Like a few other Turtleback Mountain Resort homeowners, Pam Chavez and Robert Birch are part timers, traveling back and forth between their home in St. Paul, Minnesota, and their home at Turtleback Mountain Resort. So how did residents from a northern border state choose a second home on the opposite side of the country in a southern border state? Let’s find out.
The Backstory
Family Matters
The connection becomes clear when you know that Pam grew up just a few miles from her home at Turtleback Mountain Resort. Her family has been rooted in New Mexico for generations and her parents still live nearby. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
Finding Love, Following Opportunities
While serving as Head Nurse in the recovery room at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, the Chief of Anesthesia introduced Pam to his son, Robert, who was in his last year of med school. Eight months later, the two were married and headed to Virginia where Robert completed two fellowships, one in pain management and one in pediatrics. Meanwhile, with Robert so busy, Pam took the time to complete a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
The couple wanted to return to New Mexico but opportunities took them elsewhere – first Cincinnati, Ohio and then the Twin Cities in Minnesota. They agreed it would only be for a year. That was 31 years ago!
The Right House in the Right Place
A few years ago, Pam found a house on the market at Turtleback Mountain Resort. She kept her eye on it for a bit and eventually made the decision to buy. And she’s never looked back. Once Robert retires, they will spend the majority of their time at Turtleback, but since their grown children live in Minnesota, they’ll keep their roots there as well. Meanwhile, Robert manages to carve out about six weeks a year in New Mexico, while Pam is able to collectively spend about five months at Turtleback, pleased that she can be close to her aging parents for much of each year.
Living at Turtleback Mountain Resort
A Beautiful Setting
When asked what she likes about living at Turtleback Mountain Resort, Pam had plenty of wonderful thoughts to share. For starters, she says it’s simple things, like New Mexico’s thin, dry air and the fact that the community is quiet and safe. She also loves the climate, amazing winters, Sierra County’s natural beauty, the exceptional golf course and mountain views she enjoys from her patio and balconies, and, of course, spectacular sunrises and sunsets. And Pam is very appreciative of the fact that Turtleback Mountain Resort is an HOA community, which ensures that the residents and community are held to standards that make the community a better place for all.
Living the Good Life
Pam enjoys every day at Turtleback Mountain Resort and certainly keeps busy. She loves spending time with family, attending Red Hat luncheons with her mother, participating in yoga classes, enjoying the local flavors, and taking daily walks through the neighborhood. When guests come to visit, golf, pontoon boating at the lake, and soaking in the nearby hot springs are on the agenda. Occasionally, Pam will head north to Albuquerque for a few days. And one of the things Pam truly treasures is the night skies. From her home near the Twin Cities. Pam is lucky to see a handful of stars but from Turtleback, the star-studded show, complete with the Milky Way, can be enjoyed nearly every night of the year. And, of course, Pam loves spending time at the clubhouse, where great food, friendships, and relaxation all converge seamlessly.
Conclusion
It’s true that Pam chose to live at Turtleback Mountain Resort to be close to her aging parents and other family members but it’s also true that she loves every minute and looks forward to the day when she and Robert can spend the majority of their time at Turtleback. And why not. It’s a beautiful, peaceful, relaxing environment – a place where big city pressures and hectic lifestyles are put on hold, and a place where Pam and Robert feel welcomed, at home, and in a very good place.
