Quick Trip to Aspen

Tom and I flew to Aspen for 5 glorious autumn days. We had a condo right on the Roaring Fork, and one day the neighborhood was abuzz about the bear who had come up the river during the night looking for food. (Sadly, a late frost killed many berries, and 75% of the new cubs born this year are not expected to have put on enough weight to survive hibernation.) We had never been to Aspen at this time of year, and we were thrilled by the beauty of the turning leaves. We went to some of our usual haunts - Richmond Hill Road, Taylor Pass, Express Creek Road, Hagerman Pass, Independence Pass and Leadville. Of course an entire day was spent at the Bells and Maroon Lake. We also drove up to Montezuma Basin via Ashcroft and Pearl Pass Road. An exciting event was the thunderstorm (with sleet) which hit just as we reached the top of Taylor Pass.

Tom at Independence town site

Just below Independence Pass Originally uploaded by Alaire Lowry.

Torquoise Lake from Hagerman Pass Road

Near the Tunnel Originally uploaded by Alaire Lowry.

Fryingpan River valley

Fall Colors Originally uploaded by Alaire Lowry.

Dinner at the condo

Sounds of the Roaring Fork Originally uploaded by Alaire Lowry.

Early morning at Maroon Lake

Clear water Originally uploaded by Alaire Lowry.

Late afternoon, Maroon Bells

Evening light Originally uploaded by Alaire Lowry.