Haven't seen anyone skating on Blue Mesa recently but the ice fisher people are there. I grew up in MN where ice fishing is a real production - heated ice houses that people actually will sleep in. Haven't been to the Alpine Tunnel - dh was very uncomfortable on the road leading there so we turned back - he didn't offer tl let me drive <VBG> Wanita Hot Springs is neat - we wanted to use the Springs but cannot due so during the time the resort is open - we'll have to try again next fall after they close. Love hiking in the Gunny area -recently we hiked along an old narrow gage railroad path - it was up the Ohio Pass road - very interesting. I don't believe this train ever ran and the tracks ended on the top of Ohio Pass.
I too prefer the rural area to city - was raised in Mpls and it's a great city TO visit.