The whole family dropped me off at the airport this morning before they headed off to the Star Wars exhibit and movie at the science museum. While I was waiting for my flight, a good friend from law school, Melitta, walked up. It turned out she was going to Vail for the week. She cancelled her van shuttle up and joined me in the rental car. I hadn’t planned on going to Vail this year but now I may get to go twice as she left her camera and contact lenses in the van (yes, van; and a full on mini-van).
To save approximately $42, I booked a rental car on-line at the cheapest Denver car rental place I could find without employing the mob. It turns out that while all the rental facilities are not right at the airport, this one is “off-site,” which is a nice way of saying that I should have packed a lunch for the trip to get the car. Once there, the receptionist's unusually long glare at the computer screen led me to correctly assume that something was wrong. It turns out I had booked a car for August 11, 2009. Yes, in anticipation for next year’s Leadville race. And, I had reserved a VW Jetta. “Well, do you have anything else?” I asked, realizing that if there were no other cars, Melitta and I would have to return to the airport and then take a shuttle to one of the dozen other rental car facilities not “off-site.”
“Yes, we have one mini-van available. Would you like it?” As visions of our 1986 maroon Dodge Caravan flashed through my mind, I asked, “Will it get me up the mountain?” She was not amused. It turned out to be a brand new Dodge Caravan with 3000 miles. It’s beautiful and it charges up mountains.
I dropped Melitta off in Vail and drove, with her camera and contact lenses, on the pass between Minturn and Leadville. Incredible drive.
To save approximately $42, I booked a rental car on-line at the cheapest Denver car rental place I could find without employing the mob. It turns out that while all the rental facilities are not right at the airport, this one is “off-site,” which is a nice way of saying that I should have packed a lunch for the trip to get the car. Once there, the receptionist's unusually long glare at the computer screen led me to correctly assume that something was wrong. It turns out I had booked a car for August 11, 2009. Yes, in anticipation for next year’s Leadville race. And, I had reserved a VW Jetta. “Well, do you have anything else?” I asked, realizing that if there were no other cars, Melitta and I would have to return to the airport and then take a shuttle to one of the dozen other rental car facilities not “off-site.”
“Yes, we have one mini-van available. Would you like it?” As visions of our 1986 maroon Dodge Caravan flashed through my mind, I asked, “Will it get me up the mountain?” She was not amused. It turned out to be a brand new Dodge Caravan with 3000 miles. It’s beautiful and it charges up mountains.
I dropped Melitta off in Vail and drove, with her camera and contact lenses, on the pass between Minturn and Leadville. Incredible drive.
Groceries for the week in Leadville, unpacked at the cabin, a quick trip into Twin Lakes, probably the only one before the race, and now here I sit.
I must confess that in the spring when I envisioned sitting in a cabin in CO by myself, I thought it would be heaven on earth. Honestly, I miss my family. While it is more difficult to have everyone out here while preparing for a race, I miss experiencing the excitement and wonder of the mountains through the kids and Marty. It is quite hollow attempting to engender awe by myself as I look at these incredible sights.
I don’t think it was intended that majesty be reveled in alone. Put another way: I think majesty is best experienced with others. I’ll post some photos of incredible sights - they will not do the real thing justice – and make plans to bring everyone out here next year.
I must confess that in the spring when I envisioned sitting in a cabin in CO by myself, I thought it would be heaven on earth. Honestly, I miss my family. While it is more difficult to have everyone out here while preparing for a race, I miss experiencing the excitement and wonder of the mountains through the kids and Marty. It is quite hollow attempting to engender awe by myself as I look at these incredible sights.
I don’t think it was intended that majesty be reveled in alone. Put another way: I think majesty is best experienced with others. I’ll post some photos of incredible sights - they will not do the real thing justice – and make plans to bring everyone out here next year.
Me along the pass between Minturn and Leadville.
A house in Red Cliff. Red Cliff is a very interesting little town that must be driven through at least twice in one's life.
The hill coming into (or out of) the Twin Lakes Aid Station.
The river crossing right after Twin Lakes. It look pretty deep right now.
Looking up at the path up Hope Pass.
An empty aid station at Twin Lakes.
5 comments:
Thanks for sharing the photos. It does look beautiful. I am that same way - thinking it will be peaceful/fun to be by myself places, and then missing my family once I am by myself.
Best of luck to you on the race!
I think its easier to share the "I'm small and insignificant" sensation with others, kinda lessons the sting.
Revel in the creation
Everyone? You're gonna bring everyone?
I'll put that on my calendar.
Odd, you reminded me how Jesus frequently went into the wilderness by himself, but was never alone.
Steve, you're right. I'm actually considering running with an mp3 player to listen to praise music. It keeps my thoughts positive and to sing to the Creator amidst incredible creation might just enable me to finish it this year.
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