Jobs are few – if you’re an outsider forget about getting a good-paying job. But it’s really MUCH higher than that because a large part of the population is on the “draw” AKA the disability/welfare check from the federal government. Currently, the county where I live has an official unemployment rate of 5.2%.

It’s nearly impossible to find any type of work. The Badīut the area isn’t perfect with a number of negative factors to consider. And the rivers, creeks and other bodies of water are loaded with aquatic life.ĭuring spring and summer, the forests and fields are teeming with eatable plants such as blackberry, cattail, wild rice, butternut, stinging nettle, sheep sorrel and lamb’s quarters. Wild game is abundant, with black bear, white-tail deer, wild turkey, rabbit, and squirrel. Many areas are covered by thousands of acres of forest, with most of the population being concentrated in a few areas. The area has a long growing season with plentiful rainfall, sunlight and fertile soil. No doubt some of you have considered this area yourself. To be honest, I didn’t know what to think at first, but after some thought, I decided it probably wouldn’t hurt to elaborate on my general area (Southern Appalachian Mountain Range) without divulging details that could present a security risk. Maybe he was looking for an example to compare his situation – I don’t know. However I don’t think the sender has evil intentions only curiosity. I’ll admit being caught off guard by such a sensitive question. Yesterday, a reader dropped an email asking specifics about my retreat location.

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