a hearty +1 to Dougwalkabout's comments about rural communities. I have fond memories of my time dealing with ranchers in southern Arizona and with Navaho in Canyon de Chelly (NE Ariz).

I became very good friends with one couple whose ranch was the start of one of my favorite climbs. They aided me on my misadventures and we helped them. Sadly, but inevitably, I was one of Shorty's pall bearers at the very end.

In Canyon de Chelly, when I began to work there, the best advice I ever received was, "Don't worry about getting stuck in the Canyon. You will get stuck." That was absolutely true. Sometimes I would unstick the locals and sometimes they would unstick me. We just helped out when we could.

Get to know your neighbors. you will be glad you did..

On another topic, you mentioned soil liquifaction as a potential problem -the consequence of a big eathquake. If we get hit by The Big One, there will be many problems. Stock up on basic necessities and help your neighbors, as they help you.

There are definite advantages to living in the sticks....