Colin Powell falls ill during dinner

Aspen Daily News ^ | July 7, 2006 | Troy Hooper

[reformedliberal]

I had this happen once at dinner in Golden, Co, which I believe is about the same altitude as Aspen. I was warned. I didn't really think about it, had a glass of wine and about three bites of dinner and keeled over sideways into my husband's lap. Fortunately, I made it to the ladies room before the next symptom hit.

It can be very sudden.

[leadpenny]

Interesting. No CIA connection in that family tree. Thanks.

[alarm rider]

One point here regarding your post.

Powell was a general, he was a military politician long before he took off the uniform. You don't get to be a general these days without being a very polished politician.

Powell is a guy that plays the game very softly. He never really commits. It's hard to trust a guy like that.

[pepperdog]

Having been in Aspen I resolved to never go again. A more pretentious place may exist somewhere but I can't name it. It's exactly where I'd expect Bill Clinton to be.

[R.W.Ratikal]

Hope it's just something he ate. Get well.

[Samwise]

A source inside the dinner party said Powell was displaying symptoms compatible with altitude sickness and that the situation did not appear to be serious.

So how serious or common is altitude sickness? I really didn't realize it was much of a problem until a couple of weeks ago. We are planning a vacation to Denver and Estes Park, and I'm a little concerned. I have asthma. Will this make me more susceptible? I was going to take a bus tour to Pikes Peak while we were there. Should I reconsider?

I hope Colin Powell is okay now.

[IndyTiger]

Every individual who is thinking of running for president, is giving serious thought as to what team clinton has on them and when will it be leaked to the press.

Hillary will be president in 2008.

I agree with you. Never quite understood Colin Powell. IMO, he could have very well been elected POTUS had he run in '96. The reason released to the press that his wife didn't want him to run for fear of assassination didn't quite ring true with me. I think your assessment is closer to the real truth.

[CholeraJoe]

Pansy-a$$ groundpounder can't take a little altitude.

[NittanyLion]

I was going to take a bus tour to Pikes Peak while we were there. Should I reconsider?

I can't speak to the asthma, but I can tell you that the oxygen deficit is noticeable. I'm a pretty regular runner, and during my stay in Breckenridge (10,000 ft), it felt like I was running in mud the first few days. At the top of Pikes Peak, I actually experienced a few seconds of momentary dizziness initially, but was fine after that.

I'd suggest that you plan your Pikes Peak excursion a few days after arrival in Denver. Also, drink a lot of water - quick altitude changes will dehydrate you.

And take the cog train to the top of Pikes Peak - it's the best way to get there IMHO.

[McGruff]

Aspen's elevation is 7,800 feet. That seems a little low for altitude sickness, but it's a very variable thing.

I had this happen to me standing in formation at Ft. Carson Colorado Springs in 1973 after being there for only a couple of days and the elevation is not that high.

This is what I find more disturbing, "was having dinner at Campo de Fiori with a large entourage that included former President Bill Clinton..."

[metesky]

Yeah, I stuck the Aspen Institute in my "Enemies List" folder years ago...

[Samwise]

Thanks. If an athlete got dizzy, I will. I never would've thought about water. I'm going to google "cog train" now. I really don't get out of the Shire much. :^)

[NittanyLion]

I was with a group of folks, some of whom aren't athletic at all, and they were fine after a few seconds dizziness as well. It was kind of like the head rush you sometimes get from standing up too quickly - no big deal.

If you go, you'll be glad you did. The view is amazing.

[Samwise]

I can handle a little dizziness. The Cog train looks really cool. I'm a bit puzzled by the one-way tickets though. I know I'm not going to walk back down. :^)

[auto power]

.....another potential victim of arkancide??....

[Inwoodian]

" Book 'im, Danno. Attempted Arkancide."

[Guenevere]

I don't live there...(but there are quite a few Freepers here who do)...

..but have visited more than a few times in the past 6 years....

...I've never had altitude sickness....and I've been to Estes Park often....no problem.

I've also driven to the top of Trail Ridge which is 14,000 feet, give or take....no problem...(except my fear of height!).....

..I haven't been to the top of Pike's Peak, but my husband has....and they make the best donuts in the tourist shop...(I think it has something to do with altitude :)

....The only negative is I always develop a sinus problem while there, but it resolves itself within a couple weeks.

....The only town where I truly couldn't breathe was Leadville!

[Guenevere]

My husband took the cog train....thoroughly enjoyed it.

Colorado is gorgeous!...Denver and the surrounding area is so lovely, and the drive to Estes Park is picturesque :)

Try to visit The Stanley(while in Estes Park)...a beautiful turn of the century hotel on top of a hill....supposedly it was the inspiration for Stephen Kings The Shining.

Another lovely little town to visit....as you drive up I-70....is Georgetown...very quaint and there's a hotel, circa 1800's that looks like time forgot....it's fascinating......also Idaho Springs and stop at BeauJo's...for their huge mountain pies (pizza)

[Samwise]

I thought about booking a room at The Stanley...until I saw the rates. Yikes! I'm really looking forward to our trip; I dusted off my John Denver albums. Hobbit Lass thinks his music is for old people. LOL

[justshutupandtakeit]

LoL suuure they do and suuure she will.