Joyously Spun, Aspen!


What makes “joy” so luscious and elusive? Perhaps, its dependence on theory of relativity . Or maybe, human psychology that may not always be mindful to soak in its feeling, while “joy” is around. Instead, the human brain chooses to anticipate that which is “more” and somewhere beyond the rainbow!

Later, more on how this philosophy hit home as I allowed myself this “joy” called Aspen.

Born and raised in a small Shimla, my love for tall pine trees, engulfing mountains and elevated walks (read hikes) took me to this town more popular for its skiing resorts and winter getaways. Simply stated, my only criteria for finding myself a vacation spot, was that it must be a hill station perched in the lap of nature. Yes, I’d overdosed on city toxins and was choking in its plasticity. I believe, if big cities are run by ghosts, small hill stations like Aspen are definitely run by cherubs.

Like those Aspen trees, that flutter along slightest breeze, I found myself grinning ear to ear throughout my stay in this happy space. Science has repeatedly proven that nature induces Endorphins in our body and human psychology has repeatedly demonstrated the need for these hormones. I am no different. I’d overdosed on toxins and needed my Dopamine fix. So, yoga pants, backpack, camera and a huge appetite for nature, long walks and good food intact, I set out to Aspen with little to no planning.

“Don’t look back, keep moving forward”, once said the wise. When in Aspen though, look back, look up, look sideways, just keep looking. For no matter which way you choose to look from, there’ll be a view patiently seeking your perspective. I guess, that’s the “joy”.

Aspen Mountain Gondola ride is a delight even as it dwindles in the wind, causing queasy feelings. This 20 minutes uphill ride taught me some lessons on moving Point of Views(POVs). I started at a 30 feet view of life, where every thing seemed larger than life. The anticipations, the intricacies of emotions and the drama of it all was visible through a magnified lens.

But, as I let go and allowed life to lift me up (literally), my point of view changed into a birds eye view. Now, not only could I view the land and its people, but also the hills, the lakes, the animals, far flung places. In essence, I’d risen above the fray and was riding the wave. Once atop the Aspen Mountain, and out of the Gondola, I saw crowds of people enjoying the sun deck and partially snow veiled mountains greeting the onlooker. Same ride, back down, is equally humbling. Needless to say, what goes up must invariably come down. And even though this “Law of Gravity”, cannot be battled, there’s some joy in going downhill too. It’s an opportunity to pull away from the euphoria and ground myself back into reality.

What’s a hill station visit without a hike! So, I catch a free bus ride from Rubey Park to Aspen Highlands (15 minutes approx.) and then $8 ticket to Maroon — Bells (40 minutes).The bus ride and driver’s commentary filled with historic anecdotes are like a crunchy snack. Anyways, as I walk into the Magnificent Maroon — Bells, the beauty is appalling. I didn’t know what exactly to do with it. So ,I frantically start taking pictures, shoot, shoot and shoot until it finally sinks in, the mountain and its giggling lake are not going anywhere. Keep breathing in this benevolence. And guess what, this is just the beginning.

Start hiking, walk, walk and walk, across water falls, hillocks, pebbles, forests, wilderness and fellow hikers. Greet, smile and encourage each other. That’s’ the thing about wilderness, it brings the civilized population together. Suddenly the spirit of communion and camaraderie comes alive. The elevation could cause breathing interruptions, treat them as reminders to pause and rest. Not to push your body, but to listen and stay with it, the journey and all of its tits bits are just as important as the destination.

I don’t think I mentioned this, but the destination is Crater Lake and just as I’m nearing my goal, the group ahead of me informs that this trail doesn’t actually lead to Crater Lake, it’s a loop that’d take me back where I started. Ha! Much like life, I think you know where you’re headed until you don’t. I dash back and start again, much like life, each day is a new start. Inquiring from any human traces if they’d already found the jewel and if I am on the right track this time. Approximately 3.6 miles, it’s an uphill hike at 10,000' maximum elevation. This hike is immersed in the wild, variations of trees, views and beautiful wild flowers.

The elevation takes a dip into a basin where the stellar Crater Lake silently smiles. I’m a little more than spell bound by its serenity, beauty and peace. So much that this time I choose to gape at it and allow the overwhelming feeling to overpower and engulf me. Totally stumped by nature’s humility and grace, its enormous capacity to heal, nurture and give.

I can safely say that if not for the practicality of finding my way back alone, I would’ve sat there all day looking at what was in front of me. A partially snow baked mountain, a tenderly caressing lake and clear view of clouds floating above a bunch of wild flowers. In all, eternity baffling me and nudging me to give up the loud city life.

I realize that greatest blessings, they step in silently. They’re non transient and trust worthy for they’ve nothing to prove. What may change though, is seasonal view and the spirit it dresses it self in.

On my way back, I look back, look right, look left and keep looking. I can see and feel very clearly, that despite the fatigue, the dust, the sweat and awful sun burns, I’m in a happy place. I can feel a strange joy that’s got nothing to do with anything. Not because I made it to Maroon — Bells, not because I felt accomplished, not because of anything in specific, I was simply happy.

Humming along the downhill walk, I felt the joy in being. Simply being alive, having a life, having a heart and soul. Wish I could’ve bottled it up, deposited it in a bank and lived on its ROI. Sigh, that feeling unlike nature, is fleeting. Something about nature makes me deliriously happy and I could stay alive just to feel that feeling again.

About joy and its elusiveness. Regardless of the reasoning, if all of us were to be fed on an equal doze of such joy creating circumstances, the only factor separating our life experiences would be our capacity to consume and perceive nature’s impartial giving.

Back to downtown Aspen, excellent place to wander around, eat at and people watch. You’ll find out door benches, water splashes and kids prancing around like they’re celebrating life.

What I found most impressive though, is Aspen’s commercial intellect. No, I’m not referring to it’s obvious touristy élan. But the collaborative market style brimming with local, joint ventures. An example is, The Pyramid Bistro, a nutrition restaurant offering yummy, health vegan/vegetarian meals. This healthy haven is located (upstairs) in a bookstoreExplore Booksellers (downstairs). It’s kind of nice to browse through books, possibly buy one and read it alongside your meal. Especially for lone travelers like myself, the option is tempting and rather comforting.

Another cool example is Maker + Place, a collaborative effort to promote local artisans’ work. This store also boasts of a Local Coffee House within the same space.

To me, Aspen was a low fuss, fun and healthy friend I loved hanging out with.

Favorite bites :

New York Pizza, friendly staff that serves fresh, yummy pizza you could carry out and nibble on while people watching the chirpy downtown streets.

The Pyramid Bistro, grab a book at Explore Booksellers as you walk up the stairs to this clean and healthy eating experience.

Paradise Bakery, young, friendly and chatty staff that serves you awesome coffee, baking goods and ice cream you could enjoy while walking around the town.

Not so favorite bites:

Local Coffee House, I faced a not so friendly barista who couldn’t bother to talk through the very limited food options they displayed on their menu. The server was great but by that time, the barista had already tanked my mood. You see, the thing about food is that, how it is served to you makes all the difference! Anyways, I blame myself for staying on and not walking out the moment I saw that barista was in no mood to flex his mental muscle. Guess, I was in love with the idea of spending my morning reading and eating at this elegantly done place. If you’re NOT me, you may still grab a tasty bite. I’m not going back though ;)

Retail Fix :

Goop, soothing on the eye, you may find some organic, reasonably prized skin care.

Sweaty Betty, UK based brand. It’s love for a healthy living and a healthier partying motto resonated with me.

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