Day 16, August 31, 2011 Touring Aspen

Chilly morning, up in the mountains! 55F inside the trailer.
On the advice of the campground owner, we set off in sunshine for a scenic drive around Turquoise Lake, over Hagerman Pass, and on to Aspen. Started out well, but the road deteriorated to a rocky path.

By 10:00, we turned around after hugging the mountainside all the way up to 11,250ft elevation. Went back the way we came, past the campground and will go another way to Aspen. Scenery is gorgeous!
By 11:50, we reached Independence Pass, at 12,095 feet, and once again crossed the Continental Divide. Continued on the winding, hairpin turn road, down to Aspen.
Walked around Aspen. Planned to ride the gondola up the mountain, but there was a weather warning out. Possible lightening in the area. If that occurred, the gondola would be shut down and we would be stranded up top, so we didn't go.
Aspen has a John Denver Sactuary, which is a peaceful area with the words of many of his songs engraved on boulders.

Leaving Aspen, we had to return on the same hair-raising, white-knuckle narrow mountain roads.
P.S. Aspen was generally a dissapointment after seeing Vail - only VERY expensive shops - eg. Blouse for $300.00!