HELLO THE CABIN !! DONT SHOOT!! ITS JUST ME...

[Ironclad]

HELLO THE CABIN, DONT SHOOT, ITS JUST ME !!!
Guenos Noches, How You Doing??
I'd really appreciate your help!?? I need directions!!

My story... born and raised sixty years ago, "in the country", in New Mexico and in Texas. I know horses and rattlesnakes and hardtimes. But.. Im just butt-tired of knowing 100 degree summers! That's the worst. And so, I just got to move somewhere to what I call... some better weather!!
I'm hoping someone of you might welcome me to where you live, where the weather is fine, and the people are also, or point me in the right direction.

I dont apologize for being poor, nor should you!! Some of the best people I have known, are poor. Hunting and Fishing is not a hobby to me...it is a necessity and a sacred way to keep my freezer full of protein, while I spend the rest of the time mending a small garden for vegetables. And the rest of the time cutting wood. And I wont be a pain to my neighbors. Matter of fact, Im kind of a quiet person and prefer it that way.

If you want a good neighbor... Im your man. I might be asking too much... looking for heaven on earth... mild winters and mild summers and mild neighbors... and maybe enough cheap acreage so I can afford to pasture a couple of horses.

So... anybody got any ideas for me? Ive been thinking??... eastern Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming ?? ...or wherever? if you know where, say so. Im listening.

[Aamylf]

Welcome and there's a great thread on this forum about "does this climate exist" which you might want to find and read. Lots of people sent in where the weather is good. Central PA, if you don't mind some snow, was one good place as I recall. Florida has some exceptional deals right now -- especially the center of the state around Arcadia, Haines City, but if you're used to desert, the summer humidity might kill you! I've been here nearly 30 years and have yet to see a 100 degree day. Long string of 95s, but no 100. Hope you find what you are looking for.

[backlash]

Eastern Washington has real winters and real summers.
This morning it was 11 and last summer we had a lot of days it got to 100.
There is a place with great weather year around but unfortunately it also has lots of people.
Southern California.
I guess that's why they all live there.

[grumble]

Good people, good weather, good land and cheap? Har! Those things are mutually exclusive. <G>

Best decide what you want to compromise on. Still, three out of four ain't bad, and you're already there!

[offgridbob]

Some other country maybe or man up and suffer through the bad weather like the rest of us. No offence intended

[S2man]

Hey Ironclad. It sounds like the climate you want, with mild summers and winters is on one of the coasts. But that rules out cheap. And, you get hurricanes on the right coast and fire, mudslides and earthquakes on the left. The NorthWest is mild but not cheap.

Here, smack dab in the middle of the country, we reach 0* in winter and a 100 in the summer. As you move further South or East, the winters get milder. I lived in Kentucky and think Tennessee and the Virginias were nice.

I would suggest somewhere in the Eastern mountains, from Pennsylvania/Ohio down to the Carolinas. But far enough from the coast to avoid high prices and high populations.

[Catalpa]

There's lots of land here in Michigan that is going for half of what it was worth a few years ago. 'Round the corner from me a 1500 sq. ft. four year old house on 20 acres of woods just went for 160,000.
We do have some cold in the winter and hot in the summer, but one great thing about Michigan is it's changeable. If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes, and it'll be different. I've seen 100+ days and some -10 days, but neither lasts long. Snows can vary from scant to 12 ft. drifts. The Great Lakes really modify our weather, and we have microclimate areas. The Upper Pennisula doesn't have much area that can be farmed, but the Lower Pennisula is home to everything from dairies, horse farms and vinyards to orchards to large vegetable farms. We also have large populations of turkeys and deer, and fish in the lakes.
If you don't need a regular job, it's a great place to be!

[Ironclad]

Thanks everybody, so much, for your comments...Ill be researching and checking out all your suggestions.
--- Ironclad

[Dennis G]

Thanks everybody, so much, for your comments...Ill be researching and checking out all your suggestions.
--- Ironclad

you should look into southern Virginia or northern North Carolina, realatively cheap land, mild climates...

Dennis G

[Ironclad]

Some other country maybe or man up and suffer through the bad weather like the rest of us. No offence intended

Everywhere I go, there's always one!?
Bob I guess you arent on the Welcoming Committee?
Well...no "offense" taken. sticks and stones, sticks and stones.:neo:

[Ironclad]

Thanks again to everyone who is taking time to offer me sincere and friendly advice...I really do appreciate it.

[txplowgirl]

Hang in there Ironclad, been there done that. Lived 30 miles south of san antonio for about 2 years. Those hot days about killed me.
Moved up here to southern ok.
Winters arent 2 bad, gets in the teens, summers gets in the upper 90's with a few 100's not many, I've seen some cheap land up here, missed out on something I would have loved to had but somebody beat me to it. 63 acres borderin on the south canadian river, wooded for 23,000. Up near muscogee. It was pretty. Up near salisaw there is 20 acres for 18000. Wooded, no utilities or anything. Ud have to cut trees to get a driveway in and a place to pitch a tent. Tees are that thick.
Check out unitedcountry.com, put in oklahoma or wherever u might be thinkin about and the highest price you want to pay and go from there. Oh, also welcome and have fun. I do, and just ignore the "others".

[Ironclad]

Hang in there Ironclad, been there done that. Lived 30 miles south of san antonio for about 2 years. Those hot days about killed me.
Moved up here to southern ok.
Winters arent 2 bad, gets in the teens, summers gets in the upper 90's with a few 100's not many, I've seen some cheap land up here, missed out on something I would have loved to had but somebody beat me to it. 63 acres borderin on the south canadian river, wooded for 23,000. Up near muscogee. It was pretty. Up near salisaw there is 20 acres for 18000. Wooded, no utilities or anything. Ud have to cut trees to get a driveway in and a place to pitch a tent. Tees are that thick.
Check out unitedcountry.com, put in oklahoma or wherever u might be thinkin about and the highest price you want to pay and go from there. Oh, also welcome and have fun. I do, and just ignore the "others".

Ms Plowgirl,
Thanks, very much...thats some excellent informative helpful and friendly information. I'll check it out. I appreciate it. You're good people! Any other advice about buying land is welcome because Bankers and Realestate Agents are not always on our side, are they?

[VeteranMntnFarm]

The bank here (50 miles north of harrisburg pa) told me they don't resell their mortgages and they do things the old fashioned way which was great to me. No regular bank would give me a mortgage on a house built in 1820 with no plumbing and at the time overun by squirrels but this bank did and well i fixed it up and i am sure they will appreciate it when they do see it. I go insurance thru fair plan of Pa which covers just damage and fire but not liability but a local insurance agency gave me liability for 100k for 50.00 a yr.

Oh i am looking for a partner and we are both around the same age.

[TEX]

I spent many years in various places in Wyoming - unless you want temps over 100 in the summers and colder than a well diggers shovel in the Winter don't go. Now some places in the mountains aren't that bad in the summer but that makes winters even worse. Trust me on this. I have seen it snow out 4th of July Parades and I have seen it 50 below (no wind chill factor involved) and I have seen it 100 when the sun goes down.

It's a wonderful place to visit but I never want to live there again.

[Ironclad]

I spent many years in various places in Wyoming - unless you want temps over 100 in the summers and colder than a well diggers shovel in the Winter don't go. Now some places in the mountains aren't that bad in the summer but that makes winters even worse. Trust me on this. I have seen it snow out 4th of July Parades and I have seen it 50 below (no wind chill factor involved) and I have seen it 100 when the sun goes down.

It's a wonderful place to visit but I never want to live there again.

Ms TEX,
Thank You, ... I actually had Wyoming right on top of my short list? If not for you, I just might have wound up there. How can people in Wyoming endure extremes in their weather like that? They must spend their whole lives coping with it or preparing for it? No way to live!!

[Ironclad]

Maybe there really can't be ONE perfect best place to live? (weather-wise)...
maybe it has to be... TWO !!??
Why cant we just simply walk away from the extremes of weather?
Native-American Indians of a certain wisdom; knew they were by nature, driven by the snow once a year down to a warmer place to wait out the cold. And, driven by the sun each summer back up into the mountains where the wind was cool and forgiving.
Maybe being stuck in one single house or homestead is not the best idea. Whatever money$ a person has can be split in two. Instead of one large homestead; build two small homesteads, basically close to each other, but each at different elevations?

[VeteranMntnFarm]

Maybe there really can't be ONE perfect best place to live? (weather-wise)...
maybe it has to be... TWO !!??
Why cant we just simply walk away from the extremes of weather?
Native-American Indians of a certain wisdom; knew they were by nature, driven by the snow once a year down to a warmer place to wait out the cold. And, driven by the sun each summer back up into the mountains where the wind was cool and forgiving.
Maybe being stuck in one single house or homestead is not the best idea. Whatever money$ a person has can be split in two. Instead of one large homestead; build two small homesteads, basically close to each other, but each at different elevations?


Under the ground the temperature is 56 degrees yr round. One just needs to utilize that. My house has a basement and so thats how they survived here back in 1820 when it was built. It even has a fireplace in the basement. I also have a 2000ft mountain right next to me and a trouts stream running thru 3 acres of mine. I have an old log home that i will rebuild and make a wet house and back east here WE GET RAIN IN SUMMERS TO WATER GARDENS unlike when i lived out west in N Calif and had to water gardens 3 times a day in 115 degree temps that one summer in 2006 and use an umbrella to keep sun off me.

yes back east we get rain and the snow refills our water tables and here in my county i made sure there was no marsellas shale for 4 counties north and 2 counties west and 2 counties east and none south so our water is pristine which is more valuable than any $$ a gas fracturing company might pay..

as for God in my life i have spent the last couple of yrs with the www.twelvetribes.org (http://www.twelvetribes.org) communities and they are wonderful caring people but i left them to come back and take care of my mom who well never gave up on me. YAHSHUA i love you

[johnjmw]

Mmm when you start having a summer and winter residence,,, isn't that what the "Snow Birds" do? Winter in Florida for four or five months then move back north for summer. I like the general idea but I'd be moving to much junk back and forth. Unless I bought my own Semi to haul it in.
I don't know any place in the US that has both mild summers and mild winters. But my Mother in law ALWAYS tells us how fair the weather in Ireland is. Like you I don't plan on going to that kind of extreme to be comfortable.
Good luck in your search though, you never know what you might find if you look hard enough.

[Ironclad]

Mmm when you start having a summer and winter residence,,, isn't that what the "Snow Birds" do? Winter in Florida for four or five months then move back north for summer. I like the general idea but I'd be moving to much junk back and forth. Unless I bought my own Semi to haul it in.
I don't know any place in the US that has both mild summers and mild winters. But my Mother in law ALWAYS tells us how fair the weather in Ireland is. Like you I don't plan on going to that kind of extreme to be comfortable.
Good luck in your search though, you never know what you might find if you look hard enough.

Mr John,
Actually...last year I was having one of my recurring worries about the SHTF senario, and got my Passport, just as a last-ditch, fall-back option. When I consider "bugging out" I actually did consider the Emerald Isle, cus I am Scots-Irish.
--Ironclad

[ArmySGT.]

The Oregon coast.

Except you get a lot of rain and slugs start a one pound. Fishing is good. Hunting is better inland. Lowland is expansive, and the windstorms can be fierce.

Not really hot or cold, but it is wet.

[Ironclad]

ArmySGT[/U].;256957]The Oregon coast? Except you get a lot of rain and slugs start at one pound. Fishing is good. Hunting is better inland. Lowland is expensive, and the windstorms can be fierce. Not really hot or cold, but it is wet.

Sarge,
One pound slugs?..sounds like good fish bait to me? or by themselves maybe good barbequed? Seriously thanks for suggestion, Oregon's on my short list, I'm really considering it; I just got thru gettin a brand new camo-waterproof-pancho last time I went to "the gettin place", to keep the rain off. You say "fishing is good and hunting is better" and that's music to my ears!

My old friend had "the Wanderlust" worse than anyone, and as a result, he traveled this country more than anyone Ive known, and when he came back to tell me about it... he said "the best and the most beautiful was Oregon". Ive never forgotten that; Ill add your vote Sarge, to his. Thanks
--Ironclad

[TSJ]

Just wanted to say, Texas has some relatively unrestricted game laws compared to other states. For instance, you can hunt feral hogs year around. There aren't any restrictions on cougar and bobcat if you're into varmint hunting. And if my memory is correct in some counties in Texas you can take up to 4 deer in season. Just something to think about where ever ya wanna move to from Texas.

[Ironclad]

Just wanted to say, Texas has some relatively unrestricted game laws compared to other states. For instance, you can hunt feral hogs year around. There aren't any restrictions on cougar and bobcat if you're into varmint hunting. And if my memory is correct in some counties in Texas you can take up to 4 deer in season. Just something to think about where ever ya wanna move to from Texas.

TSJ,
Yea I know, you are definitely right!! There's more deer in Texas than any other state. But a poor man like me cant afford to buy access to them. Ninety-Something percent of all of Texas is privately owned, and they charge thousands of dollars to the hunter to get on their land? This isnt just Texas...this "curse of greed" is spreading all over the country!! People call themselves "guides or outfitters or wildlife ranchers" and they lease up thousands of acres, and then they lease out "hunting rights" to the rest of us!??
This is a travesty--the deer belong to all of us!! Reminds me of the National Parks that supposedly belong to all of us!!?? You drive up to the gate, and the Ranger says..."How much money you got? Just hand me your wallet!!"

And yea, I know... I can always go hunt on the State or Federal land...but those acres are so overpopulated with ameteur hunters that I wouldnt feel comfortable hunting there, without a helmet and body-armor! It's a sad situation!?

Yea, TSJ, you are right! Texas is a gunowners / hunters paradise. But, I have a friend who writes a Outdoors/Wildlife column for the Dallas paper, and he says..."if it wasnt for my job, even I wouldnt be able to hunt in Texas, its too expensive". A sad situation!!
--Ironclad

[Catalpa]

Hmmm, are ya talkin' per acre, or total amount? Cuz I really think us Michigan folks have more deer than anywheres! Cain't hardly drive to work in the morning without some fool deer running across the road in front of me, don't ya know. ;-D

I'm still saying MI is the best, Ironclad! We have forest and hills in the north, wide plains and fertile soil in the south, and the lakes all around. Deer and turkeys abound, and hunting isn't too expensive, even if you have to buy a state land permit. And there's acres and acres of state land, easily accessed. (As a resident, I get a doe permit for $15.00).

I live in central Michigan, and it's the best of all worlds. I have thick, rich topsoil that grows an awesome garden and a good growing season. Within an hour I can be on Lake Huron for the fishing; a few hours more puts me on the ski hill up north. In two hours I can be in the big city. (Should I ever wish to be.) If I can't find deer on my little homestead, I have friends around who allow me to hunt on their land for free, so it's all good.

Right now the real estate market is down, and acreage is more affordable. Of course, the whole economy is down and jobs are scarce....but there's always a down side, eh?

Anyways, you can check out Michigan realestate at http://realestate-mls.com/.

There's no place short of heaven that will be perfect, but there's some great places on this planet. I hope you find your spot!

[offgridbob]

Actually Ironclad I am on the welcome wagon but I live in reality and have always been blunt and to the point. What you asked for orininally does not exist mostly. Weather is what it is and this year it is crazy all over. If you like mudslide go to California, freezing ice storms to the south, snow to the northeast and pretty moderate weather in the northwest, at least for now. Now I played nice ;>}

[Ironclad]

Actually Ironclad I am on the welcome wagon but I live in reality and have always been blunt and to the point. What you asked for orininally does not exist mostly. Weather is what it is and this year it is crazy all over. If you like mudslide go to California, freezing ice storms to the south, snow to the northeast and pretty moderate weather in the northwest, at least for now. Now I played nice ;>}

Yea,Bob...I knew you for a good man all along!
By the way...just how is the weather and the livin up on the drier eastern side of Washington? That is where you is, isnt it?
--Ironclad

[Ironclad]

Hmmm, are ya talkin' per acre, or total amount? Cuz I really think us Michigan folks have more deer than anywheres! Cain't hardly drive to work in the morning without some fool deer running across the road in front of me, don't ya know. ;-D

I'm still saying MI is the best, Ironclad! We have forest and hills in the north, wide plains and fertile soil in the south, and the lakes all around. Deer and turkeys abound, and hunting isn't too expensive, even if you have to buy a state land permit. And there's acres and acres of state land, easily accessed. (As a resident, I get a doe permit for $15.00).

I live in central Michigan, and it's the best of all worlds. I have thick, rich topsoil that grows an awesome garden and a good growing season. Within an hour I can be on Lake Huron for the fishing; a few hours more puts me on the ski hill up north. In two hours I can be in the big city. (Should I ever wish to be.) If I can't find deer on my little homestead, I have friends around who allow me to hunt on their land for free, so it's all good.

Right now the real estate market is down, and acreage is more affordable. Of course, the whole economy is down and jobs are scarce....but there's always a down side, eh?

Anyways, you can check out Michigan realestate at http://realestate-mls.com/.

There's no place short of heaven that will be perfect, but there's some great places on this planet. I hope you find your spot!

Catalpa, apparently my misconceptions about Michigan, have been many? I need to take a much closer look, eh? It does sound like paradise, dont ya know? (am I gettin that accent down right?) I cant thank you enough for your information. Is everyone in Michigan so bright, friendly, helpful and welcoming?...or is it just you? Thanks again, Catalpa!
--Ironclad

[Catalpa]

LOL Ironclad, I think ya got it! 'Course, dem yoopers allus talk a little funny; us trolls in the LP can sound right smart when we want to.

Us Michiganders can be a surly bunch which may have given rise to your misconceptions, but underneath we're pretty good folks, and can be friendly and welcoming. At least when you're north of 18 mile, eh?

Truly Michigan can be a wondrous place. I've climbed hills in the UP where I've stood on ancient bedrock, exposed and weathered with mysterious bit of fossils broken free from their long sleep, and watched endless flights of geese heading north. I've explored an island and found a colossal boulder hidden in the midst of a wetland forest as though it had become lost on the way to Stonehenge. I've struggled up the great Sleeping Bear dune and been rewarded with a view of the endless sandy beach and restless shimmering waves. I've stood at the top of a ski run and seen the Traverse Bay locked in snow and ice. I've wandered the stands of sugar maple in the fall, when glorious slow-motion fireworks of their leaves can take your breath away. I've kayaked mighty Lake Huron when her face is bright and smiling, while passing by the historical marker telling the frightful tale of the storm that claimed so many lives. I've toiled under the summer sun, choking on the dust as I stacked the heavy, fragrant bales of hay, the windrows stretching off into the hazy horizon. I've sat quietly in a tree stand and watched yearling white tails leap and play, happy and full of life. I've hiked along streams that twist, turn, and tumble over falls carved by glaciers in ages past, the water murmuring as it hurries ever on.......

Uff da, I do tend to go on! So I'll close by saying iffen ya ever find yer way to da neighborhood, I'll bake ya a pie made of apples from my 80 year old tree, and I might even tell ya where you can see the Indian petroglyphs.

[Ironclad]

Catalpa, the way that you love your land is... awe inspiring! dont ya know? That's the real reward, of a backwoods home isnt it?... just to be able to feel the way you do about it? And I wont forget that invite eh! I do love my country pie.
--Ironclad

[TSJ]

Ok, I've made my decision after carefully considering all the factors:

Lewiston, Idaho

It's on the Snake river so there is plenty of public access fishing.

There are plenty of national forests available nearby to hunt in altough it will probably be at higher elevation, but I don't know what kind of shape you are in. You may need an ATV and a 4x4 truck, so there is extra expense involved. But the hunting should be world class.

Lewiston is only at about 750 foot elevation so you won't go around gasping for air on your daily strolls. It has. 31,000 pop and reputedly has mild weather compared to the rest of northern Idaho.

see http://www.city-data.com/city/Lewiston-Idaho.html

Real estate may be expensive but the way I see it you only need property big enough to have a garden with all the public access fishing and hunting nearby.

So what led me to this choice? Jack O'Connor ancient shooting and hunting editor for Outdoor Life moved there when he got tired of Arizona and its rising population..... uh, that's been more than a few years ago.

So there it is. Tell me how you like it when you get there. grin.

[Ironclad]

TSJ,
I appreciate your post and your suggestion...but Ive done A LOT of research, over the years on Idaho; scoured the city-data site for information, and might I submit the following quotes from the Idaho citizens who had something to say...about Lewiston...

"The Air Quality=The Potlatch Pulp Mill"... "It's not exactly pollution, it is more like a permeating smell like mildewed old socks... smells like sauerkraut... while we drove thru I thought one of my friends must have farted... its The Putrid Valley... smelly hot hazy reeking stinky mess... will stagger the weak or the infirm... will make grown men cry and knock small birds from the sky... doesnt bother me but then again, I was raised on a pig farm"... etc etc. (hah hah, good grief!)

So...TSJ, Ill take a pass on Lewiston. But I agree with you and follow your line of thought about the Low Elevation there that allows for a more moderate climate!! You are dead on right about that! All I have to do is find a town up or down the river that is "upwind" from the industry that stinks up Lewiston. If I can find that then I will have a location for a good Base Camp wont I?? Thanks for the suggestion TSJ...you've got me thinking again.
--Ironclad

[I'm Hooked]

Well after reading through the many fine threads here I think it comes down to whatever works for you. As someone mentioned, the weather seems to be really unpredictable anymore. I bought a little spot on top of a mountain in TN 3 years ago and was told by many that the winter weather was pretty tame and snow just hardly ever happens - not true now. Can't comment on many of the places mentioned - Northern CA ranks high on my list but Oregon to me is as close to heaven as I may ever get. I've lived in Eugene (center of the state), Newport (north coast), and Bend (high desert) and I cherished every moment I was there. I'm in Florida now because of family and its "okay" but nothing I will brag about. I love my little area in TN but my heart will never leave Oregon.

Good luck to you - I hope you find what you seek.

Mike

[TSJ]

Well after reading through the many fine threads here I think it comes down to whatever works for you. As someone mentioned, the weather seems to be really unpredictable anymore. I bought a little spot on top of a mountain in TN 3 years ago and was told by many that the winter weather was pretty tame and snow just hardly ever happens - not true now. Can't comment on many of the places mentioned - Northern CA ranks high on my list but Oregon to me is as close to heaven as I may ever get. I've lived in Eugene (center of the state), Newport (north coast), and Bend (high desert) and I cherished every moment I was there. I'm in Florida now because of family and its "okay" but nothing I will brag about. I love my little area in TN but my heart will never leave Oregon.

Good luck to you - I hope you find what you seek.

Mike

you got some very good boating, fishing and shrimping in Tville, FL. I used to go out on the Indian river there at night, hang a light off the boat and catch dozens of shrimp as they floated by. just used a long handled net and scooped them up. That's been several decades ago so I don't know if the shrimp are still there.

The St John's river also nearby has outstanding boating and fishing.

[offgridbob]

Ironclad, The pacific northwest/Eastern side has four seasons. The price of land is OK and we have fare hunting and fishing. It's a diverse area with rivers, lakes, flat land and mountains. I would not rule it out for a fine place to set up a homestead.

[Ironclad]

To All of Y'all...
I am continually blessed, immensely thankfull for your input and your suggestions... seriously!!!... I am getting ready to make one of the most important decisions of my life... where to move to next!! I dont take this lightly!!... this decision. I really appreciate all of you all and your ideas... thanks. All of you all are really "good people" !!
--Ironclad

[reb]

Ironclad, before i retired, i had intented to sell my house and buy a motorhome. i was going to go to places i thought were 'suitable', stay a couple months and see what they were really like. When i found one i thought was 'good', i was going to then see if i could buy some land, put a permanent structure on it, and live.

events conspired to kick that in the head. i still recommend that idea to everyone who asks me about 'where to live'. i think it's a good idea, but i'm too old, tied down and stove up to try it now.

anywhere close to the ocean will moderate temperatures somewhat, but cool winters and warm summers...that's a tough combination for anything in the continental u.s.. southern ca as already mentioned has been 'discovered'. i don't want the beach boys for neighbors, anyway...hawaii?? maybe??? expensive land, though, i hear.

[mistyriver]

Check out Plains, Montana. It's in the Montana banana belt and you'll find wide open spaces, relatively mild winters, lots of excellent hunting and fishing and a terrific small town atmosphere.

[Ironclad]

Mr Reb,
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I know what youre talking about; Im kinda old and "stoved up" myself. Getting old is not for the "faint of heart"...getting old is always painful, and constantly a real pain in the ass, isnt it?

But you know what Mr Reb?... I wouldnt go back, to being "young" again for anything!!...(with all those trials and tribulations). And that's a fact! I have found a kind of Peace of Mind that is just... well, it's not describable; but it sure is wonderful!! There are certain "Rewards" about getting old, if you survive to get there; that sure is worth the long jouney. And that's a fact! I'm glad to be an old fart like I am; and I'm proud that I survived; many of my past companions are long gone now; it's just an honor to live this long; I praise the Lord.

Know what I mean??

[Ironclad]

Check out Plains, Montana. It's in the Montana banana belt and you'll find wide open spaces, relatively mild winters, lots of excellent hunting and fishing and a terrific small town atmosphere.

Ms River,
I checked out the suggestion of yours. It appears to be just about almost perfect for me!!?? You're really good people... hope you don't mind me saying so?

I took the liberty of reading up your past posts; and yes, you and your husband really are living the life, to know what you are talking about, and that's a fact. Anyone who lives next to a lake that holds the world record ... the largest Lake Trout caught in the US, weighing 57 lbs. 8 oz, well I guess you gotta know what youre talking about... about fishing... and probably hunting too.

But your suggestion of "a terrific small town atmosphere" is what really caught my eye!! Living around good people is the most important part of living. And that's a fact!!
--Ironclad

[Ironclad]

All Good Things Must End...
Well... time goes on, the way it does... Looks like most nobody else is going to add on to this thread thing of mine...?? Oh Well, I had a good run!
Thanks to all of you who have sent me your heart-felt advice... good people out there! But now as I leave; let me say just one more thing...

A lot of people dont want to give up "THE LOCATION" of where they know is "Heaven on Earth". I don't blame them!! If I lived there; I would absolutely be overly secretive too!! And I wouldnt want to talk about it here, on this web site, either?

But if anyone wants to... feel free to send me one of those "personal messages" on this website here; ...and take my word for it... you can trust me... a secret is sacred... my word is good.

Im just one simple old man looking for a chance to spend my last days retired; middling tween God's graces and the beauty of nature. (know what I mean?) Just me and a couple of horses maybe.

Looking forward to hearing from you...:wink:

--Ironclad