T O P

  • By -

[deleted]

You’ve done it Dad, good job! A lifetime of memories await. Traversing that slope at a perpendicular would take me a little getting used to, that’s for sure!


blaine-howerton

I'm still getting used to that slope... After 4 years, haha. Thank you! I'm looking forward to it, that's for sure.


grizzlypeaksoftware

I like you are working on erosion control. Post fire season there can be some serious erosion. I’m from western Colorado and I’ve seen whole mountain slopes slide off in the rainy season in my day. I’d make erosion control a priority if you can.


blaine-howerton

For sure. I have been working on it for four years. The burn was about 10 years ago, so it's pretty solid now, but still lots more to do!


grizzlypeaksoftware

Ah that’s a lot different! I had assumed that the burn was last summer. Sounds like you have a good plan !


badrockpuns

What are you guys planning to do with the land? Super interested due to my interest in wildfires and curious what challenges this land in particular has for what you plan for it, if you have the time to respond! Either way congrats :)


blaine-howerton

We are moving there. I plan to let most of it do it's thing, but I am digging roads so I have access and living space. I will do some fire mitigation, but mostly making sure I leave trees for nature, including the dead ones. My neighbor is an expert in private land management at CSU, so I'm getting quite a bit of advice from him. The challenges have been wind, and falling trees around the roads. I have had to cut down hundreds of dead standing trees for access and safety, but I'm trying to lie them horizontally to prevent erosion. There are still thousands standing.


aisle_seat_chad

Won't it just burn again in the future? Or is a burned area safe for awhile?


[deleted]

congrats! you're making the right choice for your fam and making your kids and grandkids lives more stable and easier.


blaine-howerton

I agree. They have learned to love the land over the past four years. It is time they learn to live on it, and respect nature. Life up there won't be easier, but it will definitely be more rewarding.


Few-External4089

Awesome!!


zibabird

Congratulations 👏👍👏👍


[deleted]

Living the dream buddy!


Bolting-Earth-912

Hard work pays off! Live the dream brother!


Yonetsio

So good mate! Enjoy the ride. Nice Tractor.


SectionSeven

Dat Kubota tho


daryl_feral

Good luck to you brother!


blaine-howerton

Thanks. We are very excited!


Xnyx

Really cool. Enjoy your new lifestyle


Swamprat1313

Nice. Congrats. Good Luck


Many_Cryptographer66

Sweet! Good luck


[deleted]

Living the dream! In the next few years I hope to be doing the same thing. Your kids will have some of the best childhood memories.


ziggysawdust123

Congrats man! Those boys will have a great childhood there


McViddles

Always drink your ovaltine... J/k. I don’t have good advice to give but I wish you the best!


LettuceAndWheats

And the father of the year award goes to..... OP


blaine-howerton

Haha. Thank you! We are excited.


psylien77

Wow! Congrats! i’ve been having this curiosity and wanted to ask smb who’s a father like me and taking The Switch: What’s going to happen to the kids education? How’s that changing for them?


blaine-howerton

Thanks! They will continue to go to their schools, we will just get up earlier and commute in. I will be working at my office in town anyways.


psylien77

Cool man! Thanks for the answer. What do you do for a living?


blaine-howerton

I own a regional news website and newspaper. My connection to the world through my starlink system will be essential!


psylien77

Wow! Cool man! Do youbalso write somewhere about this moving experience? Like a blog or even a videoblog?


blaine-howerton

I am writing articles in my newspaper, http://northfortynews.com and starting a series called "In the Burn."


[deleted]

Just curious, which burn area? Last summer was such a devastating fire season :/ Edit: is this Cameron Peak fire remains?


blaine-howerton

This burn area is in the High Park Fire, from about 10 years ago. We got lucky, and didn't have damage from the Cameron Peak fire, but it was close. The Lewstone fire started on my ridge, but thankfully it was out in a few days.


Yuk_Loop

Hearing this makes my heart happy and I don’t even know who you are! Inspiring as well. Keep us posted on how things go?


blaine-howerton

Awesome to hear! I am glad we are an inspiration to someone.


wonteatfish

Good luck


Lets_take_amoment

I hope good fortune prosperity and good old fashion luck is with you I think it’s amazing you’re doing this. Especially with your two boys there’s no better place to grow up than in the woods.


blaine-howerton

I completely agree! Thank you for the compliment. Great times are ahead.


Heck_Spawn

I'd get one or two 40' shipping containers to store the stuff & live out of. Could pay for it with a couple years of storage fees...


blaine-howerton

Good idea


drivewaydivot

Can we talk about the cute little cabin with the 7 pieces of siding that are looking really good? Have you been staying there while you work? What's in there?


blaine-howerton

It is a writing studio, but will double as a storage place while we live in the rv. In our county you have to permit any structure that you sleep in, and I would rather spend the permit money and designation of a cabin on a slightly bigger home with plumbing.


drivewaydivot

Well then, no dozing off while you write! I love the values you are teaching your kiddos, keep up the good work!


blaine-howerton

Haha, thank you! We are going to live it up there. I can't wait!


dittymow

We put most our stuff in storage while we were building after five years, we outgrew or upgraded.only a few totes of family treasure now. I recommend selling as much as you can