Sarah WallockPublished September 2022
Exactly one year ago, I got on a plane (and then into a car) to Mammoth Lakes, California to begin my new life. I went with my little green backpack, yet again, to a place where I didn’t know a soul, to start over and embark on a new adventure.
The first two months were fun, upbeat, and busy, and the novelty washed over me. That isn’t to say I didn’t have some bumps along the way (think: moving houses 4x in 4 weeks, sustaining a long-distance relationship, culture shock).
But soon a creeping feeling came over me that, although beautiful and nature-filled, Mammoth wouldn’t be my forever home (if that even exists for a traveler. Or at least somewhere to ditch my stuff?). Read on to discover why we’re leaving Mammoth Lakes, California.
There’s More to Life Than Snowboarding
*gasps*
“Don’t move to Mammoth if you don’t like to ski.” The winters are tough here and it’s a pretty isolated place. I was infatuated with snowboarding in 2021 when I moved back to the States. The majority of jobs I applied to were based in ski towns.
There is nothing like hurling yourself down a mountain at 15 mph with the wind in your hair and fresh mountain air in your lungs. Truly, one of the most blissful feelings in the world.
But as I learned this year, ski towns are ski towns because they’re tucked away into gorgeous little mountain enclaves. This means they’re hard to get to and even harder to get out of…
It Takes 5+ Hours to Get to a Major City
I love to travel and being away from an airport, albeit an international airport is a non-negotiable at this point in my life. Nothing makes you appreciate where you live like traveling, visiting friends, and exposing yourself to different mindsets. The remoteness really hit me this winter. Additionally, my car broke down twice this year. And when you live in the mountains, 3 hours from a trustworthy mechanic and 7 hours from your family by car, with virtually no public transit… that is not an ideal recipe for success and positive wellbeing. Lesson learned. This has to be the top reason we are leaving Mammoth Lakes.
Seeking a Bigger Place, Bigger Population, More Opportunity
New York or Los Angeles are not calling my name, but I am seeking a city pulse. I love the energy and spirit around cities, festivals, and nightlife. Part of it is that we’re leaving Mammoth because it is so small. Nature takes precedent above all else, but I think my decision to move SO far into nature was a bit too extreme. In this next chapter, I am looking for balance. Think: incredible snowboarding, insane hiking, delicious coffee, awesome concerts, professional dance classes. Does such a place exist? *gasps again*
There’s No Thai Food!
I know you may be wondering why this made the list of reasons we’re leaving Mammoth, but not having Thai food is a really big deal!!!
The Mexican food is amazing here. My après ski steak tacos from El Charro really did hit the spot in a way that nothing else could after the slopes and made me feel like a true Californian. Snowboarding and authentic tacos in one day, I mean com’on, so cool! I will never forgot the teenage boy who ordered in front of me one winter day at 3pm, asking for a “Califoorrrrniiaa burritooooo” (burrito with french fries in it) in the most stereotypical surfer-dude voice I’ve ever heard in my life. Precious moments in Mammoth.
But my love of Thai food is comfort. It’s a weekly (bi or triweekly?) treat to look forward to. Food represents so much more than food. Food signifies diversity, it brings people together and it’s a form of self-care. And let me tell ya, there aren’t a lot of food options in Mammoth. I did have my favorites though.
Cheers to the Next Chapter
The incredible alpine lakes, secret quiet lunch spots with trees in every direction, and wonderful people we met in this chapter won’t be forgotten. Especially during such a significant year in our lives, leaving New Zealand, and with the world waking up from Covid. Leaving Mammoth Lakes definitely feels bittersweet. It has been a wild ride so far, but we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned to find out where we go next…
Update: See Why We Moved to Colorado After Three Years of Traveling.
