simply stephen
promoting just one thing and that's LESS…getting MORE with green simple living
Moving off grid has brought a few challenges and foolish mistakes.
Nothing serious though. Mostly time and resources will resolve them. It was a tight budget for May, with most of my monthly funds going towards the costs of the actual move, which included vehicle registration, gas expense and basic tools needed off grid.
Now that I have arrived, I’m slowly settling in and getting comfortable.
early off grid projects
There are many projects and upgrades. Ones I am really looking forward to.
My New Screened Sitting Area - May 2012
With the bugs starting to show up, keeping them at bay is important. One of my first projects was going to be building a screened in porch. As chance would have it I found a screened in living tent (8ft X 8 Ft) for just $8 at the local thrift store. That is pure fortune.
I was also going to build a little mini desk for writing but found a folding wooden TV table for just $5 at Habitat for Humanity Restore, where I have been looking for equipment and wood.
I also needed to build steps up to the RV since the current ones didn’t offer very much support. I was going to build a fancy one but chanced upon 2 large cinder blocks (cement) and happened to have some wood to put over them. Total cost = $4. A lot cheaper than the $50 in wood. Eventually, I will build a nice platform step with a door, kind of a mud room that will also reduce the bugs getting in (though so far, I have kept the bugs down to a minimum, so it seems well sealed).
Most of the projects are about simple storage space in the RV. I need to renovate the closet and sink I took apart earlier this year and create a more functional, aesthetically pleasing one. I also don’t like the look of the shelving and space in the kitchen so I need to replace it and add some more shelves. The living area will receive a matching upgrade. Once these are finished, I’ll trim the flooring too with some nice quarter round.
I’ve cleared my area to make a nice open location with pathways. I’ve set up my laundry routine and wash line. The toilet (bucket) under the RV is in place for my bodily waste. I’ve got my outdoor and indoor sitting areas. My temporary steps are in place.
Priorities are all taking care of.
The next one. Time for a vegetable garden. I have a perfect sunny area to do this. On the weekend I will be setting this up and it will probably be next weeks post.
foolish mistake with power
AC power is the first thing I take care of next month. An inverter and extra battery (or two) to get the fridge functioning and have a power source other than my car to charge the laptop and tablet. The land owner is also a solar installer and will be coming up with solar panels and setting up a system next weekend. I want both things in place.
Tell you why.
I’d been using my power tools enough to have drained both batteries and I needed to charge them up. I have an inverter for the car, so I decided to plug it in and give one of the batteries a charge. It started raining and I was distracted with so many things that I forgot to unplug after I turned off the car. When I remembered and went out to the car, I had completely drained the battery. Not even enough to give it a kick of juice. Dead.
Foolish mistake.
Fortunately, I have a second vehicle, being the green conscious person I am. The RV, which I needed to give myself a boost.
I’m smart enough to carry jumper cables in my car at all time. It wasn’t easy pushing the car back by myself on a muddy surface though. Remember, it had been raining.
FYI…I also keep my tool box,usually my computer and guitar with me so I can always “stay where I am and fix or entertain”.
I had to wait until this morning to take care of it because of the bugs, rain and light yesterday evening.
DONE. I’m on the road now.
Probably not a mistake I will ever make again, like the one time I locked my keys in the car. I am thinking it is time for a Roadside Membership with CAA for these little just in case measure.
I’ll leave you here for now, but stay tuned and I’ll fill you in on the garden next week and then we will start on the nitty gritty of each aspect of living off grid.
contact me
We have room for more people. If you are interested in living in the beautiful cottage country of the Muskoka’s, give us a shout. We are also able to accommodate people who would like to camp, short or long term. Facilities are up to you.
I would love to hear from you. If you have specific things you would like to know about or would like to learn more about living off grid please contact me at off grid AT simplystephen DOT ca and I will get back to your (or write a blog post about it.)
I’ve arrived.
I’m off grid at beautiful Wilderhaven in the Muskoka region of Utterson, Ontario.
Going Mobile - Setting Off Grid May 2012
The drive went very smoothly from Lakefield and ironically she (my new 1978, 18 ft Dodge Sportsmen RV) was very good on gas since I may never drive her again.
My intention was always to use her as a tiny home.
It didn’t take long for me to get set up. We levelled her and put her on blocks.
New Off Grid Location, Utterson, Ontario
My friends (who helped me by driving my car up with me) stayed a short while and left me to enjoy my first night in solitude.
I’ve decided to write separate articles about waste, toilet, shower, cleaning, dishes, lighting, power, RV projects/renovations, internet options and so on.
the subtleties of my off grid life
No power.
No power means no internet. When the battery runs out there is no more computer time until I charge it.
No power means lighting comes from my battery. I do have an LED Lantern and backup.
No power means no fridge or microwave. Food is a deliberate and enjoyable act. Mostly fresh.
…and yes, no power means no television. I haven’t watched it for years.
Transportation is mandatory.
Keeping a licence is important.
Maintaining the car so it drives is important in an emergency and to get supplies.
The car gets me to the various libraries and places to socialize – after all, I am off grid and alone most of the time.
I have a bike, which will be put to good use. As I get in better shape, I may venture to take much longer rides to the library.
I love hiking and it is likely I will hike on the property but also on the various trails in the region. Usually, one has to drive to get there.
Canada has a small population. There isn’t just a bus route everywhere and when there is, it can be expensive because of the small tax base.
Silence really is golden.
Instead of humming motors, it’s hummingbirds.
The crickets and frogs at night are deafening, yet it is comforting and relaxing unlike the man made sounds in populated areas.
My head is being filled with stimulation it chooses to take in, not what it is forced to see or hear.
No more one sided cellphone conversations next to my head or frantic text messaging as if the world was ending…chipmunks just look for nuts.
Life becomes even more conscious.
Choices are extra important.
What you bring home needs to be disposed of…zero or very low waste is the impact target.
Food will go off…choose well. Cook it in batches to save fuel. Consider nutritional value. Have just the right amount of spices and herbs.
Grow what you can.
Time is available to explore and enjoy…boredom is not an option.
Life is deliberate.
There is time to get resourceful and figure out how to reuse something or make something from scratch.
Having the right tools and equipment is an ongoing process. It’s not about acquiring them all, it’s about having access to the right ones. That could mean borrowing, when the time comes.
excitement ramping up
I figured the excitement would subside as I got under way, but it’s just building up, more and more. It is motivating me to explore share and discuss every detail with each and every one of you that wants to learn and live a similar lifestyle.
I know lots of you want to but are apprehensive about taking the plunge. If someone was there to walk you through it would that make a difference in your choice?
Drop me a line if you want support, have questions and need to learn where or how to get set up.
Please send an email to offgrid AT simplystephen DOT ca with the title “off grid question” and I’ll catch it as soon as I drop into the library.
If there is anything you are interested in hearing about, please ask specific questions (as many as you would like and I will try to accommodate you with an answer on the blog or via email as quickly as humanely possible.
Remember I’m off grid with no power. That means no internet access.
Options are also available to look at living off grid on the Muskoka property I am currently living on. Until next time.
Since last week it’s been much the same as the previous month. Lot’s of running around. After healing from my sore knee, I finished the last week fighting off a cold. I feel like a chicken with it’s head cut off running around…okay, you get the picture.
But, I’m almost there.
On Saturday I move off grid and am so excited.
Though I dropped out of the traditional work force almost a decade ago, I only dipped [...] Continue Reading…
Getting Ready to move off grid in the 1978 New RV - April 2012
The last week has been even busier than the previous one.
So much to deal with before going off grid.
I injured my knee last week but it seems to have recovered (somehow, must have been in my sleep because I don’t know why). I wasn’t going to let it stop me but it sure did slow me down.
It’s [...] Continue Reading…
The road has been long and winding to my journey off grid. Sometimes a bit bumpy but eventful and certainly exciting, none the less.
There’s tons going on.
I’m in the middle of a big transition to an off grid lifestyle. So far I’ve faced a number of obstacles but am finding solutions for all of them…or at least stop gaps.
I’ve found a 150 acre property at a place called Eden Wild in the Muskoka cottage [...] Continue Reading…
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We’ve looked at 21 ideas to reuse wine corks but the cork isn’t the only thing you can reuse from your wine.
Apart from the obvious 10 cent recycling or next batch of wine, there are many creative and decorative uses for empty wine bottles.
With over 300 million bottles sold each year there is no shortage.
in the garden
retaining wall – if you have access to a lot bottles there are lots of examples of beautiful [...] Continue Reading…
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I’m already a minimalist.
Maybe not one of the “I own 37 things type”, but I don’t see the purpose. I’ve spoken about it before.
Things worth keeping are the ones that add value to your life.
So, if you have 700 items that add value to your life so be it. If you have 12. That’s great.
Now, I actually don’t have very much stuff, so when it comes to downsizing, really what I’m doing is a [...] Continue Reading…
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Did you know there are places to recycle your old wine corks – Whole Food, Municipal Recycling and socially conscious organizations?
Corks are recycled for many things such as flooring tiles, insulation, craft materials, sporting goods and even garden mulch.
With growing demand and ecological concerns it’s important to recycle what we can.
There are some great cork recycle programs.
That is often where the municipalities and local programs send them anyway.
A couple great organizations include Yemm & [...] Continue Reading…
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Old t-shirts have many uses.
Most people use them as rags or simply throw them out.
They actually can be recycled and there are many people that would gladly take your ragged little hand me downs for projects, sewing, after school groups or workshops.
They don’t need to end up in the garbage.
They can also save you plenty of money by replacing products you would otherwise buy.
Here’s some fresh and some not so fresh ideas for those [...] Continue Reading…
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