As a pilot, working on my IFR rating, I can relate.
And I can imagine a non-pilot in the right seat (on Tuesday, as a matter of fact ) as we blow over/around/through the Continental Divide to Steamboat Springs.
http://airfactsjournal.com/2014/01/hard-fly-airplane-simple/
Rick
Next time, fly on over to EGE. We'll make it a flight of two.