Ben and Myka's 2nd: July 19, 2010

We miss them but are looking forward to celebrating with them when they are with us out here next week!

Ultra-Cool Library

When looking for wi-fi availability now, we bypass the coffee shops and eating establishments. We are now going to the local libraries - they are free, welcoming, relaxing, and unrushed. As a bonus, some have very pleasing interiors. The photos here are of the Carbondale, Colorado library. Of course fish are favored subjects, but this hanging display was just too cool.

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.