========================================= AUGUST IN ASPEN....a Special Report from Rocky Mountain High 9/10/98 ========================================= Reports on the Events in Aspen, CO - August 1998 ================================================ From: Eve Saizan Greetings Friends, Just want to send my love and greetings to ALL OF YOU out there! We (Paris and I) had the most wonderful time in Aspen and are fortunate to have met so many of you! It's the absolute truth: John Denver Fans are the most WONDERFUL folks on this planet!! It really felt like family and the whole weekend felt like a total 'dream' to me... I kept asking Paris to pinch me to make sure this was all really happening!! I don't think I have ever done anything so rewarding in my life as planting those trees in John's sanctuary; it was the most awesome sight to see so many united in one purpose. The dedication was so moving, we laughed, we cried, we hugged, we shared... awesome! The gala evening was incredible (Tom's stories were so 'authentic' and so meaningful, I will never forget them!) Ellen and Steve's song "In All of My Skies" was so FAR*OUT!!!!!! We have got to get this played on all the radio stations in the world... the lyrics are totally all John, absolutely!! A dream came true for me personally when we were able to go to the Maroon Bells. I have wanted to go there for so long and it became a reality. When I first caught a glimpse of them I was in shock... I couldn't believe that they were so big and so REAL. We took over 100 pictures just at the Maroon Bells alone!! I could feel John's spirit with us throughout the whole event! At one point while I was walking to my car during the planting, I looked up at the sky and was enjoying the warmth of the sun, when I looked down at my feet and there, all alone, was one gold aspen leaf with a small green streak... I picked it up and placed it in my car and I have pressed it in Tom's book "Journey to Center". I was kind of disappointed that the aspen leaves had not begun to change color and I feel that, perhaps, this was John's 'gift' to me or maybe it was his way of thanking me for making the effort to make this trip to Aspen... anyway, it was a real personal and awesome moment for me to find this single gold aspen leaf. ...FRIENDS WITH YOU, Eve Saizan, San Jose, CA ================================== From: Don Larson I left for Aspen about 10:30 am on Friday morning. I had business to do on the way and I got to Aspen about 3:30 PM. I had a delivery at the Post Office and after I finished I was driving out of the parking lot when I noticed some people sitting around a picnic table across the street. The people were a lot of the John Denver fans who were gathering to meet each other. They came from all over. Later I found my friend Betsy and her daughter, Kristen and I went with them while they had dinner. After that we drove up to Snowmass and we watched the Perseid Meteor showers. We weren't disappointed, we all saw meteors streak across the sky. We then retired for the night and got some sleep to get ready for the next day. On Saturday morning we all gathered at the park that they were going to dedicate as the John Denver Sanctuary later that afternoon. We all planted new trees and bushes, they said we did over 160. It was hard work but well worth it. They had all the holes dug and that helped out a lot. At 11:30 we met our friends Evelyn and Rob for lunch at the Ajax Tavern. Then at 2 PM they had the formal dedication of the park. John's mother Erma was there, along with Annie, Anna Kate and Zachary. Hal Thau was there along with Annie's mother and father. The mayor of Aspen read a proclamation and Annie talked. Music was provided by a children's choir and a group that included John Sommers who played in John's band. It was a very emotional time for Erma. She broke down in tears many times during the ceremonies. She was later led by Tom Crum to a spot near where I was standing. I had brought a 40x60 collage that I made with pictures of John's records, sheet music, CD's, posters and just about anything you could have imagined. All I can say is that everyone who saw it was thrilled to see it and I was so honored by all the compliments that I received from all who saw it. Erma thought that it was out of this world. Annie and the kids looked at it and she said it was a wonderful tribute. Erma told me that we would have lunch together sometime in the future, I can't wait for that. It was almost impossible to try to drink it all in. That night there was a dinner at the Silvertree in Snowmass. I did not attend that event, I went with my friends Julie and Jerry to the Woody Creek tavern near Starwood for dinner. After dinner we went to the airport to see the bronze bust of John that has been hung there for display. Sunday morning, I picked up Betsy and her daughter and I took them to the airport to see the bronze bust again. We then tried to go to the Maroon Bells. We didn't realize that we had to catch the bus from downtown. So we didn't make it out there. We ran out of time, because we had to go back downtown and catch the gondola to have lunch on top of Aspen Mountain. After lunch we sat around and sang John's songs along with those who had brought guitars. It was a wonderful time and what better place to do it at the top of the mountain. After that we all met in downtown Aspen for good-byes and pictures. I was surprised that there weren't more people there. I think there was around 150 or so there. I thought in my mind that there would be around a thousand. It will be interesting to see how many will be there in October. It was a wonderful time and I hope through this story that you felt like you were there also. Peace, Don Larson Evergreen, CO ============================= From: Deborah Barton Hi everyone! Bruce and I got back from Aspen last night and there is still much unpacking to do! We arrived there Thursday afternoon. We drove past twin lakes and through Independence Pass which is more beautiful than I can describe in words! We started our weekend video there. On Friday we had lunch at Woody Creek Tavern, one of John's old haunts. It has a lot of character and seemed to be filled with people who looked like JD fans! We just couldn't identify them yet! At 4pm we met other fans for our Meet & Greet. FINALLY, I was able to put faces and voices to cyber-friends!! What an experience to see all these REAL human beings! Bruce and I did the beaver nature walk with many others. There we met even more folks! We had dinner that night with six others and got to know each other a little better. We laughed a LOT! Saturday morning we went to the area where the John Denver Sanctuary is to plant trees. We got in teams of 10 and began planting. I later cut a photo and brief caption out of the Aspen Daily News which said 175 volunteers and fans planted 260 trees and bushes! It was quite an impressive project! Bruce and I worked with a 10 foot tall crab apple tree. What a feeling it was to roll that huge base into the hole (pre-dug, fortunately) and begin to fill it with dirt! I felt so many emotions (and body aches), all the while I was thinking about John and how I was doing this for him. A lunch was provided for all the volunteers after our work was done. We sat around in the sun and listened to music before the dedication at 2 pm. In between I videotaped the planting going on and some of the people. At shortly before 2 pm John's mother, children and Annie and her parents were gathering among us. I spoke with Erma and told her something I regret never having written to John. It was tearful. In fact, the whole dedication was an emotional, tearful experience for both me and Bruce and those around us as well as the family and friends of John. It was a surprise that Zak and Anna Kate stayed in the audience rather than up front! Fortunately I had a tripod and set the camera to just record so I could cry and laugh without jiggling! Towards the end of the dedication there were a few sprinkles of rain and the sun was beaming behind the clouds, almost as if John was smiling on us! After the ceremony I spoke briefly with Annie, then Bruce and I crawled back to our hotel to nap!!!! Saturday night we attended the Gala at the Silvertree Hotel in Snowmass Village. The food was delicious and we met and made connections with MORE people! Phil Christie opened with "Welcome To My Morning". He also sang "Yellowstone" which we had not heard before. Tom Crum told stories about himself and John in between beautiful music by Ellen Stapenhorst and her brother Steve. The silent auction table was so jammed with people that I didn't get to see what was on it!! At the break our eyes were drooping and we decided to leave. Right outside the door, Jan McReynolds and friends were holding up a 12 foot wide, six foot high canvas of John and the Muppets!!! It was AWESOME! Photos and video of course! Sunday morning we took the gondola up Aspen mountain. There we attempted to hike (chuckle), talked with folks and decided to go to Maroon Bells with Jan McReynolds and her sister. We had lunch at a German restaurant and who walked in but John Sommers! He stood and chatted with a couple of ladies. We missed the goodbye gathering because a group of us were exploring on our own. Sunday night we had dinner at the Tower Restaurant (John's) in Snowmass. After dinner we went to Jan's and saw all her suncatchers named with John's songs. I bought Rocky Mountain High which is most exquisite! She did a beautiful job on these!! We left Aspen Monday morning and stopped to visit a friend along the way. So we're back home again and we have the memories (and video) of the weekend to reflect on whenever we choose. I'm signed up for October already. I wouldn't miss that one for the world! Blessings.... Deborah =============================== From: Frank DeLaMarre Laura and I just returned from Aspen. We attended the dedication of the "John Denver Sanctuary" there. I got to sing for Annie, talk to her, Zachary, Anna Kate, John's mother Erma, Annie's father, John Sommers and a lot of great JD fans. We were all planting trees, flowers and such, when my friend Mark suggested that I should quit planting, get my guitar and walk around singing and entertaining the workers. So I did. I felt a little guilty, but the people planting all told me it was great. I let Laura keep on working! I think I caused a few work stoppages though. As I would sing, a lot of people would stop and take pictures and movies. After the planting was done, we ate lunch and we were all sitting around in the park waiting for John's family to arrive for the dedication. Anne Yager, a fellow fan, said "We're bored Frank, play some songs for us." She had heard me play and sing the night before at the Meteor Showers. You don't have to ask me twice. I had the guitar out ASAP! I sang for about half an hour when a guy named Casey (part of the dedication music team), asked me why I wasn't in front of the microphone. I told him no one had asked me to. He said, "With a voice like that you can sing in front of the microphone". Karen D'Attillo the leader of the Earthbeat Choir came over and said to go for it. She even said that I was the first person she's ever heard sing JD's songs that she actually liked to listen to. She said she's had a hard time with other people singing John's songs since he died. So I got up and Casey hooked me up to the sound system and I sang several more songs. At one point, I realized that John's family would be arriving soon and I wanted Annie to hear me sing "Perhaps Love." Somewhere into the first verse I looked up and there was Annie just watching me sing and looking totally joyed and amazed. I played a couple more songs and then it was time for the dedication to start, so I took my seat. After the dedication was done (it was great, too), I approached Annie and gave her two copies of my CD with my dedication song "Take Him Home". I thought she already had it, but as it turns out, she didn't. She looked at me and said, "When I walked into the park and heard the singing, I thought for sure it was John. You sound just like John". Well, at this point I'm about ready to float away on cloud nine. Annie is such a "sweet lady." We talked for a little and then I went off to give CDs to the rest of the family. Before we left the park I looked over at Annie while she was talking to some other people. She waved at me and said "Thank you for the tapes (CDs) and I can't believe how much you sound like John." Well, I walked over to her again and told her a story. My CD is played in my home town from time to time and every time a JD song comes on the radio, my Grandma (who's 92) asks, "Is that Frankie?" To which my mother replies, "No Ma, that's John Denver." Well, Annie really had a good laugh about this. Annie sure has a lot of class. This was no less a loss for her than it was for Erma. Annie and John never fell out of love. You could really tell. With a bit of luck, Saturday afternoon turned out to be the most rewarding part of the trip! Peace, Frank ============================= From: Brenda My weekend started with my family and I driving 2 trucks and pulling a pop-up trailer from Pueblo to Aspen. We took 2 vehicles so I could do my JD things and the family could do theirs! We stayed at a great little campsite about 5 miles southeast of Aspen. As a family, we hadn't gone camping in about 10 years, so this was quite a new experience for all of us!! I think our kids were quite surprised at the survival skills of their parents! hehehe!

The first night we spent our time setting up camp, cooking dinner, building the campfire, sippin' coffee and cocoa, roasting marshmallows and watching for meteors. Because we were so nestled deep in the mountains, we weren't able to see any meteors (bummer), but we sure thought of them a lot :) I actually thought I saw one, but I won't bet money on it. :)

The next morning, I went to the tree planting, but because of some back problems I have, I don't know how much good I did other than helping spread the dirt and wood chips around some! I left to have lunch with Don Larson, Rob and Evelyn, Betsy and her daughter Kristin, and some other folks at the Ajax Tavern. Great company, great food...."Life is so good these days." I returned to the park for the dedication ceremony shortly after the family arrived. Others have very eloquently explained the events that occurred so I won't bore you with the same info, but know that each person who spoke, had something very special to add to the event. I was saddened to see that near the end, Erma had to go to the back of the area because she was so overcome with emotion, but she soon recovered and slowly began to mingle with the crowd, as did Annie, Zak, Anna Kate, Tom Crum, Hal Thau and others. I will say this; That entire family have so much class, because even though they may not have wanted to, they stayed around anyway and talked to *many* of us as we took pictures, smiled, laughed and cried. I know the family loved Don's collage and had some great comments about it, too! Way to go, Don! I can't believe I forgot to bring my camera to the ceremony...duh!! If anyone has pics they'd like to share, I'd be grateful. :) After I mustered up the gumption to mosey over to Annie, I presented her with a print of my "Maroon Bells - A Tribute to John Denver" picture. I explained (while sobbing...LOL!) about what John meant to me and how John influenced me, and had it not been for him, I probably wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today (my art). She looked at it, held it close to her and said "Thank you so much. John would LOVE this" and then gave me a hug. I cried some more. LOL

I also introduced myself to Erma, Zak and Anna Kate and told them they were like family to us and that we think of them daily. They were all very sweet and even a little more shy than I thought they would be. :) That night, I didn't attend the Gala Event, but I enjoyed smoked rainbow trout that my son caught and then went out on the town with my family. The next morning, we went to Maroon Bells, which was even more beautiful than I remembered. I didn't forget the camera this time. Brenda Pueblo, CO ====================================== From: Cami Green On Friday we got to Aspen at 4:30 pm and went to the hotel, then met the other JD fans at Lake Hallam Nature Preserve. We got our packets and took a nature walk-very beautiful. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. On Saturday we got to the Rio Grande Park and Carol Sue and I watched everyone plant 250 trees and flowers for the JD Sanctuary. We talked to a lot of fans. Then we went a found a really close seat for the dedication of the Sanctuary. We all sat and ate lunch and listened to Frank DelaMare sing JD songs while we waited for it to start. Then Annie, Zak, Anna Kate, Erma, Hal Thau, and Annie's parents all showed up. I got pictures of everyone. The Earthbeat Choir sang 2 songs then a gentleman talked; then Hal Thau. The Mayor of Aspen talked, then the Earthbeat Choir sang 2 more JD songs. When Annie got up to talk it was really hot out, a breeze suddenly started to blow lightly and a cloud moved and blocked the sun. She donated $25,000 dollars towards the JD Sanctuary. After she sat down the breeze went away and the cloud moved away from the sun. John Sommers and Ellen and Steve who are brother and sister sang 2 tribute songs that they wrote that made everyone cry. Erma cried so hard she had to get up and leave. She had to have 2 people help her to the back of the park. We gave her a standing ovation. Then as we were getting ready to sing "Rocky Mtn High" it started raining. We left at 3:30 PM. We knew that John was there with us. The spirit was so strong and powerful. It was really special. That night we went to the dinner at the Silvertree Hotel. They had an auction and a memorabilia sale. John Sommers and Ellen sang songs and then Tom Crum got up and told stories about JD. Then some other people got up and sang some more songs. On Sunday we took a Gondola ride to the top of Ajax Mountain which is at 11,212 feet. We had lunch there and spent the day on the top of the mountain. We picked up some rocks and pine cones to bring back with us. We came back down at 2:30p.m. and wandered around Aspen and did some shopping, and ate dinner. Then we decided to try and find JD's house. We went on this road and past a house that had a kangaroos crossing sign in the backyard. We didn't find JD's house. We came back down and saw some JD fans and they asked us where we went and told them we tried to find JD's house. They told us that Annie's house had a kangaroo crossing sign in the backyard. We had passed that house 4 times. John had brought that back to Annie on a previous trip to Australia before he was with Cassie, We went back up and took some pictures of it, and came back down and we to bed. On Monday we took a tour of Maroon Bells-wow, and we came back down and decided to look for JD's house again. We found the road that takes you to Starwood which is a gated community and the security guard would not let us in, but he gave us a map of Starwood. We came back down to the main road and Saw JD's house. I started crying. Then we left and came home. I wanted to thank Carol Sue Myers and Dorothy Coburn for helping me be able to go on this trip. I had a truly wonderful time. You too are dear and cherished friends. Cami Green Murray, Utah - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Carol There are a million things to tell you all about the Aspen weekend just past, but one thing that especially stays in my mind is this: during the dedication ceremony of the Sanctuary we looked up and the most beautiful eagle was soaring above us. What more can I say? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Christine Moon August in Aspen: After a long journey during which we almost missed our connection to Denver, we finally arrived at our motel in the late afternoon of 12 August, 10 months since the day that our beloved John left us. Once we had checked in, we decided to visit the church in Aurora where the Memorial Service was held for John last October. It is a beautiful building, and much smaller than it appeared on TV. We sat quietly in the darkened church, imagining all that had taken place there. I could see in my mind's eye John's family sitting in the front pews, his photo displayed by the altar, and so many of his friends filling the church. I remembered the loving eulogies given by John's dear friends including Tom Crum, Hal Thau, Joe Henry and Diane Cirincione, and by his brother Ron and his Uncle Abe. I envisioned the time when John sang for his mother in that church on Mother's Day, and when he sang there for his father - the same songs that were played at his own Service. It must have been so hard for John's mother to hear those songs again in such sad circumstances. Allison said a prayer aloud and we each said our silent prayers for John, then we went outside into the Colorado sunshine. Right outside the door of the church are several eucalyptus trees, and one right by the door made me think of how John had his vision of Windstar as he sat in a eucalyptus tree in Tucson.. This particular tree was just right for climbing, and possessed a sturdy horizontal branch to sit upon. I was almost tempted to climb it myself in hope of receiving inspiration! All in all, it was a very moving visit for us. The next morning we headed out to Georgetown, where John filmed the movie "A Christmas Gift", for a brief stop before continuing to Aspen over the beautiful Independence Pass. Thursday evening was spent at Windstar where Richard Hatch inspired us with his presentation on speaking out for our beliefs. At one point we were given a beautiful double rainbow, and a cloud that resembled angel's wings - I guess John wanted us to know who sent the rainbow! Richard also spoke about a movie that he intends to make next year about John's life (yes, it is likely he will be playing the part of John) and he showed us a short video "trailer". After Richard's presentation. We went outside to watch the Perseid meteor showers. It wasn't exactly "rainin' fire in the sky" but we did see some spectacular shooting stars, streaking across the sky. Friday morning saw us back at Windstar, where we learned about Cherokee ways from a lady named Sandy who was part Cherokee herself. Later we learned and practiced some communication skills, led by JP McDaniel. JP has been writing a book about John and Windstar for the past three years, and Richard's movie project is connected with that (though it is not "the movie of the book") as he and JP are friends. In the late afternoon we met with other members of the World Family of John Denver at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Some of you may recall seeing a film clip of John walking there in the winter time, admiring a golden eagle. We were shown around the centre, which has a wildlife sanctuary including a lake inhabited by beavers, and introduced to that eagle. She was rescued as a young bird who had crash-landed on Aspen Mountain, and has lived at ACES for many years as she is unable to fly. That evening we joined people (whom we could not see due to darkness) in Snowmass to view the meteor showers once again. Despite "light pollution" from the nearby road we saw a few shooting stars with tails stretching right across the sky. Far out! Saturday was the highlight of the whole trip for us. We arrived at the Rio Grande Park at 8.30 a.m. to register to plant trees and other plants in the John Denver Sanctuary. We were assigned to teams led by Parks Department personnel, and we found ourselves with eight other Windstar people and a friendly guy named Vince. Our task was to plant five fairly large crab-apple trees, fortunately in pre-dug holes! Vince explained that these particular trees had been chosen for their flowers, and that native trees such as aspens and cottonwoods were to be planted elsewhere in the Sanctuary. Before long we were told that the holes for the trees needed to be wider, and we all set to work in the brilliant sunshine with our shovels to increase the space for the roots of John's special trees. Each tree was "watered in" with a "soup" of water and a powder containing a symbiotic fungus that would assist root development and help the trees to thrive. Fertilizer tablets were lovingly placed by the roots of each tree and fine topsoil used to fill each hole. So much love went into planting those trees, I know they will grow strong and remind everyone of our John for many years to come. We were later told that around 180 people were there working for John that day. I know he felt our love. When the planting was complete (288 trees were planted, plus numerous perennial plants) we were given a box lunch to eat while waiting for the dedication ceremony, which began at 2 p.m. Chairs were placed at the front for John's family and Aspen officials, and John's mother Erma was there along with Annie and her parents, and John's friend and manager Hal Thau. Zak and Anna Kate chose to remain in the audience. The Mayor of Aspen, John Bennett, read a formal proclamation listing many of John's environmental and philanthropic achievements, and concluding with "and his music and a thousand other things". Hal Thau spoke of his long friendship with John, and of Plant-It 2000 which John founded and which is run by Hal's son Michael (who was in the audience). Plant-It 2000 contributed $10,000 to the Sanctuary, to add to the $10,000 donated by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Annie, who is contributing $25,000 for the boulder garden that is to be established in the Sanctuary, also spoke. She read a poem that had been sent her by someone who had been at John's Texas concerts last September, and who had lost a daughter in a car accident. She told us that John is now in a place of light, that he is safe, and that he is able to rest. Her words were very moving. The Earthbeat Choir, a group of local children, sang Children of the Universe and The Flower That Shattered The Stone, then their director Karen D'Attilo introduced John Sommers, Steve Stapenhorst & Ellen Stapenhorst (his sister). Karen said that the World Family of John Denver had a lot to do with the event. She said that there used to be a line between fans and people and family and office and everything else, but that in John's passing, she had a tremendous sense that that was now gone, and that it is a World Family. She concluded by saying that it is our work to carry on both music and planting and all of the things that John did and believed in, adding that while it's wonderful to listen to John's music, he would want more music to be created. Ellen then sang The Heart of Love, which she wrote, and a beautiful song called All of My Skies, which her brother Steve had written in tribute to John. We were all moved to tears, and John's mother was sobbing; Annie's mother went to comfort her. At the end of the song Erma was taken to the back of the crowd, as we all gave her a standing ovation. The Earthbeat Choir sang Rocky Mountain High, and as they sang a light rain began to fall. It was otherwise a beautiful sunny day, and I felt that those raindrops were the tears of an angel, weeping with his mother. Once the dedication ceremony was over we all began to move around, speaking with friends old and new. Zak appeared to be enjoying the attention he was receiving, he was smiling all the while as he posed for photos and chatted with people. Erma was sitting at the back of the park and I had the opportunity to speak to her briefly. As she took my hand she read my name tag and addressed me by name, then commented that I had come a long way from England. I told her it was worth it, and thanked her for John. She was moved, and I told her she was very brave to have come along. It was a wonderful moment for me, to be able to thank John's mother for the gift of John. On Saturday evening we caught a bus to Snowmass for the World Family of John Denver gala evening at the Silvertree Hotel. After eating dinner we were entertained by Phil Christie, who sang a few of John's songs. Ellen and Steve Stapenhorst then sang a few of their songs, before introducing John's closest friend, Tom Crum, to speak to us. Tom told us all how happy John had been during the last year of his life. He also told us some amusing stories taken from his books Magic of Conflict and Journey to Center, mostly involving John, whom he described as one of the greatest men of the century. During one story about touring with John in the 70s, Tom said that John slept under a pyramid at that time as he believed it would bring him good health and longevity. Realizing what he had said, Tom looked up, smiling, spread his hands and shrugged his shoulders.. Ellen sang in between Tom's stories, and her final song was All of My Skies. Tom was very moved by that song, which Steve Stapenhorst had first sung to him on the car park at a golf course! After he spoke, Tom signed copies of his books and chatted with people, many of whom had questions to ask about John. Sunday lunchtime we rode the gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain, to admire the wonderful views and meet up with other World Family members. After chatting in the warm sunshine and enjoying the beauty, we descended to say our goodbyes at the fountains opposite the Wheeler Opera House (where John had often performed benefit concerts). As we gathered for a group photo, we all sang Rocky Mountain High, and several passers-by stopped to look on. We simply had to visit the Maroon Bells before our return home, and there we went on Monday morning. The road closes to traffic at 8.30 a.m. and the area is accessible only by bus for most of the rest of the day, so it meant an early start if we wanted to enjoy the peace of this beautiful area without a bus load of people accompanying us. We were greeted by a marmot sunning itself on a rock as we approached the small parking area. As we walked toward the lake and the majestic mountains beyond, we both felt a powerful sense of John's presence in that incredibly beautiful and tranquil place. We felt we could almost reach out and touch him. We sat on a rock at the water's edge and spoke softly to John, telling him that we love and miss him, but that we know he is safe and at peace now. It was a wonderful, uplifting experience to connect with John's spirit in what must be one of the most beautiful places on this earth. We know he will be waiting there, amid the glorious colours of autumn, to greet us when we return in October. Peace, Christine ================================================== From: Linda Ettel It's been 2 weeks now since my sister and I traveled to Aspen to join in the "Celebration of Life" and I'm still trying to come down off my "Rocky Mt. High". We both fell in love with Colorado the moment the plane touched the ground in Colorado. Springs. We arrived on the Thurs. and immediately set out to discover all we could on our way to Aspen. The Garden of the Gods was our first stop and we spent most of the afternoon there, driving until dark to reach Buena Vista for our first stop. Next morning we were off again to be overwhelmed with the beauty of the Twin Lakes area and the magnificence of the Rocky's crossing Independence Pass. We arrived just in time to find our Mt. Chalet and begin our search for the "meet & greet" group in Rio Grande park. Jan from NE pointed us in the right direction and off we went down the streets of Aspen. We attended the Birds of Prey program and then went to explore more of this beautiful city and ate supper at Boogies - a 50's & 60's plac!e - which we were drawn to because of our "boomers" age. Time for the meteor showers and we met Patty & Amy from MI in the lobby who offered us a ride. The showers - once we found the site - were Far Out! In the pitch dark, we laid back on blankets and listened to John's songs being sung somewhere out there in the dark and watch a glorious show. AHHHHH - Wowwww and Did you see that?! were most commonly heard, I everyone saw at least one.Next day it was off to the tree planting and my sister and I worked with a great group. While deep in a hole pitching out rocks/boulders, Frank came by and I ask him to sing my favorite - which I hadn't heard yet - and we all sang along to "Sunshine on My Shoulders". What a glorious day! Later while waiting for the dedication to begin, we wandered down to the creek and dipped our toes into the icy waters - it was so cold it hurt. Almost time, we returned to our blanket to await the special guest and I turned around to find Annie and the kids standing almost on our blanket!! As so many before have said the dedication was a tear jerker and the children's choir singing the Flower that Shattered the Stone set me off! Later , when leaving , Annie's folks came up to me and commented on my air-brushed painted shirt of John I was wearing and then I Knew that Annie must have seen it too. We were so tired that evening that we didn't stay long at the gala, but I got a few things to! remember the trip by along with the dozens of pictures I took. Next morning we decided to visit the Maroon Bells before we left on our trip back to Col. Sprgs. and am I ever glad we did. It was pure Heaven in the Bells and we could have spent the whole day there walking it's trails, but we had to leave. Time went so fast, and we didn't get to do so many of the things I'd wanted to do. We met some great folks, and heard some great stories, and had a wonderful time - I wish there had been some way for us to meet everyone there - a big group Hi and Hug or something - Thanks Rory, Ellen & Vicki for making my dream come true! As Annie said - John WAS there - and he walked away and disappeared into the trees. Sweet Dreams, Linda =========================== From: Jan Pyle Hello Family, Just a quick note...cause I am really tired. It was such a wonderful weekend. It was even better than I had imagined it would be. We accomplished so very much. Planting trees and lifelong friendships. John was with us all the time, he gave us the strength to plant all those trees. The channe l7 News said we planted 160 trees, what a wonderful labor of love. Roberta and her family from Italy are now on their way to Yellowstone Park. She wanted to see the place that John sang about before they went home. I want to tell everyone who was involved in making this weekend come true....that is was just wonderful. I hope I am making sense tonight, my mind is still in Colorado. Peace and love to you all, I feel rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world. Jan Pyle - Independence, MO ========================================== From: Jeannie Tomlinson Hi everyone -> Well, this was a double barreled weekend: The Windstar Connection's Leadership Workshop with Richard Hatch and the planting of the John Denver Sanctuary at the Rio Grande Park. Both were enriching experiences. The City of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteer organization were expecting 160 folks - over 200 came to share stories, music and memories as they put their hands and shovels into the soil in this most aesthestic 4 acres of Rio Grande Park; laced with a wide stream with the water gently flowing over large boulders; an area of rolling small hills and winding paths. The skies were clear (for the most part) and it was hot. There were boom boxes everywhere and a young man who's voice was much like John's (not as powerful) but sang and played beautifully with passion and love. As folks worked and wandered, I don't think I've ever seen so many varieties of John Denver t-shirts in my life - it was fun to see and Annie, Erma and the children were thrilled with the turnout and so moved that so many came from so far - some at great sacrifice. My friend and I attended to a beautiful Aspen on next to the river's edge - we will visit it often. My friend and several others did the bulk of the work, since my arm is slinged, but I have a good left hand, so gave it all I had. In time I should develop quite a left swing :) The ceremony was poetic. Parks Dept. Director; Founder and President of the National Arbor Foundation; The Mayor; Hal Thau; and Annie who expressed her love and appreciation for all. The Mayor read a proclamation which I hope will be published for all to enjoy. As with his impact on the world, I don't think John really understood how many members of the community of Aspen loved him. The layout of the John Denver Sanctuary is one of incredible grace and beauty - as we all knew it would and had to be. A wonderful surprise for us all, was that Annie has donated $25,000.00 for a boulder outcrop amphitheater at the heart of the sanctuary. Words to John's songs will be inscribed on the boulders. This will be a place of so many can enjoy and spend time reflecting and rejoicing. So many folks I spoke with said they would certainly be spending many hours in this once forgotten part of Rio Grande Park. The music that rang through the air was gifted by the EarthBeat Children's Choir (children from the entire Roaring Fork Valley); Ellen and Steve Stapenhorst; Kolleen Sublett and John Sommers. Ellen rendered "The Heart of Love" and the beautiful song that her brother Steve wrote in memory of his friend John Denver. It was the first time John's family had heard it and the tender lyrics were overwhelming for Erma. However, she is such a Warrior Woman, that she opted to remain for the rest of the afternoon, as did Annie, Zak and Anna Kate. It was a true celebration of a life full of love, joy, exploration, some sorrow and pain, but most of all wonderment. What a gift John gave to us while alive and even now in his passing, he is so very much with us all. YES - it was quite a weekend for everyone :) Smiles and hugs.......Jeanie >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A Special Edition <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< of the Rocky Mountain High Newsletter 9/5/98 Email: emily@sky.net * http://www.sky.net/~emily >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<