s Fylgja—he contains a portion of Ironspell’s soul. Together, Ulf and Callan are BFFs as well. Ulf lets Callan get away with puppy antics, but only puts up with it so far…

Ironspell Chronicles Character — Vetr

Vetr is a Frost Giant or Jotun who has chosen to stay with Humans rather than his own kind. A bit of an asshat, he can be annoying, but in the end, he’ll pull through and help Ironspell.

Ironspell Chronicles Characters — Luna

Luna is Ironspell’s werewolf girlfriend. She has difficulty keeping her human form when the moon goes through its phases. While most werewolves only change on a full moon, Luna is only 100 percent human on a full moon. Usually, she sports some lupine features at various times.

A quite capable fighter, she has gotten Ironspell out of tight spots a few times.

Ironspell Chronicles Characters — Tuzren

Tuzren is a Daemon from the Onoys plane. He’s quick to point out that he isn’t a Christian demon, but a creature from another universe. Originally summoned to Earth’s plane by a mad wizard, Tuzren has decided that Earth is far nicer than Onoys. Don’t you dare call him a gargoyle.

Ironspell Chronicles Characters — Elryn

Check out my characters in the Ironspell Chronicles! Each day for a week, I’m featuring a character from the books!

You can get the first two books absolutely free when you sign up at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kx4w6b5tuk

Today’s character is Elryn, Ironspell’s unofficial partner. She’s a smart-assed, foul-mouthed, lesbian, warrior Light Elf who is constantly saving Ironspell’s life…

Ironspell Chronicles Characters — Ironspell

Check out my characters in the Ironspell Chronicles! Each day for a week, I’m featuring a character from the books!

You can get the first two books absolutely free when you sign up at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kx4w6b5tuk

Today’s character is Ironspell. He’s called Ironspell because nothing strikes fear into enemies’ hearts hearing that a wizard named “Bob” opposes you…