Questions about Rawlins (Laramie: how much, hotels, live in)

[normsan560]

I currently live in Tampa Fl. I grew up in NH and Mass. They say when you move to Fl your stuck in Fl. Boy, were they right.
I would like to know if the Rawlins area is mostly flat, grazing type areas or if you have foothills or mountains.
I have read about Rawlins and it sounds like a great place, but I would like someones honest opinion(not just info from tourist boards or builders).
I am interested in a place to go for long weekends, mostly in the winter. When does it start snowing and how much.

Thank you

[poohkie]

Normsan

I just had to laughed at your message saying you'd like to find somewhere for long weekends, especially in winter. I just moved here to the area so I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing a full winter yet, but from what I do hear they can be real dosies. The mountains already have snow tops which is quite beautiful. I know the people in Colorado of course are happy to see the snow only for skiing. Sure hope you find what your looking for.

[mrkool]

Rawlins is an interesting choice of place for a Floridian to go for long winter weekends and such. Rawlins is sort of high, sagebrush desert with some hills at the edge of town (north side?) and mountains more in the distance. A long way from things... 100 miles to Laramie, which only has 30,000 or so people itself. If I had to guess, first snow would probably fall in early Oct., in town. I think housing market is sort of tight there right now. This is a place you absolutely must visit before making decisions. I used to drive through it occasionally, as well as stay overnight. I liked it pretty well.

[normsan560]

Thanx for replying. I am by no means a Floridian. I lived in NH when that was extremely iscolated. Now it's just a suburb of Boston. I am looking for a quiet place to ride and get away from everything. By the way florida is not what it used to be either, way to crowded, especially winter.

How far would you have to go to get more mountanis region?

[kirial]

I have posted in another thread about rawlins, you may want to read it a little bit. I was born and raised in Rawlins, and if you want an honest opinion, Winters suck. It feels like the wind never stops blowing, so even what should be a beautiful winter day will have subzero tempuratures due to the wind chill. I personally dont find it a place i would desire to spend any long weekend in the winter. I absolutely love summers there. The interstate will close during the winter due to blowing snow and icy conditions, and Rawlins is the place where everyone ends up until the authorities get a hold of laramie and rock springs and tell them to stop the traffic going through. Yes, it happens several times throughout the winter. The hotels fill, and they have to open shelters for all the people who end up stranded. Most people want to leave rawlins for the wintertime, they sure dont go there for it! if it wasnt for the wind, winters would not be sooo bad, but the wind constantly pelting at your face makes you never want to be outside in it. Just imagine shoveling your sidewalk, and by the time you turn back around to walk back on it....the wind has blown all the snow right back over the top of it. I think you really need to visit there, and actually stay a few days to get your own opinion of it. As far as mountains, you just need to drive south of town a little ways and you will end up hitting the mountains. Alot of hunting and fishing to be had, so if you are an outdoorsman...its great. You will get away from alot by going there, population is around 10k people +/- its hard to say with all the "rig hands" there right now. Its in the middle of a boom, so the community is trying to keep up with the increase of population. As I said in another post, Rawlins has more Hotels and bars than anything, and its also got the State Penn right at the south of town. It all depends on what you want for the weekends I suppose! It has already gotten some small snow flurrys, but usually starts snowing in October. But, I have to say....i remember snow on the 4th of july before! And, if it snows the real heavy-type snow (usually happens in September and May) it will knock the power out all over town! Stays out for hours usually.

I hope this helps a little bit. Like I said I have lived in Rawlins forever, so if I can answer any questions let me know.

[Dorothy Ramsey]

Kirial, you do a great job of describing the area. I can picture the snow on the sidewalk!! Do you happen to know what the rig hands get paid? If I move to Rawlins, what kind of work is available? Is rig hand a full time permanent job, or a migrating temporary thing? I saw your post about 700 for 2 bedrooms, if the pay is good enough, that would be ok. What companies are hiring?