Hello all. This is our first post on here, {Wife has learnt' me to always enclude her.} So " We've" been working towards the ultilmate lifestyle, of living off the land, but it sure takes alot of time and work, not something that can be done in just a few months, it comes alittle at a time and we're forever learning at it, it seems. Our latest developement was setting up an ole' ringer washer under the tree out back, just before the freezing temps. set in... Sounds like hardship, but it's actually Fun to see each real piece of "survival" come together..while living Free with mother nature... Just wondering if there's any other backwoods survival folk sitting around the Campfire here, who are living their dream too? Mr.& Mrs. Montana

Welcome to the forum!
I am nowhere even near to self-sufficiency, and I think never will be <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What is "ole' ringer washer"? Is it kind of like a washing machine?

You might want to check out www.homesteadingtoday.com and www.backwoodshome.com. They have a lot of interesting articles on self-sufficiency.

I have lived off the land for a lot of my life, in fact, I prefer it. And you're right , it can be fun with the right attitude. It may be the hardest thing you'll ever do but it will also be one of the most rewarding. You'll find a lot of useful information Here

One can dream; right now it is hard to live off the land in Oakland.....

Thank you Angel and Red Star, and for the thoughtful links!! The ole' [old] ringer washer, is one that I horse-traded alittle work for, from one of our neighbors this last summer, it's green in color, dates back in the 30's I believe, but still works like a new one.. Actually, this is our "second" attempt at survival in the mountains, our first try only lasted about 2 years and we went so broke that we couldn't afford to get anymore chainsaw gas, and lived too remote to do much about it... so sold out and came back to the work-world... This time though, we've alittle bit more prepared, stocked up and got an ole' backhoe, am able to make a few $$ now and again to keep us afloat... So with the land paid for and etc. I believe we'll make it this time around... If the Lord is willing and the creek don't rise...as the saying goes.. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Also, our first try at suvival back in the late 90's, we only started then, in a dome-tent with a woodstove, this time we have an RV and we got the roof onto a 10 X 20 room addition, [still have to finish it though] also got our underground water holding tank in with gravity flow water lines, but that's about all we could get done in our first summer, into getting settled here... Our ultimate plan is to build an earth home, but figure that'll take us two or three more years to get completed. Plus there's the "future" Greenhouse; large garden; root cellar and etc. to get put in too... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Personally, I don't think we'll be into the "real survival period" until after 2012, and especially so after 2016.

So what happens in 2012 & 2016?

todd

It would take a book to explain all this really, but mainly, it is based on the work of cycles and the work of W.D.Gann. Here's a short vidio from Gannglobal on the subject of these cycles: http://gannglobal.com/v/crb01/?img=132&kbid=1002 and give you an idea of what this cyclic-work entails.

I am well acquainted with wringer washers, used to have to use one to wash my work clothes when I worked in the oil fields. But I've gotta ask...what are you going to do with it? Is the land providing electricity to run it??

I'm interested in earth homes as well. I'm currently scrounging the web for information, and trying to come up with some viable design options for a future project. I'm not sure what direction I'll end up taking, but that will partially be determined by the area where I choose to settle. I'm looking at a number of different materials ranging from rammed earth to cobb and a few others, as well as weighing out in-ground designs.

I'd like to make this an off-grid home powered by alternative energies, and would like to be able to include rain harvesting or a well, and on-site waste management/recycling. Once again, all of this will also be determined by region and what local laws have to say about such things.

It's a long term goal I guess... I hope I have time. :P

What particular type of structure are you thinking of building, mtman?

Thanks for the come-back ole'baldguy, Ya asked about the ringer washer, yes, we have elect. to run the washer, also a generator, and if all else fails, got a solar aray to harmonize with nature if needed, however, we havn't gotten to the point of getting everything up and running yet... waiting for the temps to get back above -0- first... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Meanwhile the laundry keeps piling up... <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />