Moving to Berthoud, an easy adjustment

“You remember Berthoud?” It was my husband calling. I could hear the excitement in his voice. I was home in St. Louis. He was in Denver for a beloved uncle’s funeral. He’d stayed an extra day to drive along the Front Range, visiting old haunts from our college days and exploring new possibilities. Careers had moved us twice since our time in Colorado where we met and began our lives together. First to Utah; then to the Midwest. For years we’d talked of moving back to Colorado, and with all three kids out of college, the time seemed near. Yes, I remembered Berthoud, or more precisely, the tiny road sign announcing its presence somewhere south of Fort Collins. What a surprise when months later we returned together on a house-hunting trip. It was c se of ove fi rs secon n r s e ec s on to move here came without pause, the adjustment without angst.

Both previous moves were equally rough for different reasons, but in time I adjusted ... resiliency and all that. I won’t regale you with stories of how to hit the ground running in a new town. I’ll leave that to the faster, smoother o er ors r ns ons re en er ces e time navigating them. In fact, I prefer bumbling my way ro c n e confi en e scover the beauty and charm of a people and a place. With Berthoud, it didn’t take long.

As moves go, two people and a dog equals fewer complications. Familiarity helped. With family here (and once, a family home in Crested Butte) we visited Colorado most summers. Having lived in the state, I knew my general way around. Still, it’s fun to get a little lost while exploring new (or changed) areas. Simply turn off Google maps and e fferen ro s ere’s no r e n os on e ron n e e o n ns rov e s e n r o e es s so n o v o s o so e r be told, I’ve met many people who never learned east from west or north from south. It’s frightening. c o r ns ons e co e nno n s ness. Registering cars is rarely one’s idea of a pleasant outing, but I couldn’t wait to get those iconic license plates scre e on so fi rs s o e n e re until further notice, you need an appointment.)

Next, park passes. Berthoud neighbors countless recreational spots. A yearly pass can be cost-effective. Last year we purchased one for National Parks and another for Lar er o n r s s e r e’ e r s o ing from Missouri, one of only eight states where park entrance fees are free (as in tax-supported), the fees shocked. ’s r of cc n o ’ over no s fi r e ef e ore e en e o r n r env ron en e e s er e fi n o en e one another. Which brings up another touchpoint. Making new friends. For anyone who has moved to a new place, this can be tough. Working remotely with no school-age children forcing you to engage, means you have to work r er o ee eo e e oo ne s s er o s

many new residents looking to connect. Worth mentioning, Surveyor Columnist having met several “pre-growth” Berthoud residents, I understand their concerns about too much, too fast. I share e r ns ons re ffi c e e of en e s ro n s e n’ n c e ose ro n ns r Connecting with others, old and new residents can ease that pain. So get out. You don’t have to hike fourteeners, scale boulders or ski blacks to connect. Colorado has something for ever one ever e ever Goo e e s or fi n n o e o scover oo fi s n f recre on activities are not an option, simply sit outside and watch a fi er er o s nr se or s nse or e e s rr s Sue Arnott ve ssers- e fi rs fr en e re n book on the patio. More than anything, I love Berthoud’s walkability. It’s a mile to the library, the doctor, the dentist, the market, the breakfast burritos, the mechanic, the brewery and a n er of c e s o s n orn c n fi re or r n of biblical proportions, can keep me from my daily jaunts where connections can be brief — a smile, a nod, an occasional chat. It’s these little warm and neighborly exchanges that give Berthoud a great vibe and makes me feel right at home. Stand Up Paddleboarding When you think of outdoor activities in Colorado stand e o r n no e o r fi rs o o ever, once the warmer months roll around there are ample bodies of calm water to enjoy the sport in and around Ber o s c v s re for n v s co es n groups and can be enjoyed by all ages. If you want to try this increasingly popular pastime, consider renting gear fro ’s n e o r n e offi c SUP rental for Larimer County Parks. With locations in Loveland, Fort Collins and Berthoud it’s easy to get your e r n e on e er e oc on ne res o er o s on e so s ore of r er e e co n also offers kayak rentals and rentals begin on Memorial Day weekend. For more information visit www.nocosup. com. Page 16 February 17, 2022 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor The Garden Spot