A sad day for Gizmo – a tiny pomeranian, who has been banned from entering Aspen, CO. The grevious crime for this horrible punishment? Biting the ankle of a worker at the Aspen Club on Aug 28, who then called the cops and had the dog thrown into Aspen Animal Shelter for 10 days.

Pomeranian

But that wasn’t enough. Municipal Judge Brooke Peterson ordered Gizmo’s owner Melinda Goldrich to ensure that the vicious dog would never be seen again in Aspen, on pain of being ‘confiscated’ and put to death.

Gizmo can no longer sit under the Aspens in Aspen, bark at the falling leaves and bite any passing ankle that he fancies. He can no longer wait for you to get off the ski-lift at Snowmass. He cannot hide under your seat in the shuttle bus which takes you to the majesty of the Maroon Bells. And he’s going to miss his personal favorite – stuck with the nice, fat ankles of tasty tourists in a gondola at Glenwood Caverns – with no escape route.

I’m sure you’re thinking this is all hyperbole. I mean, it would be understandable if the dog was a ferocious American Pit Bull Terrier. But Gizmo is a tiny Pomeranian.

See, the thing is, Gizmo has a thing for tasty ankles. He’s a serial biter and has already done time for the same offence. He was hauled up before the same judge earlier this year after biting someone in February. At that time, the judge had ordered Melinda Goldrich to make sure that the dog was never left unattended and free to pursue his ‘hobby.’

Tourists visiting Aspen can now walk around safely again – thanks to the courageous actions of the bitten victims, the long leash of the Aspen Police Dept and the Solomon-like wisdom of the Judiciary, who have split the dog from it’s owner. The reign of ankle-biting terror unleashed by Gizmo the Pomeranian is now over.

Only one question remains – Where did they send him to?

Photo by kjurnstorm

A bridge in the Grottos Day Use area in Independence Pass, CO.

Independence Pass connects Aspen and Leadville, Colorado via State Highway 82. It is the second-highest paved highway in Colorado, reaching 12,095 feet at its highest. With a 6.5% grade and narrow switchbacks all along the road, traversing Independence Pass is an adventure in the summertime, and prohibited completely in the winter (the road is closed altogether).

The ghost town in Independence Pass, CO.

In the late 1800’s, Independence Pass was the main route into and out of the Roaring Fork Valley during its heyday as a location for silver mining. The town of Independence was established in 1879, and by 1880 was inhabited by 1,000 people. Once the silver ore was completely mined, the population dwindled until the last person moved out in 1912. The ghost town is currently an historic landmark and active archaeological site.

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Who can argue that autumn is one of the most colorful times of year?

That was a rhetorical question.

Fall is pretty, mostly because of the glorious displays put on by the fall leaves changing color.  This phenomenon occurs all over the United States, but some spots offer better views than others.  Grab your camera and a road atlas and take a day trip to one of the 11 best fall foliage sites in America.

11 Places To See Fall Leaves

Fall Leaves on Carriage Road at Acadia National Park

1.  Acadia National Park – Maine

Of course anywhere in the North East is going to boast spectacular fall foliage.  The Acadia National Park offers gorgeous views and extensive Ranger-led educational programs so that you can learn more about what you’re staring at.  Make sure to head to Bar Harbor Maine before the end of October to take full advantage of the sights and services available.

Fall Leaves at Oak Mountain State Park

2.  Oak Mountain State Park – Alabama

Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park.  This nearly 10,000 acre forest is featured on several sight seeing lists.  Admission is only $3 for adults on weekends and holidays.  You can visit the park for fall foliage viewing from 7am to sundown.

Fall Foliage in New Hampshire

3.  Mt. Washington – New Hampshire

While it’s typical to see fall foliage while you’re driving, the Mount offers guided cruises on the M/S Mount Washington.  Starting Sunday, September 27, the Mount will offer Fall Foliage Dinner Cruises from 4:30 to 7 p.m. each Sunday through mid-October. The cruise departs from Weirs Beach, boarding at 4 p.m. Cost for adults is$43. Visit Cruise Mount Washington for more information.

Fall Color in Colorado

4.  Aspen – Colorado

It’s no surprise that Aspen, Colorado is the perfect place to watch the Aspen trees change colors with the seasons.  San Isabel National Forest offers extensive trails for viewing of some of the most fabulous aspen trees in Colorado.

New York Fall Foliage

5.  The Catskills – New York

The Catskills and Hudson Valley region is about a two hour drive from New York City.  One of the unique features of this area is that the color changing season lasts about six weeks, with colors rivaling those of its North Eastern neighbors, Vermont and Massachusetts.

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Well, we’re back. Ten days, 3026 miles, and 912 pictures later. I’d like to summarize my trip with some favorite pictures from each day and each stop along our route. Rest assured, you will all be regaled with details over the coming weeks!

7/30: A long-haul drive – Phoenix, AZ to Salt Lake City, UT. The picture is of the Painted Desert in northern Arizona, taken from the truck as we drove along.

7/31: Another long-haul drive – Salt Lake City, UT to Teton Village, WY; exploring Jackson Hole, WY. The first picture is of downtown Jackson Hole with a view of the Jackson Hole ski area. The second picture is of downtown Jackson Hole, by the entrance to the Town Square (one of the famous Elk Antler Arches can be seen to the left).

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