What could be better than the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th 1776? Is there anything that would be more appropriate than to celebrate our founding fathers incredible foresight and the dedication and courage it must have taken to stand up to the super power of England.

As we enjoy the parades and various festivities, parties with hot dogs and ice cream, practicing our vowels, Ohhhh, Ahhhh, while watching the evening’s fireworks, let’s not forget to reflect what it took to build this Country into what it is today. America has always been a land of pioneers and entrepreneurs. We have never been afraid to try or to fail. We continuously push the envelope and, to paraphrase John F. Kennedy, ask what we can do for our Country.

This Pioneer spirit is no more evident than here in Steamboat Springs. Imagine transplanting your family to an unknown location somewhere high in the Rocky Mountains. What must it have been like in 1875 for the Crawford family when they first decided to homestead in the Yampa Valley? Would the Indians be friendly? What dangers would the Bears, Mountain Lions, wolves pose? What happens if disease or injury sets in? What it must have felt like to know that the nearest outpost with provisions was a week away and totally inaccessible for the better part of the year. Could the Crawford’s ever had imagined that their single room cabin would have morphed into the beautiful resort community that we all enjoy today?

This is just one small example of the fortitude it took to grow the United States into the world leader it is today. During our 234 years of Independence we have faced a multitude of challenges and tragedies, economic downturns, wars, famines, whatever Mothers Nature and Earth can throw at us and, yes, even oil spills. Yet we show a remarkable resiliency and the ability to rebound from these challenges. As a Country and a people we are truly the best when the times are the worst.

So on with the celebration! Happy 4^th of July everyone!

We are in full transition from summer into fall, my favorite time of year in Steamboat Springs. Although we experienced an incredible summer of weather there is something very special about September and October.  Life seems to move at a slower pace and people seem more relaxed. We wake to brisk morning walks and soon the valley will begin to change to a rainbow of various colors. Still days in the sixties and seventies can be expected well into October and sometimes into November. This doesn’t’ mean that we won’t experience a snow fall or two just to let us know that winter is on its way. Its Mother Nature’s way of telling us to get the snow tires ready and the skis’ waxed. Soon the long john’s will appear and a hat and gloves will be required for our morning stroll.

 

Fall brings the end to the baseball season and the start of football as well as the hunting season. Local schools are in full swing and the sidewalks of downtown Steamboat seem inviting if not full of anxious shoppers.  

 From a Real Estate standpoint we are also transitioning from our historically high season which ends with September to our 4^th quarter. It is a great time of year to see properties as the condos and townhomes are not filled and easier to access. Deals can be had at most lodging properties and nary a reservation is required at your favorite local restaurant. Opportunities may exist on some properties as Sellers are anxious to sell prior to the onset of winter. Come experience this wonderful time of year in the Yampa Valley. You won’t be disappointed.