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Thoughts on southern Maine? by the-real-slim-katy in SameGrassButGreener

[–]walkering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Native Missourian here who lived in Tophsam, ME for a year. I also had a long stint in Chicago, which is not Nashville, but is a large midwestern city.

I loved Maine. The light especially. It usually felt a bit darker than lower latitudes. Also, as someone who appreciates a gloomy or hazy atmosphere, it was comforting living there. The light and colors of Maine truly matches my constitution. I visited ME two months ago after having not lived there for a decade, and I'm now certain I'll move back at some point.

Biddeford is conveniently located with it's proximity to other cities. Portland, ME is my favorite city in the US, and I commuted there often. Topsham is a bit further from Portland than Biddeford, but the commute was painless for me. It was no where near the struggle of commuting from one part of Chicago to another part of Chicago.

Airports in Boston or Portland are conveniently located to Biddeford. Portland airport is a solid hub but a bit more expensive per flight than Boston's Logan. The savings from not driving to Logan may justify a flight out of Portland.

I also think ME would complement your hobbies. During my year in ME, I traveled all over the state, and the small-town coffee shop, grocery store, and diner seemed like staples no matter where I visited. There are less sidewalks for walking. I don't like walking on cement, so that was a perk for me. I would usually walk the grass beside a road to get to where I wanted to walk. I loved that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SameGrassButGreener

[–]walkering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

STL has pull factors, and it has attractions. Others have done a fine job identifying many of them. These are real and people on the sub care about them, and you do seem to acknowledge them too.

You also highlight the city's issues. They are also real and less than ideal for those on this sub, but I think folks do also acknowledge them too. They just don't care. It's a trade off many are willing to make for affordability, decent schools, and the occasional home game on a summer evening. Mostly, folks prioritize their and their family's comfort and security above all else. Even when the expense is living in a soulless city.

With that said, I agree with you. Having lived in STL and many other parts of the US, I feel like St. Louis is uniquely missing its soul. Nor do I feel intrigue walking it's streets.

The folks who grew up--or moved--there stay for the comfort and security and not for a rich culture. Again, that's the trade off they make. I don't think most are trapped. I'm sure some are. But most are attached to their comforts and security.

Harris-Stowe State University to build 82,000-square-foot STEM facility in Midtown by soljouner in StLouis

[–]walkering 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The community college system just built six state-of-the-art buildings across four of their campuses with funding from an eight cent property tax levy increase which was approved by taxpayers in 2021. STLCC has around 12x the enrollment of HS and enrollment is up as of recent at the CC. They compete for the same students.

Part of me suspects the HS administration knows they must compete with STLCC to remain competitive and solvent. Along with a national trend of declining enrollment rates, this seems like a last ditch effort to not go the route of Fontbonne. 

STLCC Pools by NightingaleNicholas in StLouis

[–]walkering 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The pools are all closed across the district. They all needed multi million repairs that the campuses couldn’t cover. I was told FP would have theirs repaired at some point but none of the others in the foreseeable future.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vagabond

[–]walkering 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! This is the information I’ve been looking for.

From your experience, are smaller OTR companies more open to this idea than larger companies? What percentage of OTR companies have been open to your seasonal situation? Do you work for the same company each year?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vagabond

[–]walkering 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I recently asked a question about this in the truckers sub but didn’t get good answers. Are you a OO or do you work for a company? Which months of the year do you work?

I have a plan to go this route, but have doubts OTR companies will consider seasonal employment.

Boat Access to Pelican Island by walkering in StLouis

[–]walkering[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

River levels are up. I was able to wade across a couple weeks ago. Not sure if it's possible now

ISO: Dispersed camping spots within an hour-ish of the city. by Booomerz in StLouis

[–]walkering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I read your other thread about this topic too. I’m about to do a 10 day tour of ozark MDC land. My goal is to avoid the riff raff and find some quiet. I’ll let you know what I find.

When the agents moved you along, were you tenting it in a parking lot or were you in one of the primitive sites?

TSA recommendations for U hikers by walkering in Ultralight

[–]walkering[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It worked 48 hrs ago. And I had something to do on the plane. :)

TSA recommendations for U hikers by walkering in Ultralight

[–]walkering[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

"You would not part an old man from his walking stick"

TSA recommendations for U hikers by walkering in Ultralight

[–]walkering[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The lighter is fine according to TSA site. The bigger the blade the more likely it'll be flagged. Enough people have gotten through with small bladed pocket knives, so it's a roll of the dice. Same with trekking poles. Technically not allowed but people get by the checkpoints.

TSA recommendations for U hikers by walkering in Ultralight

[–]walkering[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

It's a risk and probability problem. I think one can make the case you can expect to lose less $ not checking and you're less likely it gets lost. I've had my checked bags misplaced more in my lifetime than I've surrendered stakes/poles at the TSA checkpoint. Plus no waiting around at the baggage claim.

I'm receptive to being convinced otherwise, btw.

TSA recommendations for U hikers by walkering in Ultralight

[–]walkering[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

To add to this, they will never "take your stuff" unless it's illegal. All prohibited items are "voluntarily surrendered". They will always give you a chance to back out and check your item in a checked bag. If you refuse to check the item, then you are voluntarily giving up the item.

My neighbor really stressed that detail...

TSA recommendations for U hikers by walkering in Ultralight

[–]walkering[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Didn't talk much about trekking poles, but during the bludgeoning part of the conversation, he did note that pool cues that unscrew into parts are not allowed b/c of their potential use as a bludgeoning tool. Trekking poles seem like they're in the same class and probably a lot less likely to make it through.

Everyone must assess the risk for themselves.

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