Maroon Bells, beautiful 14ers

*****catch-up post*****

June 2013
The Maroon Bells
more mountains over 14,000 ft

Somewhere between Carbondale and Aspen, are the Maroon Bells.  I had never heard of them, but when people found out where we were headed, that said we had to see them. Well, alright.  After all, we really don't know what we're doing, or where we're going, so we appreciate suggestions.

I am so glad we have worldly friends.  This place was breathtaking.  I was torn between looking at the overwhelmingly grand horizons, or the petit color-explosion at my feet.  So I did both.

There's actually three 14ers in this photo. 

Anna keeps reminding us her 15th birthday is approaching,

and she'll be able to drive soon.

(Not as soon as she thinks, though.)

Yellow and blue, my favorite mix.

Just some random peaks, playing second fiddle to the Maroon Bells.

 

 

Aspen forest.  They're becoming my new favorite tree.

A grove of them is actually one plant with lots of shoots coming up from the roots.

Just. Wow.

And that is snow in June.  It's still winter up there.

They're also called the "deadly bells" because many have died climbing them.

Not only are they steep and tall, but they're made of an unstable, crumbly rock,

which also gives them their unusual color.

I don't know why they look bored.

Just look what where they are!

Poor G.  Sore calf muscle keeping him from wandering.

Busy bee.

Ha ha.  You're not allowed to ride the unicorns.

And one last shot before I go. 

 

After our tour of the bells, we headed on up the road to Aspen.  Of course it's well known as a "go to" ski resort with a very rich après ski life.  Unlike the 14ers, there was no snow on the slopes here.  However, there were still lots of people, with lots of expensive cars, clothes and jewelry.  We managed to find lunch at a historic restaurant that was almost worth the price.

 

Lunch at the Red Onion.  Very good in spite of the look on Anna's face.

One quick look around and we knew we shouldn't go shopping.

I pictured that scene from "Pretty Woman", where the sales lady says,

"I don't think we have anything for you.  You're obviously in the wrong place.  Please leave."

So back to the camp.  Here's our view.  It's a red hill named "The Red Hill." 

People run up it daily for exercise.  I stayed on the really nice, and flat,

bike path through town.

 

Thanks for being a great hostess, Karen.  See you at

the next training camp.  We're on our way to Moab, UT.

*****Just a note here.  I have actually already posted the "next" entry, our move from Carbondale to Moab.   Find it at "July 3, 2013 My Birthday in Moab" post.*****