1/3 Living - Going Off Grid

It's been brewing for a while.  A change...a desire.

Something needed to be altered.  We needed LESS...

Truth is, God has graced us with so much abundance...
and we are eternally grateful for that fact.

However, for us, less is more.

I knew things would change the day I retired...er, retreated from working a "normal", leave-home type job.

But the change was put off, as we were so busy with dog sled rides...

And then, just surviving winter...

In addition, as the dog sled rides waned, and maple syrup season began, we were busy with other projects, including a nice long stay from a 12-year old boy, who stole the hearts of many, including ours, while here at our place.

 Jordan, peeking into the Trail Cam, upon a nightly visit. 

Simply stated, we put it off.

Then, it was time for Jordan to return home.

And a mere 4 days later, Russ was injured in a fall, where his horse, Raz, rolled on his leg, landing him on crutches.

Now, having lost June, and sliding into July, a change is due.

Truth is, we want to see what it would be like to live without electricity or running water.

At the Bear's Den cabin.  On our "back 10"...

We spent the 4th there all day.  Working, then taking a nice afternoon nap in the heat of the day.  It felt so right.  As Russ dozed off, and Zip sighed by my feet, I laid there in the cool of the cabin, listening to the Hermit Thrush sing his soulful tune just outside the homemade screen door.  I felt a million miles from any one, any place.  Far from the world, but closer than ever to God. 

Yes, it is time for our Independence Day.  We are moving in tomorrow.

We won't be taking much, as we want to truly have what we only need.

It's 8 x 10.  Quiet and secluded.

We're adding a small chicken coop, for breakfast eggs.   We will be utilizing 3 Buff Orphingtons, one of whom just hatched 5 chicks, who are growing like weeds.  We will move the 3 adults and the 5 chicks.  No rooster at this time, even though we have several to choose from.  We'll see what morphs into being with the chicks.  I'm sure there's a rooster or two in the bunch.

We decided to use a dog house, which has never been used as such, for our new coop.  Here it is ... 

Of course fencing to be added to protect the chickens, and this unique house will be put up on stumps.

Now, around back, to the new dog yard area. (Outhouse is to the right.)

This will be the new (dog yard) home of our "Fab Four".  Broccoli, Skunk, Knik, and Malakai.

More on that later.  


NOTE:  We are not downsizing or getting rid of any animals.  Just trying something new.

So, stay tuned, as we take this step and move "out back" for the next year.  We'll be using the dogs and horses more and more for power as we try to get back to an even simpler way of life.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

 

Less is More ~ Tale of a 4-dog Team

It's true.

Four sled dogs could take you 'round the world.

And back.

You need leaders with brains and dedication.

Who love spending time with you.

Those who may be little, but oh-so-mighty.

And those who have the soul of a sled dog.

We are blessed to have 5 such 4-dog teams.

It is purely our pleasure to care for them while on this earth.

Thank you Lord ~

Until tomorrow...God willing,

The Trail is Calling

As in year's past, the ritual is in our blood.

It calls our name.

Fall training awaits...adventure awaits.