Bears & Innocent Criminals

Is it really that weird to wander the streets of an unknown town looking at house designs and approaches? Yeah, I guess it is. We were in Aspen this weekend and I spent about 3 hours doing this. I wouldn't recommend doing this in your local suburban neighborhood but in a town where the residual income flows out the ears, it proves to be quite interesting. It was a mix of houses of old character, some victorian, some ski chalet, some mid-60's to 70's California ranch style. Then of course there are the scrapes where completely new approaches were made...some with mining influence, some modern, some just adorned with expensive materials with a "just because we can" attitude. Okay enough about this....just trying to validate my excursion.

I decided to turn down this one street but at my arrival I noticed three Volvo SUV's, the Aspen Police of course. The American in me (or redneck...you pick) says hmmm, what's going on here. I bridled my desire to walk straight over and decided a more stealth approach would be better. So, I decided to walk around the block and approach the crime scene from the back. Just as I make my last turn I am greeted by a black bear 20 feet away walking straight towards me! Think, think what do you do. Okay, I am looking big and I am slowly turning around...okay I am walking slowly, one....two...three steps, oh no... "poo" this will not work....and at this point I forget a bears ability to run up to 40 mph and I break into an all out sprint. Luckily, the bear wasn't up for a race. It's funny how I completely abandon everything I know when put in this type of situation. What's even funnier was me looking around after I began walking again to see if there was any chance anyone saw me abandon everything I knew. All clear....I think I'll head back into town.

My second bear encounter was the next night. This time I was inside and a mom and two cubs decided it was a good idea to try and destroy the dumpsters right outside our window. Success on their part, total loss of sleep on mine.

The main reason for the trip to Aspen was to see Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals play at the Aspen Snowmass Jazz Festival (sponsored by Calamos and many others). I mention the sponsors because I have never been to a concert where the sponsors were announced multiple times and scored a light show of their own lining the sides of the stage. But I guess I remembered the name....so score for them. Too bad I have no money to invest. The show was amazing as usual but even more amazing this time. There are a limited amount of things in life that make me as happy as spending time with family and friends. Listening to talented musicians completely shred their instruments is another one. Combine the two and it becomes an off the charts, unforgettable experience. Totally rad.