Sharon,
Out of curiosity - what's with the the chainsaw lines on the stump ?
Regards, Vic

Breaking down a stump

Did you mean Blue State..

Yes, but it's either a long wait or expensive or illegal.




My area is plain and boring in comparison to Sharon's, but more and more animals have been pulling up since I returned home after spending many years up north. Moose and roe deer are way more numerous than ever, marten and even sable appeared in good numbers, and beaver (also an introduced species) are in all streams now... it's almost like they're stalking me... saw fresh bear sign last week near my beaver ponds, also close to town and also way beyond the official brown bear range.
Few trappers though, almost none. And despite the whole authoritarian regime thing, this place is far less regulated than Europe, and is actually more comfortable than most of Europe and many parts of the US in many ways, especially when it comes to healthcare, accessibility, everyday bureaucracy and work-to-rest ratio. I'm talking about my particular neighborhood though, it's quite unique. I wouldn't be surprised if more westerners settled here, despite the geopolitical turmoil (the few who are brave enough to visit generally like this place very much, and some stay).