Sue... have been thinking a bit since reading this. I'd like to suggest that Colorado is at least as fire prone as where you are, if not more so. I nearly lost my sister who was dispatched to a major multifatality fire in CO years ago - and fire conditions there are worse since then. (Also my bro survived a burnover with his crew years back, and I've worked on the fatality resources manual and more recently on Firewise and volunteering.) So I'm probably more immersed in fire risk and resources than a fair number of folks.
Happy to chat through the fire sitch if you want. Not trying to box you in, maybe more to offer than the choices can be easier with a bit more weirdo px. Best
The part of CO I am looking at is a small urban area in a valley. The reality is that every country west of the Rockies (according to the FEMA map) has some risk of fire or flood. I am looking at counties with moderate or low risks. Zillow now includes climate factors rating with each listing (flood, fire, healthy air, wind, heat) using data from First Street. It's been invaluable as I house hunt online! I have been doing Firewise work on my property here, using state resources and expertise. Communities in the west need to get serious about developing a strong firewise plan. Thnx for commenting on this, Kathy.
Hi Sue, I will be reading the story of your journey. Relocating certainly is multi-layered, both good and challenging. Your description of stress and anxiety took me back to part of my own decision-making process a few years ago.
Sue, may the positives from your Word Cloud prevail, as I am guessing that they will, knowing you as an embodiment of resilience--another word and quality that helps one navigate "starting over." It has been a blessing to have had the experience of living in this isolated spot amidst the Cascade Mountains. I, too, will dearly miss it.
Leaving a place we've called home for over 23 years has me going through so many emotions. I've had to learn much about holding onto an item that has sentimental value, even though it's something I'd never use, and our children don't want. The Goodwill people know my face. The uncertainty in our nation adds to the stress, a roller coaster, and a test of my will to carry on despite it all, knowing that so many people don't even have the options that we have. Thank you for your post, Sue.
Wildfires are a constant concern and worry. Especially in these times when they are becoming, unfortunately, more and more common. The whole insurance happening is also stressful, and expensive. I hope you can find a solution that is not too heartrending.
It would be fun to have you close by! One does have to be careful here, as there are many areas with lots of juniper trees and closer to the mountains there is timber. But there is also quite a bit of open country. We are fortunate that, although the junipers are close by, we are in an area of irrigated pastures, so I feel relatively safe. But you cannot discount the power of wildfires. In Montana where I grew up, range fires could be just as devastating and forest fires, and we had several close calls over the years.
Thank you for your writing today. It sounds a heartbreaking and difficult decision. I loved your reflections on moving a lot in your childhood and then seeking that stability in adulthood. Also on the benefits of starting again which has really helped me get unstuck here as I look to start again. My situation is totally different from your's of course, but I really found your writing has given me so much clarity this morning.
Sue, Bill and I went through this in 2022, with our dearly-loved NM log home and the Hermit Peak Fire. Our house (our retreat for 20+ years) was one of 3 spared on our mountain road, but we (like you) couldn't stay under continued threat. Luckily, we found a buyer who needed a home. Back here in Texas, we feel safer--but there's the heat. Our timeline is shorter (I'm 85, Bill is 79). If we were younger, we would relocate: north. This has required us to rethink our relationship to Place in significant ways. It's not easy, on top of all the other disruptions being forced on us now. Where are you looking?
I hoped to stay in the PNW and move back to the west side of the Cascades, but it has become incredibly expensive. I am planning a visit to western CO to check it out ( inspired by Susan Tweit). I want to stay in the west but away from wildfire! I am from Wisconsin, and I have looked at Minneapolis a bit, but the west has had my heart for decades.
Have been pondering thoughts about "place", climate, wildfire, and the marvelous illusion of feeling safe paired with my miraculous skillset of making an art form of denial.
I am leaving. Decluttering, packing, prepping and searching online for a new location. It at least provides a distraction to the disaster that is happening in our country.
Sue... have been thinking a bit since reading this. I'd like to suggest that Colorado is at least as fire prone as where you are, if not more so. I nearly lost my sister who was dispatched to a major multifatality fire in CO years ago - and fire conditions there are worse since then. (Also my bro survived a burnover with his crew years back, and I've worked on the fatality resources manual and more recently on Firewise and volunteering.) So I'm probably more immersed in fire risk and resources than a fair number of folks.
Happy to chat through the fire sitch if you want. Not trying to box you in, maybe more to offer than the choices can be easier with a bit more weirdo px. Best
The part of CO I am looking at is a small urban area in a valley. The reality is that every country west of the Rockies (according to the FEMA map) has some risk of fire or flood. I am looking at counties with moderate or low risks. Zillow now includes climate factors rating with each listing (flood, fire, healthy air, wind, heat) using data from First Street. It's been invaluable as I house hunt online! I have been doing Firewise work on my property here, using state resources and expertise. Communities in the west need to get serious about developing a strong firewise plan. Thnx for commenting on this, Kathy.
Hi Sue, I will be reading the story of your journey. Relocating certainly is multi-layered, both good and challenging. Your description of stress and anxiety took me back to part of my own decision-making process a few years ago.
Sue, may the positives from your Word Cloud prevail, as I am guessing that they will, knowing you as an embodiment of resilience--another word and quality that helps one navigate "starting over." It has been a blessing to have had the experience of living in this isolated spot amidst the Cascade Mountains. I, too, will dearly miss it.
Leaving a place we've called home for over 23 years has me going through so many emotions. I've had to learn much about holding onto an item that has sentimental value, even though it's something I'd never use, and our children don't want. The Goodwill people know my face. The uncertainty in our nation adds to the stress, a roller coaster, and a test of my will to carry on despite it all, knowing that so many people don't even have the options that we have. Thank you for your post, Sue.
Wildfires are a constant concern and worry. Especially in these times when they are becoming, unfortunately, more and more common. The whole insurance happening is also stressful, and expensive. I hope you can find a solution that is not too heartrending.
Thanks, Jenny. I am working on it. Even looked at your neck of the woods!
It would be fun to have you close by! One does have to be careful here, as there are many areas with lots of juniper trees and closer to the mountains there is timber. But there is also quite a bit of open country. We are fortunate that, although the junipers are close by, we are in an area of irrigated pastures, so I feel relatively safe. But you cannot discount the power of wildfires. In Montana where I grew up, range fires could be just as devastating and forest fires, and we had several close calls over the years.
Thank you for your writing today. It sounds a heartbreaking and difficult decision. I loved your reflections on moving a lot in your childhood and then seeking that stability in adulthood. Also on the benefits of starting again which has really helped me get unstuck here as I look to start again. My situation is totally different from your's of course, but I really found your writing has given me so much clarity this morning.
I hear you, letting go is hard. Someday we should talk. Add in close proximity to grandchild and affordable options narrow further.
It's hard on many levels. Many factors to consider.
Sue, Bill and I went through this in 2022, with our dearly-loved NM log home and the Hermit Peak Fire. Our house (our retreat for 20+ years) was one of 3 spared on our mountain road, but we (like you) couldn't stay under continued threat. Luckily, we found a buyer who needed a home. Back here in Texas, we feel safer--but there's the heat. Our timeline is shorter (I'm 85, Bill is 79). If we were younger, we would relocate: north. This has required us to rethink our relationship to Place in significant ways. It's not easy, on top of all the other disruptions being forced on us now. Where are you looking?
I hoped to stay in the PNW and move back to the west side of the Cascades, but it has become incredibly expensive. I am planning a visit to western CO to check it out ( inspired by Susan Tweit). I want to stay in the west but away from wildfire! I am from Wisconsin, and I have looked at Minneapolis a bit, but the west has had my heart for decades.
Have been pondering thoughts about "place", climate, wildfire, and the marvelous illusion of feeling safe paired with my miraculous skillset of making an art form of denial.
LOL - yes - I have the same illusion and skillset!
So you haven't made a final decision yet, to stay or go?
I am leaving. Decluttering, packing, prepping and searching online for a new location. It at least provides a distraction to the disaster that is happening in our country.