Relocating to Southern Alabama...

Discussion in 'The Great Outdoors' started by TeresaHC, Mar 11, 2015.

  1. So, I'm moving soon to Southern Alabama from Seattle. I'm so used to the northwest (I've never been to the south) and am completely clueless about the south except what I hear from others... I know Alabama is not the best place in the country ... but hey, life experiences! I love hiking, walking, backpacking, kayaking...outdoorsy things...
     
    Anyone know about southern Alabama? Possibly areas in neighboring states that are good for enjoying outdoors? 
    Help me I'm scared.

     
  2. I've lived in the SE US all my life, there are a lot of beautiful places here. Great forests to hike and camp in and waterways to swim in and boat on....
     
    But....there are a lot of ignorant narrow minded folks here as well....always wait for others to open up to you before you open up to them...
     
     
    Oh, and don't forget to bring your Bible......
     
  3. I'm going to be burned like a witch. 
     
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  4. I probably make it sound worse than it is.....then again............
     
  5. I'll keep a low profile, bro. 
     
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  6. I was down around that place back in the 70s while I was in the USAF, and after. Southern boys liked to tease this northern boy, but they were pretty cool. Southern hospitality is for real, but you have to lay back a bit.
     
    Hahaha, years later I was off someplace getting corporate technical training, and hooked up with southern stoners. They got me totally wasted on their fine weed, and laughed at me. But they made sure I made it to bed for the night.
     
  7. I'm probably in the more liberal hub of my state (in TN, howdy soon to be neighbor), which makes it hard to have a fully accurate picture, but I have lived here all of my life. And despite it being the liberal hub of the state, there's still a church on every corner/every street. Hell, there's plenty right across the street from each other.

    It really isn't that bad. I actually prefer to hang out in the more rural areas to get away from the city. There are plenty of open minded folk and ones that want to learn, but you'll find that's certainly more prevalent in the youth culture as opposed to say, folks in their 40's +. You can't escape the biblical talk, but it's not all persecution, either. Many people are content on agreeing to disagree just based on their desire to enjoy each others company.

    I get told stuff about god all the time but quite honestly I hear about it more in the context of the other person being good natured. Some just believe that's their way they know to help. And when it's good intentioned, I hear 'em out and go along with it despite my disbelief and overall disdain for religion. No need to be a dick. Sure there are still a lot of ignorant folk, bigots, racists and such. But significantly less than is otherwise reported. I definitely don't enjoy my encounters with these people, but they're generally short lived and I have far more good encounters with folks anyways.

    I think really it's just as much about your attitude as it is everyone else's. You have bad people anywhere ya go. They seem to transcend any social barriers, but same with good. And you'll find that a lot of folks display racist sentiments, among other things that make me sad--but at the end of the day would do just about anything for anyone. People really care down here. It's beautiful. And well, we all display discriminatory sentiments from time to time, whether we want to admit it or not. It's a part of life, and ya learn and realize your mistakes and ignorance, and you fix it and move forward. Growth, growth, growth.

    And yes, nature is all around you. You won't be disappointed! ☺️




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  8. well. Thank you. Absolutely beautiful. Im hoping its going to be peaceful like that. Sunny and peaceful.
     
  9. The thing I shall warn you of above all else though...

    there is no mild summer. There is no mercy. Haha. The summer heat + general southern humidity makes it really hard to be outside sometimes. It gets so damn hot and humid that you can step outside sometimes and it feels hard to breathe, almost as if you could split the air into pieces. Of course not all summer days are like this and you'll have plenty of days to enjoy (both during summer and every other season). And hell, there's always an opportunity to take a dip under a water fall or in a lake. Don't count on the lakes being clean, but all the same-- it's not difficult to go home and shower afterwards.

    Otherwise, pretty limited complaints. Life is unexpected and so it's hard to accurately place myself geographically in the future. But honestly with my personality being all or nothing, I feel like I'll either end up making a move out of the country, or stickin' around my home town. It's a great place to be and no doubt will always be considered home with some good, warm, fuzzy feelings to accompany that sentiment!

    So yea, make the best of it and I'm sure there will be little disappointment. Stay true to yourself though, and again, most importantly enjoy! 😁


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  10. Yeah, lived all over the South all my life; +1000 on the heat :laughing:
     
    Lived in Alabama for a year, and have visited on several occasions.  Definitely make time to make it to the beach; Alabama has beautiful white sand beaches, and they tend to be less crowded.  Dauphin Island is quite nice.
     
    There are also some very beautiful state/national forests, mostly a bit rocky with some great hardwoods and the occasional hidden away waterfall.  Highly recommended if you dig exploring.
     
    Even in Alabama, there are more liberal-minded towns.  I lived in Athens (North Bama), and it had a surprisingly high number of lgbtq people there.  Quite a bit of good herb in that area too.
     
    Make some gay or black friends who have lived in AL all their lives, and they'll be happy to tell you what towns you should not find yourself in.  Yes, there are still places where the Klan is alive and well.
     
    Anywho, yeah, you shouldn't have any trouble finding good people, and there are some really cool places to visit.  If you like history at all, I suggest Ft. Gaines on Dauphin Island, the U.S.S Alabama in Mobile, and Sloss furnace in Birmingham (they pretty good haunted house tour for Halloween too).
     
  11. I've lived in Alabama for most of my life. (Currently in fl but coming back to central al soon!)

    Be careful who you open up to. Don't mess with the "gangsters" obviously. Just bc they'll try to start shit with you and rip you off. Find a group of chill stoners (we're everywhere down here and in far greater numbers than most people think.)

    Don't bash anyone's religion and don't talk about politics. I think that just about covers it, it's just like living anywhere else.. Use your common sense and you'll be okay.
    Btw, remember that the ganja ain't legal in the southeast yet!


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  12. Never been to Alabama but southern born and raised, and will be here hopefully my entire life. 
     
    My biggest thing is don't come to south talking about how great the north is. Things are different around here, and it might take you a while to get adjusted but rest assured once you get used to it you'll love it to death. 
     
    Alabama is home to some damn good moonshine as well if you're a drinker.
     
  13. I mean, if someone asks i will be honest. I feel a bit more confident that i will meet a lot of chill people there. I appreciate all these suggestions, thank you guys so much :)
     
  14. Good luck. Alabama is the armpit of the country. Hot, moist and a little funky.
     

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