I'm not sure why I'm considering this, not sure why I shouldn't. My life was put in the spin cycle a few years ago, so, all options have been on the table.
A friend bought 30+ acres in mountainous wilderness and is building a camp. She is seeking like minded people that want to live off grid. I have visited twice and really dig it. No other homesteaders yet. The first strip of land she cleared gets a wonderful path of moonlight from the driveway to the yurt set back farther. Peaceful and lovely. I think there is also a colonial tent set up by now, too. Permanent structures built atop their own platforms with decks, etc. There will next be a teepee. I don't know what's after that. I'd like to build Sunrise Coffee Bar, something up the hill high enough to enjoy sunrise over the mountains. Meditation Gardens is on my list, too. I have too many ideas...
I could live there free of charge, would need to find my own way to support myself. For at least a while, until she gets bookings, there are places to sleep. I would probably build my own "home" eventually and possibly create my own driveway entrance. Solar is there, I'd need to buy some panels to accommodate my usage, no well yet (probably this fall). Bathroom facility primitive, but very very nice!
She needs a farmer. I can absolutely grow food, I am actually very good at it. I can also cook and prefer to cook for two vs just myself. She doesn't want to mess with either of these things, so it's a perfect match on that. She is more handy, designing and building the this and the that. She does really good work, too. I've been very impressed. We get along really well, see many things the same, and when we don't, it's easy disagreement with no anger or disrespect. I like peaceful laid back people, because I'm one. She is similar also in that she doesn't need people around all the time. I have learned during Pandemic that I really am part hermit, some of that may be from working since I was 15, having to leave home most every Monday through Friday of my life, and far too many Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Staying Home still feels like a novelty....
As I've been working on my veggie season here, I have been exploding with ideas. I never seem to have enough garden space, but with 30 acres, that wouldn't be a problem. I'd like a big greenhouse to try hot house flowers as well, but mostly want a convenient place to start plants without pests nibbling; an environment I could control. I do think I could grow enough food to supply the camp and its visitors plus sell. With just tomatoes, watermelons and pumpkins, I could make my seed money back many times (zero market research, just figuring I could rent pavement most any time to push veggies if not enough drive-by, but honestly hoping to make enough $ to donate plenty of food - I don't expect hunger problems to go away any time soon - there is need most everywhere).
I am part Nature Girl, get that from my mother. I would miss my animal visitors here Only part of the year here is outdoor weather. Would I miss change of season? Would I get annoyed at "having to" garden almost all the time? Would I miss being in a city? I tried a small town once, when I was young. Hated it, but, the situation was far different. It was also a little house smack bang in the middle of things, plus I was on the radio so not quite a private citizen, and this would definitely not be any of that.
I am just wacky enough to sell everything and hot foot it down to middle of nowhere. How much simplifying can I really handle, tho??
I don't know. I don't have answers to any of it. I'm not sure that "I'm Done Here." I don't have family right here, Mom is a few hours up the road but now my brother lives up there (trucker now). My friends would travel, most of our communication isn't in person anyhow. It would be hard to leave the dance studio, but, it's an expense and never income.
I like my house, I like my land, it's very private. I know how difficult it would be to replace that. Except, hello, 30 acres... Just, if it doesn't work out, I might be missing this exact slice of land and this city...
Originally, I told her, I am not likely to relocate. What a difference a year makes ...
Now I'm thinking of building my first crude cabin that eventually becomes the craft shack, taking my time on whatever residence I'll have. There is something about that massive blank canvas that is very appealling to me. In some ways, I have always wanted to do this. Live simply, inexpensively, live off the land and from my own toils and creativity. Hopefully not need a job, but, not a big deal if I gotta do that.
I am still young enough to enjoy building out the camp. I think it would be a lot of fun. Hard work, yes, but that's good for me, and will keep me young. I think it would be fun to co-host when campers come.
I will just keep on stumbling forward, see how the next visit goes, how badly I don't want to come home... and take my time on deciding what I want to do. Camp isn't going anywhere and so far no other homesteaders.
