GREELEY WINDS IN INDIANA?

If youíve ever lived n Boulder, Colorado, you know that between the months of September and December you're likely to experience what Boulderites not-so-affectionately refer to as the ìGreeley Winds.î Greeley, Colorado, which sits approximately 55 miles northeast of Boulder, is home to some of the countryís largest stockyards (enclosed yards where cattle, pigs, horses, and sheep are kept temporarily before being slaughtered). Greeleyís agriculture-related businesses are so massive that when even the slightest of winds kick up before a snowstorm, in Boulder you can actually smell Greeleyís stockyards, which is a surefire way of knowing that Boulderís about to receive snow. Donít ask me how or why this happens, but itís the Godís honest truthÖ if you smell manure in the air in Boulder, you can bet your last dollar on the fact that snowís imminent.

After my first winter in Boulder, I, as most Boulderites still do today, came to rely upon and appreciate Greeleyís winds more than local weather forecasters. And being the type of person who really likes it when itís about to snow, these manure-filled winds and I became awkward friends. So imagine my surprise and delight over the past few weeks when Iíd step out of my downtown Indianapolis apartment building--and again when Iíd step out of my car at either the gym or office (11 miles away)--and Iíd smell my old friend wafting thru the air. Can it be that Greeley's winds have made their way from Coloradoís front range to the Heartland? Is there a reasonable explanation for what I've been smelling, or are spring snowstorms really in the air? Better yet, has my mind conspired with my olfactory sense to play a nasty trick on me?

Unfortunately, and of course, there's a reasonable explanation... close to the parking lots at each location, i.e., my apartment building, gym, and office, landscaping crews have put down a combination of fresh mulch and manure in preparation of the spring planting season. Since I leave for the gym before sunrise, I could only smell the manure in the air, not see the mulch on the ground. Early last Friday evening, while it was still light outside, I stepped out of the gym and noticed the mulch for the first time. Imagine my disappointment. No more snow!

What and odd and wonderful story! :)

I used to experience "greeley" winds in my small hometown of Greenfield Indiana. Usually it was when the 4H fair came to town. I lived right down the road and it would always put that lovely manure smell into the air. Unfortunately, it didn't mean that the weather was going to change...just meant you could go and pick up your favorite fried food for dinner down at the fair. lol. Aren't you ready for the snow to be gone and the spring to arrive? boy i know i am!

When I moved to CO in 2000, I interned for Mikal. One of the most valuable lessons I learned that winter was the "Greeley Wind" lesson. In fact, I made $5 off that knowledge this winter. I bet a good 'ol boy $5 that we would have snow in a day and a half, after I first smelled the winds one beautiful January day. He scoffed and shook my hand gleefully. Late the next evening...it snowed. We got 4"-6" and I walked with $5. Thanks Mikal.

I've never been to Colorado (other than a quick stop at the airport). Looks like I have a reason to go visit! ;-)