In Durango, CO., the beginning of Fall is here! The colors above 9,000 feet are primetime and below are just beginning. The real estate activity has increased dramatically, the elk are bugling and those who have time can enjoy solitude on all the best trout streams in the area. The weather has averaged about 75 each day and in the 50's at night, clear and no wind...just perfect! I don't think there could be any better place to live in the world.
What's news? Jenni & I saw the Zac Brown Band Saturday night in Albuquerque for our 15th wedding anniversary...awesome show! Business is good with people starting to take advantage of the incredible buying opportunities. Many speculate that the housing market nationally will continue to decline over the next 2 to 3 years but it really depends on the labor market and how much of the existing inventory gets absorbed. Certain properties and areas, such as Durango and such as beautiful alpine ranches with water, are still a premium and in demand. There have been some monumental sales in the area for this type of property and lots of "qualified" people in the area searching. Although the value is still high for these type of properties, the good news is that there are more on the market so it's a good time to find the one with the right amenities; whereas, they generally don't exist.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Durango winter 2010
I recall growing up in Pagosa Springs, Colorado jumping off the roof of the house into the piled snow, a moderate drop. This is one of those years! Thus far, at my home west of Durango at just under 8000 feet in elevation, we have had nearly 14 feet (about 160") of snow and it's still snowing! Two years ago we had 15 feet of snow total so it looks like we should surpass that amount. It's been great for skiing, snowmobiling, ice-fishing, etc...with numerous nice weather breaks between storms. Purgatory (Durango) is reporting a 76" mid-way base with 15" in the past 48 hours and still snowing. Wolf Creek (Pagosa Springs) is reporting 128" mid-way depth and a total of 347" (that's 29 feet!!!) so far this season. I worry a bit about the elk and deer herds as I see one lone elk each night about 300 yards from my house. Separated from the herd is not a good thing and I'm afraid there will be winter kill this year. That's nature, however, and Spring & Summer should be just gorgeous! This will be a good year to visit the high country if you like wildflowers, lush meadows and streams.
On the real estate front, December through February have all exceeded prior years going all the way back to 2006. That's a good sign that we have hit bottom and are slowly climbing back. 2010 will be a year of opportunity as bank sales, short sales and foreclosures are expected to be prevalent. There are currently nearly 80 properties under contract in La Plata County (a county of approximately 40,000 people). That is pretty good.
On the real estate front, December through February have all exceeded prior years going all the way back to 2006. That's a good sign that we have hit bottom and are slowly climbing back. 2010 will be a year of opportunity as bank sales, short sales and foreclosures are expected to be prevalent. There are currently nearly 80 properties under contract in La Plata County (a county of approximately 40,000 people). That is pretty good.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ice fishing & snowmobiling Durango Colorado
Vallecito lake on a crisp clear morning, the snow glistening, one more pull and the familiar smell of snowmobile exhaust rises. The snow is fresh and light, the kind of snow that makes it tough on smaller, shorter sleds. A powder special is required coupled with an experienced rider to break trail. We load the ice fishing equipment on my daughter's little plastic red sled while Condy takes a test run through the trees to make sure we get our exercise for the day helping him get unstuck!
Today, is an adult fishing day and although the girls love to come, it's a bit cold and we're the only ones crazy enough to get up that early. All guys of course, the girls wouldn't dream of spending their Saturday on a frozen lake! After an hour of riding in the trees and up the Middle Mountain road, we're ready to fish. Today, we're going after big Brown Trout and, hopefully, the odd pike. A few years back the state record Brown was caught at Vallecito...34 pounds I believe. I'm not sure if it still stands but there's bound to be more.
The scene is breathtaking as we prepare the holes, the hut and our equipment. To the north and east are the peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness, rugged and beautiful and looking very intimidating at the moment as whispy clouds hover over the high basins. Nobody else on the lake, wonder what that means? It's late January and the ice is about 16" thick, good thing Steve bought that ice auger. Last year, at a lake above South Fork, CO, the ice was over 3 1/2 ft and our auger wouldnt' go all the way through. It pays to have a bar in your truck just in case.
The day slowly drifts on as we sit huddled like worshipers jigging our spoon with a worm on the hook. Condy is using power bait and has already caught 2 stockers but we're determined to find a lone Brown or Pike. Suddenly, Steve's running across the ice, a dangerous proposition, from his relief stance and dives for his 2 foot pole that looks like it's going in. This is a big one, when all of sudden my pole starts dancing and I too have a big one. So big in fact, neither one of us is making any ground...could we have a pair of 20 pound Browns? Condy never moves out of his chair but makes a snide comment that we have the same fish...could it be? Pow...my line breaks and Steve's heavy load becomes a 2 pound Rainbow, nice...with 2 hooks in his mouth! Plenty of excitement on a day when none is needed!
Today, is an adult fishing day and although the girls love to come, it's a bit cold and we're the only ones crazy enough to get up that early. All guys of course, the girls wouldn't dream of spending their Saturday on a frozen lake! After an hour of riding in the trees and up the Middle Mountain road, we're ready to fish. Today, we're going after big Brown Trout and, hopefully, the odd pike. A few years back the state record Brown was caught at Vallecito...34 pounds I believe. I'm not sure if it still stands but there's bound to be more.
The scene is breathtaking as we prepare the holes, the hut and our equipment. To the north and east are the peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness, rugged and beautiful and looking very intimidating at the moment as whispy clouds hover over the high basins. Nobody else on the lake, wonder what that means? It's late January and the ice is about 16" thick, good thing Steve bought that ice auger. Last year, at a lake above South Fork, CO, the ice was over 3 1/2 ft and our auger wouldnt' go all the way through. It pays to have a bar in your truck just in case.
The day slowly drifts on as we sit huddled like worshipers jigging our spoon with a worm on the hook. Condy is using power bait and has already caught 2 stockers but we're determined to find a lone Brown or Pike. Suddenly, Steve's running across the ice, a dangerous proposition, from his relief stance and dives for his 2 foot pole that looks like it's going in. This is a big one, when all of sudden my pole starts dancing and I too have a big one. So big in fact, neither one of us is making any ground...could we have a pair of 20 pound Browns? Condy never moves out of his chair but makes a snide comment that we have the same fish...could it be? Pow...my line breaks and Steve's heavy load becomes a 2 pound Rainbow, nice...with 2 hooks in his mouth! Plenty of excitement on a day when none is needed!
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