Summer in the snowfields (Aspen, Snowmass...)

Emma says: A brilliant day for the team today. We started the morning with a vocational visit, and I was lucky enough to visit the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) which was founded by Amory Lovins who spoke at the District Conference on Saturday night.

RMI is a non-profit organisation which aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by promoting solutions which are economically attractive to governments and big business. They are also involved in consulting to organisations on sustainable solutions for towns and buildings. I had an incredibly interesting morning discussing some recent projects RMI have been involved in, including a recent green retrofit of the Empire State Building in New York and some energy efficient car designs. I was also lucky enough to get a tour of the home of Amory Lovins, which formerly doubled as the headquarters for RMI, and is considered a shining example of a green residence. The building contains all natural heating and is home to several banana trees which are now producing their 29th and 30th banana crops - not bad for a home located just outside of Aspen and subject to temperatures around 0C for a lot of the year!

For the rest of the day we were hosted by some of the guys from Snowmass RC who were a good laugh and out to show us a good time. Snowmass is just up the road from Aspen and the largest of the ski resorts in the area. So we bundled into 4-wd vehicles and headed to the top of one of the local peaks, known as Elk Camp, driving 'paths' that were near vertical at times. The view was spectacular, and provided a stunning view while we enjoyed a picnic lunch at 12,000 feet. I don't think I was the only one imagining the slopes covered in powdery white snow - I will definitely be back to this part of the world!

On the way down the slopes we stopped for another brief yet unsuccessful fishing attempt in a small lake (possibly time to give the fishing a rest!), then we headed into Aspen - woohoo! Aspen was great but our time there was brief. We got a tour of some of the local homes including that of Jack Nicholson. This town is beyond belief - US$4-5 million will get you the most basic property!

A quick drink at a local establishment, then the obligatory t-shirt run (and magnet for those at work who are wondering!), then we were back into Snowmass for a small reception with some more of the Snowmass gang. Having irresponsibly gourged ourselves on fabulous nibbles we then also had dinner with our hosts back in Glenwood Springs at one of the fabulous brew pubs that Colorado has to offer.

So with my gut aching once again from over-indulging, tonight I find myself packing for our trip to Grand Junction and the last of our stops in Colorado on what has been an incredible trip.