I knew it was going to be a special day when the first words out of my mouth when I got to the parking lot “before” the hike even started was “Oh My God”. This is what spontaneously came out of my mouth as I first glanced the “Maroon Bells” The Maroon Bells are some of the most famous mountain peaks in the world and you may recognize them because they appear on numerous calendars, postcards, and books of nature. It is also a very, very, popular hiking area. Fortunately I arrived early to get a parking space before the masses arrived.

I was able to avoid the masses for the most part because I went on a hike to Buckskin Pass. The hike was about 10 miles round trip and included a three thousand foot climb from the bottom of the trail to the top. Steep and ten mile trails tend to thin out the herd real quick. Although the masses quickly faded as I headed up the steep trail to the pass I did see a number of hikers along this popular hike…which…I didn’t mind because this provided a number of opportunities for them to take pictures of me.

Although the trail was very steep I have now acclimated, for the most part, to steep hikes and high altitudes. This is my fourth steep hike in row and the body tends to adjust. The highlight of this particular hike was the wildflower display which I encountered along the slopes to the top of the pass. One meadow in particular was ablaze with color. I spent about fifteen minutes lying down and taking a number of shots from various angles. I featured about four or five of the shots I took on this post.

When I got to the top of the pass I just laid around for about a half an hour. The views were spectacular . The perfect temperature and cool breeze were accepted with open arms. I just hung out and felt nothing but gratitude. Last year at this time I could barley walk and never imagined in my wildest dreams I would ever be able to reach such a sacred place which only very few people ever experience.

The hike down was pleasant albeit a bit rough on the knees but I have discovered as many hikers have that a good pair of hiking poles help cushion the beating your knees are bound to take on steep hikes. When I got back to my car I decided to go into Aspen and check things out. It was a zoo. I couldn’t find any parking and the traffic was like L.A. Tomorrow I try to go into town again but this time I will bring my bike. I have discovered over the years that bringing your bike can really help when you are in crowded tourist areas. I’ll just park a mile from downtown and ride my bike into town. Before I go to Aspen tomorrow I hope to sneak in a quick hike to Cathedral Lake if my body says it is O.K.