Journeyers from the East

Journeyers from the East (Kansas City and St. Louis) passing through Colorado Springs picked up Nana and Papa on their way to Aspen, CO. But first, a layover in Colorado Springs to hit the WW2 Aviation Museum, the Paint Mines at Calhan, Chibar Bar in downtown, and Water World up in the Denver area. Then and only then was it time to head for Aspen via Independence Pass (using mostly Colorado Highway 24). First stop was the Hungry Bear in Woodland Park; they've gone overboard with stuffed bears and the food is quite good with a wide-ranging menu, great for hungry road warriors. We stayed at the Snowmass Village in Snowmass, CO. And then for the Great Kahuna, the pinnacles of the trip - the Maroon Bells just southwest of Aspen. Pay attention to Maroon Bells access which for most of us is only by shuttle bus. For sustenance, we visited the Aspen Public House in Aspen and Kenichi in Snowmass by our place. And don't miss Paradise Bakery in Aspen for gelato and baked goods. On our way home, we had breakfast at the Daily Bread in Glenwood Springs then on to ride the Beaver Creek Gondola to the top (almost) of the ski area, messed around a little, then back down to I-70 for the finishing lap to get one of our visitors to the Denver airport. The three remaining journeyers enjoyed a dinner at the West Main Taproom in Parker on the final leg to Colorado Springs. The rest of the trip we exercised (some of us) and  lounged around at the pool. The last supper was at Margarita at Pine Creek; we really should go there more often; the food is exceptional. All the photos are here (in roughly chronological order).

WW2 Aviation Museum (Colorado Springs).

Paint Mines near Calhan, CO.

Chiba Bar in downtown Colorado Springs.

Water World in Denver area.

Hungry Bear in Woodland Park.

Independence Pass.

Maroon Bells near Aspen, CO.
This was the main point of the trip.

Downtown Aspen.

Paradise Bakery gelato and cookies (Aspen).

Kenichi in Snowmass, CO.
Spicy tuna on crispy rice. The food was fantastic.

Beaver Creek gondola.