You know this to be true when you have driven a 1995 Toyota 4 Runner with a V6 engine, that drives more like a four, through the Rocky Mountain Range and live the next day to tell about it.
My journey started as far back as Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital. I was determined to make a name for myself as an actor and Los Angeles was the next logical step up in the ladder of my success. I literally packed up my truck with my belongings, my loving companion, a Miniature Schnauzer, named Dutchie, punched in L.A., California into my G.P.S., and hit the road. Five days into my travels I came across one of the biggest obstacles, a foreshadowing of the paramount struggle I would face landing in one of the biggest acting pools in North America.
I originally stopped off in Denver, Colorado to eat breakfast at "Snooze", which, according to an online review, was the coolest ‘breckie’ joint in Denver. Well, if you're young and hip, absolutely! The place was packed. A young couple offered to save my seat outside, while I ventured inside to investigate the ordering protocol. It was then that I discovered that the outdoor bar was just the holding area, where one could partake in an alcoholic beverage while waiting to be seated inside. However, if you're ‘more experienced’ or ‘mature’ shall we say, and have a dog companion, trailing behind you... not so much. Unfortunately, the place didn't serve food outside, so Dutchie and I had to find another place to comfort our tummies which were now trembling from hunger. We scooted off hunting for another ‘watering hole’.
Before heading out of Dodge, I paid my parking pass forward and gave it to a woman standing at the pay station; packed Dutchie back up in the truck and headed for the hills, literally! I didn't realize those hills would be the biggest mountain range ever, the Rocky Mountains!
Then, in the corner of my eye to my left, a flash of something moving drew my attention to the window, a ladybug! Believe me, when you hear the rest of this story you will understand why it was important for me to go to Denver and pick up ‘lady luck’ before heading onwards and upwards. Thank you, dear lady bug!
The moment I left Denver I was already climbing. I didn't realize how steep a climb until I noticed, no matter how hard I pressed down on the accelerator, the truck speedometer was going backwards. Yes, I had shifted the gear into low for the climb. But that did not help. Panic slowly crept in. An old memory resurfaced. I had been down this road before with a U-haul behind this very same truck, but the truck now has a few more years on it, miles, and wear and tear. And it's the wear and tear I'm worried about right now.
One steep climb after another, relentlessly. Dutchie could smell the fear and was standing up alert pawing at my right arm. I know what she was thinking: Are we going to die?, "Yes, Dutchie, we are going to die, so lie down while I concentrate", I told her sincerely, pleading for her to relax. She wasn't buying it at all. It was so distracting having this dog inches from my face, just as scared as I was.
Just as we were climbing the highest peak -- or so I thought -- I got stuck behind a sixteen wheeler with its lights flashing, and there was no way I could pass without getting killed by the faster, more healthy vehicles on the left, so I agonizingly followed, praying the truck would not get stuck half-way up and start rolling backwards. The needle continued to plummet backwards despite the accelerator being pushed to the floor. I was half expecting the truck’s indoor lights to start flashing inside screaming, "Abort!, Abort!". Every second seemed more like a minute, as sweat trickled down my back from exertion. Then, just as I was ready to pass out, miraculously, we made it.
Shaking from the strain, I found a safe place to pull over, right before entering the Eisenhower Tunnel (built in 1973) and took in a huge breath of air. I think I had stopped breathing a mile back. I got out of the truck. The air was surprisingly cold. I opened up the cooler and wolfed down some beef and cheese sticks to feed my exhausted body from the stress, easing my shaking hands. And even though Dutchie was on a strict diet, due to stomach sensitivities, how could I not give her the same nourishment I sorely desired after making such a treacherous climb together? I extended a cheese offering to her. She gobbled up the cheese bits as quickly as I wolfed down the tasty morsels.
Now to check the health of good old reliable ‘Rosie’. I popped open her hood, checked the oil, still good, and prepared for the next stretch! I still had no idea what lay ahead of us. Shortly after going through the tunnel, we came up to Silverthorne, Colorado. It was actually quite beautiful, a little oasis town in the core of the mountains. I would recommend this place for sure. I fueled up and contemplated making this town my stay for the night, salivating at the thought of a peaceful and nourishing lunch overlooking the glorious mountain peaks, that is until I talked to the gas station attendant.
"How much longer do I have to endure this treacherous journey?" I joked, sincerely thinking I had completed this arduous mountain challenge.
She smiled, a knowing smile, "You've three more hours of this before you're out, completely," she responded.
My heart sank. I really didn't think I had anything left in me to endure any more.
"Do I have to climb any more?" I asked, hoping it was all downhill from here.
Not to be the case.
"You have one more climb, Vail," she responded.
At this point, it sounded more like hell. I knew I would never be able to relax knowing I had to climb one more mountain, so I opted to do it now. I hopped back in the truck and continued my ascent. Vail, at 8,150 ft high, here we come! My breathing is laboured again, along with Rosie's, she's sputtering and coughing in protest, clearly exhausted by the strain on her engine. The signs that say, ‘Runaway truck ramp straight ahead’ sure don't help either!
Then just as swiftly, the trek became a vision so incredible, it took my breath away. Unfortunately, there was no way for me to take pictures along the drive, so I would have to store them in my heart. I came across these incredible sand mountains that were filled with numerous colours ranging from beige, to yellow, to taupe, deep brown, and orange, one layer after the other. No wonder the sign when you enter the state says, ‘Welcome to Colourful Colorado’!
The clouds were so close, I felt I could reach out and touch them. Just when I thought I could not go one more mile, I reached the summit. I did it! I reached the highest peak!
I am filled with an inner peace so serene and magical that it brings tears to my eyes. I am now driving through ‘White River’ area and the rocks are bright orange ten feet on the right and no more than twenty feet to my left. I feel as though I am driving in the belly of the mountains, a cavern, and that once you achieve this journey you are rewarded with the secrets of the mountains. I feel like I am the only person (and dog companion) on the road, inside the mountain's heart. No picture could ever do it justice.
This is one journey that must be achieved in the flesh. It reminds me that you are rewarded if you dare to face your greatest fears. For me this journey has done just that. Everything I have ever done in my life has brought me to this summit of fear, to be faced, conquered and rewarded. What magical moments now await me? I wonder.
We pass this incredible hidden piece of heaven and stop at the only rest area that allows for visitors to ponder what they have just experienced. Dutchie, too, is feeling the nirvana and claims her piece of the summit, as I snap her photo posing like a lion on a jutting rock. Large birds, with exquisite, piercing bright blue wings swoop past us, an Eden of flora, fauna and wildlife never before seen.
I celebrate with my famously constructed "Caroline" salad, the full makings of dinner in a bowl, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, a candle, and great company, Dutchie. As she cocks her head at me, in wonderment of my newly found joy, I raise my glass, smile and with confidence declare a toast, “To the summit of fear and the magic in its belly!” I know without a doubt now, that no goal or dream is insurmountable.
My journey started as far back as Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital. I was determined to make a name for myself as an actor and Los Angeles was the next logical step up in the ladder of my success. I literally packed up my truck with my belongings, my loving companion, a Miniature Schnauzer, named Dutchie, punched in L.A., California into my G.P.S., and hit the road. Five days into my travels I came across one of the biggest obstacles, a foreshadowing of the paramount struggle I would face landing in one of the biggest acting pools in North America.
I originally stopped off in Denver, Colorado to eat breakfast at "Snooze", which, according to an online review, was the coolest ‘breckie’ joint in Denver. Well, if you're young and hip, absolutely! The place was packed. A young couple offered to save my seat outside, while I ventured inside to investigate the ordering protocol. It was then that I discovered that the outdoor bar was just the holding area, where one could partake in an alcoholic beverage while waiting to be seated inside. However, if you're ‘more experienced’ or ‘mature’ shall we say, and have a dog companion, trailing behind you... not so much. Unfortunately, the place didn't serve food outside, so Dutchie and I had to find another place to comfort our tummies which were now trembling from hunger. We scooted off hunting for another ‘watering hole’.
Before heading out of Dodge, I paid my parking pass forward and gave it to a woman standing at the pay station; packed Dutchie back up in the truck and headed for the hills, literally! I didn't realize those hills would be the biggest mountain range ever, the Rocky Mountains!
Then, in the corner of my eye to my left, a flash of something moving drew my attention to the window, a ladybug! Believe me, when you hear the rest of this story you will understand why it was important for me to go to Denver and pick up ‘lady luck’ before heading onwards and upwards. Thank you, dear lady bug!
The moment I left Denver I was already climbing. I didn't realize how steep a climb until I noticed, no matter how hard I pressed down on the accelerator, the truck speedometer was going backwards. Yes, I had shifted the gear into low for the climb. But that did not help. Panic slowly crept in. An old memory resurfaced. I had been down this road before with a U-haul behind this very same truck, but the truck now has a few more years on it, miles, and wear and tear. And it's the wear and tear I'm worried about right now.
One steep climb after another, relentlessly. Dutchie could smell the fear and was standing up alert pawing at my right arm. I know what she was thinking: Are we going to die?, "Yes, Dutchie, we are going to die, so lie down while I concentrate", I told her sincerely, pleading for her to relax. She wasn't buying it at all. It was so distracting having this dog inches from my face, just as scared as I was.
Just as we were climbing the highest peak -- or so I thought -- I got stuck behind a sixteen wheeler with its lights flashing, and there was no way I could pass without getting killed by the faster, more healthy vehicles on the left, so I agonizingly followed, praying the truck would not get stuck half-way up and start rolling backwards. The needle continued to plummet backwards despite the accelerator being pushed to the floor. I was half expecting the truck’s indoor lights to start flashing inside screaming, "Abort!, Abort!". Every second seemed more like a minute, as sweat trickled down my back from exertion. Then, just as I was ready to pass out, miraculously, we made it.
Shaking from the strain, I found a safe place to pull over, right before entering the Eisenhower Tunnel (built in 1973) and took in a huge breath of air. I think I had stopped breathing a mile back. I got out of the truck. The air was surprisingly cold. I opened up the cooler and wolfed down some beef and cheese sticks to feed my exhausted body from the stress, easing my shaking hands. And even though Dutchie was on a strict diet, due to stomach sensitivities, how could I not give her the same nourishment I sorely desired after making such a treacherous climb together? I extended a cheese offering to her. She gobbled up the cheese bits as quickly as I wolfed down the tasty morsels.
Now to check the health of good old reliable ‘Rosie’. I popped open her hood, checked the oil, still good, and prepared for the next stretch! I still had no idea what lay ahead of us. Shortly after going through the tunnel, we came up to Silverthorne, Colorado. It was actually quite beautiful, a little oasis town in the core of the mountains. I would recommend this place for sure. I fueled up and contemplated making this town my stay for the night, salivating at the thought of a peaceful and nourishing lunch overlooking the glorious mountain peaks, that is until I talked to the gas station attendant.
"How much longer do I have to endure this treacherous journey?" I joked, sincerely thinking I had completed this arduous mountain challenge.
She smiled, a knowing smile, "You've three more hours of this before you're out, completely," she responded.
My heart sank. I really didn't think I had anything left in me to endure any more.
"Do I have to climb any more?" I asked, hoping it was all downhill from here.
Not to be the case.
"You have one more climb, Vail," she responded.
At this point, it sounded more like hell. I knew I would never be able to relax knowing I had to climb one more mountain, so I opted to do it now. I hopped back in the truck and continued my ascent. Vail, at 8,150 ft high, here we come! My breathing is laboured again, along with Rosie's, she's sputtering and coughing in protest, clearly exhausted by the strain on her engine. The signs that say, ‘Runaway truck ramp straight ahead’ sure don't help either!
Then just as swiftly, the trek became a vision so incredible, it took my breath away. Unfortunately, there was no way for me to take pictures along the drive, so I would have to store them in my heart. I came across these incredible sand mountains that were filled with numerous colours ranging from beige, to yellow, to taupe, deep brown, and orange, one layer after the other. No wonder the sign when you enter the state says, ‘Welcome to Colourful Colorado’!
The clouds were so close, I felt I could reach out and touch them. Just when I thought I could not go one more mile, I reached the summit. I did it! I reached the highest peak!
I am filled with an inner peace so serene and magical that it brings tears to my eyes. I am now driving through ‘White River’ area and the rocks are bright orange ten feet on the right and no more than twenty feet to my left. I feel as though I am driving in the belly of the mountains, a cavern, and that once you achieve this journey you are rewarded with the secrets of the mountains. I feel like I am the only person (and dog companion) on the road, inside the mountain's heart. No picture could ever do it justice.
This is one journey that must be achieved in the flesh. It reminds me that you are rewarded if you dare to face your greatest fears. For me this journey has done just that. Everything I have ever done in my life has brought me to this summit of fear, to be faced, conquered and rewarded. What magical moments now await me? I wonder.
We pass this incredible hidden piece of heaven and stop at the only rest area that allows for visitors to ponder what they have just experienced. Dutchie, too, is feeling the nirvana and claims her piece of the summit, as I snap her photo posing like a lion on a jutting rock. Large birds, with exquisite, piercing bright blue wings swoop past us, an Eden of flora, fauna and wildlife never before seen.
I celebrate with my famously constructed "Caroline" salad, the full makings of dinner in a bowl, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, a candle, and great company, Dutchie. As she cocks her head at me, in wonderment of my newly found joy, I raise my glass, smile and with confidence declare a toast, “To the summit of fear and the magic in its belly!” I know without a doubt now, that no goal or dream is insurmountable.
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