Aspen area, Independence Pass,
and Rocky Mountain National Park
These are just some
of the ski slopes
around Aspen.  Some
of them come almost
to the edge of town.
This scene was at the
edge of town going
south toward
Independence Pass.
With scenery like
this, it's easy to see
why this area is so
popular.
The best part about
these beautiful colors
for skiers is that white
is not far behind.
The aspens looked
great.
There were a few
places on highway
82 that are not for
the fainthearted.
The drive down
highway 82 to Aspen
from I-70 just teases
you for what is to
come.
The reward for those
who persevere is
worth it.
Ruby, a ghost town
from the 1890's silver
mining days lies just
below Independence
Pass.
Looking back as
we ascend toward
the pass.
It was very cold here in
early October.  We could
really feel the effect of
the 12,000 feet altitude
on our breathing and
stamina.
We went to Vail, but
came away with a
poor impression of
that area.  It was very
"closed" unless you
were staying at one
of the resorts.   It
doesn't deserve
pictures on our web
site.
Rocky Mountain National Park
This cow moose and her calf were at
the Rocky Mountain NP visitor center
having lunch when we arrived.  They
had no fear of humans at all.
We found when we
arrived at the park that
the road was closed
about 10 miles into the
park due to heavy snow
at the higher elevations.
We decided to drive as
far as we could anyway.
We weren't dis-
appointed as this
turned out to be a
fabulous park, very
much like our Great
Smoky Mountains on
steroids.
Nothing like an out-
house with a million
dollar view!
This snowman stands
sentinel at a nearby
ranger's cabin.
Another of the many
mountain lakes we've
seen on this trip.
As we climb higher
on the mountain we
know our journey
will soon end at a
locked gate.
This last little tease of
scenery reminds us
that we must come
back here someday.
The chipmunk is glad
to come out for a
peanut.  It's going to
be a long cold winter.