Moving into the high mountains ?

OK, everbody reading, contributing to this thread;
PLEASE READ THIS!!

I’ve teased, bugged, pestered Travy to the point of him putting me on ignore
(I really don’t blame him, but that’s not my point)
I have found myself caring for the man
And right now (probably ever) don’t really care about his views of which are pretty much in direct opposition to my line of thinking.
But
If
He is serious
He needs to just camp for a few days
Way out
Beyond camp grounds
Don’t take a bunch of stuff
Just things like matches, paper, a jug for water, a tent, a knife, a roofer’s hatchet/hammer, military breakdown shovel, some jerky, a pot (not MJ), a pail, a blanket, instant coffee (for times at rest), warm clothes, comfy boots, hooded coat

One can improvise with the above list
The pot can do many things beside heat water for coffee
The coat can do many many things besides using it as a pillow
He'll figger it out

anyway
Guarantee ‘the grandeur’ dissipates rather speedily
It’s still there, it just loses visibility when doing necessary things like finding a place to poop, or a way to wash

A stream is nice
Camping by a stream, not so nice
You get visitors
Speaking of water, it’s heavy
Everthing ‘out’ is heavy

And if he still wishes to live out, off grid, I have much much more to contribute

I have flowered it up a bit in my diary thread, but emergency personnel is not the first thing to consider
Creating creature comforts, like shelter of course is primary
Building one?
Power tools, at our age is not primary, it’s mandatory
That’s why generators are a must
Generators are heavy

Propane becomes a must
Propane tanks are, you guessed it, heavy

Bottom line, if anyone here would give him a PM, please ask him if he’s just penning a whim, or serious.
And, if serious, give him your version of what you just read, not mentioning (that Kool-Aid drinking, leftist moron) me.
Otherwise, he’ll effing die

Oh, one more thing, the Native Americans, especially on reservations, generally hate whitey, and will probably hang him upside down for awhile, at least thru the impromptu festivities, in spite of his winning ways
…..not kidding about the hate part

And whitey?
Most that come upon yer camp, don’t hate you. Yer not even up to hate.
They just want yer stuff.
 

Keesha said:
Why not? I think it’s a FABULOUS idea and is something I’ve thought of doing also.
City living sucks. It’s poluted! It’s busy! It’s loud! It’s hectic! It’s frustrating.
Building your own 800 square foot cabin is the best thing I’ve heard you say so far.
This would be great for your mind, body and spirit. You’d get a chance to feel like part of nature and your heart will thank you.
A big furry dog is perfect. A nice wood stove. Chopping your own wood. Picking berries. Swimming. Hiking.

I think as we age our life should get simplier. We should be where we want to live doing what we want to do. If this is what sings to your heart I say go for it.
Click to expand...


See my icon ? That's a photo of an Alaskan Malamute. He would be my 1st major purchase. I once had one named "Simba". he was a bit over 110 lbs and a magnificent animal.
Oh, my. The stories I could tell you about him. As a joke I put his name (Simba D. Wolfe) on the front door molding ' along with the rest of the artist community. Well, one of the room-mates had her checkbook stolen and somebody was writing checks all across America. One day the FBI came around seeking more info. My dog and I were sitting on the front porch and I was talking to one of the agents. I called to Simba and you should have seen the look on that FBI guys face. He looked at me, then the dog, and then at the name plate near the door and back to me. He said, "Simba? You mean his is that name on the wall ? OH, God. Down at the agency we have been trying, for the last week, to figure out what kind of nationality was Simba D. Wolfe". (Simba D. Wolfe = Simba, "Da Wolf" )
 
Gary O' said:
OK, everbody reading, contributing to this thread;
PLEASE READ THIS!!

I’ve teased, bugged, pestered Travy to the point of him putting me on ignore
(I really don’t blame him, but that’s not my point)
I have found myself caring for the man
And right now (probably ever) don’t really care about his views of which are pretty much in direct opposition to my line of thinking.
But
If
He is serious
He needs to just camp for a few days
Way out
Beyond camp grounds
Don’t take a bunch of stuff
Just things like matches, paper, a jug for water, a tent, a knife, a roofer’s hatchet/hammer, military breakdown shovel, some jerky, a pot (not MJ), a pail, a blanket, instant coffee (for times at rest), warm clothes, comfy boots, hooded coat

One can improvise with the above list
The pot can do many things beside heat water for coffee
The coat can do many many things besides using it as a pillow
He'll figger it out

anyway
Guarantee ‘the grandeur’ dissipates rather speedily
It’s still there, it just loses visibility when doing necessary things like finding a place to poop, or a way to wash

A stream is nice
Camping by a stream, not so nice
You get visitors
Speaking of water, it’s heavy
Everthing ‘out’ is heavy

And if he still wishes to live out, off grid, I have much much more to contribute

I have flowered it up a bit in my diary thread, but emergency personnel is not the first thing to consider
Creating creature comforts, like shelter of course is primary
Building one?
Power tools, at our age is not primary, it’s mandatory
That’s why generators are a must
Generators are heavy

Propane becomes a must
Propane tanks are, you guessed it, heavy

Bottom line, if anyone here would give him a PM, please ask him if he’s just penning a whim, or serious.
And, if serious, give him your version of what you just read, not mentioning (that Kool-Aid drinking, leftist moron) me.
Otherwise, he’ll effing die

Oh, one more thing, the Native Americans, especially on reservations, generally hate whitey, and will probably hang him upside down for awhile, at least thru the impromptu festivities, in spite of his winning ways
…..not kidding about the hate part

And whitey?
Most that come upon yer camp, don’t hate you. Yer not even up to hate.
They just want yer stuff.
Click to expand...

And food preservation.
 

Keesha said:
Why not? I think it’s a FABULOUS idea and is something I’ve thought of doing also.
City living sucks. It’s poluted! It’s busy! It’s loud! It’s hectic! It’s frustrating.
Building your own 800 square foot cabin is the best thing I’ve heard you say so far.
This would be great for your mind, body and spirit. You’d get a chance to feel like part of nature and your heart will thank you.
A big furry dog is perfect. A nice wood stove. Chopping your own wood. Picking berries. Swimming. Hiking.

I think as we age our life should get simplier. We should be where we want to live doing what we want to do. If this is what sings to your heart I say go for it.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the romantics/idealists, in here. If you think his life will get simpler, then I am relatively sure you've never done much primitive camping, in your time, as I have, both here and in Kenya. As for his building his own cabin: His heart may actually attack him if he's planning on bringing down his own trees and trying to build a log cabin out of the same. Trees are heavy, very, very heavy, and very dangerous to fell and process. I am a Certified Arborist. I do tree work practically every day, day in, day out. I get monthly fatality reports that cover those in my profession and "civilians." Monthly, about ten people die working in and on trees. Many, many civilian deaths are older men who get the urge to fell a tree on their property. They are usually found under the tree, dead. If he's planning on having the wood trucked in, lots of luck with the costs that will quickly go sky high to an isolated area. It's a nice idea, sure, but the practicality of it is just not there. Hanging a string of fish, to dry in some smoke? Leaving out some of your organic garbage? Getting a compost heap going? Better have one HUGE, ferocious dog who's willing to die for you when the bears come to call. Wolves may be not the best neighbors, either, although your dog may find the females "attractive, " at times, and disappear. Shades of Jack London! Sorry to play Devil's Advocate, here, but I've gone through the scenario, for myself, so I'm a bit more grounded in reality.
 
treeguy64 said:
Wolves may be not the best neighbors, either, although your dog may find the females "attractive, " at times, and disappear. .
Click to expand...
Simba ain't near big enough
A wolf pack, or even coyotes, in season, will call Simba out, sniff, mate, kill
If Simba is smart enough, he'll roll over and hope to be accepted
 
treeguy64 said:
I appreciate the romantics/idealists, in here. If you think his life will get simpler, then I am relatively sure you've never done much primitive camping, in your time, as I have, both here and in Kenya. As for his building his own cabin: His heart may actually attack him if he's planning on bringing down his own trees and trying to build a log cabin out of the same. Trees are heavy, very, very heavy, and very dangerous to fell and process. I am a Certified Arborist. I do tree work practically every day, day in, day out. I get monthly fatality reports that cover those in my profession and "civilians." Monthly, about ten people die working in and on trees. Many, many civilian deaths are older men who get the urge to fell a tree on their property. They are usually found under the tree, dead. If he's planning on having the wood trucked in, lots of luck with the costs that will quickly go sky high to an isolated area. It's a nice idea, sure, but the practicality of it is just not there. Hanging a string of fish, to dry in some smoke? Leaving out some of your organic garbage? Getting a compost heap going? Better have one HUGE, ferocious dog who's willing to die for you when the bears come to call. Wolves may be not the best neighbors, either, although your dog may find the females "attractive, " at times, and disappear. Shades of Jack London! Sorry to play Devil's Advocate, here, but I've gone through the scenario, for myself, so I'm a bit more grounded in reality.
Click to expand...

Yes I have done primitive camping. I’ve been on many interior camping trips that have lasted weeks. Some have been with a canoe and some without. I’ve portaged with a canoe for miles at a time up and down small mountainous terrain. We brought our German Shepherd dog and I made her a back pack so she could carry her own food.
We have run into bears, wolves, coyotes, and other wildlife. I’ve fished and cooked my own food quite sufficiently.
I’m excellent at building a fire and have plenty of outdoor skills to survive.
I can cut down trees better than your average man could as well as saw and chop it. In fact I’m great at chopping wood. You’d be surprised what this woman can do.
Im not ‘just’ a pretty face. :)

There are more and more people opting for this type of lifestyle and end up loving it. Even Tiny Homes are increasing in popularity.
 
Keesha said:
Ok Grizzly Gary. Whatever! :shrug: I haven’t scrutinized over the floor plan yet.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the 800 sq. ft is perhaps a bit large. I may decide whittle that down a bit. But that would include an attached shed capable of holding 10 cords of firewood AND a bear proof locker for venison and other game/fish.

As for supplies, no problem at all. With a 4-wheel drive Dodge, wired with an alternator, set up to produce 120 volt, I'd have all the power I'd need for power tools. I can cut one hell of a lot of lumber in only one hour.

For the short term, I already have a domed "North-Face" double walled, mountain tent rated for -40 degrees F. You'd be shocked at how much heat a sleeping malamute gives off during the night.

And for protection, I already have a .45 cal Ruger pistol. For hunting, a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with either bird shot for pheasant or slugs (what we used to call Pumpkin balls) for deer and/or elk works perfectly. A lot of game in that area. All I need to do is have a valid hunting license and I'm good to go.

Indians hating "whitey" ? No problem. In my personal experience, all over the world, when a guy treats people with kindness and respect, and he lives like they do, and does not "lord it over them" aka "The Ugly American" they can be great people.

As for the exact location, Idaho vs Montana, it depends entirely on finding the right site.
 
Traveler said:
Indians hating "whitey" ? No problem. In my personal experience, all over the world, when a guy treats people with kindness and respect, and he lives like they do, and does not "lord it over them" aka "The Ugly American" they can be great people.

.
Click to expand...

I so wish that were true

Native Americans, tribes I've come to know, are a great people

Sidling in with good intentions?

It don't just happen
I was accepted in the Taholah Tribe
Hunted with 'em
it took many trips when delivering equipment to finally get to do that
on their grounds
and
The elders may outwardly accept you
but that ain't nuthin'

.....never mind

I've said too much

you got this

enjoy
 
I used to subscribe to a magazine called Backwoods Home, I would drool every time it came in the mail. Jackie Clay was my hero. Then reality set in and I knew I was way too old to take it on.

I settle for what I have here on my little 22 acres.

Things get harder as you get older. Fire wood becomes a major chore. Just to cut it you have to have all the working equipment, which takes maintenance and money. Sure you can cut a tree down with a chain saw but then you have to haul it to where you want it. Unless you cut it down right beside your wood pile, you need more equipment to transport it.(tractor, 4 wheeler with trailer).

All require money. Gas cost, diesel cost, carburetors for chain saws cost. More than that it all takes physical strength.
 
Seeker said:
I used to subscribe to a magazine called Backwoods Home, I would drool every time it came in the mail. Jackie Clay was my hero. Then reality set in and I knew I was way too old to take it on.

I settle for what I have here on my little 22 acres.

Things get harder as you get older. Fire wood becomes a major chore. Just to cut it you have to have all the working equipment, which takes maintenance and money. Sure you can cut a tree down with a chain saw but then you have to haul it to where you want it. Unless you cut it down right beside your wood pile, you need more equipment to transport it.(tractor, 4 wheeler with trailer).

All require money. Gas cost, diesel cost, carburetors for chain saws cost. More than that it all takes physical strength.
Click to expand...

yup
yup
and yup

Need that newish member Pete guy 'bout now
 
Seeker said:
I used to subscribe to a magazine called Backwoods Home, I would drool every time it came in the mail. Jackie Clay was my hero. Then reality set in and I knew I was way too old to take it on.

I settle for what I have here on my little 22 acres.

Things get harder as you get older. Fire wood becomes a major chore. Just to cut it you have to have all the working equipment, which takes maintenance and money. Sure you can cut a tree down with a chain saw but then you have to haul it to where you want it. Unless you cut it down right beside your wood pile, you need more equipment to transport it.(tractor, 4 wheeler with trailer).

All require money. Gas cost, diesel cost, carburetors for chain saws cost. More than that it all takes physical strength.
Click to expand...


Yeah, you're right. The physical strength part is a bit worrisome. Even though I'm 6'2" 200 lbs, at age 72 I'm not the man I used to be. Cutting 10 cords of wood is a HUGE task. And I'd have only 6 month of snow-free time to do it in. I think the 1st year I need to buy it already cut-up. Then all I'd need to do is rent a trailer and haul it into my site.
 
Bottom line;
Travy, I can help you with this, I truly can, and will, step by step

it truly is a most beautiful experience
it IS hands dirty, bone breaking hard
disappointing at times
but
the rewards are truly great
 
Traveler, I don't blame you for wanting to get away from people and live out in nature, but at our age, especially if you have any type of health issues at all, I don't think it's a wise thing to do, especially all alone without at least one other person to help with the work, chores, etc. We've done some remote tent camping when we were young in the Yukon and Northwest Territories and other areas of Canada and Alaska for a couple of months. It was rough, we had little, but we were young and healthy and had quite the experience. Now in our 60s, we wouldn't be doing such an isolated adventure, too physically strenuous with all the work and chores involved.

I think Don had a good idea of getting out of the busy city, but staying close enough to get food and other supplies every couple of weeks, you will need certain items to survive independently and medical care if needed, would be foolish not to consider all that. Of course you'll do what you feel is right for you, but I suggest living in a cabin or small home, even a mobile home that's already set in place somewhere, instead of building from scratch. That's heavy work for a young man, I don't think an older person should be attempting all that, a serious back or other injury and you'll be at a halt quickly.

I like nature and animals more than cities and people too, but I hate to think of anything bad happening to you, maybe you can settle on a place that's not so isolated and already set up for you? Hoping you have a change of heart, although I do know where you're coming from.
 
Nothing is carved in stone ---- yet. But, something calls to me. I am the last surviving member of my clan and since there is no escaping reality, I well remember, "Do not go gently into that good night".
 
Traveler = " I'm thinking about having a few acres of heavily timbered land and hopefully on a mountain stream."
Sounds like a dream, I could picture it as I read the above. I once owned 160 acres just outside a small agricultural town. I loved it but realized I'd be too scared to live in such isolation, and it could be dangerous health-wise and security-wise. Why don't you compromise, at least in the first year or so? Keep your place in the city (if you own your house) and see how you really like living that lifestyle, then make your final decision. The biggest problem. in my book. is (like you said) being alone and getting hurt with no way of getting help. Find a website with people practicing ''survival'' to get actual opinions about the experience. One guy has been doing it for years and absolutely loves it, another started having a heart attack and could not get cell phone signals and decided the lifestyle was not for him.
 
Seeker said:
I used to subscribe to a magazine called Backwoods Home, I would drool every time it came in the mail. Jackie Clay was my hero. Then reality set in and I knew I was way too old to take it on.

I settle for what I have here on my little 22 acres.

Things get harder as you get older. Fire wood becomes a major chore. Just to cut it you have to have all the working equipment, which takes maintenance and money. Sure you can cut a tree down with a chain saw but then you have to haul it to where you want it. Unless you cut it down right beside your wood pile, you need more equipment to transport it.(tractor, 4 wheeler with trailer).

All require money. Gas cost, diesel cost, carburetors for chain saws cost. More than that it all takes physical strength.
Click to expand...
Well look at you. Twenty two acres. Sweet! We get our wood from our property and 5 to 6 chords of wood delivered but in tree form. We still cut it up without any major equipment. We have chains and those come alongs. We’ve got a small John deer tractor with a trailor along with a wheel barrel. In the winter we use tabogans to bring the wood in.
I honestly love chopping wood. Its almost meditative.

So you are a country girl too. That’s cool.
 
Don M. said:
I hear ya...although, I don't know about moving to such a remote location. 15 years ago, we abandoned the crime, noise, and hassles of the big city, and moved to the country. We have 40 acres of heavy forestland, and a nice little town about 3 miles away, with the essentials....and a good health clinic 10 miles away. I think this move has been good for our health...both physical and mental, and I hope we can stay here for many more years. About the only downside is the nearest hospital is 50 miles away, and as we age, we may have to move to a larger town if we can no longer maintain this place, and health needs dictate. We have great services for communications...fibre optic for TV, phone and Internet...so we stay "connected" to the world, but only as "observers". The kids/grandkids are all within an hours drive, so that helps. We have great neighbors...about 20 families on 700+ acres...close enough to be a "community", but plenty of "space" between. The local police reports usually consist of an occasional DUI arrest, and a couple of nuisance barking dogs up in town.

Getting out of the city is a Plus....IMO...but there are many places to find some solitude without being isolated.
Click to expand...

Your place sounds great, you're having your cake and eating it, too. LOL Except for the hospital 50 miles away, everything else is great.
 
3458.jpg WOOD BURN OVEN/STOVE. not quite what i want but it is the BEst photo i could come up with on short notice. CAN YOU SMELL THE AROMA ? ​
 
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