August 31, 2022
Day 335 of the Adventure
A few may begin their Off-Grid or Homestead journey by growing up right there in the middle of it. I believe with most of us, it began with a dream. At least, most of those I know who made the choice to pursue this life had it in their head and in their hearts first for some time before making the move to the reality of their dream lifestyle. I also believe that the dream stage is where most of the anxiety and agony exists. Anxious about the unknown and agony in the pain of wanting something so bad but not seeing a clear pathway to get there. I certainly can attest to the reality of both.
We are now eleven months into to adventure that we have nicknamed "Camp Run-Amuck". (You can actually follow the facebook page DIY Homestead if you like) Years went into dreaming about our cabin in the woods and the life built around that dream. I don't think the anxiousness of the "What-ifs" had much effect on us. We've learned the art of "firing the rocket" and making adjustment on the move. The agony of reaching the point where we felt the time was right certainly did take its toll on us. Pulling the trigger on a decision this large can be frightening. Still, the worst part is feeling helpless in the ability to just make the first step. As I browse the thoughts and comments of people following the Off-Grid or Homestead life in social media groups, I see this as a very common thread. "I don't know where or how to Start!" Perhaps it's "I don't have the money" or "I don't have the skills" or "I don't have the support". Regardless of the reason for the "I Don'ts", I think there's a necessary moment where one must say, "But I'll figure it out".
When we began, we chose to build our dream as a "Do-It-Yourself" project for a reason and it's likely not what you think. I could have been very happy just heading out into the woods and quietly carving out a place to live, play, retire and relax without the baggage of documenting any of it. My biggest problem is that I feel the pain and struggle of others who are trying to find their way into a dream of their own. My wife will tell you without hesitation, that I'm that way. I'd almost rather teach and show someone how to do something than just simply do it and leave everyone else behind. For that reason, for better or worse, our journey into a self-sufficient life in a cabin in the woods, is on public display for all to see through videos and written articles. We decided to do everything ourselves starting with taking the first step onto raw land all the way through clearing, prepping, construction, and developing for one reason. We wanted to demonstrate that it's possible and even possible for people in their 60's to accomplish. (61 and 63 to be exact)
So here's the point. I've always said that simply knowing how to do something will never sustain you through to the realization of your dream. But if you have a strong enough dream or passion for that "something" there is nothing that can stop you from reaching that dream. So this is what's important. As self-sufficient type people are concerned, "Doing It Yourself" is a little bit obvious. It's kind of what we all do. Going Off-Grid or into a Homestead lifestyle, by definition, suggests DIY tendencies and skills are required. If you are dreaming of living life according to your own terms, then embrace the DIY paradigm fully. When you begin approaching every obstacle with an "I can do that, or I can at least figure it out" mentality, you will begin to find ways of moving into your dream.
My challenge to you, if you've read this far, is this. We all have things in our lives we've never done before and have no clue how to do or where to start. (Including us involving many of the things we've been through at "Camp Run-Amuck" this past year) But IF YOU'RE BRAVE ENOUGH, go to one of the video links in this blog and click on it and Subscribe to the channel. Also, Subscribe to the newsletter at the upper right side of this page. Follow the process and ASK QUESTIONS. We are not going to try to charge you for anything. You are more than welcome to ignore the product links. It won't hurt our feelings. We do those as another example of how we, and you, could add an income stream to your dream if that's part of your goal. We are still able to answer every inquiry and question ourselves. But the main reason is we really do want to see you moving toward the fulfillment of your dream and we enjoy sharing the journey and pathway together.
Beginning on September 1st, I'll be going through steps we've taken in the transition from Raw Land.
Carry On
Adventure Quote: “Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” ―
Base Camp Coffee of the Day: Highlander Grogg (Butterscotch/Rum flavors)
Consider Subscribing to our monthly "How-To", Do-It-Yourself" newsletter in the upper right corner of this page. AND........
Click any of the following links to start your own adventure with us:
DIY Construction Basics Videos
Shelley Painting Trim (Chicks in the Sticks video)
Sunday Morning Outdoor Breakfast Videos
August 28 Breakfast - Campfire Corned Beef Hash
August 21 Breakfast - Off-Grid Waffles...... and Dragon Fruit?
August 7 Breakfast - Chorizo Burritos
Fun Videos
Run-Amuck Road Trip - Roaring River State Park
Treasured Times Crew to the Rescue Cabin Building (Treasured Times Video)
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