I don’t know if this event happened sooner or later than I anticipated. I knew it was possible the day would come, but still couldn’t imagine it happening: I no longer live in Colorado.
This wonderful state that I grew up in, since age two. I have loved it, all of it. Every season. You always hear: “stay for the summer,” or, “stay for the winter.”
No! Stay all year.
Life finally drew me away from the homeland. I didn’t move to replace Colorado — it was just time to move on. Will I be back? Of course, every year. Did I move somewhere better? That’s not possible, but another place just as amazing, absolutely!
Colorado, where it's always sunny and perfect!
So, in remembrance of all the years I was there, here is a short list of what will keep Colorado so fond in my heart:
Ski Towns: Telluride & Aspen alone leave every other ski town wanting.
Access: In what other state can you drive an Interstate to 11,000 feet? Or drive to the top of a 14,000 foot peak and spend the day skiing it?
Snow 12 Months a year. Few places can serve up true pow in summer. North facing, high altitude, need I say more?
‘Bonedale Bike Week: They’re riding for you!
Seasons: There are at least four, seven in a good year.
The People: To all my friends, and the people I’ve never met. If you are from Colorado I know you’ll greet me with a smile, say “hi” on the trail, congratulations at the summit, and even share beta on your favorite stash (usually).
Elevation. 54 peaks over 14,000ft means you have all 600 or so of the high 13ers to yourself.
Location, location, location. Mud season means 2 hours to the desert, 30 minutes to snowy peaks.
Stunning Scenery. Other places are as pretty, but nothing surpasses a Colorado view. Snow capped peaks over a sea of golden aspens never ceases to amaze me.
The Accent: Seriously? There is NOT a Colorado accent!
Did I hear something about Grayfish? Just another day in Montana.
Moving on to Montana
My new adventure is starting in Whitefish, Montana. Jess and I have settled in to this mountain town in NW Montana excited to explore a new area. It is overwhelming seeing new mountains without snow, wondering where it will stick in a month. And crazy riding local trails without a clue as to where you are relative to anything, especially the trailhead. It’s all wild and I look forward to every minute of it.
In my short time here, I’ve learned a few amazing things about Montana too. So, without further ado:
Editors Note: The above list was fact checked by a bipartisan group of Montana locals. They informed us that the first rule about Montana is you don’t talk about Montana. We allowed them to edit the list, with result published above. You’d think they worked for the CIA or something.
(Guest blogger profile: Dave Downing and his wife Jessica live in Whitefish, MT, where he is a freelance designer and owner of Ovid Nine Graphics Lab. Dave still loves Colorado, and has been told that there is nothing to see in Montana, please move along.)
Dave “Snowman” Downing lives in Whitefish, Montana where Dave is a freelance designer and owner of Ovid Nine Graphics Lab Dave’s ski career began due to a lack of quality skiing video games for NES.