This post was written August 15, 2018 but never published!
The process of creating the getaway cabin was a joy, it could have been a nightmare but turned out to be fun project thanks to the professionalism of Luke Mann of Rangeline Homes. But that was just a step to get to the real goal: to enjoy being in the mountains again. I have missed living in the mountains since I left Aspen in 1985 to move to New York City. The 10 years I spent in Aspen were full of great adventures in the outdoors, making lifelong friends, and growing up. Some years I skied 90 or more times and every year I spent lots of time in the backcountry hiking and cross country skiing. I put in a lot of miles on a road bike climbing and descending the gorgeous roads around Aspen. I yearned to do those things again.
I remember being on my road bike back then and seeing old guys out riding, “PATHETIC! You are OLD, go home! Don’t kid yourself!” I thought to myself as we passed each other on the road. Now that old guy is me and I DO feel pathetic at times, but I am enjoying every moment of it. The hell with what those young whippersnappers might think of me. I have decided that I’m probably not going downhill skiing any more, but I can x-c ski, I can hike, mountain bike and ride the roads. I can resume learning to fly fish, too.
The first opportunity to enjoy being in Conifer without working on the house or being surrounded by contractors was in January when The Jersey Girl and I flew out with the dog Mel and cat Riley for the month. Well, getting there and back was an adventure. Traveling with 2 animals in cargo was stressful for them and for us, but went smoothly for the most part.
The dog enjoyed his time in Conifer and ran away only once. A neighbor found him trotting down the road and called the number on his tag so we could come get him. The cat on the other hand was not happy about the adventure. He is getting old, 17 years, and he was totally frustrated by not being able to go outside to roam free as he does in New Jersey. The risk of losing him to predators was very real. We got a playpen for him so he could be outside but still enclosed but that didn’t make it much better. At night he would bang on the glass doors demanding to get out. He expressed his displeasure by peeing on doormats and bathmats and rugs. He howled and kept us up at night. It was not pretty. I was tired from being awakened every night by his antics and ready to wring his little neck. As much as I love him I was sorely tested.
Dog and Cat Follies:
But pet adventures and challenges notwithstanding we had a great time. The weather was incredibly mild and we hiked with Mel and enjoyed being outdoors. We had one snowstorm which dropped a foot of light fluffy snow overnight. It was gone in 2 days. We managed to get in some sledding on our property during the storm.
I used the time in Conifer to take pictures. Nearly every sunrise that month was spectacular – check out the video
I discovered tons of unique handmade birdhouses – enough to post on Instagram for almost 2 months!
The weather was so mild I was able to bike ride, and The Jersey Girl did too. We were able to meet people at the local dog run where Saturday mornings are like a social club and we were welcomed as Mel made new friends, got tired and filthy.
I really loved the new life, the different routines of the day. I find that getting out of my quotidian life is rejuvenating and helps me think about what I am doing, what I really care about and the future. Maybe we will do it again!
For me going back to New Jersey was bittersweet, for the Jersey Girl it was a return to her happy place.