Last year when I went to the Challenge Aspen Monoski Camp, I got stranded in Aspen. The airport was closed and I had to spend another night. The next day, It looked like a repeat, so I scored a rental car, no mean feat in itself (It cost me $200. Glad I'm a SRFİ) and drove to Denver. From there I was able to catch a redeye back to Atlanta. My sister and her husband drove through the ice storm and got to the outskirts of Atlanta about the same time I got back to GOC Central.
The Aspen airport is notorious for weather related problems.
This year, we decided to fly into Denver, rent an SUV, and drive to Aspen. It's only a four hour drive from Denver to Aspen. We took a late morning flight and got to Denver around 12:30. There was a departure delay, but the pilot was able to make up the time. We flew a 757 which I like, 'cause I can roll my wheelchair right into the galley. Since I had scored a bulkhead seat, it was a simple up and pivot into my seat. Sweet!
The drive was uneventful. I really like the stretch where I-70 runs alongside the Colorado River. The last time on that stretch, I was driving so I really couldn't appreciate the scenery. This year Ryan was driving so I was able to drink it all in.
After a quick stop for some groceries, we arrived at the hotel around 6:15. Because I was a crip, we scored free parking. When we got to our room, I discovered that it was not handicap accessible. Back to the front desk to take care of that.
My three previous times, I had stayed in room 106. This time, we finally wound up in room 110 which was accessible.
Didn't sleep well last night. First night in a new bed.
I have to pay for in room web access. You stay in a dump and it's free. You stay in a fancy hotel you have to pay. What's up with that? There are three free PC's in the business center, but the blogs are all blocked. Plus they're hard to get on. Too many people; too few PC's. Good thing I brought my laptop. Last year, my site was blocked because of "pornographic content".
Currently it's snowing and they're forecasting a big dump this afternoon. Might have to learn to ski powder tomorrow.
I've got registration and seating clinic today and tomorrow we ski! Whoo hoo! I hope I've retained most of what I learned last year.
Posted by denny at January 5, 2008 11:31 AMsounds like a great time....is it just me or is everyone now charging $10 per day for internet in hotels......I think the bean counters know that we can't get by without it.
Posted by: patrick on January 5, 2008 05:22 PMpatrick - Only the expensive ones. On my Wild Wild West tour I didn't pay for in room service at any of the hotels where I stayed (Best Western and Drury Inn).
Posted by: Denny on January 5, 2008 10:14 PM"I have to pay for in room web access. You stay in a dump and it's free. You stay in a fancy hotel you have to pay"
There is nothing free in Aspen.
Enjoy! Watch the trip back. They close the Esinhower tunnel at the drop of a hat, or at least for snow and blowing snow...
Posted by: PokerPlayer on January 5, 2008 10:17 PMI-70 through Glenwood Canyon is beautiful, isn't it? It took years and years to build it. Before it was built, it was the last stretch of Interstate highway that was a 2 lane road. And it ran right next to the Colorado River. I used to ride my Norton up from Denver through the Canyon, it was so beautiful.
It's closed in the winter, but Independence Pass, just out of Aspen is stunning. I like the view heading towards Aspen, the road is so skinny, it will freak the crap out of you
Posted by: MM on January 6, 2008 10:38 AM