Ear to the ground:

“I’ve had buffalo before, but never bison.”
– A Western newbie navigating the vagaries of a steakhouse menu

Social climbers

Like beer and climbing (but not at the same time)? Then why not check out Durango’s next “Climber’s Beer Night,” this Tues., Feb. 24, from 6 - 8 p.m.  at Carver’s Brewing Co. Presented by The Climbing Zine, Durango’s homegrown climbing publication, the event started as a low-key way for local climbers to get to know each other and share epic tales of adventure and misadventure. It has since grown into a regular gathering that gives back by raising funds for climbing-related nonprofits and special projects. 

Next week’s event will raise money for Friends of Indian Creek, a nonprofit aimed at protecting the nearby beloved Utah climbing mecca. The previous Beer Night, in December, raised funds to replace old hardware at Durango’s Golf Wall, located on East Animas, as well as the American Safe Climbing Association, a nonprofit that works to replace dangerous old bolts and hardware. 

In addition to the aforementioned beer, Tuesday’s event will feature prizes, swag and plenty of high-fives. 

For more info, contact Luke Mehall at luke@climbingzine.com or 970-376-3116. 

Soul hunting

In case you were in the market for a little vacation pad in Telluride, perhaps you should tune into HGTV’s “House Hunters.”

According to the Telluride Daily Planet, the town was featured on the popular home-buying show in an episode that first aired in late December.

In the show, Telluride Realtor Lorrie Denesik, of Telluride Sotheby’s, helps Indianapolis businessman Kurt Fazekas scope out the perfect mountain getaway for he and his four kids. Following the “House Hunters” formula, Denesik takes Fazekas on a tour of three homes – two historic homes in the town of Telluride (including the former popular apres spot-turned-high-end-reno, Leimgrubers) and a condo in Mountain Village.

After an agonizing decision process, weighing such important amenities as walk-in closets, ski-in ski-out access, and hot tubs, Fazekas settled on the former Leimie’s, sordid ski bum past and all. The property was listed at $3.4 million, but Fazekas and Denesik were able to talk the sellers down to a mere $2.9 million.

At least one ghost from Leimie’s past commented on the transition from bierstube to boob tube. “Can’t wait to see the program, which features a great metaphor for what Telluride has become – The destruction of 2 great locals’ institutions, Leimie’s and later, the West End,” posted “Frankfurter” on the Planet’s website. “That should be Telluride’s new marketing identity – ‘a town that used to be really cool.’”