more on living off the land
There's a few of us obviously more prepared to go out and live off the land permanently than others, and some who have.
Recently, Nativedude threw up a list of things he took when he first lit out for the wilds. I asked him how long it took him from deciding to go for it to getting it done, but that thread kind of wandered off in some different directions.
I'd love to find out some people's point of view on this, what exactly do you think you'd need, what area would you be heading for (obviously impacts on what you're taking) and how long would it take you to get 'er done. I think it would be very beneficial to those who are attempting it.
Some of the things that have held me back are of a pretty personal nature, but I still intend to go for it within the next couple of years, if not totally off the grid at least well back on the far edge, so to speak. I'm currently working on learning more about log building (I'm not planning on some half assed cabin that I have to chink the walls with mud, one can do much better), reloading ammunition, and a couple of other things. Most of my basic bush skills I'm very comfortable with, but who else has a game plan? Who else has gone for it, or is about to?
More on living off the land. . .permanently!!
Quote:
Originally posted by: Nativedude
"In all it took six years of planning, scouting for the right spot to settle, spending summer and winter in that spot (to make sure it was suitable for year round living,) and 1 1/2 years to complete my cabin
During the time I initially thought about moving into the bush (back country) I started collecting, dried, canned, and powdered foods, the tools (I didn't already have) to build my cabin, wool blankets, clothing (mostly wool,) cast iron cook ware, oil lamps (12 in all,) toilet paper, etc. Getting that stuff together and packed helps you in the process of knowing just how big you need your shelter to be.
I made all of my own storage crates from cedar and southern yellow pine. I also collected as many glass canning jars & lids and storage tins (from cookies and so forth) as I could. I use no plastic. There is no trash pick-up out in the bush. If plastic breaks it is useless and you can't burn it. Tin, glass, and wood can all be broken down through composting, melting, or burning.
I do have a shortwave radio that I can run off of my hand crank generator, for emergencies."
Living completely O.T.G. was a personal choice because I prefer the "pioneer" way of life. Ever since I was a little boy I have wanted to live in the mountains and woods. I played and explored in the woods, around my house, every chance I got. I spent hours building debris shelters, catching animals, studying nature, etc. All my friends were hanging around the local party store and I was in the woods. Science and astronomy were also other fascinations of mine. Studying the clouds, weather, stars, etc.
I have spent many a day and night in the mountains. Be it the Rockies, Cascades, Sierra-Nevada, Sawtooth, Catskills, Aleutian, Adirondack, Appalachian, Brooks Range, Kaumajet, Absaroka Range, Bear River, Bitterroot Range, or the many others, I enjoy my time in the woods and I prefer being there as to any where else.
While I do enjoy talking with people, I prefer talking only to those that have the same interests as I and I do not enjoy the masses of urban, suburban, or rural (which is getting harder and harder to find) living nearly as much as I do living in the back country.
