I learned to cross country ski a little when I lived up high. I never tried skiing before that. My ex and I also loved snowshoeing. We would pack a lunch and take a camera and hike in the forest. I might have some pictures somewhere if she didn't take them all.

We would sometimes see condors. We lived on the edge of the condor preserve and they would come into people's yards.

Ever see the movie "Drumline"?

Are you happy with the way it turned out? Oval chainring? Watch out for that Cholla.

I should not complain too much, I do take every Weds off to ride. If I did not have my Wednesdays I would be psychotic. I justify that I am taking one vacation day/week to rationalize minimal chunks of vacation time.

Nope, never been there. Flew over enroute to Charleston a couple of years ago, but that's the closest I've been. I'll look into that route, thanks :thumb:

Awesome, glad to hear a good impression. Thanks for chiming in :thumb:

We wouldn't be buying initially, thankfully rental prices still look reasonable.

Rental prices are all over the place depending on location. PM me if you want any specific info. We are currently in a rental while we build.

This house would cost at least $600k here in a crappy neighborhood.
https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-25444?view=qv

Understood, sticker shock is relative. From California, you would love the prices, from the upper midwest, not so much.

Thank you kindly for the offer. I'm sure I'll have some questions after this weekend :thumb:

I am. In fact I'm ahead. 17 hours ahead of you. It's a fine but cool Friday morning now.

Looks good from this part of the upper midwest - we'll take two. :p

Location, Location, Location. The listing John posted may not be in an area you really want to live in. The same listing actually close to downtown would be $4-500K. Out in the county is very affordable. If you want to be close to shopping and other amenities, it gets pricier. Would be great if you want country living.

I get 8 hrs per pay period, i.e., 26 days a year. When I was in uniform, it was 30 days including any inside weekends. Fortunately, it's assumed I work nights and weekends, so informal time off is expected, but it's still not really enough for a man with a bike and a boat who's nearing the end of his days. :50:

As things keep going, out in the country isn't half bad. That place looks like it'll handle a moat pretty well. Greenville Pickens Speedway being close would also be a plus.

You mean the end is near?? Or just impending retirement?

Real estate prices are crazy. My cyclist friend bought what sounds like a very nice but modest home in Menlo Park CA (near Stanford) about 35 years ago at a very low price, and he tells me the property is now worth several million dollars. The same property in my area would go for 400K and in the boonies like 150K.

The "Location, Location, Location" mantra is true.

The end, if perhaps not "near," is close enough to enter into my decision making.

Postwar ranch houses on 1/4 acre lots in my neighborhood have been going for $1.5 Million. And that's a nice, but not REALLY nice suburb.

He's not exaggerating. It's my retirement plan.

Bonus, there's a nice MUP around that lake. ;)

​​​​​​​Still several weeks away from activating the heater.

Roughly coincides with the first snowfall.

Yep, loved it, wish they made more.

I imagine you have an actuarial life expectancy of 25 more years, more or less.

Not near.

Awesome.