It’s been a few busy weeks since my last post, so let’s get to it.
(Click on any photo to open a larger version.)
Land Hunt:
We have made 2 more trips. After viewing several lots on the first trip we found one that looked good. It was about 2 acres, had a well drilled, and had a minimal view of the back of Pike’s Peak. Bonuses: The lot was fairly flat, lots of trees, and a gently sloping driveway.
Lot behind Pike's Peak
Alas, upon further research, we found the well was a dry hole, and restrictive covenants ruled out larger outbuildings as well as casual weekend use. We had to pass on this one.
The next trip took us north of our regular search area, as Pam had found some listings near the town of Fairplay, which is south of the ski/resort town of Breckenridge. One lot stood out of the many we toured that day:
Raven Way lot with view of Collegiate Peaks
This five-acre parcel has possibly the best view of any land we’ve considered purchasing. In addition to views to the southwest (of the Collegiate Peaks and South Park) the lot has a well rated at 10 gallons-per-minute (gpm) which is good for Colorado, and has a driveway in place.
- Pam and dogs on Raven Way parcel
Although a little steeper than we wanted, the views, access, well, and minimal covenants make this land very attractive. There is a flat spot of land behind where I am standing that would make a nice place to put a house. We will be following up on this one! The only drawback we see is that the well has not been used in a while, and my portable generator does not have the 220 volt output needed to test the pump motor.
We have learned it costs from $3,500.00 to $5,000.00 to get power to the lot. This requires a pier pole, transformer, electrical service, and cable and must be done by an electrician in conjunction with the power company.
If the well pump has to be replaced we would be looking at an additional price tag of $1,200.00 – $1,500.00. We’ll take all this into consideration if/when we make an offer. It’s exciting to find a lot that looks like it has all the right stuff, but the research goes on. After 1+ years searching and 15+ trips into the mountains, we don’t plan to do anything without thorough study.
In other news, winter is returning to the area after very mild conditions. I’ve been out snowmobiling a couple of times.
First snowmobile ride of the season
I took the following photo from Land’s End on Grand Mesa (overlooking Grand Junction, CO). Rising air from the valley below was forming clouds. Combined with the bright sun and new snow, I thought it made a striking shot.
Clouds forming over the Grand Valley
I’ve been able to get some more seat time on the ATV as well. Too bad the mild temperatures won’t last!
Post-Christmas summary:
Thanks to all who mentioned visiting this site in their cards and letters. Our Christms was low key, and it was good to open and read the cards and letters we received. We met with our son Toby over the holidays, had a good meal, and caught up with his activities. He went to Florida for one of the bowl games and enjoyed getting away for a while.
Felicity is keeping busy with her many projects. We’ll be seeing her in Phoenix at the end of the month. She flies and we drive to Arizona to celebrate her 29th birthday. Looking forward to it.
We are keeping busy. Pam is entering the busiest time of the year for her at work, as am I. For me it means new projects to get underway as the 2012 budget kicks in, and for Pam more paperwork to process and more transcripts to evaluate. Our weekends are full of activities ranging from shopping to hunting for land, with ATV rides and snowmobile outings thrown in. One of these days we will tackle our tax returns, an annual excercise in frustration. Oh well, has to be done.
A short note for cat lovers: My mother had never cared much for cats. Last fall a couple of her great-grandchildren found a beat-up young kitten, but couldn’t take it home, so asked my mother to care for it. Reluctantly, my mother agreed. For the first few months the kitten, dubbed “Mouse Mouse” by the great-grandkids, would not let my mother approach him, although Mom put out food and water daily. Eventually Mouse Mouse let Mom take him into the house, and he is now Mom’s inseparable companion. Mom is delighted, and is convinced that Mouse Mouse is the most affectionate cat who ever lived. With my father gone we are glad Mom has a companion in Mouse Mouse, who has grown sleek from the attention of Mom and a good vet. His poor leg, damaged when he was a ruffian, will never be fully functional, but it doesn’t stop him from jumping into Mom’s lap and purring up a storm while Mom watches TV or reads. My sister Kitt says the interaction between Mouse Mouse and Mom is something to see.
I’ll be doing more land research, and with another land hunt trip already in the works plus visiting with Felicity at the end of the month, the next few weeks will be busy. Check back for updates when you can.
That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!
