This past weekend was low-key from a training perspective, but I still enjoyed some time in the high country.  My girlfriend, Carla, and I went to Aspen, CO, for the weekend to catch the last of the fall foliage and to celebrate her birthday.  We had a great weekend and did a couple of hikes in the Maroon Bells area where we enjoyed the raw weather and scenic beauty.  The last of the Aspen stands are turning gold and soon the last leaves of autumn will be on the ground, ushering in the start of winter.  With the recent snows and the return of La Niña, it promises to be an early, snowy winter, of which I look forward to taking full advantage.  It should make for some great training and mountain fun in the lead-up to my trips to Patagonia and then, of course, Everest.