Around The Hoop

Double rainbow all the way across the sky!

Monsoon season showed up earlier than usual in Colorado this summer and with unusual force. But while it has whipped up trouble for some areas of the state, rain only enhances Aspen's beauty.

A recent double rainbow in Aspen.
Mickey Krentz

Spectacular double rainbows arcing clear across the sky are the photos du jour on social media sites these days. My friend Corby Anderson even took a couple of amazing videos from his perch in Emma, with a deadpan mimic of YouTube sensation Paul “Yosemite Bear” Vasquez: “Double rainbow! All the way across the sky! Oh wow! What does it mean?!” He titled it: “A Sky Bear Would Appreciate.” (Unfortunately ol' Corby lives in a small rustic cabin out in the woods, without Internet service, so he can only post videos to Facebook via his phone and not YouTube. Thus, there is no clip for you. But check out Bear's video here.)

Theories abound about what double rainbows mean. Writer Lillian Too asserts they are signs that something great is about to happen. Others suggest they are symbols of cosmic transformation.

My guess is that Aspen's leprechauns are simply stashing twice as much gold as usual.

Or maybe it has something to do with how light is reflected in droplets of water after an ample rain.

Whatever the case, the double arcing spectrums of light are a sight to behold in the high country.

Here's what's happening this week:

The moist weather should help cool off anyone interested in getting some exercise against a gorgeous backdrop for a good cause. The Komen Aspen Race for the Cure returns for its 21st year on Saturday.

Or get out of the rain and check out the always fabulous Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and some of the nation's other top dance companies at the Aspen District Theater from now through Aug. 27.

If you never had a chance to check out Aspen's famed Crystal Palace before it shuttered after more than 50 years of nightly live cabaret shows, then now is your chance. And if you've seen it before, I don't need to tell you why you should go see it again. It'll cost you close to a Benjamin but you'll receive a three-course prix fix dinner at the St. Regis Resort Aspen, followed by the old cast from the Crystal Palace who will perform in the hotel restaurant.

And whatever you do, don't let a little rain keep Aspen from washing over you.

This blog was first posted on Inspiratoblogs.com.

Double rainbows are en vogue this summer.
Mickey Krentz