Aspen, Breck and Fairplay

Aug 13th

We learned that even on a bright summer day it can be cool at 12,095 feet.

In keeping with our new fitness regime, Tryg drove us over Independence Pass on our way to Aspen.  Approaching the outskirts of Aspen, we marveled at the affluence as we drove by one mountain mansion after another on our way to the bus pick up for the Maroon Bells hike.

A short 20 minute drive, including an ongoing commentary by the driver of everything that's happened in the valley since the beginning of time, and we were dropped off at the Visitors Center. A lot has changed since Scott McRae and I did this hike back in the 70s, but still as spectacular as ever.

Hikers at Maroon Lake with the Maroon Bells in the background.

Along with hordes of the other people, we hiked the short distance up to Maroon Lake, then continued on the longer trail to Crater Lake. The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed mountains in the U.S., and it's easy to understand why. Although the light was rather flat the day we hiked, the Bells are normally a brilliant red color from the oxides in the rock and soil.

Some mention should be made of the terrorist chipmunks in the area. Watch your nuts.

After a short snack and rest we hiked back enjoying the beautiful scenery all the way. We headed into Aspen and walked around the downtown area, finally finding a a great lunch place called The Big Wrap. Even managed to find a frozen yogurt on the way back to the car.

Aug. 14th -- Breckenridge and Fairplay

There's a wonderful river that comes right through the village of Breckenridge.

This crepes stand was packed at all hours whenever we drove through the town.

On the next day we drove south of Frisco to the mega resort of Breckenridge, called Breck by the locals and wanna be locals.  It's a great town with lots of shops and great restaurants. We got caught in a nasty thunderstorm and waited it out in a little bakery with good hot chocolate.

Must have been amazing to have lived in Colorado during the gold rush days.

While this is actually a restaurant, it's an accurate replica of a gold dredging rig.

While played-out mines dot the hillsides, a lot of the valley floors in this area were extensively mined by massive dredging boats that were literally winched up the shallow river beds leaving large hills of river rock in their wake. There is a good mining museum in Breck (there, I'm sounding like a local) that provided a lot of info on the history of the area.

The Fairplay Hotel, which has been recently remodeled.

From there we continued down the mountain to the funky town of Fairplay. An old mining town, Annie's mom had once owned the historic Fairplay Hotel, which looks like it hadn't changed much since its heyday.

After a long ride home and one of Annie's delicious dinners we all retired to the couches to continue our serial viewing of The House of Cards. Kevin Spacy's portrayal of the House Whip brings new meaning to the word "sinister." One wonders how far from the truth the movie's plot is to everyday Washington politics.