Show-off Aspen and a hole in the sky

Things noticed while immersed in total stress-free idle-brained state-of-mind: A curious pattern on a young aspen and a hole in the sky. Having watched no Television except for a game and a half of world cup soccer, we are rewarded with seemingly extra-long days that aren't sucked away in 30-minute segments of mostly nothing worth recalling - and we have time to notice those holes in sky. Are we having fun!

Ruedi Reservoir

Ruedi Reservoir: The Fryingpan River fills it, and continues below the dam. Flyfishing above and below the dam, boating and sailing in the reservoir, and camping, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing all around. We happened to be passing by on Sunday, when the Aspen Yachting Club was having sailing races; an event we don't understand, but a pretty sight as viewed from above. Their scheduling was perfect - this was the only day we observed conditions perfect for sailing. Otherwise, the large motorboats rule the lake and waterskiing is the sport of choice. A perfect setting for any endeavor.

Evening trip to Hagerman Pass

We didn't make it the full 14 miles to the summit, but did make over 9 miles on this Forest Service dirt road that at its widest might be 1 1/2 car widths - no guard rails. If we were Colorado residents, we would have to have a dependable jeep to explore the countless 4-wheel drive back roads out here. Well, might have to have a mild dose of Valium to overcome the anxiety associated with sheer drop-offs on many of these. Notice in some of the pics, we are above the power lines that run over the mountain.

We're lichen our campground!

The scattered boulders with all the colors, textures provide nice surrounding to our campsite. Did I mention that it doesn't take much to entertain us?

On the way to Chapman campground

After many miles driven, we have witnessed many signs that alert the driver to potential obstacles on the road: Deer Crossing Elk Crossing Bighorn Sheep Crossing Watch for Falling Rock Share the road with joggers, cyclists Fox Crossing Fox Crossing? Our first ever that we can recall. On a wide spot in the road to the campground there are postings at either end warning to slow down for fox crossing. We are not sure if that is really the case, or is a desperate measure by the residents along the road to slow down the traffic as it passes by their otherwise peaceful cabins.

It was meant to be..........

July 17, 2010 - ??? One of our original destinations was the area around Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale to take in the scenery and to fish the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers - two very well-known streams for fly-fishermen. It just so happened that we ended up here earlier than planned, but are we glad we did. We found a nice site in Chapman Campground, about 30 miles from Basalt, along the Fryingpan River. It sits among pine,fir,spruce,aspen, and a real favorite of ours, a boulder garden. Won't go into all the details of our days other than to say we pretty much do a little hiking, a little fishing, a little auto touring the Forest Service Roads, and probably too much relaxing. The Fryingpan flows into Ruedi Reservoir, and then is discharged thru the dam and runs down to Basalt, where it converges with the Roaring Fork. Near Glenwood Springs, the Roaring Fork runs into the Colorado River. Rather than a daily posting, will break some of the following segments into separate activities:

To Salida?

July 16, 2010 We left Gunnison today headed for Salida. Big mistake trying to find a camping spot on a Friday! We crossed the Continental Divide twice, traversed portions of at least four National Forests, drove over 300 miles, and could not find a vacant campsite. Well, there were a few available, but they were the ones without a single shade tree - tent camping in 100 degree heat is not for wimps like us. The plan was to camp near Salida and fish the Arkansas headwaters. Ended up staying in the Glenwood Springs Motor Inn, many miles away. After 10 hours on the road we were content to find a place to shower, sleep, and eat, and head out the next day to find a camping spot.