The Rockies

No, it's not the Canadian Rockies... but nonetheless, Rocky Mountains in Colorado is also an amazing place.

The trip started with us running into an unexpected winter snowstorm in Colorado on Sunday.  We initially planned to spend 4 days in Aspen visiting the ever-so-famous Maroon Bells.  After 4 hours of driving from Denver to Aspen, at the hotel, we were painfully told that the road leading to Maroon Bells had been closed due to heavy snow.  I looked at the hotel receptionist in total disbelieve...  As many dramas as I've been through over the years, never once was there a need for me to alter my travel plan or pick another spot on the fly.  Well, I did it this time, I knew right there and then that we had to leave Aspen and drive to Rocky Mountains the next morning.

Heavy snow continued throughout the night -- we had no place to go, so stayed at the hotel and got drunk!!

Monday morning, we woke up in a pure white world.  Huge snowflakes danced down to greet us and cover us...  It was in this silver world, we drove through the treacherous, winding mountain roads for 7 hours and, finally, arrived at the Rocky Mountain National Park -- a true winter wonderland!!!

When it comes to risk-taking, many people don't really know me!  It was late in the afternoon, and snow was still coming down hard.  I decided to go up to the mountains to check out a few places.  Michelle warned me once, twice and three times as to why and how this was not a logical act.  I had to literally tell her: "Michelle, your safely is my #1 priority.  So, please sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery and the excitement!"

We ended Monday safe and sound. Tuesday was a beautiful but COLD day.  A lot of physical suffering running out in the snow and on the mountains... But all in all, out in the nature is the best mental therapy for me -- no concern, no worry, I was surrounded by nothing but purity...

I initially planned to go back out in the dark to take a few night shots.  Strong winds started later in the afternoon and increased to over 50mph.  Once we sat down by the fireplace inside of our hotel room, started sipping wine and drinking hot chocolate, I had NO courage to go back out to the cold to do whatever the "right thing" was. 

Tuesday night was probably the windiest night I have ever experienced.  The wind reached over 60mph, and the entire world seemed to be upside down!!!  Again, I was too afraid to go out early in the morning to photography the sunrise... And that ended all my photo ops for this trip.

We headed south to Colorado Springs on Wednesday.  Strong winds continued, and it was just about to throw my SUV off the highway. Got to Colorado Springs, visited Garden of the Gods, which was uneventful.  Then a piece of old memory reemerged and I decided to drive up to Pikes Peak -- 14,114 ft at the summit.  The prospect of the potential risk, excitement, and the spectacular view at the mountain top in the white snow made us smile...  We headed out to Pikes Peak highway.  When we finally drove up to the base... do I still need to continue with the story???

I have to say that, in many ways, this has been a special trip.  So many disappointments, and yet, we embraced the unpredictable!  I love carefully calculated risks, and that's what makes life FUN!!!

P.S. Thought I was done, but I am not.  One more piece of drama before the trip is fully completed tomorrow - JUST got a lovely email from United warning me about flight cancellations and/or delays tomorrow due to winter storms in the Midwest - yeah, go figure!!!