Shutting Down

I don't think anyone reads this, but I plan on closing this down at the end of the year (Dec. 31, 2016).  I lost my vision for Aurora.  The only reason I have it still up for now is because there might be something useful.  So if you like anything, grab it now before it disappears.

Update 3/24/17:  I guess I will keep it going, to comment on the "culture", such as it is, of Aurora.

The Smoky Hill Trail

Source: http://www.smokyhilltrail.com/maps.htm

The Smoky Hill Trail was a 592 mile stagecoach trail from Atchison KS to Denver, CO, in use from 1855 to 1870.  It is named after the Smoky Hill River in Kansas, because the trail ran next to it.  Part of the middle branch of the trail today is called Smoky Hill Road.

The north branch of the trail is followed by US-40 and I-70 today.  But it was first called Kansas City Road or Grand Avenue, before being renamed "Colfax Avenue" in 1865 for Schuyler Colfax.

Colfax & Florence

The old People's Rent To Own building is being converted to a performing arts center and restaurant at a cost of $2.6 million. See http://www.aurorasentinel.com/news/business/colfax-new-light-auroras-2-6m-peoples-investment-good-grander-vision-falls-short/   Unfortunately, even at that cost, the stage will be to small to accommodate a dance troupe.

The history of the Highline Canal

The Highline Canal

Sterling Ranch Town Center

Just beautiful. This is located in Douglas County, south of C-470 and west of Highway 85, near Roxborough Park.

The Buckley Buffer

Note: This video is unlisted and may disappear.  See the original link at https://www.tpl.org/our-work/parks-for-people/buckley-air-force-base

I personally don't see the need for so much open space in this area.  Most of Buckley is undeveloped and to the south is the Plains Conservation Center, which is 1000 acres of prairie and weeds.  It is not like this is beautiful woodlands or wetlands or something.  This is after all, in a city, and right next to a major road (Jewell) and next to a major freeway (E-470).  There is plenty of land to the east for open space if needed.