The up side

So while we just ranted about some of the hardships of rural life in the last post, there are a number of reasons why we choose to live 40 miles from town. In fact, we have more than 5 reasons, so that’s a positive right from the start:

1. Natural beauty. When we wake up in the morning and take in the view of the desert, the creek, the big sky and miles and miles of greasewood and sagebrush, it truly feels like anything is possible. We understand the meaning of feeling like the world is bigger than you and your daily-grind problems. The natural, sometimes harsh, beauty of the landscape is a constant reminder of a higher power, whatever you believe that might be.
2. Traffic. There is no traffic or road rage, and while traveling the 20 miles of gravel road to town you are likely to encounter jack rabbits, cows, coyotes, wild horses, a hawk or two and if you’re lucky, a bald eagle.
3. Space. The wide open spaces are ideal for exploring, and it’s truly a joy to watch our 2.5-year-old wander the land and discover the desert in all its glory. One of our favorite activities is throwing rocks in the creek. We also regularly walk down the half-mile driveway to the gate where he relishes the chance to wave in the unlikely event that any cars or trucks drive by. We’ve seen cows, deer, porcupines and lots of waterfowl. We hoot at the owls up in the tree and dig holes in the dirt. It is the perfect playground in which to absorb all nature has to offer.
4. Big sky. With no light pollution, the stars fill the night sky. It is such a sight to see. Every night, Li’l E requests a trip or two outside to marvel at the “moo-un and stahs” (moon and stars). Maybe he’s just stalling, trying to postpone bedtime for a few more minutes, but I think it’s something more. Also, sunrises and sunsets. Ridiculously gorgeous.
5. Neighbors. We have them, but the nearest one is at least a half-mile away. We admit it, we like not living right next door to anyone. However, the neighbors we do have are pretty great, and we know that if we ever need a helping hand they’d be right there to extend one. There’s a sense of kinship when driving down the county road as folks around here give each other a little wave. Also, no one is going to sneak up on you. You can see ’em coming from miles away.
6. Silence. There is no street noise, no hum of electricity and no squawk from the TV next door. This is home on the range quiet. Little house on the prairie quiet. We fall asleep to the distant sound of coyotes howling and owls hooting.
7. Family time together. This. This is the primary reason we love living where we do. We pretty much spend the majority of each day together. We are a team. We get to watch our boys grow up in real time. There are chores and tasks that must be done, but we get to do them as a family, and we hope to instill a sense of love and respect for each other in the way we live this rural life.