Storm Coming To Wyoming!

[Stormchaser]

Uh, that would be me, I think.

Greetings! I am Stormchaser (Don IRL), just finished reading Molon Labe (actually, finished the fiction part-still reading the Wyoming facts)

At maybe 20 pages in I could tell this guy was advocating people to move to Wyoming. Within another 20 I got to seriously thinking about it.

Just joined this site a day or so ago, so everything, and I do mean everything, is new to me, but I am excited! I am a (almost) 58 divorced conservative male, conservative Christian, Ham radio operator, nearing retirement within the year hopefully. Not much money (divorce cleaned me out) but out-of-debt and FREE...other than living in Ohio. Just bought my first gun EVER about 2-3 months ago, a used Savage 24. Haven't even shot it yet, but will soon. Didn't see the need for guns so they weren't a primary interest, though my famly tree likes them. How things change...(can anyone say "economy"?)

I start a 3 week vacation tomorrow. Was going whitewater rafting down South in Tenn., but changed my mind and will likely stay at home with a maybe a camping trip up to my favorite socialist state of Michigan. I own a teardrop RV, which fits me just fine, and will be kayaking and tubing on Michigan rivers.

The temptation, though, is to haul 'keister' for Wyoming to check things out. Was there 11 yrs. ago with the family and saw Devil's Tower and Yellowstone, but had no idea of the freedom to be had there. If I come (and frankly, I probably won't as everything, as mentioned, is so NEW) I would have to plan about $500 for gasoline, plus whatever other expenses I would occur. I can afford that but I am also planning a business-related cruise for Thanksgiving week and some of the skill sets I would learn will help me that much sooner to retire out of UPS (I am a permanent part-time employee with a part-time pension), therefore I am sort of holding bux for that trip.

So its tough. I REALLY want to come out there and visit, and I may decide at any moment to do so, but I'm financially reluctant, yet very excited about this whole FREE STATE thing. I am kind of interested in small town living, with family-like local friendships. Not all that interested in being out with the closest neighbors miles away, and I'm not very good with fixing things anyway.

Anyway, not necessarily looking for advice, and maybe venting a little frustration for not finding about this sooner, but you play the hands you're dealt.

Wyoming looks like Aces'!

Just wanted to introduce myself...

Storm

[Big Ugly]

Howdy, Stormchaser, and Welcome!
Similar circumstance here. Male, 59, divorced (lost 80 acres on Neebish in Michigan), 11 years, still single - got a cat! How I ended up here is kind of a fluke! Too many things that should have worked out, didn't. Too many things that should not have worked out, did. Came out with Geology Field Camp as site mechanic in 1999, came out every year until I graduated in 2002. Moved out full-time in 2005, been here ever since. Pretty crippled up, so physical work was getting to be out of the question. Started my own geology consulting CAD/drafting business. That went well until the CBM industry folded last year.
Oh, Well, Life's a bitch, then you marry three or four of them!
My suggestion would be to come out and look around, seriously, as soon as you can manage. There's lots to see here and lots of wide open spaces. Personally, I don't mind having the neighbors 3 or 4 miles away. However, most of the time, if you need help, it's only a phone call away.
If you have questions, ask away. There's lot of people here with lots of knowledge. Just be as open and up-front (or more) as you expect us to be. If you need help with guns or shooting, there are a whole bunch of us that are really into guns. Quite a few are into thr rifleman's training - teaching people the why's and wherefore's of shooting well, consistently. Others are into flat-out accuracy, and some just like to burn ammo because it's fun. Just ask and you'll have more advice than you'd really want. Just remember the Golden Rule!
As far as farmsteads or country living - plenty of advice on that too. From livestock & chickens to building stuff and keeping stuff working - ther's a fist-full of knowledge here.
If you happen through Lander, I'll, fur shur, feed you a time or two, at the least.
Well, be safe! Consider well what you want to do.
Big Ugly!

[MamaLiberty]

Welcome, Storm!! We'll be delighted to talk with you and give you whatever advice we can. You have to sift the wheat from the chaff, of course. Find what works for you.

First off I'd suggest you read as much as possible here at the forum. Read the FAQ and "making the case for moving to Wyoming" threads especially. Don't hesitate to ask questions!

Also, read "Hologram of Liberty," one of Boston's best books. http://javelinpress.com/hologram_of_liberty.html

WHEN you come to visit, I hope you will come through Newcastle and visit me too. (I'm in the NE corner, not too far from Devil's Tower.) The coffee is always on, and I've got time to talk to any seeker.   You can park your RV here and camp while you look around the area too. PM for directions.

[FSW Forum Administrator]

Ohio, eh? We're over Cleveland way.

$500 for gas out and back? Not sure what you are driving but we were just out there and was over $1000. Of course I drive a large pickup and was pulling a HEAVY, old Holiday Rambler camper (23 footer).

Not to hijack the thread but perhaps I need to look into hosting another Ohio FSW cookout later this summer.    Did one a couple years back and was nice to meet some of the people from the board.

Joseph
aka FSW Forum Admin

[manfromnevada]

Welome Storm!
At first I almost didn't read this thread because I thought it was just another "Heavy Snow Comes to Wyoming"!
Glad I did.

It's always interesting to find out, often very late, that there are hundreds if not thousands of people just like you with the same dreams, frustrations, and goals.

Hopefully you will somehow make it out here. Be sure to let us know ahead of time so we can meet up with you!

Mac

[innov8r]

Welcome Storm! At least you've seen the place and have liberty type thoughts brewing. It all starts somewhere...

[socalserf]

Hey Storm, hello and welcome!
By all means make a trip the Cowboy State.
Make a point of getting together with as many FSW people as you can.
I'm sure sorry about the divorce and unhappy circumstances, but it could be a tremendous opportunity to start new.

To the new gun owner, I always suggest Boston’s Gun Bible.
http://www.javelinpress.com/bostons_gun_bible.html

To the new rifle owner, I highly recommend attending an Appleseed.
If you could attend a Wyoming Appleseed, then even better!
http://www.appleseedinfo.org/smf/
(There are many folks who are members of this forum that are deeply involved in Appleseed.)

Welcome to the Journey.

[Stormchaser]

Thanks to all for the welcomes.

Ohio, eh? We're over Cleveland way.

$500 for gas out and back? Not sure what you are driving but we were just out there and was over $1000. Of course I drive a large pickup and was pulling a HEAVY, old Holiday Rambler camper (23 footer).

Not to hijack the thread but perhaps I need to look into hosting another Ohio FSW cookout later this summer.    Did one a couple years back and was nice to meet some of the people from the board.

Joseph
aka FSW Forum Admin

I drive a full size Chevie conversion van, which I used to think maxed out at 15mpg but upon reading some wind tests have opted to slow down to 55 mph and now get almost 18mpg, even with towing my teardrop. The teardrop, only some 700 lbs, does not affect the gas mileage at all when the tow vehicle roofline is above the TD. I was told that and it looks like it was true.

Driving distance from my zipcode to Casper is around 1400 miles one way. I figured gas @ $260/gal (it has dropped to $2.33/gal now) at 15 mpg, giving myself some leeway. I suppose I could spend a lot more if I did some majorly driving in Wyoming itself, or if Peak Oil wakes up. 

You're from Cleveland? Heading there the Aug 21 weekend for a house church conference (another little passion of mine).

[Stormchaser]

Ok, I MEANT gas @ $2.60/gal, NOT $260 - is there no 'edit' function on these posts, lol.

[snakekhawk_54]

   Stormchaser, if you come through Riverton. Hollerand we will have coffee or something.Would enjoy meeting another liberty minded soul.

[Stormchaser]

Thanks, I might. I'm a thinkin' next summer at the moment. Have some exciting months ahead of me, what with a possible retirement, a cruise, and a business to build, but if the creek don't rise and the dollar don't fall...