Loving Loveland

I am loving Loveland, my new home–my thirty-sixth. How this happened is an ugly story and one I won’t get into.* Which brings up the oft expressed belief, Everything happens for a reason.* Of which I am not an adherent.

That said, Loveland, I’ve discovered, is wild–as in a place that resembles how things used to be. When the American West was wild. All of that within walking distance from my apartment. Which borders downtown – which is being redone to make it chic. All of that combines to make this adventure, perhaps my last, an intrigue.

Let me show you.

Downtown chic

Downtown, literally, a stone’s thrown from my humble adobe, is being made over into a first-order tourist attraction and destination locale for the new, work-from-anywhere, gig workforce. New apartment complexes rise up from the streets to afford spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. There are boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, galleries, museums, and much more. All of which are unique small businesses, individually owned. Corporate businesses are located outside of the downtown area.

Additionally, there is the Blue Arena where the DU Pioneers just played and advanced to the Frozen Four, college hockey’s championship.

Loveland is also known for its artist community. Especially that of sculpture. Recently a local artist, Gary Staab, had his work of the American Bison acquired for display in the Smithsonian.

The civic center complex is the old high school, transformed into a peaceful park, with walking paths, library, rec-center, a lagoon with fountains; and of course – sculptures.

The east/west streets all have clear sight-lines to the mountains. The north/south streets are all named after US presidents.

 

The Big Thompson River

The Big Thompson River drains the Rockies from the town of Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and flows through Loveland. I walk to it daily. And this is where the wild really comes into play.

There are schools of healthy brown trout here, as well as active beavers. Waterfowl, eagles, wild cats, elk also inhabit the natural areas.

Even wild chickens! (Just kidding, they’re not wild.)

Additionally, there are old ruins of homes and farm equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

Also, yard art. Moreover, from everywhere there are views of The Wild Basin – my old stomping grounds. When I was young.

Conclusion

So for now, I am loving Loveland. It seems a perfect place for me to land. And perhaps write the final chapter of my life – which has been a wild ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• Everything happens for a reason. This is a comforting thought. It implies that someone or thing – some kind of higher power is looking out for you. It makes the unbearable bearable. Also, that good things are more than just a “happy accident”. That is likely universal across all cultures. In one form or another. It provides meaning and hope. That’s what I think, anyway.
• Maybe later, maybe.