So, this seems like a good place to ask this question. I grew up in Florida, lived for quite awhile in or around Memphis, and have lived in Wisconsin for the last 21 years. But that’s my knowledge of America (Not counting military bases). There‘s no denying that California has gorgeous patches and the 4WD destinations, both in-state and nearby, are stunning. But I hear more bitching about living in California than any other place I’ve known. Is it as bad as everyone says, or is it just fun to complain about? Seems like there are plenty of people that live there. The I-5 tells that story. So what’s really going on?
That depends on where you live in Cali. Look up Bishop, Ca on a topo or satellite map. It's 5 hours from LA, 3.5 to Reno, 7 to San Fran. The reason I choose Bishop as a home is that it's a small town. It's got world class climbing, fishing and some OK wheeling. When I moved here I wasn't even back into wheeling yet so wheeling was never part of the decision.
As
@AssBurns mentioned I spent 6 years living out of my van working as little as possible and climbing as much as possible. Coast to coast in the US and from Mexico to Canada numerous times. The first year of that trip I came to Bishop for the first time. I spent 4 months here. Over the next 5 years I spent from 4 to 6 months here. Imagine being totally free from modern societies "rules" and being able to go where you want, when you want. Now, imagine a place that was so cool you stayed there, not because you had to, but because you wanted to. That's Bishop. That's why I moved here. This town just suited my lifestyle and needs better then any other town in the US.
I still bitch about this nanny welfare state but I set all that shit aside because this is 12 miles from my house.
And this is 11 miles from my house:
internet is best/worst thing ever.
