Aspen a-ok, sick

Last night we decided to go down to the fancy pool area at Sky and grab a drink.  I wore the closest thing I had to a bathing suit, a pair of running shorts with a liner in them.  The pool area was relatively empty. 

The pool/patio at Sky is VERY cool.  On top of the pool is a nice sized hot tub and on the deck there are two separate fire pits as well.  The pool was heated to the mid-80’s so even though the sun was going down and the air was cool the water felt good.

After hitting the pool we moved to the hot tub which felt great.  After awhile we were joined by two little kids, a little girl that was 4 1/2 and her brother who was 6 1/2.  Their parents were sitting on the deck just chilling out.

Ali and I were happy to talk to the kids and did they like to talk.  They talked our ears off for a half hour probably.  Eventually their parents came over and joined us in the hot tub.

Ironically they were both pretty serious athletes.  The woman did a lot of running until she blew out her ACL skiing a few months ago.  The guy is big time road biker and also had done a number of triathlons.  He gave Ali all sorts of advice on her training.  We talked with them in the hot tub for awhile.  It was a nice way to spend our last night in Aspen. 

This morning instead of venturing out for a sit down breakfast and risk running into more snooty dog haters I went across the street to a great little French deli/bakery thing.  Ali started feeling sick this morning so I brought food back for her.

After we ate we didn’t waste much time before venturing out with the dogs for another hike.  We thought they possibly would be sore from all of the hiking yesterday.  If they were they didn’t show it.  Both dogs were thrilled to hit the trail again. 

We did a less steep trail this time that was also less shaded.  Along the way we ran into a bunch of people, several of which were also with their dog(s).  We also were passed by a couple people RUNNING the trails.  I was amazed.  Not only are these trails inclined, they are also very narrow and have lots of spots where footing is somewhat difficult.  I can’t imagine running up the trails, especially paired with the thin air.

On our way back we stopped at another small park near our place and interacted with more people and dogs.  There was a lady there with her granddaughter and their little dog Oscar.  The little girl loved Sadie and got a thrill as Sadie sprinted around the park while Oscar tried his best to keep up.

Once we got back we were ready to check out.  We paid our crazy $52 parking fee and bar tab and were on our way.  Much like Aspen, the more time I spent at the Sky Hotel the more I enjoyed myself. You just have to stay away from the silly honor bar.

To head towards Santa Fe we had to go over Independence Pass.  This road is incredible.  It is closed during the winter because of the steep inclines and endless switchbacks but man are the views amazing.  At the top I got out with the dogs and walked along the patches of packed snow and took some pictures.  It was just so beautiful.

Other than that, the drive to Santa Fe was literally non-stop.  We didn’t stop for food or even a bathroom break.  Ali spent a lot of time trying to rest, she really felt shitty.  Unfortunately I am now also starting to feel that same shadow of illness come over me.  It would suck being sick for the long haul home.

Remember that Check Engine Light issue on the van?  It fixed itself.  I am pretty sure it was just 85 octane gas related.  The van drove flawlessly during this leg of the trip.

We are just resting in the hotel tonight.  From what we saw of Santa Fe we were not impressed.  It just looks like another over-populated area with brown everywhere.  We’ll be happy to pull out.