Tim Underwood has seen much come and go during his time in Nederland, and now he feels like it’s time for the next chapter. He worked as the Public Works Director for the Town of Nederland until 2010, and is the current owner of the Mineshaft Mercantile in Rollinsville.

“It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve had a great, wonderful time interacting with all the locals and visitors alike. [Mineshaft Mercantile] required a lot of my time, and I just haven’t been doing as much fishing, kayaking, riding my motorcycle, shooting, and golfing as I’d like to,” he laughed. “Another opportunity popped up that sounds like it can really get me back to basics, back to nature, and further away from cities.”

“I loved the job and I love the town, [but] I have no interest in working in town government again. I’m moving on and I feel like the grass is greener on the other side,” said Underwood. “My biggest fear is looking over my shoulder and saying goodbye to hundreds of wonderful friends. But with my new life, I’ll be able to travel.”

Thankfully, he’ll be able to travel around where he’s headed. He’s closing on 40 acres in a northern state, between North Dakota and the Canadian border. Underwood visited the area in the early 2000s, taking a canoeing trip for two weeks.

“There’s nothing like waking up on an island, right in the middle of this lake, and eating fresh blueberries off the bush,” he said. His plans are to create a disc golf course and more as a cabin-type retreat in the north.

When the temperature drops towards winter, he’ll take his camper out to British Columbia to visit his four grandchildren, arriving in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. He’ll travel down the California coast, end up in Texas, and eventually fly to Cancun. In his words, he’ll be hunting for seashells and Spanish doubloons. As long as he’s able, he’ll be traveling. He’s about to turn 60, and wants to see old friends and spend time with family.

“I’ve met hundreds of people, and that’s been the most fun about it. It just doesn’t pay enough to me to be locked down like that. I’ve got to get to the wide-open spaces and do more of those things I really love,” Underwood said.

He’s getting rid of everything at Mineshaft Mercantile as well as his cabin. He says to look out for huge deals on all of his inventory, as he’s downsizing quite a bit. Look for the sales to continue through the end of October.

“Don’t be surprised if some day, somewhere, you look up and there’s Tim Underwood having a shot and a beer,” he smiled, with nothing but gratitude for the time spent and memories earned.

For more information, call Mineshaft Mercantile at 303-717-3821. or stop by between now and the end of October (until it’s all gone).