In the summer of 1987, I had the opportunity to spend a week in Aspen, Colorado on business. While Aspen is known for the excellent skiing, I was impressed how the summer sunshine uncovered the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. In the 1980’s, Aspen was a small western town that was sparsely populated during the summer months. While there was a lack of snow and skiers, the slopes were just as impressive as they would be in the winter. Mountains as far as the eye can see!
Having a few hours of free time one day, a fellow coworker and I caught a gondola ride up the bare slopes of Aspen Mountain. It was a long and harrowing trip, knowing that our lives were dangling from a steel cable. Our goal that day was to enjoy a Coors beer, and “taste the high country”, on top of Aspen Mountain. The quintessential Colorado activity on a Rocky Mountain peak in the summer.
We found a small bar on top of the mountain, and yes, they had an ice cold Coors waiting for us. We sat and savored our brew while soaking in this view. Mission accomplished!
Having flown over the Rockies dozens of time since then, I can attest that you will never appreciate the majesty of these mountains until you travel through them. Also, if you get to the top of Aspen Mountain, I highly recommend the mountaintop bar. It’s worth the trip!
“Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” – David McCullough Jr.
