On Being a Mile High Mama
Monday was one of those beautiful crisp days that make me love the outdoors.
I’m a city girl at heart. I loved living in high-rise apartments in New York, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia. Who needs closet space and a yard to mow when you’ve got a balcony with a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline?
Okay, I’ll admit the closet space would be a plus.
For me, outdoor activities used to mean walking through Central Park to the Museum of Natural History or a Metro ride into DC to see the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. I didn’t own a bike. My roller blades were rarely used. I walked – dozens of blocks each day – but the scenery consisted of sidewalks and city buses.
While I love the concrete jungles, I’m also a sucker for beautiful, natural views. Camping doesn’t entice me, but hiking – without a pack on my back – sounds great. I don’t want to sleep under the stars, but I will happily sit outside – preferably with a big flannel blanket and a bottle of wine – and admire them before going inside to sleep in a comfortable bed with a roof over my head.
We’ve taken some day and weekend trips around Colorado, but I’ve found that a good bike ride on a day like Monday is a perfectly wonderful way to take in the natural beauty. The physical exertion, the mountain views, the camaraderie among cyclists on the trail – you just don’t find that while dodging tourists on Broadway. Even sitting on the benches overlooking the East River, watching the barges and tugboats, doesn’t begin to approach the outdoorsy enjoyment possible here in Colorado.
I rode nearly thirty miles the weekend before I found out I was pregnant. At first, I thought my sudden urges to nap were due to the exhaustion of having ridden farther than I ever had before. As tired as I’d been that day when I finally skidded back into our driveway, I was even more exhilarated. I’d seen horses and cows, deer and snakes, and dozens of prairie dogs. I’d ridden on concrete, gravel, and dirt. I felt physically triumphant.
Monday was a blue and gold day – perfect for a bike ride. Too bad I’m now unbalanced enough that I didn’t dare try it.
I hope someone else did. For now, tell me what I have missed this week. I’ll join you again next spring.
We have done so much this week – gone for bike rides, walks and pumpkin patches. The colors are breathtaking and I can’t get enough of them!
I don’t think I would last a week living in NYC. I am DEFINITELY one for wide-open spaces and places!
I think that is what the blue and gold fall days do to us—they are exhilerating in every way, especially when you explore using the power of your own body and off the beaten path.
You are lucky to have experienced such differing locales—living on the east cost and now here.
I love Fall in Colorado! I do miss the reds of the east coast, but the gold + blue totally pulls me in every year!
I enjoyed reading your comments about life in Colorado during the fall months. We are in the midst of making a decision to move to the denver area. I’m from chicago and currently live in milwaukee, so this is a big step for me and my family. I would love to hear some honest opinions about life in denver. We have three kids four and under, and I’m expecting a fourth this spring. This move is for my husband’s job, and I must say that I know NO ONE in Colorado! How is it for people who relocate? Are you happy you made the move? Thanks for your comments. I’ve been craving more information!
Michelle,
Whenever I hear of a person considering a move out west I am always a cheerleader for Colorado. As a former resident of Denver, CO for 10yrs, now living in MI. I highly recommend the move. We are on a temporary hiatus. Couldn’t convince our family to move, but now we are missing everything Colorado, sunny skies, mountians, laid back attitude and great people. One thing I would suggest as a mom of young kids and not knowing a soul. Move to one of the many subdivisions or planned community areas. There are always plenty of families and kids and you will make friends in no time. Castle Rock area, Highlands Ranch etc… All the best to you and your family.
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