We were up and out of Crested Butte early this morning. I think we were on the road at 8 AM. Our drive over Kebler Pass was beautiful, and the van handled the dirt road just fine.
Unquestionably the highlight of the drive was the unexpected encounter with a herd of sheep. We were rounding the corner on a dirt road when suddenly we came upon what must have been 500-600 sheep. One of the men herding the sheep quickly motioned to me to stop, which of course I did. After a few minutes he began to part the sheep and asked me (mostly in Spanish) to begin driving slowly into the herd. But after we were about half-way into he herd, the Shepard turned his attention to another part of the herd, and the dogs bringing up the rear started directing the sheep back into the road. Suddenly we were surrounded. I would encourage readers to click on these pictures and look at the enlargements. It was amazing. The kids - at first scared - ultimately thought it was really funny. We rolled down our windows and started "baaaaaaa-ing" at them/with them. One sheep humped another right in front of the van (sorry, I couldn't turn the camera back on in time to capture that ...). We got some funny video as well.
After being stuck for about ten minutes, I saw another truck in the distance, trying to come our direction. The man in the pick-up got out and started clapping really loudly. The sheep responded and started moving. So Kristen and I tried the same tactic. I got out, started herding sheep (which the kids thought was hilarious) and Kristen moved over into the driver's seat to move the van down the road. It was really something.
A quick pit-stop in Redstone provided a nice outlet for Miles and Emery to release some energy on the tire swing.
And then it was on to the Aspen area. I have been to the famed Pine Creek Cookhouse (12 miles outside of Aspen next to the ghost town of Ashcroft) on one or two other occassions, but had forgotten about it until a couple of days ago when dad sent me a note suggesting we consider a lunch visit today. I'm so glad he reminded me. It was nice to return their again, but I must admit I hardly recognizd the building. They have done a massive rennovation/expansion since the last time I visited. We had a GREAT time, and it was a very special meal. (Dad ... thanks for picking up the tab. Not expected/necessary ... but much apprecaited!)
After lunch we drove into Aspen and took in some of the sights. We didn't spend very long in Aspen, however, because the kids were very anxious and excited to get to Glenwood Springs. They have been looking forward - for a long time - to swiming in the "hot tub" (as they call it). We made great use of our purchased passes today. We swam from 3:30 - 6 PM, walked to a local saloon for dinner, and then returned from 7:30 - 9:30 PM. The kids had a wonderful time swimming, and they immedaitely crashed when we returned to our hotel.
