HikeArizona.COM

So, if you were like me, and were living in a place that was OK for the time being, but not a long term location, it had a few interesting things, but wasn't a place you would ever want to be living in long enough to buy a house, where would you want to go? I had wanted to go back to AZ, and part of me still wants to do that, probably the Tucson area, but I have my doubts about a few things. Part of me is thinking Colorado. Sure, Northern New Mexico might be better for it's climate, but there aren't places to work there, or very few and the towns are small, often tiny. I'm wondering, which would be a better place to think about living in: CO or AZ. My expectation is most lean to AZ, but I often notice so many seem to want to leave. Then again, those often live in the valley.

It's sort of a curious thing, that I'd like both, but each has it's drawbacks, usually when the other is at it's best, one is at it's worst. I'm not a skier, and am not terribly interested in snow, but I question my commitment to desert living and heat. I like big mountains, but realize it isn't all a measuring contest and really enjoy the lesser peaks that are fun. 65 in January can be nice, but so can it not being 100 in July. Alpine flowers are nice, but so are desert poppies in March. Hey, at least I don't have to deal with blowing dust and 70 mph winds on Memorial Day.

I

@azbackpackr
Post a link when it's listed, I'll shop it around a bit.

My wife Liz and I will soon be facing this serious question as she's heading into her final year of residency in family medicine, and in a few months we will be considering where we want to live long term. Our home states (Georgia, Ohio) are out of the question, and actually the entire east U.S. is out of the question. I've lived in different places, and 2 of them I have loved: the country of Dominica, and where we are now. At this point Liz seems content with the idea of staying put right here, I think. I am too if I can have a steady support of hike partners to continue to make life exciting, because I'm completely content with the surrounding mountains. Just yesterday I "hiked" the 4 Peaks with cool company. If I can do stuff like that on a regular basis, dude I don't want to go anywhere else anytime soon.

beterarcher wrote:@azbackpackr
Post a link when it's listed, I'll shop it around a bit.

Thanks very much! Hopefully within a week there will be a sign up, since 4th of July weekend is when everyone comes up from the Valley to house hunt.

Good luck Liz!!!

Kwai Chang wrote:Good luck Liz!!!

Thanks! And woe is me, the realtor called to reschedule to Monday. Sigh...

Payson is where we moved on purpose!!

Dschur wrote:Payson is where we moved on purpose!!

I like Payson, except when it's mobbed with Phoenicians. I'll have to check to see if there are cheap RV parks there (by the month, less than $200 including water is cheap, in my estimation.)

Okay, the For Sale sign is on the lawn. Wanna buy a house in Eagar?

Well, when you're staying put for a while, you can still travel. I have to go to Albuquerque Monday at the start of a 4 day weekend. The plan is to leave from there and stay in Grants, or so, and then hit 1 or more of the 4 wheel drive required Chaco outlier sites. The smaller ruins Rob and Randall like to visit in June. Then, head up to Cortez, or Farmington, but probably not to too pricey in summer Durango for lodging. I thought it might be fun to hike a higher peak, again, and so I may likely hike Hesperus and perhaps Sharkstooth Peak before driving home. Who knows? I was thinking of heading up I-25, but I think that offers less return for the investment in time and cost. Unless someone can enlighten me and convince me otherwise.

Jim_H wrote: Unless someone can enlighten me...

Try a guru.

I doubt the sages will be able to give me some trip suggestions, but I'm open to HAZ members suggesting something I may not be think of, or considering. Mostly, I want to drive to Hesperus. It's a solid fun hike, but I actually just want to try my car out a little. I figure some big roads up there are not feasible. So, hike probably Hesperus for the first time in nearly 5 years, and maybe hit Sharkstooth or something else after.

Everyone's out of town. Board's dead. I chose to stay home, go to the 4th events here, and prep for a big yard sale, which is today. Tomorrow I'm hiking along Black River, below Wildcat. I posted it as an event, but I presume everyone already planned their 4th of July weekend way ahead of time--so far no takers. Have fun in Colorado and Northern NM!!

Anyone have any thoughts on Albuquerque and the surrounding area? Positive or negative? I had never given it much thought, but perhaps I should? It has at least 1 very nice trail, and it never gets as hot as the mildest Arizona city; Tucson, but is nearly identical in size. However, Tucson feels much larger. Short drive to Flagstaff (5 hours or so) and close to other things north of town. It does have 2 Whole Foods.

On the other hand, when I moved here, I very quickly decided I would leave NM all together and opt to return to Arizona. If nothing else, NM shaved a year off my license, and told me I have to do around 30 hours of continuing Ed, which is largely a tax with very little usability.

I don't like ABQ as much as Tucson, but that's just me. I do like Blake's Lotaburger, though.

Well, due to allergies (my body wants to kill me) I really have to avoid dairy and wheat, and oats, and fun...

Jim_H wrote:Well, due to allergies (my body wants to kill me) I really have to avoid dairy and wheat, and oats, and fun...

But a Blake's Green Chili burger might be worth it, or a trip to Los Pollos Hermanos.

Los Pollos Hermanos? I thought they closed after the owner had his face blown off.