Other than the loneliness, I really do like it out here

"CB" (jrcb)
12/29/2019 at 17:16 • Filed to: Adventures of the last Saskatchewan pirate

On a gorgeous day when I can cruise the grids, it just makes me happy.

DISCUSSION (26)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > CB
12/29/2019 at 17:57

You are not a Saskatchewan pirate unless you show me a trunk full of wheat and barley and all the other grains.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CB
12/29/2019 at 18:10

I rode with some Saskatchewanans on the chair lift yesterday. They seemed friendly enough. The talk on the lift was what is flatter, North Dakota or Saskatchewan.

fhrblig > CB
12/29/2019 at 18:14

Many of my routes take me to either the far eastern plains of Colorado, or over to the Western Slope. I love driving on the lonely two-lane roads.

I don't know if it happens in Canada, but here I run into the dude wave. Every guy in a pickup truck waves at me as they pass going the other direction.

CB > fhrblig
12/29/2019 at 18:17

There's just something peaceful about it. Having the radio on, no rush, just being out and about, it's perfect for de-stressing.

On a rural road, especially the grids, it’s absolutely a thing.

CB > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
12/29/2019 at 18:17

Depends where you're at. In the south, absolutely Saskatchewan.

CB > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
12/29/2019 at 18:17

Call me Salty Bob.

fhrblig > CB
12/29/2019 at 18:35

In addition to the routes I drive for work, I love driving up into the foothills. There's lots of twisty roads with barely any other drivers near me.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:10

I understand that. I went for a hike with a girl today away from most folks. We did a slot canyon, and then followed various arroyos miles further than we pl anned to. It was a glorious winter day in Southern NM, warming up to around 7ish in your units.

Kinja'd!!!

CB > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
12/29/2019 at 19:17

Looks gorgeous.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:28

The neat thing about this particular place is that it is only a ten minute drive from the second biggest city i n the state. It is a place anyone could get to and a nature walk anyone could complete. I had heard of this slot canyon, but never been before today. That it is so accessible meant people were around, but once we got a few miles up the arroyo the only tracks around were from cows and some kind of big cat. I normally go to places that required serious commitment to get to, but it is neat that this is just a 10 minute drive away.

fintail > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:35

Spend some time in a major metro area rat race (Vancouver or Toronto might be the ones most relevant) , and as you no doubt know, you appreciate the loneliness a little more. I love escaping to deserted roads and no crowds of mindless drones around every corner. Even smaller cities (Spokane vs Seattle for example) are like a slower pace of life, and small towns are a breeze. Just gotta find a job in one.

CB > fintail
12/29/2019 at 19:42

I’m pretty set if I want a job anywhere in a small town in Canada, and yeah, even Stoon versus Toronto was a huge difference. This is a huge change for me. And I’m pretty good with it. I just need more friends out here.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:46

Try to get out east. I think your job in a small beautiful town in Nova Scotia would be paradise

Future Heap Owner > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:47

It’s beautiful. I’m glad I can at least drive to winter, but I do miss having it around.

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
12/29/2019 at 19:51

To go east, I have to go north in this business. And unfortunately, going east is very highly sought after.

The east also has no money, so...

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:52

Yeah, that makes sense.

At least you get sunshine. It’s cloudy all the time here. Major downer. I miss the prairie winters

MM54 > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:52

I live in a relatively populous area and it’s still lonely - enjoy the solitude!

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
12/29/2019 at 19:54

The sun is misleading on -40 days, though.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CB
12/29/2019 at 19:56

True, it was 11 here today. Still, I miss brightness.

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
12/29/2019 at 19:58

I mean, the sun still rose at 9.04 this morning, so it’s really sunny for a little bit.

fintail > CB
12/29/2019 at 20:16

As I get older, I think cities are overrated just a little. They still have their attraction, but more for visiting than living. I grew up in small towns and couldn’t wait to get out, now it is just for employment and I don’t expect to be in such an area forever.

I know friends are a personal thing, but I have always looked at quality over quantity.

CB > fintail
12/29/2019 at 20:17

You’re right about cities being overrated. I went from Toronto to Ottawa, and appreciated it slowing down. Then I went to Stoon, and was just like “wow, this is great!” Now I’m in this town, and I think I passed the happy medium.

I just miss friends that aren’t coworkers.

gmctavish needs more space > fhrblig
12/29/2019 at 20:35

That’s absolutely a thing in rural Canada. I was camping a little off the highway in the middle of nowhere Sask, on someone’s property, I’m sure. In the morning a tractor was coming down the side road. I got ready to pack up in case they weren’t happy, but no worries, just a wave and “good morning” as they went by.

gmctavish needs more space > CB
12/29/2019 at 20:36

As someone who doesn’t want to see or speak to anyone until about an hour after I’ve had coffee, that looks like heave n.

fintail > CB
12/29/2019 at 20:48

I remember some of the images of your area , you might have overdone the “small” thing, yeah.

The friend/coworker thing can be tough as a major employer can be kind of the new mee ting spot in a small town, as the bar scene must be awful, likewise for churches. Other than sports or recreational activities, it might have to work. Come to think of it, as people become more insulated, it might not be much different in the city.

CB > fintail
12/29/2019 at 20:53

It is also ill-advised for me to go to the bar due to my work. Recreational activities are also lacking out here. In any case, I’ll make do.