Off The Grid

[Shankapotomus]

[link:http://www.ericvalli.com/index.php?/stories/off-the-grid/|"There are growing number of people
who have decided to live light on the earth...."]

http://www.ericvalli.com/index.php?/films/lynx/

More pics & info: http://www.messynessychic.com/2012/04/23/turning-caveman-in-america/

[FirstLight]

1. wow

thanks for sharing...this is some good stuff!

[Shankapotomus]

2. I thought the "Stone Age" group

looked particularly surreal and yet natural. We are not as far removed evolutionarily as we think we are from our prehistoric ancestors. We are probably more suited by genetic memory to that existence than we are to our present one.

[FedUpWithIt All]

3. Our own experiement with off grid living wasn't that extreme

We spent a year living off grid in a 32 ft trailer with our three kids. All of our wash (self and cleaning) water was rain water collected off the roof of the mini barn we built, the majority of our diet in the summer months was home grown and all of our heating (for water, food and atmosphere) was on a wood stove. We used power from solar panels the majority of the time with a back-up gas generator. All of our washing was by hand, we used old oil lights to save power in the evenings, our clothes were hang dried in all seasons and we used a gravity shower and a washtub for bathing.

Since then we have largely returned to the suburbs (the land we had purchased would not support our plans and there were some distance issues with family) and not a day goes by when we do not discuss our plans to move back in that direction, albeit with better housing, planned to be sustainable and efficient. So much of modern life seems unhealthy, disconnected and artificial.

It changes you to live outside the modern.

[Shankapotomus]

4. So having done off-grid

and having done the suburbs, and knowing all the pros and cons of both, you'd rather be off-grid? I haven't tried off-grid yet but I am determined to get there. Once I find a car, I will start looking for land. I'm a minimalist by nature so I don't think I will struggle with the lack of amenities, especially with all the portable technology available now. I think the hardest part will be complying with the local zoning laws because there are certain requirements that must be met before you can even live on your land in the area I'm looking.

It's inspiring to see others at DU who have done this and are sticking with it. I feel like I have to do this and I don't want to back out.

[FedUpWithIt All]

5. Would definitely rather be off grid

When it was sunny, we were thrilled because it was filling our batteries. When it was raining, we were thrilled because it refilled our water supply. When it was snowing, we felt so accomplished as we threw another log onto the fire or ate canned goods from our garden. We loved raising livestock and gardening and we loved the daily progress of building.

It is VERY tough work but it is, if you're the type that appreciates living lightly, extremely rewarding.

We had settled onto 50 acres in WV. The benefits were plenty of year round running spring water, a pleasant and capable community and laws that were very open to the lifestyle. The drawbacks of our place was too much of the land was devastated from a recent timber job and was too variable in elevation to allow a quick recovery. There was too little rolling or flat land to work toward pasture development and the road we built, to one of the leveled spots, was 1/3 mi. and was requiring very frequent upkeep. We were working around these issues because we developed a deep love for the place but a health issue came up for me and my oldest daughter, who had remained in Ohio after 18, needed us here.

Our goal is to search out a better place to try again. In the meantime we are keeping with some things. We watch for items that we know were useful to us and read up on the improved ways to do things. We are starting another small flock of chickens this spring and have been planning this years garden.

I wish you luck in your own endeavors. Remember that the surest way to success with that type of lifestyle is good planning set up against great flexibility.

[Shankapotomus]

6. Sounds like you were going for or reached complete self-sufficiency

with the livestock and the gardening. I plan to eventually set up a garden but livestock is another level entirely. I'm looking forward to supporting the local sellers in Upstate NY when I'm settled there. My biggest fear is being sold land that's been declared "wetlands" without knowing it and being unable to build on it. Not sure how realistic a fear that is, though. I've purchased land with a house on it before but never raw land.

I've heard about the logging in W. Virginia and how it can be quite damaging mountaintops and rivers. Upstate I will have to worry about fracking. Thankfully Governor Cuomo extended the health review process up there, which is a good sign.

Best Wishes for your return to your land and farm. Thanks for the words of advice. I will try to apply it.

Sorry to hear about your family health issues. I hope you are both okay now or at least recovering well.

[stevonmfl]

7. Near a lake in New Mexico

We just bought 5 acres at Ute Lake in NM. We are planning on building a home and using solar and wind and drilling for water. The lake is recreational and good fishing and Tucumcari, NM (Rt 66) is 22 miles away. Nearest big city is Amarillo (90 miles east). Albuquerque is 3 hours driving distance. All seems good for the Big Move. Now searching for right builder if anyone knows of a good off-grid model I would appreciate the heads-up.

[Shankapotomus]

8. Sounds like you're close to living the dream

I envy your freedom. I'm almost there too. Strangely, five acres is about what I am looking for, as well. It's taken me awhile to find something, though.

There are many builders of course. I don't know what you like but, recently, I have been intrigued by what looks to me like a modern tiny home...at least the interior looks very modern. I believe they will drive the house out to you. Comes with shower, bathroom, kitchen. Just add solar panels. Your needs may vary. Pretty neat, though. Enjoy your new property. Sounds liberating.

http://thedailysearch.com/tiny-house-tinier-dog-living-in-a-120-square-feet-small-home/