I have grown up a flatlander. My idea of a mountain was the Smokies, and Appalacians in general. Hell I hadn't been farther West tha Oklahoma City until just lately. But last October '06 when I was fortunate enough go to Denver for work everything changed. Since then, most of what I enjoy doing revolves around either being in the mountains or the planning of going back.
As I get ready this week to head back into God's country, I realize I am no longer a rookie in the mountains (but I'll likely always be considered a flatlander). I'm packing smarter this time and doing a little bit each day preparing for day of departure. Every email and phone call I get from family and friends contains the usual "you better be frickin' careful out there" talk. It's finally occurs to me those that know me have seen this change in me over the past year or so. Even my daughter mentioned I've changed the other day. (to the better). When I have a conversation with someone and the topic of riding a snowmobile in the middle of the mountains comes up, most people look at me like I'm some sort of alien.
I see others around here dance around this topic. But I think a lot of you know exactly what I'm talking about. There's just something about the mountains. Maybe it really is Rocky mountain high, I don't know. All I do know is when I'm up in altitute I'm happy. When I'm on a snowmobile in the middle of nowhere on a mountain I'm even more at peace. Why it took me over 40 years to figure this stuff out is beyond me. But just about everything I do in my life now is geared around finding ways back to altitude. I will likley retire in or around the rockies, at this point in life I'm sure of it.
Think there's anything wrong with being like this? If there is, I don't wanna be right.
Life is a miracle.