exromenyer- Surprised you call Upstate a hell hole cos when I started driving OTR, I had to go several times to REAL hell holes- Queens, Masbeth, Long Island, etc, hauling produce,and other stuff. Once I got a run from the K.C. Ford plant to Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and somewhere else I can't remember. I dreaded it. Got up there before 8 am and the countryside was beautiful. Next thing I know, I hear this voice, "Good Morning". I jumped back, looked all around, seen 1 guy and I had my hand on my protection( won't say what) but he said
"1st time up here? and I said "Yes." He said " Relax, we're not like those @(%*$&%*^ down in Lower side." It was like being back in Gods' country back home. That was the early 70's so things must have changed in all those years. Anyway, glad you're somewhere you like. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
aland