You'll listen to tales of murder, brothels, ghosts, and hangings. Take a walk with HHT and learn about the darker side of Durango's past. Mine was to be a Wildlife Biologist stalking Jaguars in some remote jungle. I pictured myself living in some tiny cabin drinking strong coffee as exotic birds sang their morning songs. But life takes twists and turns and strangely enough it has guided me to one of my deepest core loves- creepy history and a connection to place. Turns out, these things are not mutually exclusive. I have lived through some wild adventures that have taught me wonderful and often times painful lessons. I couldnāt see it then but they were all preparing me for this new chapter. A native Coloradoan, I grew up exploring the high alpine lakes and pine scented trails of the Rocky Mountains. I was fortunate enough to live in Jamestown, CO until I was 8. I went to a one room school house and had the same fantastic teacher from pre-K to 3rd. In college I worked in Rocky Mountain National Park as a Naturalist. I lead nature walks, held campfire programs, stopped traffic for bighorn sheep and counted elk on foggy autumn mornings; it also allowed me to find my voice amongst some of the most amazing men and women I have ever worked with. I proceeded to get a B.S. in Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University and an M.S. in Zoology & Physiology at the University of Wyoming. I worked as a Field Technician in Wyoming radio-collaring mountain lions in the Snowy Range using hound dogs. I was one of a two-person team and we used snowmobiles and horses to get into the backcountry. I also spent one summer catching lions on the Southern Ute Reservation using foot snares and hound dogs. My Masterās degree thesis focused on the genetics of American marten in SW Alaska on the islands of the Alexander Archipelago. What wild adventures I had there baiting live-traps with sardines amongst salmon eating Brown bears! After school my husband and I moved to Durango. I lead a chainsaw crew briefly for the SW Conservation crew, worked in various restaurants, and most recently worked with special needs kids at a local elementary school. I never would have expected how I would fall in love with those kids! I developed life long friendships with students and parents alike. It was truly one of my favorite jobs. Throughout all of my adventures, I have poured through Durango history books with an obsession. The more I read, the more curious I have become. I have always had an interest in the supernatural that stems from my own personal experiences since I was a child. Old buildings and places speak to my soul. I have always had a firm belief that a connection to place, whether a town or a forest, feeds our souls. Once you learn about the history of Durango, you will see it in a whole new light. I couldnāt do any of this without the support of my loving family. My husband has helped to elevate my courage and supports me in every way, my 8-year old daughter, Evelyn, is my honorary business partner due to her passionate enthusiasm for this venture and her new love of history. My 6-year old son, Grey, well, he only cares about the gunfights of the Wild West. Durango is our home, our place, our community, and we cherish it.
