We sit up high in Parker. True, our spring arrives a little later, and our fall a little sooner than it does in "the valley".But in exchange, we've got killer views; if you can find a safe place to enjoy them from, that is.

Have you ever wanted to watch the sunset, but didn't know where to go? Many lucky citizens can toast the end of a glorious Rocky Mountain day from their own back porch. In the mult-list it's called VM: View Mountains. And as a Realtor, I've found many good views for clients over the years, but my own view, while it includes a great open space I love, doesn't come with a mountain view.

So I've gotten in the habit of looking for spots to safely park and enjoy the view...or drives I love to take because I know they come with Peak to Peak pleasures. If you've driven into town on Hilltop, you know what I mean, or perhaps you've taken the back way along Piney Lake to Southlands Mall.

Have you ever pulled over just to look? Now, I wouldn't encourage unsafe driving practices, but I guess I couldn't blame anyone who found it hard not to stare on a clear morning after the mountains have been smothered in snow. It's a glorious sight, and truly a perk of our Colorado citizenship.

Unfortunately, I've yet to find a really great spot in our little town where I could safely-and legitimately-park my car, take a stroll and maybe find a spot to sit and watch the sun go down with my sweetie. We're big on sunsets.

Oh sure, the views can be awesome from the power line easement that runs through Parker like a spine, but there are those huge metal behemoths that tower over those open spaces like a endless line of Godzillas stretching into the distance. If you squint, you can at least cut them from your line of sight...but you'll take Pike's Peak with them.

Then there's the parking lot at Vitamin Cottage. Great views! Sure, it comes with the intersection to your right cropping out Longs Peak and that flashing red light atop the KOA tower punctuating your view of Rampart Range. Other than that, inspiring.

Now, maybe it's just me-and I don't want to sound ungrateful to our little burg for all the quaint and charming development we've seen in recent years. Even I have to admit O'Brian Park makes an impression on a hot summer day, Baskin Robbins' cone in hand. But, I'm more sad than frustrated that this town that sits so high has so few legitimate opportunities to enjoy the views. Still, I'm not giving up! If you know a spot I've missed, pass it along...maybe we'll meet at sunset some evening.