In reply to:

I saw the same article and didn't think twice about the woods

I'm still a stranger here, so I will try to express myself a little more clearly. I use the expression "the woods" often, and, like you, would not think twice about it. The reason behind my creating these alarums and excursions was that I have never seen, and do not like, the expression, "a woods." I would have preferred to read " a forest", or, "a woodland area."

As an aside, is there any way that one can retain the designation of "stranger"? I really like it, and would love to keep it, if that is possible.