I have wanted to get a small piece of land and build a self-sustaining home/cabin since I was a kid. I keep telling myself that I just need a little more money; save for just another 6 months, blah blah (I barely have enough for just the land at this point, forget about construction, solar, etc.). Yea it would be nice to be in a position to pay cash for everything up-front, but it seems like with every passing year, it becomes less and less likely that I'll actually do it. Lately I've been feeling like I should just do it. The worst that can happen is that I'll find out my friends were right, and that it was just a fantasy. Big deal, at least I will have tried, right. Anyway I came across a great blog yesterday by this woman in Whales that is just doing it. She lived in this tiny camper for like the first year as she worked on building (and funding) a small, very basic, cabin. She has a garden, and is self-sustaining. Now she lives in the cabin, and has solar and water (turbine) power. It was very inspiring to see someone actually doing it. I'm embarrased to say that I've started to buy into my friend's realities a bit, when they tell me continuously about how bad this idea is. Seeing that ladies blog was like a breath of fresh air. I'd love to see others like it, so if anyone knows of a site or blog documenting someone building a home/life off-the-grid, I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Hi and welcome, justwantpeace...you may want to consider a visit to the subforum "Living on the Earth" here at hipforums...lots of info. and kindred spirits over there too... http://hipforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=438 Good luck with realizing your dream!
Oh wow that's exactly what I was looking for! I didn't even notice that sub-forum when I was browsing, thank you. Sorry if this post is in the wrong place
Hi justwantpeace. Your dreams can be realized and don't let anyone convince you they can't. I've lived off grid for most of my adult life. When you really look hard at what you need a person can get by with very little. Depending on where you live a small travel trailer can suffice for quite a bit of time while you build your cabin. What do you really to power when it comes your energy system? My first alternative energy system was two deep cell batteries that I would swap in and out of my truck, using the vehicle to charge the batteries. All I really needed to power was some music. There was no internet at that time and I used oil lamps for light. You can crap in a hole and carry enough water to cook and keep yourself clean in a couple of five gallon jugs. Get your land and something to live in that will let you survive winter and go from there. Invest in some basic tools; chainsaw, maul, and carpentry tools, etc. A small generator will pay for itself when it comes to building and running power tools. No the whole process is not easy, I will probably be pretty old by the time I have my homestead almost finished, just don't give up the dream.
My family lived off the grid for 20 years, (in tents) and now have electricity and many conveniences and modern technology, yet still live simply so we can comfortably afford our chosen lifestyle and are free to enjoy our life. There are different degrees of simplicity and numerous alternative lifestyles, one choice being almost primitive and self sustaining and self sufficient, another choice being just living simply, close to the earth, enjoying whatever technology you can successfully utilize and still feel comfortable with the expense, and what you have to do, or comprimises you have to make to achieve your chosen lifestyle. It is a journey, and even though you may not be able to forsee achieving your complete dream now, with instant gratification, taking a first step to live the way you can envision will most likely bring you some happiness and peace, and will give you the hope and confidence that you need , to live the way you have always wanted to. Peace !
Ive been seriously thinking about doing the same lately... I cant stand this dirty city (Sao Paulo Brazil) the situation over here is getting much like china... there are just to many people.. our economy has been rocketing during the past few years.. meaning many more buildings, vehickles, people, problems, polution etc... Any way the reason behind this posty is I would like to check out that womans blog.. please post the URL... thanks !!!
