Aspen TImes - Day 2

This morning (Thursday) was a bit of an earlier start, since I wanted to be in Glenwood Springs shortly after 9 a.m., and it's a good 45 minute trip to get there. Breakfast consisted of some really tasty scones that were attacked viciously by the convection oven. They were rescued with a minimum of scorching on top, although the bottoms were somewhat carbon dated.

Adair followed me into Glenwood Springs in case the bike needed to be left at the shop for anything, but when the service guy came out to do an assessment, he said he didn't think anything was wrong with the bike other than the side effects of running in the thin air, and said I should get some fuel additive to help clean off any goo in the carbs or spark plugs, and just live with it until I get out of elevation, and things will improve. It was nice to hear they thought I just need $4 worth of fuel additive, and didn't try to stiff me for any crazy stuff I probably didn't need.

Since I was already that far down valley, Adair told me I had to ride through Glenwood Canyon on I-70, as it was a local attraction and an impressive trip, and we'd just meet back up at the house. I followed her advice and went through some rather spectacular scenery, following the Colorado River, heading through tunnels, and paralleling an old train track across the way. When I got to the far side of the canyon, I took an exit to get back onto 70 for the return trip, but decided to keep going on that exit for a while, because of the curvy roads that beckoned beyond.

That road was a fun one, and it was hard to finally have to make the decision to turn back around, but I knew we had plans for the afternoon, and I was going to be probably an hour and a half traveling to get back home. The bike did have some nice glamor shots on that side trip, though, and I'll probably have a new wallpaper at work as a result!

Back on 70, I didn't think I'd need to take any pictures since I took a boatload while east bound. However, the west bound road is elevated several feet above the east bound, so the views are completely different. Out came the camera to get a few (dozen) more shots. The trip back to Aspen was a little hampered due to road painting activities, but I finally got back home probably around 1:30 or so.

Downloaded some pictures, checked some email, and we headed out after a while to go see the local jewel...the Maroon Bells. We were hoping for blue skies, but the clouds decided it was their day. Still managed to get some good shots, however, before heading back home to enjoy a fire in the outdoor fireplace by the river. Annie called around 6:15, and we went to look for the bear again, but with no success. Hopefully he'll be back soon :) When we left Annie and her husband to go get supper, she gave me a great hug and smooch, wishing me a safe trip and great remainder of my vacation. Thanks, Annie!

Adair showed me the local 'fort' owned by a screenwriter at the end of the road (think Lincoln Logs on meth) before heading back to town for pizza and postcards. While there, I also posed with the local grizzly, and we came back up to the house by about 9:15. My laundry is drying right now (if not already finished) so I've yet to pack. Or write the post cards. Or finish enjoying my stay here! I'm looking forward to heading to Durango tomorrow where I'm billed as a 'Mystery Guest' for a BBO (Beginnerbikers.org) rally, but I'll miss being up here, for sure..Adair has been a wonderful and generous hostess and genuinely fun to spend time with. (Thanks again for the setup, Brian!)

Now for a few hours of sleep...