A Mountain By Another Name

Dear Henry,

Someone scoffed yesterday, saying they couldn't possibly live without the mountains and by mountains, she meant the Rockies, because the Rockies are well the Rockies.

I disagree though with the statement.  I love the Ozarks, despite spending my entire life under the shadow of the Rockies.

The Ozarks are cozier, I think.  To be sure there aren't the sweeping vistas that the Rockies provide, but, because the Ozarks weren't caused by uplift, but rather erosion, they are full of wonderful hollows and give one the impression of living in a canyon, all nestled snug in the forest. The vistas of the Rockies are thrilling, but, I loved the canyons more.

I do miss the cold water though.  Here, during the heat of summer, water is very warm and contains none of the crispness of the high mountain streams.  It has been a small sacrifice though and the lack of crowds more than compensates. Plus, the Ozarks have fireflies.

xoxo a.d. elliott