An early start today which was trick after yesterday's total fulfilment, but we had another mammoth adventure to tick off. Today we are going to drive over the famous (and infamous) Independence Pass, and also do lunch in Aspen.
We needed little breakfast after last nights gluttony, so we were soon "on the road again"... the coined phrase that is synonymous with this trip. Out of Manitou Springs (which ranks up near the top of towns we have visited so far) onto US-24 and toddled along the most beautiful of journeys and embraced the scenery.
Small towns en-route provided some alternative to the majestic scenery but we simply kicked back and enjoyed the peaceful drive.
Passing through Antero Junction and onto the US-285 (we have been on this road before a bit further south) we soon hit the summit of Trout Creek Pass (I love the names of these places). All the way, through every corner and over every crest, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Lynn's catch phrase of "look at that" is very understated, and a reminder of how speechless we all were. The next town was Johnson Village - small with just a few businesses (and plenty of gas stations) either side of the road, but it was here we turned and rejoined the US-24 to head to Twin Lakes.
This is the part of the State, and I suppose the country where locals engage in RV-ing - and we saw some spectacular RVs (think Robert De Niro in Meet the Fockers). Definitely one to consider for the next trip!
We spent a lot of this stage of the journey along side the Arkansas River (we had seen that before somewhere!) and again it was stunning. It was not long before we turned left onto US-82 and headed toward Twin Lakes and the start of Independence Pass.
Twin Lakes - aptly named as it is in fact two lakes... we first arrived at the shoreside and was surprised how quiet it was - but we had to turn off and visit. Ella seemed to love the peaceful tranquility of the shoreline - even going in for a quick dip (well ok, a paddle).
We were a bit peckish and thirsty so we ventured into the actual town of Twin Lakes - it is effectively a small village set up on the US-82 and acts as the gateway to Independence Pass. A quaint coffee van provided an iced coffee each, before we hit the gift shop (as one does). Fridge magnets and t shirts again the deal of the day!
Then of course it was onto Independence Pass, which must nee noted is only open 6 month per year - which made planning quite troublesome!
We had some severe rain just before the Continental Divide too - which was annoying somewhat -
We plodded on across the pass - taking in the scenic overlooks where and whenever possible. Disappointingly though, it was over too soon, and we were hit with the juxtaposition of driving into Aspen, which has been on my bucket list for years!
Aspen. The Billionaires playground of the USA... allegedly. I was extremely disappointed as I had expected to see some fancy cars ... but alas no (they do say never meet your heroes don't they). A ton of SUVs and Teslas, oh and a random bespoke camper van built rather expertly it seems from the hull of an old plane. Not a lot else. Restaurants were, as expected classy, with the prices to match! But it was fun! All Day breakfast for me ... was about $35 if I recall - but it tasted like a $35 all day breakfast!!
I have made it sound like I did not like Aspen - that is not true - I loved it - I ticked off a long time dream of coming here - I reckon it is probably better in the winter when I suspect it really comes alive. It does raise a good point though - I have seen very few exotic cars on our travels - except for that persistent Cyber Truck that I am sure is following me!
We ended up tonight in a town called Basalt - just north of Aspen, and probably 1/4 of the price in the hotels. An evening meal in The Tipsy Trout (well worth it) rounded off an (another) outstanding day. And I never mentioned the rain tonight - by god it hammered down!
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