If you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky enough!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Head for the Hills

Kind of off-kilter on our vacation scheduling this year, but headed out last Sunday for a trip to the Aspen/Snowmass area of Colorado for a little down time (at least occupational down time).  After passing through the area for a couple days last summer, we had some trail aspirations over here that needed attention.  So we packed up and headed west!
Mt Princeton, part of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers
Mt Elbert, Colorado's highest point at 14,443' - pretty high...
Looking across Twin Lakes - Hope Pass is the "v" notch on left horizon, 
part of the Leadville Trail 100 course
Stop for a quick photo at Twin Lakes
Check your shorts - Narrow section of Independence Pass!
(Yes, it is one-lane, two-way traffic???!!!)
 
We had a monster run on tap for Monday, however, in the mountains you roll with the weather, not against it.  Woke up Monday morning and soon heard thunder rolling in from the mountain tops to the west.  Plan B time.  We waited until we thought the rain had lightened a bit and headed out on the Brush Creek bike path.  They have an awesome network of bike paths between Snowmass and Aspen.  Kathleen getting soaked above on the Brush Creek path along Snowmass Club's golf course.  Yes, that is paved, and no, do not get used to seeing us on that surface :-)
Sun breaking out on the Owl Creek path
The bike path is quite scenic, so we just rolled along, not really minding the wet conditions.  The sun broke through about half way through the run out on the Owl Creek path and we were treated to some nice blue sky on the trip back up to Snowmass Village.  Everything in Snowmass is on a slant, including the bike paths, so at our turn around, we knew we had some climb ahead.
Snowmass ski slopes off in the distance
Back up into the Village and drying out!
The gardens were all loving the rain followed by the brilliant sunshine.  We had to stop in front of one of the many flower gardens along the path.  Although we got soaked at the beginning, it was a nice shake out run and got our legs tuned up for a little higher altitude than our "normal" 6800 that our bodies are accustomed to.  This adventure to be continued.....

9 miles, 1300' elevation gain
Shoes - K Asics 2150 Trail
S - Asics Trabuco

6 comments:

Ewa said...

This is the time of year in CA when I am beginning to really miss rains. I would not mind getting soaked on my runs or bike rides at all.
Gosh, Colorado is beautiful.

Jennifer said...

Oh my gosh! Is that pavement you are running on!? Ha ha just kidding! Looks like you had a fantastic time. Cheers!

ajh said...

I am very partial to bike paths and that one looks just gorgeous! Can't wait to hear more. I ran this morning in the soaking rain! And yes I do run some on the Causeway, not just bike it. My original plan was to do my 20 miler there until I got sidelined. I plan to try again the weekend after my relay.

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

Now that's mountain running. Liking that asphalt, ha ha. I ran in the rain this week too. It was much appreciate here - kind of refreshing, but I see you guys have on long sleeves. What are the temps there? Lows here are 75-79 at night with 1000 degree heat index. :) :)

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

everything looks soooooo refreshing!!! thanx i needed that!

Unknown said...

I just happened on to your site. I do hope that you pull through the illness and stay inspired.
Your Snowmass run took you right past my house and you covered my favorite trails in this blog... What an inspiration on a Sunny day in February when all these trails are engulfed in snow. Really can't wait for the end of ski season and the begging of trail running season. Nothing beats a good run in the desert or mountains.

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