Have lived in the deep south my entire life. Things went really badly during 2020 and we realized we needed to get out. Started saving and preparing, our plan was to move before the next election.
We have bought a 1920’s farmhouse that still has 9 acres. 100 year old apple trees, blueberries, vineyard. It’s amazing. Part of the land is industrial zoned with power and I’m going to build my machine shop there. We got a steal of a deal, it would be a $500k house and land here.
I bought a '98 Chevy box truck. The boy and I will be making our second trip tomorrow.
Near Pittsburgh, close enough to go to the big city, but far enough out to be in the country.
Other than the weather, rural Appalachia and the south have a lot in common.
Yeah, the politics aren’t great there either, but it’s no where near as bad as what we’ve been dealing with.
I’m really looking forward to actually having seasons. First time we were there, people were talking about how bad a heat wave they were having and it was still better than Alabama.
I’m a redneck, and from what I’ve seen so far, I’ll mostly be at home with the people there.
I’m a European who was actually pleasantly surprised by the little of Alabama I’ve seen. Probably because I avoid discussing politics in my travels. Spent a week or thereabouts in Mobile. I’m not sure how representative that is for the rest of the state.
Oh, and I drove west for a while for a meeting in this tiny and cozy place called Gulfport. I think that was in the next state over, though.
yea, 90 in pitt is HOT. I miss seasons. I need some cold to reset my year.
The people are nice, but the politics are probably about the same, just more cities factor into the representation.
Welcome to the area. I’m also in a place like you described. I hope you enjoy it. This part of Pa is absolutely beautiful, but you really gotta watch out for the crazies and drug addicts.
Thanks! Our former neighbor ran a meth lab for years, can’t be much worse than that.
Kayak questions, if you don’t mind.
My son and I like to go kayak camping and fishing. We have big old sit on top Lifetime fishing kayaks. We don’t do rough water or big rapids. I think level I/II is our thing.
Where should we go in the south west part of the state?
I fish for bream and catfish. Not into sport fishing, don’t care about bass. Eat what I catch. Was into fly fishing when I was younger but got over that sickness.
What should I fish for and what sort of tackle?
Thanks!
The Monongahela River is pretty calm in rural parts. Local creeks can also be good after it rains but can have some rapids. I look for rougher waters because I enjoy the thrill. I also own a racing kayak that’s meant for stuff like that lol. My stepfather has a sit inside fishing kayak and it does okay in shallower waters, but I always scout ahead to warm him of obstacles lol. Ohiopyle is also an insanely popular spot to kayak and has all levels of difficulty. Can’t really say more without doxxing my location lmao.
As for fishing, I don’t take part in it, but big catfish are very very common. Relatives regularly catch 1-3 ft fish. They like cicadas if you can get some when they’re out. I’ve also seen people use chicken livers. A lot of people make their own bait concoctions as well. There are also loads of carp that eat the same stuff as catfish. Bluegill are common but aren’t big enough to eat. I recommend being careful with where you catch your fish if you intend to eat them. Researching the history of the waterways to see their pollution history is very helpful when determining if a fish is safe to eat imo.
You also gotta be careful of water moccasins. They like to swim around. See at least one every time I kayak (which isn’t as often as I would like. It’s been a few years because my stepfather and I have been dealing with health issues and all the bullshit that comes with home ownership. Adult life, amirite. T_T)
