Sunday, February 21, 2016

A New Beginning

Since 2007 I've wanted to go off grid in some way, shape or form. First it was an RV, which would eventually allow me to save enough money to buy some land and build a homestead. But my circumstances at the time just wouldn't allow it, mostly due to some poor decisions on my part that I will not go into at this time.

Next it was a sailboat, but once again life conspired against me. Not complaining, just stating fact. Too many details to spell out right here and now, I just want to make a long story short. Most of y'all who've read my ramblings over the years know most of the story anyway.

I've explored the van dwelling scene quite extensively, and while it is very appealing to me, I don't know if it's quite the thing for me at this point in time. Maybe on a part time basis, but that is a subject for future examination...

Essentially I've come back full circle in my thinking about wanting to set up a sustainable off grid homestead. I have 2.5 acres and a 5th wheel camper at my disposal, which in combination will make a very good starting point for the next phase of my life. The land is raw, so will need everything built from the ground up. The 5th wheel is close by, so that simplifies things. I have access to power and water so that's no problem.

The land is in a very peaceful and quiet location, which is something I long for (ha, as some jackass goes barreling through the neighborhood on his loud ass Harley while I'm writing this). The only noise where I intend to be is the occasional dog barking in the distance, or the coyotes yelping at night. Maybe a hoot owl. Lots of small birds tweeting in conversation in the mornings. Maybe a rooster crowing here and there...

This is what I want need. This is where I'm going, and I will be going there in the next week or two. This blog will remain active, though it will be significantly revamped. There will be a Youtube channel associated as well. Lots of changes to come...

17 comments:

wen budro said...

How exciting! I envy your bravery and ability to go for it right now. Peace and quiet and privacy are what I need too. Best of luck on your awesome journey.

Anonymous said...

Sounds good to me. You've already mentioned you have no problems with small spaces (Navy experience) so a trailer sounds good. Some type of overhead cover (aluminum carport ?) as a trailer cover / porch is worth thinking about, because being outside under hot sun or cold rain is not always a good idea.

Anonymous said...

Good for you! Glad to see something good happening for you. I'm still here if you need a hand and I'm free.

TexasScout

Captian Kirk said...

Glad to see your doing what makes you happy. Been a long time follower of your blog and wondered what happened to you when you stopped posting. Will the the wife and kids be joining you or is this just a weekend getaway for you? Anyways good luck!

Anonymous said...

Good luck on your new adventure. You are doing what many stuck in big cities wish they could do, but don't, either because of lack of funds or inertia to make changes. But I can see the handwriting on the wall -- you are better off getting out now, than waiting. The area around me is changing for the worse, and I live in an expensive area of a big city. Rustic areas can have their problems too, but if you can connect up with others of same mind, you can circle the wagons, so to speak. I hope you do have a you tube on getting started. It might inspire others. Having water & power is major -- I read too many blogs of homesteaders who can't hack living in the hinterland without the basics & just give up and go back where they came from. I also see many who build their own cabins, set up a garden & chicken coop, use solar power and are thriving. Wish you much luck and happiness.

Inbred Redneck said...

Glad to see you've got a plan. I'll keep checkin' back to follow your progress and see what ideas you inspire in my dim bulb of a brain. As for the YouTube channel, since I'm on dial up, I figure to be able to see that kind of stuff the once a month or so I get to town with my 11 yo laptop.

Kellie said...

sending many well wishes for you! :) sometimes we just "gotta" ya know?

Unknown said...

Good to see you again. Was afraid you were off in some secret internment camp. Tried replying to the email notification of this latest entry of your, but it got kicked back to me as undeliverable.

Mayberry said...

Thanks everyone. Ed, have to look into that. Probably tied to my old email...

Anonymous said...

need

weight of trailer

and gps location

heh

Wildflower

sixbears said...

Good to see you are back. Sounds like a plan to me. My lovely wife and I are still trying to figure out what to do since our boat was lost. At least we have the homestead in NH to go back to in the spring. Thinking we might just live out of a tent for a while.

Mayberry said...

Sixbears, lost your boat?!! Wow that sucks!

Wildflower, not a chance heh heh heh

Anonymous said...

Found a pretty good book this weekend called TRAILERSTEADING that may be just up your alley. Homesteading by living in a trailer. The author has a blog with same name - worth checking out to gain you some ideas. Try to minimize the mistakes and learn from others makes sense to me.

sixbears said...

Yep, it sucked. Here's the story about it if you are interested:

http://sixbearsinthewoods.blogspot.com/2016/02/shipwrecked-it-had-been-beautiful-day.html

Ken said...

...hey bro you know some of us are together for the long hall, if ya need a hand say so...that being said i miss the posts...i miss the rants cuz ya always type what many of us feel...fuck the FNG's, i'm an hour outa texarkana and i could use a vacation...

Mayberry said...

Anon, will check it out, thanks.
Sixbears will read it, man I'm so sorry that really sucks you lost your boat.
Ken, I appreciate it brother you have been here since the beginning. Come on down, we'll go fishing

Momlady said...

Hope you find the peace you are looking for.