The Annabelle Inn

Well I couldn’t be happier to how July has started. On the night of the 3rd, I took my girlfriend Toni on her first, backpacking trip (South Fork Pass). I chose a route that started about an hour and a half drive from town. That way, once our ride had left, there was no backing out. We made it almost 50 yards up the trail before she stopped dead in her tracks to ask, ”What is that?” Well ‘that’ was a well-sized bear dropping. Now, there are two ways this could go. I took the easy way; I lied. “Elk (poop*)” was my reply and the hike continued. Needless to say, we made our miles that day. We enjoyed a wonderful Pad Thai in a bag by a small campfire. It was just us, thousands of stars and twice that many mosquitoes. Truly romantic!

We awoke on the fourth of July to a perfect summer day. We made the top of the pass with a bit of sweat, no tears or blood, and headed down the Lost Man basin. The solitude of the day was broken only once as 4, F10s from the Air Force Academy flew low over us on their annual route around Colorado buzzing towns in honor of our nations birthday. It was not until we were about a mile from the trailhead that we ran into our first fellow hikers. We got back to highway 82 and hitched a ride (I hope Toni’s Mom is not reading this) back into town.

That night we attended the fireworks. It was two years ago to the day that I had met Toni. So it seemed to me to be perfect time to ask her to marry me; so I did. Despite the fact that I was so nervous I; a) mumbled the question more than asked it AND b) opened the ring box upside down, proudly displaying the empty lid of a ring box, she said YES. So, as you can probably guess, I am walking on air and looking forward to a spring wedding in that little burg known as New York City.

In other July news…. The Annabelle Inn softball finished the regular season in 3rd place. While we did not fare so well in the end of season tournament, it was a fun season and I thank all the guys. Most of us are in our late 30s. We played with the skill of 10 year olds, but with the heart of 19 year olds, and no brains at all. I could not have hoped for more.

I’d like to send a big thank you to my Mom and Dad for reminding me, constantly, to update the manager’s journal.

On another note, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Tony “TK” Krause to the Annabelle Inn team. As many of you know Dave Lis has made his way back east to cheer on the Patriots and Red Sox in person. In his stead, we have hired Tony Krause. Tony joins us from the Aspen Square where he spent several years dominating the front desk. TK also spent several years at the venerable Holland House Ski Lodge, so I know he can handle anything we throw at him.

How can it be October already? The summer finished in a flash. The fall in Aspen was brief this year. The trees turned early and we got a big snow in late September that took a toll on the fall colors. As usual, what we got was well worth it. But a short fall can be good.

The early snow bodes well for the coming ski season. There is snow on the tops of the slopes already and all the surrounding peaks are holding their snow. Normally, we expect the first snow in town around Halloween, so we are off to a great start. The real die hards have hiked up Montazuma basin and were rewarded with close to two feet on the 27th of September, how about that. I personally, am waiting for the lifts are open.

As I type the precipitation has begun again, bit of a mix here in town so it must be dumping up top!

It has been a bustling summer here in Aspen. Our little Inn has been as busy as one could hope for and it seems all of our guests are having a good ol’ time. July ended up being rather rainy. Sadly, the fireworks were cancelled on for the fourth of July. That seemed to be a signal for the skies to open up and we got rained on hard for most of July and the start of August.

Still, we managed to have some fun. Several of Colorado’s 14,000 ft peaks have felt the treads of our boots. Dave took a nice river float and Kyle has caught a few concerts both here and on the front-range. The wildflowers are entering their peak and have been very nice near the pass (think Lost Man loop and Grizzly Creek).

Speaking of Kyle Quinn, we are sad to see him leave. Kyle joined us last winter and did a wonderful job. Everyone wishes Kyle luck as he returns to his prior life as a studious Corn Husker at University of Nebraska. Another departure will hit us next month as Dave Lis returns ‘back East’ to rejoin his family. Dave has been the assistant manager here since November ’04 and was an invaluable asset as the hotel opened. As we established ourselves here in town Dave stamped his personality on the Annabelle.

So with a little trepidation, we enter the fall. It will be hard to fill the shoes of Dave and Kyle, but we shall do our best. Tune in next letter and we’ll give you the details.

Today is the opening of the summer season. With the Food and Wine Classic starting on Friday our sleepy little town has become a bustling resort again. It has been a glorious spring. The rivers are running high, the fish are biting, and the early hiking is as good as it gets.

We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces this summer. Book soon. We are selling many more rooms in advance this year than last and have sold out for some summer weekends already. To that end; a big,” Thank you!” to all of our guests that have been telling their friends about the Annabelle Inn. Our work of mouth response has been wonderful.

Our plans for the summer include lots of hiking, softball, tennis, and many great concerts. What are your plans?

Dec. 1, 2005

I have to admit, I was beginning to get nervous. Now it is unpopular to speak poorly of the snow pack; but things were thin. But last week we got hammered to the tune of two plus feet over two days. It was a day that almost all skiers, especially ski bums, would quit their jobs to enjoy. Fortunately it was my day off; so I didn’t have to quit to ski. (Editors note: David “Day Off Dave” Lis went on to be scheduled off for every major storm for the rest of the season.)

So if you’ve been holding off on booking your ski trip, now is the time. The snow is great and there is more on the way.

The 4th of July has past, the dust has settled from the Grand Opening, and summer is in full swing. Opportunities to enjoy Aspen and the surrounding wilderness abound. The rivers are running strong and recent warm weather has opened the backcountry to those who prefer hiking boots to snow shoes. Come visit us!

A moment must be taken to thank those that made our Grand Opening celebration such a success. Peggy Russell, who worked countless hours to complete the vision in the rooms. The entire Chookaszian family, who have watched the hotel rise from the foundation up and worked tirelessly towards completion. Of course, we cannot forget all of our friends who joined us for a special night in the Rockies.

Music fans of all genres have much to look forward to this summer. The Janus Jazz Aspen Concerts have Bozz Scaggs, David Byrne, and others kicking off the summer. The sometimes FREE classical concerts get started as David Zinnman once again leads the Aspen Music School program for the next six weeks. I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to enjoying some music on the lawn by the music tent. Thursday nights mean free concerts in Snowmass and there are several concerts at the Aspen Highlands. Of course you can stroll the mall and listen to musicians play in town all day as well. Touring acts like the Samples, Dr. John, and the Radiators are maintaining Aspens legendary nightlife reputation. There’s almost too much music… did I say that?

If the backcountry is more your thing the trails are open and the mountains are beautiful. The wet spring has made for a very green spring and the peaks look beautiful holding the last of the winters snow. The wild flowers are starting to bloom and will soon dominate above the tree line. The air is still cool.

The spring of ’05 will be one to remember for everyone at The Annabelle Inn. Several late snowfalls kept the skiing in prime form right to the end. There were many great turns to be had. The adventurous found some great powder in the Highlands Bowl late into March. Meanwhile, I enjoyed the pleasures of groomers in the sun. Spring did not forsake us; the Roaring Fork Valley enjoyed many of those cloudless ‘postcard’ days. Putting the ski season to rest, we can now look forward to the upcoming summer.

In closing the winter season, we’d like to thank all the guests that stayed with us during our opening months. Your insights, kind words, and (occasionally) patience were all greatly appreciated. We cannot fail to send a Thank You to Charles ‘CR’ Russell, whose dedication to the completion of the construction and opening of the hotel were crucial to the success we’ve had thus far. Good luck to CR as he pursues his studies in Chicago.

Now, dust off your hiking boots, get out the fishing rod, and grease the chain on your bicycle. It is time for the summer season!

The excellent snow pack in the Elk Range this winter is a good start for the summer. We received 110% of the average snow pack for the past six years. The fishing on the Gold Medal trout streams of the valley should be excellent. The melt off will also provide for top river conditions for rafting and kayaking. The wild flowers that bloom in July and August should be plentiful. Perhaps a horseback ride or even paragliding. There is so much to look forward to this season it is hard to know where to start.