Postcards from Aspen, CO
June 9-11, 2006
Amy, Luna, and I travelled to Aspen, CO, to visit our friend Jen who is visitting for an Astronomy conference. We've lived in Colorado now for nearly three years, but haven't yet been to Aspen. Nice town. Expensive.
Saturday - Hiked to Cathedral Lake in the Castle Creek valley south of town. It was a steep hike, but the pay-off was definitely worth it. Cathedral Lake is a large tarn at 11,800' below the pointy spires of the peak of the same name. Luna and I circumnavigated the lake while Amy and Jen chatted with other astronomers.
 Aspen is known for, surprise, aspen trees! |
 Jen, Luna, and Amy at the wilderness boundary. |
 Amy hiking the steep trail. |
 The amazing Cathedral Lake below the south face of Cathedral Peak. |
Sunday - The most famous destination in Aspen, and the most famous photo location in all of Colorado, is the fabulous Maroon Bells. Most people stop at Maroon Lake where the pavement ends and the good photos begin. We hiked two miles of trail up past the idylic Crater Lake and beyond up the West Maroon Creek. This hike was significantly easier than yesterday's which was good because it was hot. We saw a marmot, a pika, and a mountain goat. Also lots of people. The area is popular, but for a good reason!
 Jen at the Maroon Bells. |
 The view of the Bells from Crater Lake |
 Looking back at Crater Lake from below the Bell Cord. |
 Flowers! |
 The Wilderness Journal |  Neithernor |