When it comes to challenging development in the West, there's a word Westerner's aren't allowed to use without consequences -- and it carries no power.
Possibly a parallel -- I have worked in a specialty branch of engineering where the main industry companies are now relocating to Colorado Springs (most likely a result of a political decision in DC), and thus have recruiters trying to entice potential employees to move. Nothing against Colorado Springs, I've enjoyed my visits there. But home is home, and if companies want me to relocate, then I'm looking for local work, outside of my specialty.
Another thing about moving in search of the "golden wilderness", how capable are the new transplants in taking care of themselves? (I think you have already addressed this in a previous 'stack.) I'll add - how capable are they in dealing with open space (state parks & if lucky, national parks) near their current homes? My favorite place to ski is near the base of Mt. Washington in NH - practically "just" a pimple at slightly over 6000 feet, but at the confluence of some extremely deadly winter weather, ready to Darwinize the unprepared who think that a winter hike sounds good.
BTW, the next time you travel to Texas, I'd recommend a visit to Big Bend National Park. Its beauty is just barely matched by its isolation! (Bring a telescope too, if that is of interest.)
Absolutely. It sounds like you've noticed the push for companies and even government offices to relocate to popular places, likely for novel amenities. Company relocations are happening at a breakneck pace to Colorado and the West, and it's likely to help lure new talent with the promise of the outdoor amenities.
Per the search for Golden Wilderness, you nailed it again. In a prior post, I noted that our SAR services had a 300% increase in calls in 2020-21, and those numbers remain wildly high as people continue to misunderstand that their resort experience or social media feed provided a false impression of the conditions and terrain in the state. We recently had a news article float by that a family from Illinois started hiking a trail they found on one of the trail apps, they came down with altitude sickness (at around 8,000 ft), didn't know it, and then SAR had to come in and walk them out. It's a daily or weekly occurrence that newcomers are getting in way over their heads.
Thank you for the recommendation! Next time I'm in the area, I'll check it out -- it sounds like a great break from the urban areas.
Possibly a parallel -- I have worked in a specialty branch of engineering where the main industry companies are now relocating to Colorado Springs (most likely a result of a political decision in DC), and thus have recruiters trying to entice potential employees to move. Nothing against Colorado Springs, I've enjoyed my visits there. But home is home, and if companies want me to relocate, then I'm looking for local work, outside of my specialty.
Another thing about moving in search of the "golden wilderness", how capable are the new transplants in taking care of themselves? (I think you have already addressed this in a previous 'stack.) I'll add - how capable are they in dealing with open space (state parks & if lucky, national parks) near their current homes? My favorite place to ski is near the base of Mt. Washington in NH - practically "just" a pimple at slightly over 6000 feet, but at the confluence of some extremely deadly winter weather, ready to Darwinize the unprepared who think that a winter hike sounds good.
BTW, the next time you travel to Texas, I'd recommend a visit to Big Bend National Park. Its beauty is just barely matched by its isolation! (Bring a telescope too, if that is of interest.)
Absolutely. It sounds like you've noticed the push for companies and even government offices to relocate to popular places, likely for novel amenities. Company relocations are happening at a breakneck pace to Colorado and the West, and it's likely to help lure new talent with the promise of the outdoor amenities.
Per the search for Golden Wilderness, you nailed it again. In a prior post, I noted that our SAR services had a 300% increase in calls in 2020-21, and those numbers remain wildly high as people continue to misunderstand that their resort experience or social media feed provided a false impression of the conditions and terrain in the state. We recently had a news article float by that a family from Illinois started hiking a trail they found on one of the trail apps, they came down with altitude sickness (at around 8,000 ft), didn't know it, and then SAR had to come in and walk them out. It's a daily or weekly occurrence that newcomers are getting in way over their heads.
Thank you for the recommendation! Next time I'm in the area, I'll check it out -- it sounds like a great break from the urban areas.