Ten Miles From Aspen

Ten Miles from Aspen is the true-life story of Joanne Brand in the 1960s and '70s on the family guest ranch, Elk Mountain Lodge, just ten miles from the world-renowned ski resort of Aspen, Colorado. She and her husband, Larry, partnered the operation with his brother. She vividly tells her observation of life at that time. Life was not all the glitz and glamour like Aspen.

Each chapter weaves new experiences, often mingled with historical events of those years. Summer stories include managing cabin guests with a smile, a bear and wood cutting adventure, horse catastrophes, and rescues of mountain climbers in the summer. Winter involved snowmobile and cross-country skier clashes, a shooting, avalanches resulting in rescues or death, and frozen pipes six feet below ground under six feet of snow. Dangerous fires created fear, but not as strong as the threats to the author's family. In the summer, jeep tours gave many tourists a thrill or scare. Water shocks came from the reservoir either by lightning or strange debris, while skunk invasions brought out the incense and strong words. TV and magazine advertising agencies, in winter and summer, used the land or a cabin for their shots. Homemade dandelion wine created doctors' smiles, while dynamite blasts generated excitement. Some famous celebrities gave surprises as guests, or they stirred up the Aspen political scene. The not-as-famous Georgie Leighton, a legend in Aspen, was a pasture tenant several years.

Many clashes with hippies brought out the wicked witch in the author due to her strong moral and ethical values. Life was not glamorous, but more interesting, exciting and humorous than a normal life.

Ten Miles from Aspen gives a different viewpoint of guest ranch life and tells of the hard work and struggles mixed with the glory of living high in the Rocky Mountains. Be sure to check out the Excerpts and Photos.

Reviews

".. delightfully describes life in the 1960's & 1970's near-yet-far from world-famous Aspen. In this book, Joanne Brand has captured the personalities of people, animals (both wild and domestic), Colorado mountains, the city Aspen and Castle Creek valley." Marvin Berryman, Denver

"Joanne tells of her life raising three children while helping to run a high altitude lodge in the Rocky Mountains. She fills her book with love, sorrow, heartache and humor. It's a good read for anyone who wants to know what living in the Rocky Mountains is like." Patricia H. Quinlan

"I personally know some of the people that are in this book and I enjoyed it. What a reminder that the "good ol' days" were full of not all good, but not all bad either! I liked the way the book kept my attention. It is an enjoyable read." Elaine McCullough Raytown, MO

"Joanne Brand's unique memoir was a joy to read. Her descriptions of the beautiful surroundings brought back memories. Her hassles with some very annoying customers added spice that gave the work authenticity and humor. " Charley Pierce. author of "A Mourning dove Sings My Song" (Outskirts Press and Amazon}

Many more reviews on Amazon.com