Despite the fact that we live in the mountains, water sports are a big deal around here. We have a river running through town and the largest body of water in Western Colorado 10 minutes away. People own rafts, duckie boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, motorboats, fishing boats...they have it all.
I love water too. Growing up in the Northwest meant lots of access to water and every childhood vacation was spent in close proximity to a lake. Moving here meant I got the best of both worlds- water access AND mountains.
That said, we haven't spent a ton of time on the water. Not as much as I would like anyway. I am intent on changing this. With our spectacular summer weather, I am making it a point to get my ass on some water.
So I did. Anna and I spent a glorious Thursday morning paddleboarding at the reservoir. It wasn't thrilling and it wasn't non-stop excitement, but it was peaceful and relaxing and worth it.
Anna is skilled enough to do tree pose on a paddleboard. This, after three kids. Damn her.
I, on the other hand, need some practice.
Because then I fell in.
Morning paddleboarding means no wind, no crazy boaters and the ability to paddle right up to rocks on the side of the lake.
That evening (remember, the title says "no wheels"), we gathered up a bunch of preschool kids and everyone went rockclimbing. And by "we", I mean a physics professor at the university who really likes kids. I did exactly zero work to make this happen. Except for bring snacks. That I did do.Living here means rock climbing is a mere 10 minutes away which means that if your kid hates it, you can just...go home. No three hour drive wasted, no exhausted parents, no harm done. Of course, we all like rock climbing, so it's not an issue but you know. There could be tantrums involved.
Too small to climb. Next year maybe. Also, I forgot his hat. Mom FAIL.
I went to bed that night thinking, DAMN. Bluegrass, cycling, shooting, paddleboarding, rock climbing...I LOVE SUMMER. I especially love summer in Gunnison. In Portland, I would have driven many miles to do all of these things. In Gunnison, I drive 10 minutes if I drive at all.
Beat that, city living.
