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Living off the grid, self-sufficient life.

post #1 of 29
10/11/12 at 10:45am
Thread Starter 
So, it has always been a fantasy of mine to live far away from society, living in a shelter I built, raising/growing my own food. Would only have to worry about food and shelter (mind you these are colossally huge and will be one of the biggest challenges someone could face) No worrying about job, social status, politics, money, international relations, etc. Of course, there'd be no societal safety net, I could die very easily. I've never been an extrovert, I prefer being alone or with one other person, and am very easily entertained.

I think if I brought a woman with me into the wilderness, had a shit ton of books, and supplies to start a new life, I could be happier than ever thought possible. Possibly a radio, but no other electronics. I would try to pick a mild climate, I can't imagine how difficult livin of' da fat of the land would be in N. Canada or something. Of course, mild climates are usually densely populated. Raise some livestock, have some farm land, etc. Am picturing it now.

This is purely hypothetical, at least for the next 8-10 years, I'm just wondering if anyone else thinks about this.

Can anyone share any good docs, books, articles, movies etc on self sufficient people and the lifestyle?
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post #2 of 29
10/11/12 at 12:11pm
It's an idea that is intriguing to me, and I've thought it would be cool to live off the grid, at least for a period of time. I can definitely see the appeal of walking away from everything for a while, years even, but I suspect I wouldn't want to do it for the rest of my life.

There's a lot to be said for modernity. I agree that there's an allure to getting rid of all the things you list, but I'm not certain I feel those are more daunting than knowing my life depends upon my crops not failing or my aim being true enough to kill dinner.

Basically, it really seems to me that going off the grid, at least to the degree you're discussing (i.e. no electronics), is one of those things that seems a lot more romantic than it actually is, but I can still see why it seems like it would be kind of cool.
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post #3 of 29
10/11/12 at 12:40pm
If you did go off the grid you would have to be knowledgeable regarding natural health remedies, etc. and chose a place that doesn't come with greater health risks (like the Amazon) or your first cold could just kill you. That or wild animals. I suppose if you watch a lot of Bear Grylls you could pull it off.
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post #4 of 29
10/11/12 at 12:44pm
Jeremiah Johnson.

OP, have you done any overnight or extended camping trips? The kind where you have to hike out for a day, and then make your way back after you've stayed for a few days? Start there.
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post #5 of 29
10/11/12 at 12:54pm
I completely understand your thoughts. I have a social (anti?) fantasy of striking into the wilderness and living off the land. I am finding that horribly inconvenient., so I am building a home that will enable me to provide my own electricity and water in case of the collapse of civilization. It actually isn't too hard to do, definitely some added construction expense for the electricity part though. The farming and hunting I am already adept at.
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post #6 of 29
10/11/12 at 12:58pm
if you bring a girl make sure she is neutered, last thing you want to do is still banging out kids in that kind of existence.
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post #7 of 29
10/11/12 at 1:00pm
Thread Starter 
Mr. G, you're probably right that I'm romanticizing it. Damn you Burt Reynolds from Deliverance!

Harvey, I am an eagle scout (scoff at that if you want, but we actually did some hardcore minimalist wilderness survival expeditions) I have a lot of camping experience outside of that, I also hunt and fish. I know nothing about growing vegetables, I'd like to learn abut gardening. Also, some carpentry experience would do me good.
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post #8 of 29
10/11/12 at 1:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Pun View Post

Mr. G, you're probably right that I'm romanticizing it. Damn you Burt Reynolds from Deliverance!
Harvey, I am an eagle scout (scoff at that if you want, but we actually did some hardcore minimalist wilderness survival expeditions) I have a lot of camping experience outside of that, I also hunt and fish. I know nothing about growing vegetables, I'd like to learn abut gardening. Also, some carpentry experience would do me good.

No scoffing here, I did scouting in my youth, congrats on reaching Eagle Scout. Check out Jeremiah Johnson, though, it's a great movie.
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post #9 of 29
10/11/12 at 1:13pm
^ Philmont?
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post #10 of 29
10/11/12 at 1:21pm
Never made Eagel, but did go to Philmont back in '74. Not quite Jeremiah Johnson, but good times! nod[1].gif
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post #11 of 29
10/11/12 at 7:32pm

I would not consider this for a second if I didn't have any medical skills

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post #12 of 29
10/11/12 at 9:14pm

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Proenneke

 

lefty

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post #13 of 29
10/11/12 at 9:29pm
theoretically speaking, if I chose to get off the grid, I'd rather find myself living off the fat off a tropical land with a nice beach a short distance from my solar-paneled house.
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post #14 of 29
10/11/12 at 10:11pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by romafan View Post

Never made Eagel, but did go to Philmont back in '74. Not quite Jeremiah Johnson, but good times! nod[1].gif

cheers.gif I went in '08, put some scruff on my chest for sure.

JJ was a quality movie, lots of catchy tunes IIRC.
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post #15 of 29
10/12/12 at 12:20am
gardening is pretty easy. you throw a hundred seeds into the ground, and water it.

unfortunately everything ripens about the same time. and with no fridge it's gonna suck.

Also the lack of running water, shower, toilet, toilet paper, and hand soap is what deters me from such a life style. Also manual labor. and abundance of bugs,
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