Free State Wyoming Forum
Prospective Free State Wyoming (FSW) Members and Interested Parties => Prospective Free State Wyoming (FSW) Members and Interested Parties => Topic started by: username on December 18, 2009, 02:13:32 PM
-
...sorry if you see this as a duplicate post! I just realized I probably put it in the wrong place to begin with.
Hi everyone,
My wife and I are new to the forum, but not the idea. We're planning a drive from Salt Lake City to Sundance (Crook County) sometime around the 1st of February. Yes, this may seem like a crazy time of year to do this drive, but the point is to hopefully catch the weather at its worst so we know what to expect if we decide to make it (or someplace close) home.
Our goal is to meet some of you people along the way and get a sense of what the day-to-day is like.
If any of you have the space and are willing to host us for a night -- or at least recommend some warm places to stay, that would be great!
Have a great day!
JP & Victoria
-
Howdy and welcome! I think this is the right board at this forum... but someone will move it if not.
You are most welcome to come stay at my place. I live in Newcastle, about 45 miles from Sundance. If I know when you are coming, I can gather the clan here. :) PM for details and directions.
Tell us more about yourselves, if you will. Age group? Work? Hobbies? Do you hunt, shoot, reload, ham radio, cook? We're all ears! :)
-
Hi MamaLiberty,
Thanks for the invitation to post more about us!
We are both 40'ish and have two daughters, who may or may not come with us. Both are from my previous marriage, and one is old enough to likely not want to come, but rather stay in Utah. The other (8-yrs) will likely continue on with the 50/50 visitation.
Victoria is a CPA and currently is a partner in an auditing firm that deals with non-profit organizations. However, she is having a hard time staying motivated in the financial sector as so much bullshit is going on with banks, governments, scandals, etc. She's not sure what is next, but she is super-smart with an MBA and 15 yrs related experience. She does incredible at whatever she puts her mind to. I'll let her post more about herself if she wants to later.
I am a Design Architect, and also own my own business. My experience of 15 years is primarily with residential construction, but enough commercial to know my way around it. Check me out at www.utahdrafting.com if interested. The pop of the housing bubble has crippled the Salt Lake architecture industry and left us with a lot of expensive, free time on our hands, if you know what I mean. I also have just enough experience with Mechanical Design via a small contract with Cobra Firearms to know that I would LOOOOVE to do that full time... if I just had the opportunity... sigh...
I'm an awesome cook -- don't mind if I brag! Hopefully I can prove it to some of you someday! We very much enjoy rough camping, and hiking. We've climbed many 12,000' peaks and our first +14,000' (Kings, in Utah) this summer. We're moderately athletic, but also like to read compelling stuff (Heinlein, Royce (Boston), Rand, etc). We're probably much less "Libertarian" than we are just plain apolitically laissez-faire. We are not religious, and rarely get along well with preachy people. We have a pop-up trailer that we drag out into the middle of nowhere with the Wrangler and camp for a few days here and there in the warmer months. I also have a small (and I mean one corner of the garage) work shop and am pretty handy at making 'whatever' out of 'whatever'.
I love to shoot, and have a small collection of firearms. I do a fairly consistent 4MOA at 100 yards with my SKS when it isn't 20-degree's outside anyway :-) I'm hoping to push that out to 500 yards this summer. I haven't gotten into reloading yet because I haven't needed to, though I recognize that the time may be near. Until reloads are dramatically less expensive than new, it's tough to justify the start-up costs.
Well, as much as I love to talk about myself, that's probably more than enough for now!
Take care!
-
You may be pleasantly surprised as to the start up costs of reloading. Check Midway USA, Midsouthsooterssupply, Graf, Natchez Shooters supply Etc. Etc. Look at the Lee reloading stuff on each site. You can get going for less than 100 bucks
-
Hey Username,
It sounds like you're going to fit right in.
Have you been reading RazorCityDen's tread about shooting out to 500yards?
Maybe you could tie your trip into match one of the Sundance shoots?
-
Welcome......
We are in between where you are now and Sundance. We would be happy to host you and perhaps gather those in the area for dinner. Your wife might want to check with Cameco and see if they have any positions available in her area of expertise.(might not be feasible if Sundance is your end goal--but might work great if your goal is to get her and then find your niche) They are a uranium mine and a great company to work for---I speak from the experience of being married to one of their employees. We have 5 daughters at home from 3 yrs to 14, 4 horses, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a partridge in a pear tree.
Brandy ~W~
-
Hey, thanks everyone for the replies! For those of you who have offered accommodations, I will contact you directly off-list once we get more firmed up on a date!
@Jubal, thanks for the reloading links! That will be a great alternative to Cabela's and Sportsmans Warehouse (read: expensive!).
@Socalserf, I have been following that thread! I was so excited to find out it was real, and not just in M.L.!!!
@Brandy, ...well, a Uranium mine sounds a little scary to me but it's probably because I don't know dick about it :-) Regardless, I'll bet it has a solid future!
Lastly (for now), regarding some industry potential. Firearm manufacturers located in Wyoming -- I found "Freedom Arms, Inc" in Freedom, WY. but no others. This seems interesting to me. I figured it would have been the most popular place on the planet for it. Ok, that being said -- who among you is the engineering / gunsmith / entrepreneur type who has been looking for that modeling / production / management person with their own CAD studio (that would be me) to run THE dream firearm manufacturing company? I have access to some people here in Salt Lake who can "reverse engineer" ANYTHING into an accurate (to .0001") computer model. For example, do you have a favorite gun that you think you could make better, but aren't sure where to start? If you wouldn't mind temporarily parting with it (or buying another one) so that it could be dissected, we could get a working computer model of it, make changes / improvements, bigger / smaller, etc and make and sell it under our own name!! Right now, the folk here in Utah are SWAMPED with so many orders they can't keep up. Network, network, network! A goal without a plan, is only a wish.
-
Oh yeah! I've got ideas for ways to make handguns FAR more women friendly. TALK to me!! LOL
-
Hehe--not scary at all. They are not open pit, they remove the ore through an ionization process. There is a professional office in Casper. This company is the largest producer of uranium in the world. The company headquarters are in Canada. I'm sure that she would be out in the muck pulling the well heads ;D atleast last time my husband talked about it the office people pretty much stayed in the office. >:D
As to gun manufacturing--A-Squared in located in Glenrock Wyoming. We were really excited about this development until the owner started taking state money to move the operation and build a new building. Just kinda turned us off that he was looking for such a handout.
Brandy ~W~
-
Oh yeah! I've got ideas for ways to make handguns FAR more women friendly. TALK to me!! LOL
Oh, you mean like including a cell phone?
A make up mirror?
Maybe a larger grip to include a place to store lipstick in case an emergency presents itself?
>:D Just kidding of course. I just couldn't resist . . ::)
Mac
-
@Brandy,
Thanks for the info on Cameco -- actually the Saskatoon location has what appears to be something of a match... but, uh, Saskatoon... ug! Not moving to Canada, thanks! She might send her resume anyway and see what turns up!
Also, I didn't find much about A-Squared -- but there is an A-Square in South Dakota... same folks? Anyhow, sounds like maybe they didn't work out for whatever reason. The "Freedom Arms, Inc people look competent, but limited in their inventory.
@manfromnevada,
You've got cahuna's to mock a woman with ideas to improve a firearm!! lol!!
JP
-
Yeah, sorry, it is A-Square. They are finishing up the building in Glenrock. Got about a million dollars to relocate the operation--from the state of WY.
Brandy ~W~
-
Oh, you mean like including a cell phone?
A make up mirror?
Maybe a larger grip to include a place to store lipstick in case an emergency presents itself?
>:D Just kidding of course. I just couldn't resist . . ::)
Mac
LOL! Sure thing. Just wait... I'll fix your little red wagon next time I see you. :-* :-*
-
Ok, I've posted a few times here vs. the few days I've had an account... what does a guy have to do to ditch the "lurker" status?
JP
-
It's automatic, so many posts and it drops off. Maybe 50? If you really want to know, PM the admin.
I'm curious why you would want to leave Utah, a relatively conservative state, for Wyoming?
-
Oh, I found the S-of-I agreement stuff that talks about update of status... looks like I may be close.
@Bobcat, what a great interrogative!! Thank you so much for prompting an intellectual debate!! Utah isn't such a bad place for business if you're "one of the boys" (i.e. Mormon), but I'm not. I do however deal with the general business population on a regular basis, and if you're not "in the club", buying your stairway to heaven so to speak, you are at an automatic disadvantage (usually). Business aside, I have scant complaint about the outdoors and recreational opportunities here. I love the Utah hippies, but am caught between worlds when it comes to conducting business (interacting with Utah's rich, white, homophobic, LDS population) and recreation (getting as far away from them as possible).
There is one specific aspect of Utah's statehood that I am not a fan of. Mormons on-list, prepare to be further offended... sorry, it's just who I am, and I am a product of my experience(s).
When Utah joined the Union under the duress of Federal intervention (polygamy and taxes and all that) it was a clear statement that after all of their persecution, travail, hardship and loss across the plains from Missouri to proclaim Zion and all it's blessings... it was still only a temporary, tentative stab at real freedom. The Mormon Militia was a short-lived pipe dream of Brigham Young against the Federal 50-cal's and cannons, etc that came and "established" statehood for the Mormons. Today the FBI is populated largely by Mormon men who are of ubiquitous "Yessir!" mentality -- and that translates clearly through their day to day affairs here. In my own vernacular, I refer to them as a "bunch of pussies" afraid to make ripples, much less waves.
Yes, Utah is a conservative state "today" while our general shop-buy gas-watch a movie-eat ice cream values remain unchallenged, but the minute a federal presence steps in and says jump... on the way up, the Mormon Church will ask "how high?" I have absolutely zero relation to racial preference, but will use it here as an example. Not long ago it became "unpopular" to discriminate based on skin color, and the Mormon governance found it in their best social interest to summon "divine intervention" to allow black men to hold the previously exclusive "Priesthood". What better example of bullshit, political spinelessness could be found. Like I said, I don't give a shit one way or the other what color your skin is, or what your sexual preference is, etc... as long as you stay true to the values that you proclaim and not sell-out at the hint of Federal threat or reward. Utah has officially done it at least four times historically (twice just this year with their infantile Proposition-8 backpedaling, and permissions to store Nuclear Waste) , and I personally find it disgusting.
We do have a peculiarly unique 2nd Amendment stature that is a bit of a mystery to me despite my previous commentary, but I personally do not trust it further than I can throw it. Until then, and likely long after, I will continue to exercise my rights -- 2nd Amendment and otherwise... Wyoming is looking pretty good these days!
Best,
JP
-
Thanks for the frank reply, JP. Much appreciated.
While we've always enjoyed Utah, recreation-wise, I always wondered what it would be like doing business there if one is not 'in the crowd' Mormon-wise. Over the years, I've gotten stray comments here and there about the 'unique advantages' of being Mormon in Utah and the distinct disadvantages, including out and out shunning. That has given cause for considerable hesitation, even if neighbors are 'conservative'...
-
I guess the church connection is like the "good ol boy's club" on steroids.
I've had nothing but good experiences with Mormons. The last time I drove back home from Lander I stopped off at a place where Mormons passed thru with their hand carts. A nice, privately funded, museum and such. Here in Wyoming. Devil's Gate or something. It was a weekend, only one only car of visitors. I stepped out of my car, Glock on hip, and proceeded to head toward the entrance. I was met by a man in a suit, a Mormon, and later his wife. They were very friendly. Never batted an eye at my companion, Mr. Glock. Later I talked to his wife. Only upon me bringing it up did they say that the man always carried as well as most of the men their. Self defense is a big deal with them, and rightly so.
I also like the idea of self sufficiency. Evidently their doctrine says to have a year of food on hand.
But certainly if they control the political and economic climate then that is always subject to abuse. I'm not wild about traveling thru UT anyway. You can't carry OC with it loaded in the car. Only unloaded. What's the sense in that? Use it as a club?
Yeah, I'll take Wyoming any day over ANY other state. It's not perfect here, but it beats the next best thing.
Mac
-
As a former Utahn (we make the annual family reunion pilgramage back behind the Zion Curtain every June), might I say "been there done that". We left in '98 after our kids were all gone and we were tired of paying Wyoming Non-Resident hunting fees and hunting deer in Utah is a risky proposition at best.
And as far as the local political climate goes, my impression has always been that the separation of Church and State in Utah can be measured in a couple of city blocks. Back in my younger days I remember the legislature taking the liquor by the drink legislation and "running it past the church authorities".
We made a February trip from Salt Lake to Sheridan. Not too bad at the time. Picked a good weekend I guess.
We are in Gillette, close to Sundance and not far from Newcastle. Sorry we don't have a lot of room (in the middle of remodeling), but we're certainly up for a meet and greet when you get here.
-
@manfromnevada,
Oh Utah Mormon's are pretty friendly on the surface that's for sure. And I hate to generalize that 'all of them' are the same because of course that is never the case with any group. But it's generally true that unless you are one of them, it's hard to have any meaningful social or business connections.
...about carrying in your vehicle through Utah -- Utah considers your vehicle the same as your home (for residents) with or without a permit, and has a "Peaceable Journey" law that allows non-residents with CWP's from any state to carry open or concealed, and loaded. Utah will validate any CWP from any other state. I have heard stories about law enforcement officers who will tell you this is not true and try to arrest / confiscate based on their individual "idea" of the law. But it is pretty well spelled out in the Utah Code. Also to note, the specifics of "loaded" are different than what may be commonly understood. Loaded in Utah is defined by only ONE action to fire (i.e. pulling the trigger). Which means that you can carry a double-action autoloader with a fully charged mag, but no round chambered -- or a single-action autoloader with a decocking lever WITH a round chambered. Since it requires cocking and / or racking and then pulling the trigger it is not defined as "loaded".
However, if you do not have a CWP, then you must follow the Utah definition of "Securely Encased"
76-10-501 (18) "Securely encased" means not readily accessible for immediate use, such as held in a gun rack, or in a closed case or container, whether or not locked, or in a trunk or other storage area of a motor vehicle, not including a glove box or console box.
Carrying loaded firearm in vehicle or on street
http://www.le.utah.gov/UtahCode/getCodeSection?code=76-10-505
When weapon deemed loaded
http://www.le.utah.gov/UtahCode/getCodeSection?code=76-10-502
Possession of loaded firearm at residence or on real property authorized
http://www.le.utah.gov/UtahCode/getCodeSection?code=76-10-511
This is a decent link to compare the basics on a state-by-state view:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_United_States_(by_state)
JP
-
JP,
Exactly my point. I don't "do" CWP or CCW or any other "permit". So unlike WY, NV, MT, AZ, NM, etc. I cannot drive around in my vehicle in UT and open carry.
Mac
-
Today the FBI is populated largely by Mormon men who are of ubiquitous "Yessir!" mentality -- and that translates clearly through their day to day affairs here. In my own vernacular, I refer to them as a "bunch of pussies" afraid to make ripples, much less waves.
Ha ha >:D as a former Mormom I agree. I have received the dreaded letter that you have been excommunicated because I became a Catholic.
Brandy ~W~