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Yes, Life is Different Up Here
For some it's that first view of the mountains
that grow larger and larger in the windshield,
or play peak-a-boo in the airplane window.
The views are indeed breathtaking, and when
you reach the summit, breathing itself can
be a challenge. Mountains provide a feeling
of isolation. People who pursue snow sports
in the mountains often feel they are in some
sort of secret place standing in the middle
of a white wonderland with few other people
visible. It's drier, stormier and sunnier,
but the mountain environment is normally
a land of extremes, including extreme differences
from one mountain location to another...oh,
and extreme beauty. |
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SAFETY & HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS:
The mountains have some of the
most spectacular
scenery in North America. But
some features
of high country living give reason
for a
little precaution for maximum
enjoyment.
As you travel from sea level
and elevation
increases, the air gets thinner
and there's
less oxygen. Humidity levels
decrease, the
air gets colder and the sun's
ultraviolet
rays are more penetrating.
For example, in Colorado, the highest elevation
is a lofty 14,433 feet, and no point in the
state is below 4,000 feet. For those unaccustomed
to altitude, some preparation is a must.
Visitors are often out of breath and their
breathing is faster and deeper. Some people
develop more uncomfortable flu-like symptoms
of headache, upset stomach, poor appetite,
problems sleeping and feeling tired.
To make your adjustment to the higher altitudes
of The West easier, stay at 5,000 feet for
a day to two before traveling higher; get
a little extra rest and less physical activity
in the first few days; drink more water and
do not consume alcoholic beverages, caffeine
and salty foods. Salt causes your body to
retain fluid which will increase the effects
of altitude sickness. Eat low fat meals and
enjoy higher carbohydrate foods. Most of
all, listen to your body! Take it easy, enjoy,
and don't push yourself. Should your condition
be extreme, seek medical assistance.
Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn and don't
forget your shades! Don't drink the water
in mountain streams, but take plenty of water
along and drink a gallon or more per day.
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Dress in
layers, avoid all-cotton clothes which can
become very cold when wet, and take rain
gear even on a sunny day. Always travel in
the backcountry with a companion and tell
others where you are going and when to expect
your return. Don't expect cell phones to
work everywhere in the mountains, but take
one, anyway.
While some of this may sound scary, some
people acclimate quite easily. If you choose
to live up here, you could actually live
longer! A Harvard study showed that the top seven counties for life
expectancy are along the Continental Divide
in Colorado, all well above 6,000 feet. Is
it the skiing? Lifestyle? Your heart works
harder? The relaxed, low-stress life? Sure!
Other mountain counties in Utah, Idaho and
some additional high, but not mountainous,
counties in Colorado are included among the
long-life Top 40. There are many factors
at work here, but at an average expectancy
of 81.3 years in these areas compared to
a US national average of 75.5 years, I'd
consider upping my altitude.
LIVING CONSIDERATIONS
Moving to the mountains often
means living
a more rural lifestyle. Here
are some cautionary
pointers to consider before committing
a
move to the Mountains:
1) Don’t try to make the Mountains like the
place you just left. Most mountain residents
like the Mountains just the way they are.
They don’t all want paved roads, curb-and-gutter,
local tax-supported “amenities,” oversize
resorts, fancy golf courses, strip malls,
or big-box stores. If you move to an isolated
cabin, don't expect the fire department,
sheriff or the snow plow to reach you as
quickly as you'd hope. You may need to be
very self-reliant.
2) Learn to like brown. People who visit
the Mountains in the height of summer or
the ski season tend to think that the mountains
are either green or white. The truth is that
the Mountain landscape is brown most of the
time. The longest growing season is six months,
but not every year, and most are much shorter.
In some areas, even the trees are brown from
insect infestation.
3) Learn to understand water rights. US history
includes homicides committed over water disputes.
In rural areas, water rights are deadly serious
business. The old ranchers’ saying that,
“You can mess with my wife, but don’t mess
with my water” is not a just a trite joke.
As population growth continues to stretch
water resources, expect the fight over water
to become more heated. Don't move to a piece
of land without knowing the water source.
4) Don’t expect to be greeted with open arms
by the natives. Thousands of people are moving
to the Mountains. They are causing the real
estate market to inflate and are demanding
more and more governmental services. That
will translate into higher taxes. Your very
presence is reducing the amount of open space
and agricultural land, and in some cases,
hurting the very environment you came to
enjoy.
5) Don’t expect to make a good living in
the local economy unless you happen to be
in one of the limited professions in high
demand in the Mountains. You will also find
that, most day-to-day living expenses in
the Mountains will cost more than the area
you left. Because of the Mountains' relative
isolation from manufacturing and distribution
sources, the costs of those goods are likely
to rise faster than other better-located
areas as fuel costs increase.
Understanding and living with
these considerations
will make you a welcome member
of the community.
Some people embrace these limitations.
This
list was reportedly provided
to newcomers
in rural Larimer County, Colorado.
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Life in the Mountains