I know Gunnison! When I first took a bus from Florida to Colorado I landed uphill from Gunni in Crested Butte. I got a job and home rental at the office of the Rafting and Snowmobile company on the corner upon entering the town. Later I bought one of the old vans off the company, decked it out with insulation and a bed and stuff and lived in it for 18 months, during two winters. FUN!
I'll miss the Rockies if I move, that's for sure.
Did you ever drive Kebler pass out of Crested Butte to Paonia? It's one of the largest aspen groves in the States. Aspens are considered the largest single organism as new ones grow up from the roots of their parents. Kebler pass is amazing all year, and most exquisite in the fall! And Paonia holds fruit picking festivals during the year when folks can come pick cherries, peaches and apples!
Yes! I have! I also love the Ohio Creek Pass which has a large aspen grove. I've always known it as the largest living organism. Maybe Kebler and Ohio Creek Pass Aspen groves are connected!
I've been skiing at Crested Butte. Our house was up Castle Mountain, a subdivision of ranchettes. It was lovely and I do miss it, but I didn't like 9 months of winter. We lived there for eight years and moved to Washington State in 2000. We live in the foothills of the Cascades, but our true heart lies in the Rockies!
Take care!