Big Sky vs. Big Buildings

The striking thing about cities like New York City or Rome is the vast ocean of human stuff. It makes me feel like a tiny part of a giant humming machine. Every part of the environment has been handmade. Subways, skyscrapers, restaurants, museums, and tourist trinkets are all about humans crafting their place in the world.

The striking thing about Colorado is often the lack of human stuff. Being outside in the Colorado backcountry makes me feel like a tiny guest in a place that's been getting along fine for thousands of years on its own. Sometimes, the extent of the human involvement consists of a dirt road to get to the trailhead.