Loving the Mountain Man

While waiting at the Aspen Airport this morning to pick up my bestie, I stumbled across this article in the Aspen Daily News written by Beth Brandon called "How the Mountain Man Was Won". At one time Beth was new to the valley, and like me, her heart too was captivated by a Mountain Man. I just have to share it with you... Because, loving a Mountain Man is quite an adventure! Read on, and I am sure you will begin to understand!

How the Mountain Man Was Won

by Beth Brandon, Roaring Sports Columnist

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mountain men are a different breed. When I first moved here, the mountain man was appealing, but intimidating. I hadn’t camped much or skied or done any of the things that I believed to be the yin to his yang. I thought that his female counterpart was supposed to wear Carhartt and be generally quite burly.

However, if a gal stays here for any length of time, mountain woman tendencies can creep in subconsciously. And suddenly the things you enjoy doing might have you cross paths with the mountain man.

Men and women are such different creatures. The sooner one understands and embraces this fact the better. The fact that we’re supposed to pair up is a humorous challenge at best.

I once dated a guy whose favorite color was “the blue inside a glacier,” which made me think that due to my tendency for stylish fashion, he might be a bit too mountain man for my taste. I also dated a naturalist who schooled me on various flora and fauna and showed me which of the flora I could eat in case I ever needed to make a backcountry salad. Who knew?! There are all types of mountain men in these parts.

I remember, at times, in past mountain-man relationships and even the one I’m currently in, I felt completely foreign and cast aside for heli-skiing or a boys’ bike ride. And in truth, I was. But what is important to remember for the ladies is that you won’t always want to hang out with him either.

It’s the same as wanting to go drink wine with the girls or do a bike ride sans testosterone. You must remember that as long as the mountain man gets time for such activities, he’ll be good to you. But without them, he won’t feel quite himself.

Some friends and I were talking the other night about unrealistic expectations in relationships. More importantly we talked about how if you take away the idea that a man should fulfill everything then things would be so much easier. If I want to gab for hours, I’m not calling a guy.

Keeping men happy involves sleep, food, sex and sport. Keeping a mountain man — and other frisky breeds — happy requires the same factors, but also that he be a direct participant in the sport, no couch surfing allowed.

Mountain men can sleep on the ground, eat food out of a can, pee in the bushes, poop in a can and never actually speak for days and that would be perfectly acceptable behavior. So why should we expect them to know the right thing to say to us if we cry? Of course, he’ll hand you duct tape and other fix-it tools when you do, but that usually isn’t what women want.

Even the mountain man can’t do everything. That’s why there are two sexes. We’re kind of designed to compliment one another.

Mountain men need a hamster wheel. It’s like having a really active puppy. One hike is good for the morning, but the day? No. You’re going to have to do better than that.

The key to successfully dating a mountain man is that the woman must be actively inclined, or at least game to try. If it’s not your thing, that’s okay too, but men often bond by doing, so if you at least play fetch for an hour it will likely score you points in the future. Designate some family fun time and involve another couple too. Nothing will take the edge off a mountain man like having two or more women present.

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want you to be his everything. If you’re bagging 14ers with him, you’re close, but he still wants time with his boys.

My fiancé is great, but I have learned through my own unmet expectations to prepare for a “Teeennnn HUT!” upon waking on a powder day, a sunny day, or his day off. At this point in our relationship I just ask for the expected departure time and then do what’s necessary to make it happen if I’m joining in the activity.

Expectation management plays a big part in pairing the sexes. It might be more realistic to think that your guy will be supportive and hug you when you cry. However, if you’re expecting him to have a lengthy heart to heart that gets rehashed from several different perspectives, blow your nose for you and then make you soup, then you might want to call your mom or your best girlfriend, because most men, including the men of the mountain, are not hard wired for that.

The mountain man is a quite doable, so long as you both keep your expectations in check. I can hang with mine to a point, but I always let him know that one bowl lap makes me just as happy as his four. At times, its exhausting, but its cheaper than a gym membership, it bonds the two of you together and is way more fun, except for the times that you bicker like the Costanzas. I guess you need to be a little bit of a mountain woman to hang with a mountain man.

Beth is looking forward to a lifetime of outdoor activity with her burly mountain dude. She can be reached at bethabrandon@hotmail.com

There's nothing like loving a Mountain Man. Actually, there's nothing quite like being loved by a Mountain Man! In this valley where love and adventure mixed together become the catalyst for an extraordinary life, I hang my proverbial hat (or, more realistically, snowshoes, backpack, and bike). What's not to love about this kind of daily life challenge? So, salute to the Mountain Men! You are definitely a magnificent breed. And I tip my wine glass to the ladies who love them... and pour myself another.

Wink,
-Cheryl

The Things I Missed

It has been a long 30 days of struggling to overcome the pneumonia, lingering cough and chest congestion. It has been a long 30 days of just enough energy to cook dinner and clean the kitchen. It's been a long 30 days of laying on that side of the couch, or after a few moments of deliberating switching to this side of the couch. It's been a long 30 days of restlessness, boredom from being stuck indoors and staring out these windows. It's just been a LONG 30 DAYS... of feeling better, feeling worse, feeling so-so and not so swell... A long 30 days of multiple Dr. appointments and different medications, trying to work, and many set-backs!!! Again, it has been a LONG 30 days...

But today (and mind you, it isn't even Tuesday), the boys and I ventured out! The sunshine beckoned me to come out and so she could kiss her warmth against my cheek . The trees lining the street were gently waving their upraised branches in gestures of encouragement, "Come and visit with us!" When I cracked the front door open, the gentle breeze whispered my name, "You. Come out, please. I want to tickle you and see you smile!" Who was I to deny such temptation, regardless of how I was still feeling?!?


With the temperature a little above 40 degrees and snow on the ground, this girl put her boots on. I grabbed the leash, keys, wallet, the movie to return and my camera. Donned my hat and gloves and walked out the door...

 “When you see someone putting on her Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.” 

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

I don't know if it's just me, or if this happens to everyone, but sometimes it seems like when I get sidetracked or derailed during my daily life, I forget all about the little things that bring me joy. Those little things that refresh the soul. Close your eyes for a minute... What the little things are that refresh your soul? Today, after being locked up inside for so long, I was reminded of all those little things that I love... those things that make me smile and rejuvenate my psyche.

• I love being outside. I love the fresh air. The coolness of the slight breeze that makes my cheeks turn pink, and the warmth of the sun beating through the thickness of my coat. I love the feeling of my heart beating faster, the adrenalin beginning to flow. I love the sounds that echo throughout the valley... birds chirping a winter melody; the squirrels chatter of annoyance for disturbing their current mission; the catchy tune drifting across the alley from someone's favorite station; the sound of the compression brakes from the 18-wheeler gearing down as they are coming into town on the interstate; and the sounds of laughter and animated conversation from the porches of surrounding neighbors.

• I love the Rio-Grande Trail. I love the shadows that play across the trail in different ways. I love all the different people who journey up and down the trail...  walking, running, biking, or skateboarding... and all the laughing, crying, hugging, holding hands, talking, and silence that follows each person's trek. 

• I love seeing the unique colors that decorate the buildings Glenwood Springs. Unusual architecture spanning over a hundred years collides in a strange symphony of visually stunning designs mixing the old with the new and the new with the old.

• I love the trees along the river. I love the way their branches reach up, out and over. I love the way it looks to peer through the branches and see the sun glistening off the water and ice in the river below. I love the way it creates the stark contrasts between shadows and the brightness of the sunshine.

• I love the railroad. Along this section of the trail, the old rails and ties lay spent from years of use. This 40 mile stretch of the Denver & Rio Grande's Aspen Branch of the railroad was opened in 1887, allowing train travel from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. I love that the Rio Grande Bike trail was constructed in honor of this now defunct railway line. I love that along the trail, you can still spot some of the old railroad signs and the way the wild grasses and flowers now decorate the railway, embracing it with their beauty.

• I love my bike. A lot. I love that most people in this little town have a bike. I love seeing families riding bikes together. I love seeing couples riding bikes together - old, young and in between. I love that so many people ride their bikes to work. I love sheer joy you see on the faces of those that are out riding their bikes. I love that Spring is just around the corner and soon I will be pedaling my bike again down this path daily.

• I love the crisp beauty of these daisies still standing proudly along the river bank. Basking in the afternoon sunshine, the essence of their strength, fortitude and grace is displayed to those who happen to notice as they pass. I love their silent dignity. 

• I love the wall flower. Or, in this instance, the fence flower. The one who does not seek out attention, but the one who is quietly at peace where they currently are. This little flower, nestled against the fence post and wire seemed so content... I would swear she smiled ever so demurely as I snapped her picture, nodding her acknowledgement of my presence.

•  I love the valley. I love that within the one glance your gaze can take in the beautiful flower, the powerful river flowing majestically below, and the magnificent peaks of the surrounding hills. I love the depths and contrasts. I love the beauty that unfolds within the valley. 

•  I love the river. Oh, how I love the rushing, pounding, surging waters that flow... I love the sound she makes, much like the gentle heartbeat one hears when nestled against your Mother's breast. I believe the sound of water is the Earth's pulse...

“ Oh! How I love to be surprised!”

 
I came around the bend in the trail, and what to my wondering eyes should appear but the most extraordinary creature... An Ice Monster under the bridge!

I snuck in close to see if he was asleep or awake, and was momentarily lost.  I was mesmerized by his beautifully sculptured body, enraptured by his ethereal coloring, and in awe of his sheer size. He was both awake and asleep... Meditating, I believe. Meditating on the path he will follow in a few short months, or possibly even weeks, along the banks of the Colorado River.  Meditating on those he will splash; the life he will bring to those that are thirsty; and the thrill of being united, being one again, with the rushing Water.

 
I love being delighted. I love finding unusual things. I love the magic of it all. I love stories and the excitement they create.  I love this Ice Monster, magically sculptured under the bridge by the thawing waters from the street above.

• I love the old, rugged lamp posts that are along the sidewalks of town.  I love that the birds nest has not been destroyed by the winter storms, and is patiently waiting for the birds to return soon. I love that, in my odd-off-beat way, knowing that this lamp will serve as the porch light for this little bird home...

• I love the whimsical and playful. I love that these giant daisies grace the northern edge of town. Seeing this giant daisy field makes me smile... And if given half the chance, I want to kick off my shoes, dawn a sparkling tiara and a tu-tu and twirl my way through this real-life make-believe land of giant flowers!

• I love the signage found throughout town:  From the old street signs to the vintage store fronts. There is such an eclectic mix of old and new that I find myself quite charmed by the way the past continues to have such an impact on the present. I love the way "Riviera Supper Club" is boldly displayed in retro red neon high above their building, reminiscent of the 1950's era. And the way that Doc Holiday's Saloon sign is actually a six-shooter pistol! (Click Here to see the picture.) I love the way the past is not forgotten.

• I love that the way home is just a short walk away from downtown. I love being so close to downtown and the unique proximity I am to both where I work and where I love to play. I love that my friends live so close, just a few blocks away. I love that the river, the mountain trials and paved bike trails, and the Hot Springs and just outside of my front door. I love that it is as if every street, every sidewalk, every path echos, "Come and see what Adventure lies ahead today!"

• I love the circle of life. I love how nature provides for itself... The seeds of this sunflower, found along the fence of a neighbor's home, is surely a delightful treat for the birds. I love that these people did not pull down the sunflowers to harvest the seeds, but allowed them to stand tall through the winter months, feeding the little mouths in need.

• I love the winter landscape. I love the way there were previous footprints in the snow, and how the recent snowfall covered them partially in. I wonder who ran across this field, who played in the snow... Was it a child, a dog or perhaps both? I love the way it makes me feel. Reminiscent of the days of childhood snowball fights, hot cocoa and frozen fingers warmed under cool running water.

• I love the vibrancy of the brisk winter sky. I love the withering berries, holding on tightly to their precarious perches. I love the way the Moon is gently gazing down upon me as I am gazing back upwards at it. I love the vivid colors that surround me. 

It was good to walk, breathe and be outside today. It was good to  take the time to nurture my soul in the way it needed to be. It was refreshing and exhilarating... It was beautiful.

Soulfully Delighted,

-Cheryl