Paradise with a Price

For 3 months a year, I live in paradise. It's easy to forget that when it is still snowing in mid-June.

I went for a walk this morning while most were still sleeping (always the best time of the day) and even after 6 years here I am still amazed by the beauty around me. Every direction could be a post card. From now until mid September the temperatures will seldom get above 80. Humidity and bugs are practically non-existent. When storms roll through they are dramatic and exciting (thunder in stereo) and are quickly followed by blue skies and fresh mornings. The air is invisible as it should be. Water is plentiful and pure.

And there's the people! Summit County is the fittest county in Colorado. Colorado is the fittest state in the nation. And there are no age limits. I've climbed mountains and found 7 year old girls with their 70 year old grandfathers already at the top when I arrived. Sharing the ski slopes with 80 year olds is common. In my experience, healthy people are happy people and happy people are great neighbors.

Recreation? Most cars are equipped with racks that carry bikes, skis, canoes, snowboards, and kayaks. If their toys are too big they have a trailer to pull the snow mobiles, 4 wheelers, sailboats and rafts. If that's too much activity for your weekend, then choose among several festivals that are held every single weekend in the summer. What interests you? Jazz? Film? Wine? Art? BarBQ? There's a festival you can walk to that people come to from all over the country.

I live in paradise...for 3 months a year.