Temporarily Changing Clans

“In a big way, it was a total blessing: I got laid off my job last week, and I can't say I'm too upset about it because I hated what I was doing. Hee hee!

Sooooo, now the door is open to finally leave the armpit of America (aka New Jersey), and I'm running through it before it slams shut!

I've decided to move back down to Tampa for a bit. It's where family and many good friends are, and I have connections there for work. I'll be able to pay off debts much easier down there, and then hopefully finally move up to Maine full strength. Moving up to Maine right now is tempting, but I don't want to limp in there with the job market being what it is, and I wouldn't be able to teach until September. Plus, I can take some of the teaching classes I'd still need to take while down in Florida.

To the Northeast Clan: You guys are truly the best. I've had so much hiking and getting to know y'all. Especially you Pennsy Hiker, I've hiked with you more than anybody else, and it's always been a blast. I really appreciate how you always pushed me, and we've done some really killer hikes. It really makes leaving here tough, but like I said, it's only temporary (~ a year?). The move to Maine is still on my radar, just delayed a bit (again), so I'll be back.

To the Florida Clan: Break out the gas masks! Artex is coming to town!”

“DA SHEETS WILL BE FLAPPIN TONIGHT IN FLORIDA!”

“I was wondering what that cloud was that moved over the beach this morning.”

“I'm sure HPM is calling the state HAZMAT office Right Now...”

“NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hell no we wont let you leave damnit!!

So thats it?
fine go then. see if I will miss you!!









ok i miss you already. Artex, life can throw us alot of cruve balls, its how you handle them that counts. you are doing the right thing. You will be missed, but you need to do what is good for YOU!!
Hike on and god help the good folks in FLA.”

“Now THAT's what I call timing, LOL”

“This is mandatory for all Northeasterners!!

Artex going away party”

“In the virtual world... you're never too far off to get flamed by your friends!”

“Sorry to hear it, Artex. :(

Hey - since you're already laid off, why not come to Maine next week?!”

“Yo Artex, congrats on leaving the industry of All Evil.

Also, good luck on the new digs and all.”

“Thanks all! Twiggie, I'd say probably still can't make it. I have to see where I'm at as far as taking care of things before I ship out.”

“Well it's about time you get your keester outa Joisey and give us an excuse to have a party! Jeez, what took you so long?

Seriously, it sounds like your life is taking an interesting turn in the direction you want it to head, and it couldn't happen to a finer guy. I'm happy for ya.

No, back to reality. You're just doing this to show off your resslin skills, aren't ya?”

“My methane burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends,
It gives a lovely light!”

“LOL @ Geobeet! That's another side benefit to moving down there, I'll be able to go boar hunting much more often! Too bad I'm coming down though as the weather is warming up, the winter is the best time to go because the cooler air allows the dogs to pick up on the scents better. Oh well, I'll still be able to ride the horses at my family's ranch down there, and that's a ton o' fun!”

“ZIPPER KING MOVING TO FLORIDA.
------------------------------------
LMAO @ HPM.

Welcome back to Florida, Artex. The Hooter's girls are looking forward to seeing you!
« grinning »”

“Thanks Nowslimmer! I'm actually really excited about moving back down. :-)”

“Oh yeah.. Estimated date of arrival is March 15.”

“Beware the ides of March!”

“just in time for Spring Break, Artex! LOL!”

“Hey man, hope things go well for you down there. You will be missed. Sorry I didnt get a chance to hike with you more often.

If you ever want to come up and hike, lets us know. The door open if you need a place to crash.”

“Thanks Dare. I would definitely love to swing up there at least a couple of times this summer to get my mountain fix. There are still many mountains in the 'Dacks that I wish to conquer.”

“Good Luck Artex! You are a talented individual, and prosperity will come your way sooner than you think.

Time to fart!”

“Damn dude, you sure move a lot, Artex! Are your neighbors complaining of gas leaks?

Good luck!”

“LMAO @ Buddha Bear! Thanks man, you're one cool as hell dude. I'll be a bit farther now, but I have no doubts that we'll be hiking together again soon, and I really look forward to it.”

“We'll miss you Artie! :(

Take care and be sure to keep us posted on your Suthaahn adventures. The family ranch sounds great! Can I come visit you so I can ride your horses since I'll miss ya so much?

Enjoy the next bend in the road...errr...trail.
:o)”

“The real story:


Governor James E. McGreevey Announces That New Jersey Will Force Compliance with Clean Air Rules.

TRENTON – After years of hard-fought battles and contentious litigation, New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey, following up on the commitment he made five months ago, announced today that he has directed Attorney General David Samson to deport Artex.

“About one-third of the pollution impairing New Jersey’s air quality comes from a Florida transplant known as ‘Artex’. As I promised five months ago, I am going to fight this bastard and will join with eight other Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states to file a federal lawsuit to send him back where he came from.” said Governor McGreevey.

New Jersey is joining in the suit with a bipartisan coalition of affected states: New York, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. New Jersey has been in discussions with these states for the past month. The states were poised to bring the lawsuit last month, but the EPA delayed action.

The lawsuit will be filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit once the regulations are published in the Federal Register, which is expected soon. The suit will challenge Artex as contrary to the language and intent of the Clean Air Act.

“We will not go backward on this issue,” said Attorney General Samson. “Working with these other states will enhance our legal resources and enable us to take whatever legal action is necessary to protect the health and well-being of our residents. It’s easy to summarize what further delay means: New Jersey citizens will have more asthma and premature deaths if Artex is permitted to stay. It means shorter lives for us and longer lives for the residents of Florida.”

Over the past few years, study after study has reinforced the causal link between the Artex and asthma attacks, heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.”

“oohhh, busted!”

“Good luck and (as we say in Canada) take care.

I am looking forward to hiking with you again - and in Maine.

Doug”

“ya gremlin, we don't say THAT down here in the lower 48! lol!”

“ARTEX QUARANTINED IN NJ.
----------------------------------

I'm actually really excited about moving back down. :-)
Artex

The State Surgeon General stated that it is apparent that Artex has Florida Fever. There is no choice other than to quarantine Artex to NJ for an indefinite duration. Otherwise, the fever could spread and the result would be a stampede of residents following his path to Florida. The National Traffic Commission said that in such an exodus, they would have to close and blockade I-95. Otherwise, the nauseous fumes from Artex and his followers would cause accidents and impossible traffic jams.
« grinning »”

“LMAO!!! You guys are hilarious!”

“Artex moving to Florida during Spring Break?


I can see it now, new videos being advertised on cable: "Artex Gone Wild!"”

“Here's all you would see:

”

“Now that you and Pennsy have broken up, is it alright if he dates others? :0”

“Sure, Rockman.. he's all yours!

Bitpusher, that is too funny! :-)”

“LOL @ rock”

“What a charming guest, we welcome him here to our State and in return for our hospitality he describes us on an internet bulletin board as......
"the armpit of America (aka New Jersey)"

I guess this Southern carpetbagger was sooo prejudiced that he immediately took off to other States to hike without taking the effort to explore NJ for himself.

Of course on moving to NJ I chose NOT to live amid a chemical tank farm or next to the Turnpike. I live in that section of NJ noted for horse farms (NJ has more horses than Kentucky). I have deer in my driveway.

A challenge to Artex, have you hiked in the Water gap, or along the D&R canal in fall, cycled in Hunterdon, canoed or kayaked the Delaware or Raritan rivers, sailed one of the hundreds of lakes in a brisk spring wind, or have you missed out on this State ?

It was great to meet up with you in Mink Hollow, may good luck and happiness find you wherever you are.”

“Thanks Manuka. The "Armpit of America" was kinda tongue in cheek, didn't mean any offense. I'm not gonna lie, I do hate living in this state, but you are right, it does have some surprising things to offer in terms of the outdoors. However, I'm not going to miss the ridiculously high car insurance, traffic, high cost of living, ect.. :-)”

“Oh yeah, I have hiked portions of the Delaware Water gap, and been rafting down it several times. It's a very beautiful area.”

“Manuka the new spokes person for the state of NJ



j/k”

“but those deer in your driveway, do they have three heads???

(j/k!)”

“sorry to see you go, artex. it was a pleasure to hike with you. i hope this turns out to be a blessing.

get yourself back up north ASAP.

oh, i'll be in FL all of next week, i hope to do some hiking.”

“Waaaaaaahhhhhh!!!


Aren't you just visiting Mom and Dad for six months before moving to Maine. Why move all your stuff down there so you can move it all back north again in Sept?

I think that you should just go to Maine and substitute teach until a full time position opens up.

Or you should move to New Mexico for six months. There, do you have enough options?”

“I've been wanting to meet "dances with hogs" for some time. You just missed the Ocala trip.
Maybe you can hit some of the North Georgia trips.”

“No!!!! You can't go to Florida!!!

Damn, I've really enjoyed hiking with you Artex and now you're going down south :(

Well, best wishes to ya! Tampa huh? I have family and friends down there - near USF and Clearwater - plus my folks are in Miami. Sooooooo, keep in touch 'cause you never know when some of the Norteast clan will come to kidnap the "defector" for a bit of Southern bp'ing!

See you next friday?”

“Twinkles, thanks! It was great getting to know you as well, I'll miss you and the good Corporal. You better come visit!

Lyndy - Substitute teaching would be spotty work at best, and I'd want something more steady. I'll probably be down there longer than 6 months. My chances for employment are pretty good down in Tampa, and I can also puruse work in Orlando. I know lot's of people in my field down there, and am already working some connections. Paying off what's left of my credit cards is very important to me, and I can do that easiest down there. I can also take some teaching classes that I'll need while I'm down there and get those outta da way.

Stovestomper - I'll definitely keep my eyes out for some N. Georgia trips. I saw the one on the trip page for the AT, it looks tempting.”

“Well look at the facts, in less than a week of meeting me Artex desides to move away, far away.

------
Good luck in the swamps...”

“Swamp gas”

“back to the swamp , huh?...
well, if ya get that kayak, at least there is great paddling in florida....when its too hot to hike....backyak!
give us a holler if you ever wander up to g'sville/high springs.....”

“Will do, Om! I think you know, but my parents both live in Gainesville, so I'll be up there quite a bit.

I've been researching kayaking big time. I'll definitely let you know when I pick one up, I'd loooooooove to do some backyaking trips!!! Lot's of great areas near Gainesville with the Santa Fe River, Suwanne River, Ichekentucknee (sp?) and Withalacoochee (sp?) all being close by. Have you ever done any sea kayaking?”