Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I step away for an hour and you guys are arguing about trees? Y'all, come on. 😄

It was bound to happen once the West Coast gang quickly lost the fight on beaches.

East Coasters are seemingly winning the tree fight as well.

Next up: seafood. I say East Coast wins that one, too.

What else can we debate? East Coast wins re: education and political awareness.

Let’s throw the West Coast a bone. Thoughts?

Yes, East Coast is best. That’s why it’s hemorrhaging people while the West grows.

https://eig.org/news/a-decade-of-uneven-population-growth-the-rise-of-the-mountain-west-and-the-fading-of-the-northeast

The west coast isn’t growing. Your link says CA suffered a dramatic decrease. Your link says western mountain states are growing. I know why (because I’m a policy advocate and am up to speed on the data): the east coast cities and their far flung burbs have become so desirable due to the concentration of jobs and amenities that most people are priced out. Corporations are priced out, too. The jobs are finally starting to pop up elsewhere, and the people will follow. Just ask Texas. (Investors like Elon are betting on cheap podunk areas as the next big thing).

Sure, some people are flocking to western mountain states for trees, but I suspect it has a lot more to do with jobs and cheap housing (as well as abandoning the rat race).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^Do you even know what kudzu is? The fact that you cant appreciate a beautiful walk through the woods is SAD. Never call yourself an outdoor enthusiast again because you're NOT. Also, how many people live right next to Big Sur? most east coasters are a 20 minute drive from a wooded path, but you have to drive hours along the PCH to get to Big Sur.

I like the woods OK. But you’re deluding yourself if you think that’s the same as hiking out west. Where there are also woods btw, but they are majestic redwoods or ancient live oaks, not junk-tree glades by the highway.

There are majestic redwoods in designated state parks that are usually highly protected and you have to drive for hours to be able to reach. I spent a lot of time out west so i know exactly how it is. I'll definitely take an easy drive to a STUNNING tree lined, green glen any day, over driving for hours to see ONE view

ok throw down - where are all these “stunning” forests 20 minuted from
metro DC?

Great Falls, and the historic home of Frederick Douglass, and Monticello, and the views you see kayaking along the Potomac, and Chesapeake views in Maryland, and drive a few hours to hike Old Rag, Luray, Skyline Drive...

I’ve been to every single one of those, and none of them are as spectacular or any more accessible than what you can get to from most places on the West Coast. If you think Great Falls is the equal of Big Sur, well ...

No one said they were equal to this or that. But if you don't think Great Falls is fun and lovely, I feel sorry for you. I can simply walk along the Mall and the monuments at sunset and find the experience to be "stunning." If you can't, I feel sorry for you. If you must compare each and every thing you do with every wonderful thing in the world, no wonder you're never satisfied or fulfilled.

I've eaten at a Guy Savoy restaurant in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I don't sit down to a lovely meal at a nice DC restaurant and stew because those to things aren't the same experience. What a sad way to live life.

where did I say I didn’t enjoy those things? But yeah in August when it’s 100 degrees and humid, a walk on the mall is out of the question.

Great! More room for me at 6 a.m., or right at dusk. Then again, I'm not fussy. I just enjoy all there is to enjoy in life.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Throughout the year, the water temperature in Avila Beach does not rise above 68°F and therefore is not suitable for comfortable swimming.

^^^From the interweb.

right. if I want a hottub I’ll go to the Ramada Inn.

Hot tub? Lol.

Personally, I find the 75 degree Bethany water chilly. I prefer to swim in the Caribbean. Nothing beats the warm turquoise water in Antigua or some such. You haven’t experienced a superb beach until you’ve spent days on empty beaches in the Caribbean. My kids and I have been spoiled.

right, you limit your “outdoorsiness” to your two weeks of expensive and exclusive vacationing in the Caribbean. This is what passes for East Coast beach vacations, lol. that should give OP insight.

You’re making an assumption.

I’m wondering if you live in Dcumlandia? Everyone is a runner. Everyone belongs to a gym and has a home gym. Everyone’s kids play travel sports.

There are cyclists who are so committed to their sport that they’ve damaged their fertility.

Golf widows are a real thing. Are you not among the country club set?

Women who play tennis at the club are cutthroat.

Horseback riding is very popular in the affluent burbs.

Urban hiking is a thing.

Don’t you know any people who have cycled through quaint villages in Europe?

Don’t you know any marathoners? They’re everywhere.

Owning a boat and jet skis is typical for those who own beach houses and lake houses.

But I digress. Yes, we love going to the Caribbean as well as local beaches.

Re: the bizarre debate over trees - American forests are lovely, but they don’t hold a candle to European forests or the lush rolling green sheep-dotted hills of the English countryside with quaint stone villages.

I can really, really see you don’t get it. But sure, if you are extremely wealthy and have a beach house and can go to Europe every summer I’m sure that’s a nice life. The point of living out West is access to amazing nature and outdoor activities every day, without having to jet off to Chamonix or drive 4 hrs to “OBX”.

It takes 45 mins for me to drive to and drop my paddle board in the water near Annapolis.

It takes that long just to get out of the downtown traffic in LA or San Diego.

My kids can ride horses and go fishing within 10 mins of our house in MoCo.

We have outdoor rope climbing in MoCo.

Rock Creek Park is literally closed off to cars for cyclists and runners every weekend.

You clearly aren’t a cyclist. The eastern shore is an hour away and there are beautiful areas to bike around St. Michael’s, Tilghman Island, etc.

I think you just prefer the trees out west. Okay. The skiing is better out west, too. But we do have outdoorsy stuff in the dc metro area.

Where do you live that you feel so deprived?

May I suggest you venture up Georgia Avenue to visit one of the three beer farms we have up here? Sounds like you need to take the edge off. FWIW, there’s fishing, horseback riding, etc. in the area. Watch out for the runners and cyclists...they are everywhere.

PS - we also have Christmas tree farms and nurseries out here. Your landscaper likely gets the trees, bushes and flowers in your yard from here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^Do you even know what kudzu is? The fact that you cant appreciate a beautiful walk through the woods is SAD. Never call yourself an outdoor enthusiast again because you're NOT. Also, how many people live right next to Big Sur? most east coasters are a 20 minute drive from a wooded path, but you have to drive hours along the PCH to get to Big Sur.

I like the woods OK. But you’re deluding yourself if you think that’s the same as hiking out west. Where there are also woods btw, but they are majestic redwoods or ancient live oaks, not junk-tree glades by the highway.

There are majestic redwoods in designated state parks that are usually highly protected and you have to drive for hours to be able to reach. I spent a lot of time out west so i know exactly how it is. I'll definitely take an easy drive to a STUNNING tree lined, green glen any day, over driving for hours to see ONE view

ok throw down - where are all these “stunning” forests 20 minuted from
metro DC?

Great Falls, and the historic home of Frederick Douglass, and Monticello, and the views you see kayaking along the Potomac, and Chesapeake views in Maryland, and drive a few hours to hike Old Rag, Luray, Skyline Drive...

I’ve been to every single one of those, and none of them are as spectacular or any more accessible than what you can get to from most places on the West Coast. If you think Great Falls is the equal of Big Sur, well ...

No one said they were equal to this or that. But if you don't think Great Falls is fun and lovely, I feel sorry for you. I can simply walk along the Mall and the monuments at sunset and find the experience to be "stunning." If you can't, I feel sorry for you. If you must compare each and every thing you do with every wonderful thing in the world, no wonder you're never satisfied or fulfilled.

I've eaten at a Guy Savoy restaurant in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I don't sit down to a lovely meal at a nice DC restaurant and stew because those to things aren't the same experience. What a sad way to live life.

where did I say I didn’t enjoy those things? But yeah in August when it’s 100 degrees and humid, a walk on the mall is out of the question.

Anonymous wrote:You can kite surf, wind surf, kayak, paddle board, jet ski, fish/crab, etc. on the bay in DE and OCMD. The ocean and the bay are literally across the street from another. What we call the bay, you call the sound in OBX. While west coasters do this stuff in the pacific, the undertow of the Atlantic is too strong. Plus, riptides (which are deadly in parts in NC).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I step away for an hour and you guys are arguing about trees? Y'all, come on. 😄

It was bound to happen once the West Coast gang quickly lost the fight on beaches.

East Coasters are seemingly winning the tree fight as well.

Next up: seafood. I say East Coast wins that one, too.

What else can we debate? East Coast wins re: education and political awareness.

Let’s throw the West Coast a bone. Thoughts?

Yes, East Coast is best. That’s why it’s hemorrhaging people while the West grows.

https://eig.org/news/a-decade-of-uneven-population-growth-the-rise-of-the-mountain-west-and-the-fading-of-the-northeast

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's not to understand? On the east coast people do what you're supposed to do on the beach- play in the water, lay in the hot sun (great for bringing a book), swim, collect shells.

I've never understood west coast beaches where you can only stare out at the water- it's very bizarre and BORING.

Maybe try going to the actual beach and stepping in the water and your basic human instincts will kick in and you'll do what comes naturally! Enjoy.

No that’s actually what I’m saying exactly. I have no interest in spending a day staring at the ocean or even getting in but only in the surf. When we went in my childhood it was to windsurf or kitesurf or boogie board.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Throughout the year, the water temperature in Avila Beach does not rise above 68°F and therefore is not suitable for comfortable swimming.

^^^From the interweb.

right. if I want a hottub I’ll go to the Ramada Inn.

Hot tub? Lol.

Personally, I find the 75 degree Bethany water chilly. I prefer to swim in the Caribbean. Nothing beats the warm turquoise water in Antigua or some such. You haven’t experienced a superb beach until you’ve spent days on empty beaches in the Caribbean. My kids and I have been spoiled.

right, you limit your “outdoorsiness” to your two weeks of expensive and exclusive vacationing in the Caribbean. This is what passes for East Coast beach vacations, lol. that should give OP insight.

You’re making an assumption.

I’m wondering if you live in Dcumlandia? Everyone is a runner. Everyone belongs to a gym and has a home gym. Everyone’s kids play travel sports.

There are cyclists who are so committed to their sport that they’ve damaged their fertility.

Golf widows are a real thing. Are you not among the country club set?

Women who play tennis at the club are cutthroat.

Horseback riding is very popular in the affluent burbs.

Urban hiking is a thing.

Don’t you know any people who have cycled through quaint villages in Europe?

Don’t you know any marathoners? They’re everywhere.

Owning a boat and jet skis is typical for those who own beach houses and lake houses.

But I digress. Yes, we love going to the Caribbean as well as local beaches.

Re: the bizarre debate over trees - American forests are lovely, but they don’t hold a candle to European forests or the lush rolling green sheep-dotted hills of the English countryside with quaint stone villages.

I can really, really see you don’t get it. But sure, if you are extremely wealthy and have a beach house and can go to Europe every summer I’m sure that’s a nice life. The point of living out West is access to amazing nature and outdoor activities every day, without having to jet off to Chamonix or drive 4 hrs to “OBX”.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^Do you even know what kudzu is? The fact that you cant appreciate a beautiful walk through the woods is SAD. Never call yourself an outdoor enthusiast again because you're NOT. Also, how many people live right next to Big Sur? most east coasters are a 20 minute drive from a wooded path, but you have to drive hours along the PCH to get to Big Sur.

I like the woods OK. But you’re deluding yourself if you think that’s the same as hiking out west. Where there are also woods btw, but they are majestic redwoods or ancient live oaks, not junk-tree glades by the highway.

There are majestic redwoods in designated state parks that are usually highly protected and you have to drive for hours to be able to reach. I spent a lot of time out west so i know exactly how it is. I'll definitely take an easy drive to a STUNNING tree lined, green glen any day, over driving for hours to see ONE view

ok throw down - where are all these “stunning” forests 20 minuted from
metro DC?

Great Falls, and the historic home of Frederick Douglass, and Monticello, and the views you see kayaking along the Potomac, and Chesapeake views in Maryland, and drive a few hours to hike Old Rag, Luray, Skyline Drive...

I’ve been to every single one of those, and none of them are as spectacular or any more accessible than what you can get to from most places on the West Coast. If you think Great Falls is the equal of Big Sur, well ...

No one said they were equal to this or that. But if you don't think Great Falls is fun and lovely, I feel sorry for you. I can simply walk along the Mall and the monuments at sunset and find the experience to be "stunning." If you can't, I feel sorry for you. If you must compare each and every thing you do with every wonderful thing in the world, no wonder you're never satisfied or fulfilled.

I've eaten at a Guy Savoy restaurant in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I don't sit down to a lovely meal at a nice DC restaurant and stew because those to things aren't the same experience. What a sad way to live life.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^Do you even know what kudzu is? The fact that you cant appreciate a beautiful walk through the woods is SAD. Never call yourself an outdoor enthusiast again because you're NOT. Also, how many people live right next to Big Sur? most east coasters are a 20 minute drive from a wooded path, but you have to drive hours along the PCH to get to Big Sur.

I like the woods OK. But you’re deluding yourself if you think that’s the same as hiking out west. Where there are also woods btw, but they are majestic redwoods or ancient live oaks, not junk-tree glades by the highway.

There are majestic redwoods in designated state parks that are usually highly protected and you have to drive for hours to be able to reach. I spent a lot of time out west so i know exactly how it is. I'll definitely take an easy drive to a STUNNING tree lined, green glen any day, over driving for hours to see ONE view

ok throw down - where are all these “stunning” forests 20 minuted from
metro DC?

Great Falls, and the historic home of Frederick Douglass, and Monticello, and the views you see kayaking along the Potomac, and Chesapeake views in Maryland, and drive a few hours to hike Old Rag, Luray, Skyline Drive...

I’ve been to every single one of those, and none of them are as spectacular or any more accessible than what you can get to from most places on the West Coast. If you think Great Falls is the equal of Big Sur, well ...