Eddie, I did the same thing that you are doing now 10 years ago. Like you, I grew up in Ohio. Actually not far from you, Sandusky. The important part of this, as explained later, was Lake Erie.

I moved to Atlanta for a job and must admit I went southern fast. The absence of snow, mild winter temps and southern hospitality suited me just fine. What really got to me was I missed the Lake.

Eight years later, I moved to Gulf-side of southern Florida. What could be better than this? Beaches, Sun, Gulf waters, fishing! But things changed. Seven months of the year its 90 degress plus with 90 percent humidity. When the temps break, around Thankgiving, millions of "snowbirds" show up to an area where the infrastructure can't support them. So I became somewhat dislussioned living on that sandbar and wanted to get out.

I guess it came time for some reflection, what did I really want? Number one, has to be near water...I grew up with it, gotta have it...fresh water preferred...I found I hate saltwater! Number two, 4 seasons....12 months of summer in Florida gets old fast...decorated palm tress for Christmas just ain't right...but NO SNOW! Number three, smaller town...I've sit in enough traffic jams to last a lifetime.

For me, that all puts me in Northern Georgia, South Carolina, North Caroline and eastern Tennessee. With that in mind, I did what you did....road trips! Spent the better part of two years traveling around those areas. Found some great spots, met some great people.

Finally, quite by accident, stumbled on Lake Keowee in the north western corner of South Carolina. Twenty miles long, 3 miles wide...pristine fresh waters in sight of the Blue Ridge mountains. A few small towns, lots of woods, waterfalls, mild temps, great people...who don't know anything about Ohio State football...all they talk about is Clemson!

Have been here for about a year now and really enjoy it. So follow your dream, head south...but not too far south! Find the mountains. Be sure to look for water...us Ohio boys have to have that whether we know it or not.

Keep us posted on your travels.

Jeff

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