Living in Colorado makes us a highly desirable destination for visitors, their dream trip, their adventure to the wild west. You get these random emails or calls, “we’re coming to Colorado and want to visit!”
People come to ski, camp, tour, hunt, and plenty of other outings. Last year when it appeared COVID was lifting and folks were on the road again, it seemed like we had a revolving door of visitors. Suddenly our summer calendar was filled with guests from Oregon, Texas, New York, and Denver.
We look forward to spending time with our visitors, planning special menus, and thinking of outings that will fit their lifestyle. Most visit rarely so hopefully we create a special ambiance of enjoyment and appreciation of our corner of the world.
I am grateful for their willingness to travel to remote northwest Colorado that includes challenges city folks aren’t used to. I remind our guests to fill their tank with gas before they hit Highway 13 and not expect continuous cell service. I advise them to anticipate high altitude conditions, to hydrate frequently, and bring a jacket because it can always get chilly here.
Hosting includes its challenges including cooking the appropriate food. These days, people have strong preferences, food allergies, and diet restrictions. I’ve learned to ask before they arrive what they can or cannot eat. As a result, our household has learned new recipes and even how to serve “mixed” menus for both vegans and carnivores.
Jay has become so great at preparing eggplant parmesan, we even served it to our kids while camping in Oregon. Our two-year old grandson couldn’t get enough. Who knew? Seems all our guests like this dish and even better, my husband prepares it.
One of the best parts of visitors is they give us a perspective on the bigger world. Small towns in Texas have the same economic survival challenges as us. Homelessness problems in Portland are similar to Denver. New York City has beautiful fall leaves just like our Colorado aspen turning gold.
Over leisurely meals and outings, we discuss life across America and discover many connections. COVID is indeed an issue everywhere. States, towns, and school systems across the country all have their successes and problems.
Often, we share the challenges of our health status, family connections, and future plans. Chatting with someone from afar adds value to our thinking and perspective.
Visitors are a unique version of our own “stay home” vacation. We tour, cook, dine, talk while accomplishing nothing on the everyday task list. Our guests provide fun respites. Plus, I always love a visit to Trappers Lake.
I’m frantic before they arrive yet miss them when they leave. This year’s crop of visitors have been quite special, renewing our friendships, and connecting in a personal way that has been missing most of the last 18 months. Who knows when we’ll see them again?
By KAYE SULLIVAN – Special to the Herald Times
