Unless you have been living under a rock, or in a cold-war-era post-apocalyptic bunker, you have heard of the pandemic sweeping the globe: COVID-19. However, if you are one of those aforementioned self-isolating and social distancing trend setters, here’s the skinny: allegedly originating because some daring soul pulled an Ozzy and ate a bat, the corona virus has been headline news and sweeping its way around the world for the last several months. Cities, towns, and countries have shut down in response, stranding cruise ships at sea, grounding plans, and inadvertently causing a toilet paper shortage, in order to contain and limit the spread of the virus. Now, several months later, we are beginning to open back up.
Here in Aspen, Colorado where tourism is our primary source of business, the end of the ski season came to a screeching halt via an ordinance from the Governor to shut down. While we mourned the lost days of spring skiing and end of season parties, and bid farewell to our beloved guests, the Roaring Fork Valley Community pulled together to bolster one another. We washed our hands religiously; we stayed inside; we stayed six-feet apart; we donned our masks and did not hoard toilet paper. Yes, dear reader, we have done all of these necessary things over the past several months so that we could get to this point – the point where we can start to welcome you back with metaphorically open arms.
The snow hasn’t stopped melting, the rivers haven’t stopped running, the flowers haven’t stopped blooming, and hikes haven’t stopped existing. Currently, we are in a phased opening. What does that mean? Adventure returns to Aspen, Colorado. All of the things that you know and love, or don’t know and are looking to explore, about Colorado are starting to become viable options of activity again. Life is starting to breathe (through a covered nose and mouth, of course) back into our beloved town. And we, at Aspen Whitewater Rafting, are beyond thrilled to be back on the water and can’t wait to make others fall in love with rafting the same way we have. After all, there is a reason we have been at this for over 20 years.
We are still hand washing religiously, keeping our face covered when appropriate, and social distancing when possible. BUT we are also getting outside and on the water. As one recent guest put it: “This was such a great trip with my son. We have done many trips together and this is one of the best… They took all the precautions needed for Covid… Perfect thing to do during all this craziness!” Dear reader, if you don’t believe me – check it out for yourself.