Originally Posted by Mr_Klister

I know this is an old post, but I just found it, and it really strikes a chord. I have a (former) friend who was fond of telling me "Every place is the same." Uh, no it isn't.

Originally Posted by Mr_Klister

In response to "why not settle in rural Colorado?", which I often get asked: Because it would still be in Colorado. I do love much about this place - especially all the wonderful local open space parks and trails - but I feel the need to get back to my original home; to be closer to my family and old friends. I just don't want to live anywhere in the desert southwest any more. I need cornfields, farms, and a slower pace, at this point in my life. And humidity.

I always hear variations of this same theme from Coloradans, something along the lines of "How could you possibly leave Colorado?!! It's PARADISE on Earth!!!" No, it ain't. It's nice, and it's great if you like it, but it's not for everyone. No quarrel with those who love it, it's just time to go home.

Originally Posted by Mr. In-Between

Sadly, that is the sort of thing that is usually only said by people who have only really been one place in their life; or, who have been to a few places, but never really understood or noticed any of them.





Could not agree more. I have lived in Hawaii (100 yards from the ocean, on the slope of an active volcano), Montana (used to wake up every morning and watch the sun rise over Glacier National Park), Northern Minnesota (Boundary Waters area), California (Big Sur), and now Kentucky. None of them can even shake a stick at Wisconsin. I grew up on the boundary between Marathon and Portage Counties, and I have never lived anywhere in my life that comes close to that area. I don't know how to explain it to someone who has never lived there, but... well... to people who have lived there, you really don't need to explain it. They already get it.

Just follow your dream, man. If Wisconsin is where your heart needs to be, then take it there. You will not be making a wrong choice.

Originally Posted by Stjoan

Agreed. The more places I go and things I see, the more I think things and people are basically the same everywhere lol. Why not just live here in Wis? lol

Originally Posted by Mr_Klister

LOL! Yes, I would LOVE to live in Wisconsin! Trying to understand the geology/topography alone would keep me interested for years (moraines, eskers, kettles, the Driftless, the Bratwurst; oh wait, that's food, another category altogether). But, most of my family are in Ohio and Michigan, so that's where I'll end up (for the time being).

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Also, include the "Canadian Shield" as a geological term to research pertaining to Wisconsin. It is my preferred rural region of the state, the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest.

Originally Posted by Mr_Klister

I've heard of the Canadian Shield. Sounds like something the Mounties would wear (or a brand of Canadian whiskey!). Seriously, I'll do some research on that (thanks for the tip).

I'm currently in Northwest Ohio; went up and visited a cousin who lives near Stockbridge, Michigan, and got to explore the wonderful glaciated terrain in Lyndon Park (in between the Waterloo and Pinckney recreation areas). I got to walk on an esker! Planning a road trip to Wisconsin. So much to explore, but my wallet is so thin!

Originally Posted by Tisambas1

I loved living in River Falls, Wisconsin. Nice small college town.

Originally Posted by Mr_Klister

Thanks for that one! As much as I love the Maumee River Valley, here in NW Ohio, there's one thing missing: reliable snowfall and cross-country skiing. So, I'm seriously looking at places like La Crosse, Eau Claire, Menomonie, and Wausau. So many places in Wisconsin seem like they'd be a good fit, and, being an early retiree, I'm not constrained by a need for a job or "good schools for my kids" (don't have any of those anyway).

Also, some of those towns have great Nordic ski clubs: Eau Claire Ski Striders, Wausau Nordic Ski Club, etc. Probably a club in La Crosse as well, just haven't done the research yet. My favorite XC ski club name, however, is one from the Twin Cities: WAMXC (Women and Men who Cross-Country Ski - and Drink Coffee)!