Colorado wisdom?
- Thread starter bofa
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bofa
New member
We'll venture out into some of the mountain areas as time permits. I'm not looking to live in the city, but the burbs, surrounding, etc would be fine with me. Really, I would seriously consider living in a more remote area but it largely depends on my wife's ability to get a teaching job. Small town = fewer teaching jobs.
Being close to Denver is also somewhat a "plan B" for me in case something ever happens to my job. I don't foresee anything happening but I didn't see the layoff, 4 months of unemployment, and resulting 50% pay cut coming a few years ago either.
Your visit & explore approach is a good one. I'm sure you will get it figured out.
Just arrived in Orlando to news of a tornado. What up with that?
Very cold and snowing at my house in UT today. That system should be headed to CO now. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
Just arrived in Orlando to news of a tornado. What up with that?
Very cold and snowing at my house in UT today. That system should be headed to CO now. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
bofa
New member
Yeah our weather has been pretty crappy lately... lots of gloomy days with rain or dense fog. It's funny that Florida is the "sunshine state" yet 6 other states (including Colorado :wink2: ) get more sunny days per year on average. They should rename it the "retiree, snowbird, welfare, tropical cyclone, rain without warning, mosquito and love bug state", but I don't think that will fit on the welcome sign.
SgnDen
New member
We'll venture out into some of the mountain areas as time permits. I'm not looking to live in the city, but the burbs, surrounding, etc would be fine with me. Really, I would seriously consider living in a more remote area but it largely depends on my wife's ability to get a teaching job. Small town = fewer teaching jobs.
Being close to Denver is also somewhat a "plan B" for me in case something ever happens to my job. I don't foresee anything happening but I didn't see the layoff, 4 months of unemployment, and resulting 50% pay cut coming a few years ago either.
Exciting Bofa. Glad everything has progressed and you're on your way to CO (or OUT of Fla, maybe?).
You may consider areas like Evergreen to the West if you want to feel a little more in the hills but still be close to the city. They have of course grown wildly up there and have attracted people with $ to support good schools (I am not entirely sure about that part). Far south areas like Perry Park are very cool...remote feeling and beautiful rock formations, etc. (watch for Bentonite/expansive soils though). It's out there though and a complete nightmare trying to drive into Denver for anything but close to Castle Rock and not too far to the Springs.
Crested Butte and other (now) resort towns are very specific lifestyle of course. Check out Steamboat if you want a 'real' mountain town that has some good size to it and solid community. Yea, it's still tourist central, but it's not snobby like Vail or certainly Aspen. My 02.
We can only HOPE for some real snow here in the metro area...you will crack-up at how completely erratic the forecasts are here. It is very common to have all kinds of drama and excitement about some big snow event rolling in...then ZERO. It has been cold...very cold...but no snow to speak-of. Good news is that it's been snowing in the mountains and that's important for our economy (tourism).
Enjoy the adventure. There is something to like about almost (almost) all areas of our fantastic state.
BTW - Teaching jobs are tough to find as you probably already know. Good ones, that is. My s/o had to go all the way out to flippin Frederick to find somewhere she wanted to teach....and she's a Special Ed teacher with high demand comparatively.
Have fun and drink lots of water! ;^)
bofa
New member
It seems my thread finally got the boot to the Off Topic section. :happens:
Thanks! I was discussing some rural areas with my better half last night and she at least seemed interested to check them out. Thanks for the suggestions - those areas within commute range of Denver are definitely of interest. We aren't really big city people but like being somewhat close to civilization. It's a different world down here so wherever we end up I'm sure it will be an adventure.
We plan to do a lot of driving and exploring so maybe having little snow is a good thing. If we don't run into snow downtown, I'm sure we'll get a taste at Pike's Peak, and if not there, we'll venture into the mountains until we do.
I never did find a 4R to rent for the week so I ended up renting a "Jeep Cherokee or similar vehicle". At this point it could be a dogsled and I wouldn't care - we are just ready for our trip!
Thanks! I was discussing some rural areas with my better half last night and she at least seemed interested to check them out. Thanks for the suggestions - those areas within commute range of Denver are definitely of interest. We aren't really big city people but like being somewhat close to civilization. It's a different world down here so wherever we end up I'm sure it will be an adventure.
We plan to do a lot of driving and exploring so maybe having little snow is a good thing. If we don't run into snow downtown, I'm sure we'll get a taste at Pike's Peak, and if not there, we'll venture into the mountains until we do.
I never did find a 4R to rent for the week so I ended up renting a "Jeep Cherokee or similar vehicle". At this point it could be a dogsled and I wouldn't care - we are just ready for our trip!
bofa
New member
Does anyone have a suggestion for horse-drawn sleigh rides within an hour or so of Denver? It looks like most places are near Breckenridge or 2-5 hours away. I'm guessing that's because of tourism and seasonal snow, but am hoping there's some place in between that I'm just overlooking. Thanks!
veloindy
New member
Such the romantic, bofa!
Winter park...
Devil's Thumb Ranch - Colorado Resort and Spa
Click on stables.
Sorry to hijack Bofa.
That's really surprising SgnDen, my daughter is a SpEd teacher and was hired by Cherry Creek before she finished college. I guess things have changes since then but I always thought SpEd teachers can pretty much get a job anywhere.
bofa
New member
They are a little steep for private rides, even compared to Aspen and Breckenridge. I found another place in that general vicinity (Dashing Thru the Snow) and emailed them for pricing.
The one in Aspen was about about the same rate but included a night's stay, breakfast in bed, champagne, private sleigh ride etc. Now that would be some serious brownie points.
bofa
New member
I ended up booking through "Dashing Thru the Snow" - 1 hour private sleigh ride with a campfire, marshmallows, and hot chocolate for $150. It should be fun.
Now for the big question... they say they (edit: typo) are 20 minutes north of Winter Park. How long of a drive is that from downtown Denver, considering whatever the weather situation may be?
Now for the big question... they say they (edit: typo) are 20 minutes north of Winter Park. How long of a drive is that from downtown Denver, considering whatever the weather situation may be?
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veloindy
New member
I'll hook up my daughters Radio Flyer and pull you around behind my Trail Edition for $75!!!
J/K!!! That drive will take you about an hour half, with dry roads. If it's snowing, MUCH longer. Berthoud Pass can be a mofo! Please be careful, I-70 West of Denver is no joke, especially on a weekend in winter, and for somebody not used to driving those roads.
bofa
New member
Hell that actually sounds like fun too... lol
I intend to take it nice and easy but will be extra cautious. The good news is we're not going until Wednesday. The bad news is it sounds like they will be getting some fresh snow between now and then. Should I plan on 2 hours then? 2 and a half?
bofa
New member
It seems like we've been all over Colorado but probably only really made a small dent in exploring. We are leaning towards Castle Rock I think... really liked the area, housing options, proximity to Denver and the mountains.
We'll venture to Golden tomorrow and then get ready for some wintery weather Wednesday.
I do miss the 4R... this Explorer is just a man van. I hope it holds its own when we head to Winter Park.
We also accidentally got stuck in rush hour traffic coming into Denver on the way back from Pike's Peak (summit was closed... boo) and that was a mess! I figured the traffic coming out of Denver would be worse but it seemed to be moving pretty well. Maybe it was just the construction?
Oh yeah, a request from the wife... any tips on reducing static for women's hair?
We'll venture to Golden tomorrow and then get ready for some wintery weather Wednesday.
I do miss the 4R... this Explorer is just a man van. I hope it holds its own when we head to Winter Park.
We also accidentally got stuck in rush hour traffic coming into Denver on the way back from Pike's Peak (summit was closed... boo) and that was a mess! I figured the traffic coming out of Denver would be worse but it seemed to be moving pretty well. Maybe it was just the construction?
Oh yeah, a request from the wife... any tips on reducing static for women's hair?
Bummer you didn't make it to the top of Pikes Peak, they usually do a good job of keeping the road open. How are you both doing with the altitude? The weather is about to change and you should be able to experience a decent snow.
Castle Rocks is a good area for you, I recall you saying you're "city folk" but give Golden a chance too, closer to the hills!
Sorry, no suggestion for your wife and mine's still asleep so I can't ask her. I could but I'd hear about it all day
Castle Rocks is a good area for you, I recall you saying you're "city folk" but give Golden a chance too, closer to the hills!
Sorry, no suggestion for your wife and mine's still asleep so I can't ask her. I could but I'd hear about it all day
