Thanks for the advice Klink, but I can handle the cold weather. I love the change of seasons, and the change of pace they bring. Plus there is something so intriguing about the challenge of backpacking in the winter. Although I have never lived there, so I cannot say I've experienced the winters out there. I am just so much calmer in nature than I am around masses of people. Lived on the West side of Chicago, and saw some harsh stuff from humanity.
Personally, I'd rather look down a blizzard and animals than stare into the barrel of a gun held by a fella who is jittery from God knows what drugs.
Never the less, I appreciate the advice, and will look to spend at least a month or two straight during the middle of the winter at the potential location if my wife agrees to move.
rutmi01 - It's a good idea to check out an area when the seasons are at their worst as well as their best. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Montana and Wyoming both can have very rough winters. I once read in a Countryside & Small Stock Journal where a couple of Wyoming residents warned possible newcomers about the constantly blowing winds and the winter encountered in their state. A LOT of places are nice to visit on short trips or vacations, but living there year-round may be another matter. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />