Creating the Low-Budget Homestead 1610047621, 9781610047623

Citation preview

ao er

ft]

rary

= a ee ee SEs ae

ee

on

SSSS=SE22//; SS SS SS Ss ae 2

pf

——

f

ff

=|

—}—=

ff

ey dT

a DS

i Ci

iy a

=

a

‘ee

=

“a

a

mn ie

Pn

=

Sm

i

ge

:

rh

—n

i, Creating ei

a gee aie ea

7°

#

‘low-budget Homesiead

Mess a oe

au

Steven 0. Gregersen

LOW-BII “DUUSCI
NOMCSCAll Steven 0. Gregersen Paladin Press - Boulder, Colorado

Creating the Low-Budget Homestead by Steven D. Gregersen

Copyright © 2012 by Steven D. Gregersen SBN 13: 978-1-61004-762-3 Printed in the United States of America

Published by Paladin Press, a division of Paladin Enterprises, Inc, Gunbarrel Tech Center 7077 Winchester Circle Boulder, Colorado 80301 USA, +1.303.443,7250

Direct inquiries and/or orders to the above address,

PALADIN, PALADIN PRESS, and the “horse head” design

are trademarks belonging to Paladin Enterprises and registered in United States Patent and Trademark Office. All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, no portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book by the Internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please respect the author's rights and do not participate in any form of electronic piracy of copyrighted material.

Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book.

Visit our website at www.paladin-press.com

*eeeaee®

. Ef

Introduction Introduction Chapter 11 Defining Chapter Defining Goals

PRR ®eeee8*

.

®

.

Chapter 22 Setting Chapter Setting Priorities Priorities Chapter 33 Money Chapter Money Chapter 44 Location Chapter Location Chapter 55 Skills Chapter Skills and and Knowledge Knowledge Chapter 6 Pets and Livestock Chapter 7 Water Chapter Chapter 8 8 Food Food Chapter hapter 9 9 Sanitation Sanitation Chapter hapter 10 10 Heating Heating and and Cooling Cooling Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Power Power Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Housing Housing and and Outbuildings Outbuildings Chapter 13 Tools Chapter 14 Transportation Chapter 15 Entertainment Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Work Work Habits, Habits, Time Time Off, Off, Hobbies, Hobbies, and and Burnout Burnout Chapter 17 Chapter 17 The The Neighbors: Neighbors: Getting Getting Along Along with with "Country "Country Folk" Folk" Chapter Chapter 18 18 Some Some Final Final Friendly Friendly Advice Advice

este

tes,

. « .

Warning ©

he book is knowledge, he information information in in this this book is based based on on the the experiences, experiences, knowledge, research, research, and and beliefs beliefs of of the the author author and and cannot cannot be be duplicated duplicated exactly exactly by by readers. publisher, and book disclaim readers. The The author, author, publisher, and distributors distributors of of this this book disclaim any any liability reader or liability from from any any damage damage or or injury injury that that aa reader or user user of of information information contained book may contained in in this this book may incur incur from from the the use use or or misuse misuse of of said said information. information. This This book book is is for for academic academic study study only.

} Acknowledgments

'd 'd like like to to give give special special thanks thanks to to my my wife, wife, Susan, Susan, who who encouraged encouraged me me to to keep just wouldn't keep on on writing writing all all through through the the hard hard times times when when the the words words just wouldn't come. come. She's She's the the one one who who took took on on extra extra tasks tasks on on our our homestead homestead to to give give me me time knowledge and time to to write. write. Much Much of of our our success success is is due due to to her her knowledge and tenacity. tenacity. There There are are very very few few women women with with the the wisdom wisdom she she possesses possesses or or who who would would live live the the life life that that we we live live ... ... and and do do so so without without regrets. regrets. She's She's always always ready ready for for an an adventure. adventure. II am am truly truly fortunate fortunate to to have have her her by by my my side. side. I'd I'd also also like like to to mention mention our our good good friends friends John John and and Denise Denise McCann, McCann, who who are are sources sources of of encouragement encouragement and and inspiration. inspiration. It It was was their their interest interest in in our our lifestyle lifestyle that that kept kept me me writing writing in in my my blog, blog, which which opened opened my my eyes eyes that that there there were people who were people who really really wanted wanted to to know know how how we we live live the the life life that that we we live. live. Thanks Thanks to to Jon Jon and and Donna Donna at at Paladin Paladin Press Press for for all all the the work work they they did did to to bring bring this this writing writing to to you. you. II never never understood understood how how much much work work was was involved involved in in publishing publishing aa book. book. Thank Thank you, you, Jon, Jon, in in particular particular for for your your editing editing skills. skills. This because of This is is aa much much better better book book because of you. you. It's It's been been aa pleasure pleasure working working with with you.

And blog and And finally, finally, thanks thanks to to all all those those who who read read my my blog and offered offered encouragement. encouragement. Some Some of of you you II met met at at Dirttime. Dirttime. Others Others II have have yet yet to to see. see. Hopefully Hopefully we we can can remedy remedy that that in in the the near near future. future.

. . ®enanee®

+ «

by by another another book book about about modern modern homesteading? homesteading? There There are are already already dozens, dozens, if if not not hundreds, hundreds, of of similar similar books books on on the the market, market, so so why why one one more? more? What What makes makes this this book book different different from from the the others others you'll you'll find find about about pursuing pursuing the the homestead homestead life? life? Why Why should should you you read read this this one? one? I'll I'll tell tell you you why. why. We'd We'd like like to to see see more more success success stories. stories. When When we we bought bought our our 20 20 acres acres in in the the northern northern Rocky Rocky Mountains, Mountains, it it had had two two buildings buildings on on it. it. One One was was aa two-room two-room frame frame structure structure on on aa post post founda founda tion tion put put together together with with plywood plywood and and poles. poles. It It was was insulated insulated and and had had interior interior walls walls of of unpainted unpainted drywall. drywall. Pack Pack rats rats had had moved moved in in and and built built nests nests in in the

wall wall insulation. insulation. A A leaking leaking roof roof allowed allowed rain rain and and snow snow to to destroy destroy the the Sheetrock piles of Sheetrock ceilings. ceilings. There There were were piles of insulation insulation and and crumbled crumbled sections sections of of drywall When we drywall on on the the floor. floor. When we cleaned cleaned it it out, out, we we found found an an intact intact wall wall where where former former residents residents had had left left their their names names and and the the dates dates they they lived lived there. there. But But they they were were long long gone. gone. The The log log cabin cabin we we renovated renovated for for our our own own use use was was in in the the same same state state of of disrepair disrepair and and neglect. neglect. It, It, too, too, was was another another testimony testimony to to shattered shattered dreams dreams and and tenants tenants that that had had left left long long ago. ago.

A A partially partially completed completed cabin cabin in in our our area, area, evidence evidence of of aa failed failed attempt attempt at at living living the the homestead homestead life.

Another Another abandoned abandoned building building in in the the very very early early stages stages of of construction. construction. The The evidence evidence was was everywhere everywhere on on every every parcel parcel of of land land around around us. us. Collapsed Collapsed structures, structures, old old foundations, foundations, and and partially partially completed completed buildings buildings long long since since abandoned abandoned to to the the elements. elements. Their Their owners owners were were gone, gone, now now pursuing pursuing aa more more "practical" "practical" way way of of life. life. It It was was disheartening, disheartening, to to say say the the least. least. There There was was aa nagging nagging fear fear in in my my mind mind that that our our story story would would end end as as theirs theirs did. buildings, they did. From From the the looks looks of of the the buildings, they were were people people like like us. us. People People pursuing but without pursuing their their dreams dreams of of aa self-sufficient self-sufficient life life but without enough enough money money to to do do it it "right." "right." We, We, too, too, had had big big plans, plans, but but nothing nothing to to back back them them up up except except determination determination and and aa vision vision of of our our future. future. We've We've been been here here over over eight eight years years and and now now feel feel confident confident that, that, with with some some good good advice advice and and aa mountain mountain of of resolve, resolve, it it is is possible possible to to successfully successfully pursue pursue aa self-sufficient back self-sufficient lifestyle lifestyle even even if if you you don't don't have have aa safe safe full full of of money money to to back you you up.

So, pages of So, what what will will you you find find in in the the pages of this this book? book? You You will will find find practical practical steps steps and and instructions instructions to to take take you you from from dreaming dreaming about about a a self-sufficient self-sufficient lifestyle lifestyle to to living living one. one. We We will will tell tell you you how how to to define define and and set set goals goals and and how how to to locate locate land land (we (we purchased purchased our our 20 20 acres acres with with owner owner financing, financing, no no money money down, down, and and no no interest interest on on aa five-year five-year contract). contract). We'll We'll show show you you aa different different way way of of looking looking at at life be aa successful life that's that's going going to to be be absolutely absolutely essential essential if if you're you're going going to to be successful low-budget low-budget homesteader. homesteader. We'll We'll give give you you some some advice advice on on selfself- sufficient, sufficient, sustainable sustainable gardening gardening and and on on how how to to keep keep vehicle vehicle costs costs low. low. There There are are chapters chapters on on inexpensive, inexpensive, off-grid off-grid entertainment, entertainment, how how to to schedule schedule time time for for the the greatest We'll also greatest productivity, productivity, and and how how to to avoid avoid burnout. burnout. We'll also give give some some tips tips for for low-cost low-cost housing housing and and things things to to think think about about when when designing designing an an efficient efficient offoffgrid grid home. home. We'll We'll address address some some questions questions like like what what skills skills you'll you'll need need and and how how to to acquire acquire them, them, how how to to set set up up aa simple simple off-grid off-grid power power system, system, and and the the advantages just samples advantages and and disadvantages disadvantages of of pets pets and and livestock. livestock. These These are are just samples of of the the practical practical ideas ideas you'll you'll find find inside inside the the covers covers of of this this book. book. And And in in every every instance, instance, we'll we'll look look at at them them from from the the lowlow- budget budget angle. angle. So, So, if if you've you've ever ever thought thought about about pursuing pursuing a a selfself- sufficient sufficient lifestyle lifestyle but but feared just keep feared you you didn't didn't have have the the money money to to do do it, it, just keep reading. reading. We'll We'll show show you you how!

Defining Goals

ince book, I'm ince you're you're reading reading this this book, I'm going going to to assume assume that that you're you're at at least least aa little bit dissatisfied know it. little bit dissatisfied with with life life as as you you know it. II can can identify identify with with tha, tha, because We had because we we felt felt the the same same way way when when we we made made our our move. move. We had some some goals goals in in mind. mind. We We wanted wanted to to be be free free of of the the cash-based cash-based economy economy and and _ the the accompanying job, where accompanying enslavement enslavement to to aa steady steady job, where we we were were only only slightly slightly better better off off than than indentured indentured servants servants of of the the 1600s. 1600s. We We wanted wanted to to declare declare our our independence planted in independence from from the the grocery grocery store store and and food food that that had had been been planted in dead dead soil, petroleum-based fertilizers, soil, nurtured nurtured with with petroleum-based fertilizers, bathed bathed in in herbicides herbicides and and insecticides, insecticides, and and then then picked picked green, green, injected injected with with artificial artificial coloring, coloring, and and shipped shipped halfway halfway around around the the world world to to be be sold sold weeks weeks or or months months later later in in the the "fresh "fresh food" food" department department at at our our local local grocery grocery store! store! We We especially especially wanted wanted to to give give aa one-fingered one-fingered salute salute to to the the gas gas pump pump and and utility utility companies. companies. (We'd (We'd already already done done that that with with network network TV!) TV!) In In short, short, like like aa teenager teenager on on his his eighteenth eighteenth birthday, birthday, we we wanted wanted to to declare declare our person who's our independence. independence. A A person who's reliant reliant on on others others for for the the necessities necessities of of life life will will always always be be subject subject to to and and dependent dependent upon upon the the people people and and companies companies who

feed, feed, house, house, and and protect protect him. him. It It doesn't doesn't matter matter whether whether it's it's the the grocery grocery store, store, the the utility utility company, company, an an employer, employer, or or the the government. government. Compounding Compounding our our frustration frustration was was the the simple simple fact fact that that all all of of these these entities entities are are extremely extremely complex complex in in operation, operation, and and the the breakdown breakdown of of even even aa small small part part could could deprive deprive us us (and (and the the entire entire United United States) States) of of necessities necessities for for daily daily existence. existence. Gasoline Gasoline embar embar goes goes in in the the Middle Middle East East have have left left Americans Americans waiting waiting in in long long lines lines for for rationed rationed (and (and expensive!) expensive!) fuel. fuel. The The irresponsible irresponsible actions actions of of the the government government and and banking banking system system plunged plunged us us into into an an economic economic downturn part of downturn that that may may take take decades decades to to recover recover from. from. A A large large part of our our agriculture agriculture relies relies on on aa steady steady influx influx of of illegal illegal immigrants immigrants for for planting, planting, cultivation, cultivation, and and harvest. harvest. The The government's government's response response to to even even moderate-scale moderate-scale emergencies emergencies is is woefully woefully inadequate. inadequate. II shudder shudder to to think think of of how how long long it it would would take take to to react react to to any any wide-scale wide-scale disaster, disaster, terrorist terrorist attack, attack, or or civil civil unrest. unrest. The The entire entire system system we we depend depend upon upon for for our our very very existence existence seems seems as as fragile fragile as as aa house just waiting house of of cards cards just waiting to to collapse collapse with with the the first first stiff stiff breeze. breeze. In In short, short, we we don't don't have have much much confidence confidence that that the the "machinery" "machinery" of of our our world world is is reliable reliable enough enough to to trust trust with with our our lives lives and and livelihood. livelihood. Not Not only only were were we we seeking seeking independence, independence, we we wanted wanted security security as as well. well. We We summed summed it it up up this this way: way: "We "We want want to to be be able able to to live live our our life life in in relative relative comfort comfort and and security security without without depending depending on on outside outside resources" resources" So So what's what's so so important important about about goal goal setting? setting? Or Or better better yet, yet, what what is is aa goal goal and and how how do do you you choose choose it it (or (or them)? them)? A A goal goal can can (according (according to to the the thesaurus) thesaurus) also also be be described described as as an an objective, objective, aim, aim, ambition, ambition, end, end, destination, destination, purpose, purpose, or or target. target. It's It's something something you you aim aim for prepare for or or seek seek to to attain. attain. A A goal goal gives gives you you aa direction direction to to go, go, aa reason reason to to prepare or or work, work, and and aa way way to to measure measure progress. progress. Can Can you you picture picture aa football football game game in in which which there there were were no no goals? goals? Imagine Imagine the kickoff as the opening opening kickoff as the the players players line line up up in in opposing opposing formations. formations. The The ball ball is is kicked begins to run. But kicked and and the the other other team team catches catches it it and and begins to run. But which which way way and and how how far? far? Without Without goals, goals, they they have have no no direction direction and and no no way way to to measure measure success. What's to success. What's to stop stop them them from from turning turning around around and and running running in in the the other

direction keep you direction ... ... away away from from the the other other team! team! Goals Goals keep you on on track track in in the the direction direction you you want want to to go. go. Not Not only only that, that, they they tell tell you you when when you've you've reached reached your your destination. destination.

F tite

Our We do Our goal goal is is self-sufficiency. self-sufficiency. We do not not want want to to depend depend upon upon others others for for the the basic basic necessities necessities of of life.

Once break it Once you've you've determined determined your your ultimate ultimate goal, goal, you'll you'll need need to to break it into into bite-size bite-size segments. segments. It's It's nice nice to to say say you you want want to to be be self-sufficient, self-sufficient, but but what what does does that that mean? mean? We'll We'll go go into into more more detail detail in in later later chapters, chapters, but but it it surely surely means means you'll you'll need need to to supply supply your your own own food food (although (although maybe maybe not not as as much much variety variety as as in in the the grocery grocery store), store), clothing clothing (again, (again, maybe maybe not not what what L. L. L. L. Bean Bean offers, offers, but but it it ought ought to to keep keep you you warm warm and and protected), protected), shelter shelter (it (it may may not not have have central keep you central heat, heat, but but it it should should keep you warm, warm, dry, dry, and and safe safe from from the the elements), elements), medical medical care, care, security, security, and and anything anything else else you you need need to to sustain sustain life. life. All All of of these these are are waypoints waypoints or or subgoals subgoals to to be be attained attained on on the the ladder ladder to to your your eventual eventual goal goal of of self-sufficiency. self-sufficiency.

We began cleaning We spent spent the the first first couple couple of of weeks weeks camping camping out out while while we we began cleaning up up and being cooked and restoring restoring the the cabin. cabin. Breakfast Breakfast is is being cooked over over an an open open fire. fire. Break Break these these into into bite-sized bite-sized pieces pieces as as well. well. There There are are sections sections in in the the food food chapter chapter on on gardening, gardening, hunting, hunting, fishing, fishing, foraging, foraging, gleaning, gleaning, preserving, preserving, and and preparing. broken into preparing. Each Each one one of of these these can can be be broken into smaller smaller pieces. pieces. Food

preservation, preservation, for for example, example, includes includes canning, canning, dehydrating, dehydrating, root root cellar cellar storage, storage, pickling, pickling, smoking, smoking, spring spring houses, houses, and and other other methods. methods. Medical Medical care care can can begin begin with with taking taking aa class class on on CPR CPR and and first first aid aid at at your your local local chapter chapter of of the the American American Red Red Cross. Cross. You You may may want want to to go go further further and and become become an an EMT EMT or or first first responder. responder. There There are are even even ways ways to to get get someone someone else else to to pay pay for for the the class! class! In In chapter chapter 3 3 (the (the money money chapter), chapter), I'll I'll show show you you ways ways to to learn, learn, for for free, free, almost almost every every skill skill you'll you'll ever ever need need for for selfself- sufficiency sufficiency without without spending spending anything anything except except maybe maybe transportation transportation costs costs (which (which might might be be shared shared if if you you carpool). carpool).

In batteries for running the In the the early early days days we we saved saved our our batteries for running the laptop laptop computer computer and and used kerosene lanterns used kerosene lanterns for for light.

One One of of the the first first tasks tasks was was to to setup setup the the outhouse. outhouse. Our Our progress progress was was stopped stopped only by this boulder. only momentarily momentarily by this large large boulder. Don't Don't let let fear fear stop stop you! you! There's There's an an old old saying saying that that you you can can eat eat an an elephant elephant if if you you do do it it one one bite bite at at aa time, time, and and that's that's what what we're we're doing doing here. here. You You can can become become skilled skilled at at everything everything you you need need to to know know to to be be self-sufficient self-sufficient if if you you break break it it down down into into manageable manageable pieces pieces and and take take every every opportunity opportunity available available to to learn learn and and do.

The The first first winter winter we we did did not not have have aa woodshed, woodshed, so so our our firewood firewood was was stored stored under under aa tarp.

One priorities was One of of the the highest highest priorities was construction construction of of aa root root cellar cellar to to keep keep our our canned canned goods goods from from freezing. freezing. We We had had very very little little money, money, so so we we used used old old lumber poles to lumber and and poles to make make the the roof roof We We covered covered this this with with plastic, plastic, then then piled piled on on the the dirt. dirt. It's It's still still in in use use nine nine years years later. later. Goals Goals provide provide aa way way to to evaluate evaluate progress progress (or (or the the lack lack thereof). thereof). Football Football fields fields have have lines lines at at 10-yard 10-yard intervals intervals as as aa visible visible reminder reminder of of how how far far the the players players have have come come and and how how far far they've they've yet yet to to go. go. Every Every year year we we look look back back and before. Your and see see ways ways we've we've learned learned more more than than we we knew knew the the year year before. Your homestead homestead life life should should include include ways ways to to measure measure your your development. development. In keep you In summary, summary, goals goals keep you on on track, track, direct direct your your efforts, efforts, and and help help you you measure progress. But measure your your progress. But how how do do you you determine determine what what your your ultimate ultimate goal goal is, is, and and how how do do you you keep keep it it attainable?

THE THE FIRST FIRST THING THING TO TO REMEMBER REMEMBER IS IS THAT THAT YOUR YOUR GOALS GOALS ARE ARE YOUR YOUR GOALS GOALS We've We've never never told told anyone anyone they they should should live live life life like like we we do. do. Everyone Everyone has has different different desires desires and and different different ways ways to to attain attain them. them. We We see see nothing nothing wrong wrong with with living living an an 1800s 1800s lifestyle lifestyle if if that's that's what what we we must must do do to to survive. survive. But But we we also also like like many many of of the the things things available available in in the the twenty-first twenty-first century. century. The The result result is is aa "blended" "blended" life life of of old old and and new. new. We We have have telephone telephone and and Internet Internet service, service, but propane cookstove but no no cable cable or or satellite satellite television. television. We We have have aa propane cookstove but but do do most most of of our our cooking cooking on on aa wood-burning wood-burning stove. stove. We We used used kerosene kerosene lights lights the the first first couple couple of of years, years, and and it it was was more more than than two two years years before before we we acquired acquired our our first first solar solar panel. panel. The The first first four four years years we we had had no no refrigerator refrigerator (and (and could could still still do do without be). We without it it quite quite easily easily if if need need be). We have have an an outhouse outhouse and and composting composting toilet toilet instead instead of of aa flush flush toilet toilet and and septic septic system. system. We We know know other other people people living living the the homestead homestead life life who who do do things things much much differently differently than than us, us, and and that's that's fine. fine. Some Some are are working working toward toward total total selfselfsufficiency, just like sufficiency, while while others others just like gardening gardening and and hunting hunting and and living living in in the the country. jobs and country. Some Some continue continue working working regular regular jobs and hire hire work work done, done, while while we we tend tend to to do do everything everything ourselves ourselves on on aa shoestring shoestring budget. budget. Others Others are are growing growing their their own own food food and and producing producing their their own own electricity electricity while while living living in in the the city city with with no no plans plans to to move move anywhere anywhere else. else. That's That's great, great, as as long long as as that's that's what what they they want want out out of of life. life. This This is is your your dream dream and and your your aspirations aspirations and and should should be be designed designed for for your your life life and and no no one one else's. else's. SECOND, SECOND, BE BE REALISTIC REALISTIC So just throw So many many people people have have told told us us that that "if "if things things get get bad," bad," they'll they'll just throw some some seeds seeds in in the the ground ground and and grow grow their their own own food. food. Any Any experienced experienced gardener gardener will will laugh laugh hysterically hysterically when when hearing hearing comments comments like like that. that. Even Even the the fastest fastest growing growing plants plants still still take take weeks weeks to to mature, mature, and and that's that's in in fertile fertile soil soil under under ideal ideal growing growing conditions. conditions. Try Try doing doing it it on on virgin virgin ground. ground. Just Just as as naive naive is is the the person person who's who's going going to to grab grab aa rifle rifle and and live live off off the the land. land. It It wasn't wasn't that that long long ago ago when when whitetail whitetail deer deer were were almost almost extinct extinct in in much much of of the the United United States States due due to to unrestricted unrestricted market market hunting. hunting. Imagine Imagine what what it it will will be be like like if if every every adult adult male male with with aa gun gun hits hits the the woods woods at at the the same same time! time! Populated Populated areas areas will be devoid will be devoid of of game game within within weeks.

Our Our first first winter winter in in our our Montana Montana homestead.

wees jgisccecs oj

Ses

t-+-+-4#-+ a rites

E

;

4

CK ee

hae

TT ee

The The east east side side of of the the cabin cabin today. today. If If you've you've never never planted planted aa garden, garden, hunted hunted or or fished, fished, cut cut and and split split firewood, firewood, treated treated an an illness, illness, or or earned earned an an income income on on your your own, own, start start learning learning how how to to do do these job yet!) these things things now. now. (And (And don't don't quit quit your your day day job yet!) Remember Remember the the quip quip about about eating eating an an elephant? elephant? You You aren't aren't going going to to do do that that in in one one day! day! That That being being said, said, homesteading homesteading isn't isn't rocket rocket science. science. With With diligence diligence you you can can learn basics in relatively short learn the the basics in aa relatively short amount amount of of time, time, even even if if you've you've never never grown bread or grown anything anything more more exotic exotic than than mold mold on on stale stale bread or hunted hunted anything anything more more elusive elusive than than the the closest closest McDonald's McDonald's franchise. franchise. THIRD, THIRD, PRIORITIZE PRIORITIZE When When the the paperwork paperwork was was finished finished and and we we took took possession possession of of our our land, land, we we had had three three months months before before winter winter ended ended outdoor outdoor work. work. In In those those three three months, months, we we needed needed to to make make the the cabin cabin livable, livable, which which included included some some major major cleaning cleaning and roof and and restoration, restoration, aa new new roof and floor, floor, chinking chinking the the logs, logs, cutting cutting aa hole hole for

and and installing installing aa new new door door and and repairing repairing the the old old door, door, cutting cutting holes holes for for and and installing installing 10 10 windows windows and and the the roof roof insulation, insulation, building building aa root root cellar, cellar, digging digging aa new new pit pit for for the the outhouse, outhouse, and and cutting, cutting, splitting, splitting, and and storing storing 10 10 cords cords of of firewood. job 55 firewood. II was was also also working working three three days days aa week week on on 12-hour 12-hour shifts shifts at at aa job 55 miles miles away. away. Me, Me, my my wife, wife, and and the the four four youngest youngest children children still still living living at at home home with by the with us us put put in in aa lot lot of of hours, hours, but but by the end end of of October October we we were were snuggled snuggled inside inside our our warm, warm, dry dry cabin cabin with with aa root root cellar cellar full full of of food food and and enough enough firewood firewood to to keep keep us us toasty toasty warm warm all all winter winter long. long. FOURTH, FOURTH, BE BE FLEXIBLE FLEXIBLE Things Things don't don't always always work work as as they they should. should. Have Have some some backup backup plans. plans. While While we we don't don't lose lose any any sleep sleep over over things things like like an an electromagnetic electromagnetic pulse pulse (EMP) (EMP) attack attack or or solar solar flares flares plunging plunging the the world world into into the the next next Stone Stone Age, Age, we we do do have have backup backup plans plans even even when when traveling. traveling. We We are are experienced experienced crosscross- country country bicyclists, bicyclists, so so we we take take our our bicycles bicycles with with us us and and put put our our clothes clothes and and supplies supplies in bike panniers. in our our bike panniers. If If there's there's aa widespread widespread disruption disruption due due to to aa cataclysmic cataclysmic event, event, or or something something else else makes makes motorized motorized transportation transportation impossible, impossible, we'll we'll use use our our mountain mountain bikes bikes to to get get home. home. The The way way we we pack, pack, we we can can be be out out of of the the car car and and on on our our way way again again in in minutes minutes with with enough enough dehydrated dehydrated food food and and survival journey is survival supplies supplies to to get get home home safely safely even even if if the the journey is aa thousand thousand miles. miles. On power tools On the the home home front, front, we we have have power tools like like saws, saws, drills, drills, rototillers, rototillers, grain grain grinders, grinders, welders, welders, and and other other devices devices that that make make life life a a little little easier, easier, but but we we also also have have handsaws, handsaws, hand hand drills drills and and bits, bits, shovels shovels and and hoes, hoes, hand-powered hand-powered grain grain mills, mills, blacksmithing blacksmithing tools, tools, axes, axes, and and everything everything else else needed needed to to continue continue life life as know it as we we know it without without electricity electricity or or gasoline. gasoline. Sometimes Sometimes unexpected unexpected opportunities opportunities arise, arise, so so you you need need to to take take advantage advantage of of them. them. Our Our first first solar solar panel panel was was acquired acquired through through barter. barter. An An acquaintance acquaintance needed needed some some vehicle vehicle repairs repairs and and yard yard work work done done and and had had a a solar solar panel panel to to trade. but it trade. We We hoped hoped to to acquire acquire solar solar panels panels in in the the future, future, but it wasn't wasn't on on our our schedule schedule for for that that year. year. On On the the other other hand, hand, deals deals like like this this didn't didn't come come often, often, so so II dropped job. dropped what what II was was doing doing and and took took on on the the job. Other reasons. In Other times times aa project project gets gets stopped stopped for for unforeseen unforeseen reasons. In that that case, case, do do the the next next thing thing on on your your list. list. Be Be willing willing to to shift shift gears gears when when needed needed or or even

take take aa different different road. road. Just Just keep keep moving moving forward forward and and eventually eventually you'll you'll reach reach your your destination. destination.

read read an an article article this this morning morning that that debated debated whether whether or or not not the the "modern "modern woman" woman" can can "have "have it it all," all," possessing possessing aa highly highly paid, paid, professional professional career, career, enjoying enjoying aa fulfilling fulfilling marriage, marriage, and and being being the the perfect perfect mother mother to to her her children. children. One One of of those those commenting commenting below below the the story story pointed pointed out out that that everyone everyone featured featured on on the the program program had had at at least least one one failed failed marriage, marriage, and and many many didn't didn't have have children. children. Those Those who who did did have have children children had had nannies nannies to to care care for for them. them. The The only only thing thing they they had had in in common common was was that that they they had had all all risen risen to to the the top top in in their their chosen chosen careers. careers. Trying Trying to to have have it it all all is is one one of of the the main main reasons reasons I've I've seen seen people people fail fail at at their their attempts attempts to to live live the the low-budget low-budget homestead homestead lifestyle. lifestyle. Everything Everything has has aa price, price, and knows this. and the the wise wise person person knows this. Satisfaction Satisfaction and and success success cannot cannot be be measured measured by by the the accumulation accumulation of of possessions, but must possessions, wealth, wealth, or or fame fame but must instead instead be be sought sought through through things things like

family, family, security, security, contentment, contentment, and and aa sense sense of of fulfillment. fulfillment. Living Living like like we we do do requires requires aa completely completely different different philosophy philosophy of of life. life. COMFORT COMFORT VS. VS. CONVENIENCE CONVENIENCE II had had aa friend friend tell tell me me once once that that he he couldn't couldn't live live like like we we do. do. II was was really really puzzled puzzled by by that, that, so so II asked asked him him what what was was so so hard hard about about the the way way we we lived? lived? He right in He looked looked me me right in the the eye eye and and said, said, "That's "That's exactly exactly what what I'm I'm talking talking about" about" II didn't didn't have have aa clue clue what what he he was was talking talking about! about! On On another another occasion, occasion, II talked talked to to someone someone else else who who said said something something about about how how many many things things we we gave gave up up to to live live the the way way we we do. do. II was was puz puz zled put those zled by by that that one one too! too! Then Then II put those two two comments comments together. together. What What II believe people were referring to believe both both people were referring to was was the the issue issue of of comfort comfort vs. vs. convenience. convenience. The The dictionary dictionary defines defines comfort comfort as as "a "a condition condition of of ease ease or or well-being; well-being; aa feeling feeling of of being being relaxed, relaxed, cozy, cozy, contented." contented." It It defines defines convenience convenience as as "something "something that that increases increases comfort comfort or or makes makes work work less less difficult." difficult." Synonyms Synonyms include include expediency, expediency, ease, ease, and and handiness. handiness. Which Which got got me me pondering pondering the the question: question: Do Do laborsaving laborsaving devices devices make make life life more more comfortable? comfortable? Example Example one: one: You You are are aa wife wife in in 1955. 1955. In In the the kitchen kitchen you you have have aa refrigerator, refrigerator, gas gas or or electric electric range, range, and and an an electric electric mixer. mixer. The The utility utility room room contains contains aa wringer wringer washer, washer, you you hang hang your your clothes clothes on on aa clothesline, clothesline, you you iron iron your jeans and your husband's husband's shirts shirts and and jeans and your your dresses, dresses, and and you you have have aa Hoover Hoover vacuum vacuum cleaner. cleaner. In In the the living living room room you you have have one one telephone, telephone, one one black-andblack-andwhite white television television with with an an antenna antenna (no (no cable), cable), and and 13 13 channels channels to to choose choose from. from. In In the the morning morning you you fix fix aa hearty hearty breakfast breakfast and and send send your your husband husband off off to to work work and and two two of of your your four four children children off off to to school school with with sack sack lunches. lunches. You You still still have have two two preschool preschool kids kids at at home home to to care care for. for. After After school, school, your your children children are are greeted greeted at at the the door door by by the the smell smell of of home-baked home-baked cookies. cookies. They They grab grab aa couple couple on on their their way way to to the the backyard backyard to to play. play. Your Your husband husband gets gets home home an an hour hour later, later, and and you you all all sit sit down down to to aa home-cooked home-cooked meal meal and and relax relax in in the the evening

watching watching II Love Love Lucy, Lucy, The The Jackie Jackie Gleason Gleason Show, Show, and and You You Bet Bet Your Your Life Life on on TV, read aa book book or kids play TV, or or maybe maybe you you read or magazine magazine while while the the kids play in in their their room. room. In In your your bedroom bedroom you you have have aa bed, bed, closet, closet, dresser dresser with with mirror, mirror, and and aa radio. radio. You You have have one one car car that that your your husband husband drives drives to to work, work, and and you you all all share share one one bathroom. bathroom. The The dog dog sleeps sleeps outside outside in in his his own own house house (which (which the the husband husband shares shares with with the the dog dog on on occasions). occasions). There There is is no no automatic automatic dishwasher, dishwasher, microwave, microwave, permanent permanent press press clothes, clothes, computer, job. computer, or or video video games, games, and and you you have have no no "outside" "outside" job. Example Example two: two: You You are are aa wife wife in in 2012. 2012. In In your your kitchen kitchen you you have have aa refrigerator, refrigerator, range, range, dishwasher, dishwasher, microwave microwave oven, oven, toaster toaster oven, oven, automatic automatic bread bread maker, maker, automatic automatic coffee coffee maker, maker, blender, blender, food food processor, processor, aa telephone, telephone, and and an an electric electric can can opener. opener. In In the the utility utility room room you you have have aa freezer, freezer, automatic automatic washer washer and and dryer, dryer, vacuum vacuum cleaner, cleaner, and and aa dusty dusty iron iron and and ironing ironing board. board. You You have kids, one have two two kids, one in in school, school, one one in in daycare daycare (no (no lunches lunches to to fix, fix, but but don't don't forget forget to to send send lunch lunch money). money). In In the the living living room room you you have have two two telephones, telephones, surround-sound player, Xbox, surround-sound stereo, stereo, aa computer, computer, Internet Internet connections, connections, DVD DVD player, Xbox, Wii, Wii, PlayStation PlayStation version version 99 99 (or (or whatever whatever is is the the newest newest and and latest), latest), highhighdefinition definition large-screen large-screen television, television, and and satellite satellite or or cable cable service service with with 99+ 99+ channels, channels, not not including including pay-per-view pay-per-view channels. channels. You You also also subscribe subscribe to to NetNetflix. phone, computer, flix. In In your your bedroom bedroom you you have have another another phone, computer, television, television, stereo, stereo, and and digital digital alarm alarm clock, clock, in in addition addition to to aa sleeping sleeping apparatus apparatus (i.e., (1.e., aa bed), bed), walk-in walk-in his his and and her her closets, closets, dresser dresser with with aa mirror, mirror, and and your your own own bathroom bathroom with with double double sinks. sinks. You You have have two two vehicles-wife vehicles-wife gets gets the the minivan; minivan; husband husband gets gets the the SUV. SUV. Everyone Everyone over over the the age age of of 10 10 has has their their own own cell cell phone. phone. Mornings Mornings begin begin with with aa quick quick cup cup of of coffee coffee (you'll (you'll get get breakfast breakfast on on the the road), bowl of road), kids kids get get aa bowl of cereal cereal or or breakfast breakfast at at school school (don't (don't forget forget to to send send money), money), mom mom drops drops the the youngest youngest at at daycare daycare on on her her way way to to work, work, dad dad takes takes the the oldest oldest to to school school on on his his way way to to work. work. Both Both parents parents work work all all day day (you (you have have to to in in order order to to pay pay for for all all of of those those "conveniences") "conveniences") and and eat eat lunch lunch out. out. You You have rotating schedule have aa rotating schedule telling telling you you which which kids kids are are at at what what activities activities and and who who picks picks them them up up after after work. work. You'll You'll need need to to stop stop at at the the store store for for your your evening just order evening meal meal and and pop pop it it in in the the microwave microwave when when you you get get home, home, or or just order takeout. takeout. Then Then you you eat eat supper, supper, stack stack the the dishes dishes in in the the dishwasher dishwasher (or (or trash),

swap swap clothes clothes from from washer washer to to dryer, dryer, fold fold clothes clothes out out of of the the dryer, dryer, watch watch TV TV and/or and/or get get on on the the computer computer or or help help the the kids kids with with their their homework. homework. Later, Later, dad dad is is in in his his home home office office with with his his laptop laptop finishing finishing up up his his "home "home work" work" from from his his job, while job, while mom mom is is in in bedroom. bedroom. Kids Kids watch watch their their own own TVs TVs or or play play on on their their computers computers or or play play video video games games in in their their own own rooms. rooms. Which Which couple couple lived lived the the life life of of greatest greatest comfort? comfort? Why? Why? Which Which had had the the most most convenient convenient life? life? Why? Why? Does Does convenience convenience increase increase comfort? comfort? Why Why or or why why not? not? One One of of the the most most important important questions questions is is "how "how much much does does convenience convenience cost?" cost?" If If both both parents parents were were not not working working full full time, time, would would all all those those conveniences conveniences be be needed? needed? Suppose Suppose one one parent parent stayed stayed home. home. How How many many of of those those expenses expenses could could be be eliminated? eliminated? How How much much would would not not be be needed needed to to pay pay for for such such things things as as childcare, childcare, eating eating out, out, multiple multiple vehicles, vehicles, cell cell phones, phones, and and wardrobes? wardrobes? Now Now suppose suppose you you downsized downsized on on housing, housing, which which means means you you pay pay less less in in insurance, insurance, taxes, taxes, and and mortgage. mortgage. How How much much will will that that save? save? We'll We'll look look deeper deeper into into the the money money issue issue later, later, but but you you should should also also think think about about the the mental mental aspects aspects of of modern modern life. life. When When was was the the last last time time you you actually actually felt felt relaxed relaxed in in the the evening? evening? If If you you ever ever want want to to get get off off this this treadmill, treadmill, you're you're going going to to have have to to reprogram reprogram the the way way you you think think and and act. act. One One of of the the first first things things to to do do is is evaluate evaluate the the difference difference between between needs needs and and wants.

Water biggest inconvenience. Water is is our our biggest inconvenience. In In the the summer summer we we use use collected collected rainwater rainwater for for washing washing and and watering watering the the garden. garden. In In the the winter winter we we melt melt snow. snow. In buckets as In the the late late fall fall and and early early spring spring we we collect collect water water in in buckets as the the snow snow melts melts from from the the roof. roof. Often Often it it freezes freezes during during the the night, night, so so we we melt melt super-sized super-sized ice ice cubes cubes like like this this one.

In keeping with In keeping with our our goal goal of of never never becoming becoming dependent dependent upon upon electricity, electricity, we we wash wash clothes clothes using using washtubs, washtubs, aa "Rapid "Rapid Washer," Washer," and and aa hand-powered hand-powered wringer. wringer. It's It's easier easier than than most most people people imagine. imagine. NEEDS NEEDS VS. VS. WANTS

"Need" "Need" is is aa word word we we use use with with great great ambiguity. ambiguity. As As II write write this this chapter, chapter, I'm I'm looking looking at at Lake Lake Mead Mead through through the the open open back back door door of of our our 14-foot 14-foot U-Haul U-Haul truck truck that's that's been been converted converted to to aa motor motor home. home. My My wife wife is is outside outside soaking soaking up up the the sun sun on on aa lounge lounge chair. chair. We're We're over over aa thousand thousand miles miles from from our our home home in in Montana, registers in Montana, where where the the snow snow lies lies deep deep and and the the thermometer thermometer still still registers in the the single single digits digits at at night. night. We We aren't aren't going going home home until until two two things things happen: happen: we we have have to to experience experience at at least least one one day day of of 90-degree 90-degree temperatures temperatures here, here, and and the the snow snow has has to to be be gone gone from from the the yard yard at at home. home. We We really really needed needed this this extended extended vacation! vacation! Or Or did did we? we? II remember remember aa question question posted posted on on aa computer computer forum forum asking asking which which was was most most important important in in aa survival survival situation: situation: fire, fire, water, water, shelter, shelter, or or food. food. The The only only correct correct answer answer is, is, "it "it depends depends on on the the situation." situation." If If you you fall fall through through the the ice ice on on aa lake, lake, the the most most important important thing thing might might be be fire fire to to prevent prevent hypothermia. hypothermia. If If you've you've spent spent aa day day in in the the desert desert without without water, water, the the most most important important thing thing is is going going to to be be water. water. If If there's there's aa storm storm heading heading your your way, way, the the most most important important thing thing might might be be shelter. shelter. If If your your plane plane has has gone gone down down in in the the wilds wilds of of Alaska Alaska where be where you you have have shelter, shelter, fire, fire, and and water, water, the the most most important important thing thing might might be procuring procuring food. food. What What you you need need most most depends depends on on a a lot lot of of factors. factors. Your Your needs needs as as aa homesteader homesteader must must be be evaluated evaluated the the same same way. way. On On our our homestead, homestead, we we have have certain certain needs needs that that must must be be met. met. They They are are food, food, water, water, shelter, shelter, and and paying paying our our property property taxes. taxes. These These are are essential, essential, meaning meaning that that if if you you take take away away any, any, our our life life here here is is over over (in (in some some ways ways more more permanently permanently than than others). others). We We have have aa couple couple of of common common household household expenses expenses that that are are wants wants but but are are very very important important to to us. us. These These are are the the phone phone and and Internet Internet service service and and insurance insurance for for the the vehicle vehicle we're we're driving. driving. In In tight tight financial financial times, times, these keep the these will will go go if if necessary necessary in in order order to to keep the property property taxes taxes paid. paid. If If it it comes comes to bicycles or to that, that, we we can can take take bicycles or snowmobiles snowmobiles to to town town to to use use the the Internet, Internet, we we have have ham ham radios radios for for emergency emergency communications, communications, and and we'll we'll park park the the vehicles. vehicles. Everything Everything else else is is negotiable. negotiable. We've We've established established what's what's most most important important to to us us and and have have planned planned our our lives lives accordingly. We've found accordingly. We've found that that by by eliminating eliminating those those things things that that were were of of less less value, value, we we have have more more time time and and money money to to pursue pursue those those things things we we really really want.

Hence, Hence, even even though though we we make make very very little little money, money, we we still still have have enough enough to to take take our our camper camper out out for for aa few few months months every every year year for for an an extended extended vacation. vacation. One One of of the the most most important important skills skills needed needed for for creating creating aa low-budget low-budget homestead retreat is homestead or or retreat is the the ability ability to to differentiate differentiate between between needs needs and and wants. wants. The resources you The more more of of your your resources you use use to to obtain obtain wants, wants, the the less less you'll you'll have have available available for for your your needs. needs. Meet Meet your your needs needs first; first; then then prioritize prioritize your your resources resources to to get get the the wants wants you you truly truly desire. desire. In In order order to to determine determine if if an an item item is is aa need need or or want, want, we we ask ask the the following following questions: questions:

Firewood just one Firewood splitting splitting is is just one area area we we do do the the "old" "old" way. way. Splitting Splitting by by hand hand is is cheaper, better health. cheaper, and and the the exercise exercise keepsyou keepsyou in in better health. A. Will life A. Will life cease cease if if we we are are deprived deprived of of it? it? If If so, so, it's it's a a need.

B. B. Will Will our our quality quality of of life life be be severely severely impacted impacted in in aa negative negative way way if if we we don't don't have have it? it? If If the the answer answer is is yes, yes, depending depending upon upon the the degree degree of of negative negative impact, impact, it it maybe maybe aa need need or or it it maybe maybe aa very very important important want. want. It's It's important important to to note note that that B B is is subjective subjective and and will will depend depend on on your your goals goals and and attitude attitude toward toward life life in in general. general. C. C. Assuming Assuming that that something something is is an an obvious obvious want, want, we we ask, ask, "Is "Is this this something something I'll I'll really really use, use, or or will will II regret regret buying buying it it and and sell sell it it later later at at aa loss?" loss?" We We also also ask ask ourselves ourselves if if we'd we'd be be happier happier not not buying buying it it and and using using the the money money saved saved for for something something we'd we'd enjoy enjoy more more (like (like traveling). traveling). On On those those rare rare occasions occasions when when we're we're feeling feeling deprived, deprived, we we remind remind ourselves ourselves that that for for the the vast vast majority majority of of man's man's existence, existence, there there was was no no television, television, Internet, Internet, telephone, telephone, motorized motorized vehicles, vehicles, running running water, water, indoor indoor plumbing, plumbing, washers washers and and dryers, dryers, air air conditioning, conditioning, microwave microwave ovens, ovens, refrigerators, refrigerators, or or Reese's Reese's Peanut Peanut Butter Butter Cups. people who before us Cups. Yet Yet people who came came before us still still enjoyed enjoyed life. life. Suicide Suicide was was less less prevalent prevalent in in the the past past than than it it is is today, today, so so it's it's safe safe to to say say that that more more "things" "things" do do not not make make life life more more enjoyable. enjoyable. In In fact, fact, studies studies are are proving proving that that more more things things can can actually actually lead lead to to aa lowering lowering of of life life satisfaction. satisfaction. The place. The best best way way to to avoid avoid clutter clutter in in life life is is to to not not get get it it cluttered cluttered in in the the first first place. The The best best way way to to do do that that is is to to decide decide what's what's really really important important and and avoid avoid those those things things that that aren't. aren't. Get Get your your priorities priorities right. right. Think Think critically critically about about your your choices choices in in housing, housing, vehicles, vehicles, tools, tools, toys, toys, and and equipment. just want equipment. Do Do you you need need aa large large house house or or do do you you just want aa large large house? house? Do Do you just want just want you need need aa new new truck truck or or just want one? one? Do Do you you need need more more guns guns or or just want more just want more guns? guns? Do Do you you need need aa backhoe backhoe or or just want one? one? On people who On the the other other hand, hand, don't don't take take this this to to extremes. extremes. II know know people who have have 10 10 years years of of food food supplies supplies stored stored up up along along with with thousands thousands of of gallons gallons of of diesel diesel fuel fuel and and gasoline gasoline and and hundreds hundreds of of thousands thousands of of rounds rounds of of ammunition ammunition supporting supporting an an arsenal arsenal that that would would make make aa third third world world dictator dictator gleeful. gleeful. If If you you have have lots lots of of money money or or you've you've acquired acquired these these things things slowly slowly over over time time and and the the responsibility responsibility of of possessing possessing them them brings brings no no added added stress, stress, there's there's nothing

wrong wrong with with this this type type of of abundance. abundance. But But if if you've you've denied denied yourself yourself and and your your family family everything everything else else to to go go to to this this extreme, extreme, you you need need to to reexamine reexamine your your priorities. priorities.

We kept our We kept our electric electric grain grain mill, mill, waffle waffle iron, iron, and and microwave microwave oven. oven. We We have have nonelectric nonelectric alternatives alternatives for for the the grain grain mill mill and and waffle waffle iron. iron. The The microwave

does being run does not not like like being run on on the the inverter, inverter, so so it's it's used used mostly mostly as as aa high-tech high-tech breadbox breadbox unless unless we're we're running running the the generator. generator. There's There's nothing nothing wrong wrong with with wants wants and and luxuries luxuries as as long long as as you you have have your your basic basic needs needs covered. covered. Determine Determine what's what's most most important important and and then then make make that that aa priority. priority. Above Above all, all, be be very very careful careful about about going going into into debt debt even even for for necessities. budget alternatives necessities. There There are are lowlow- budget alternatives to to nearly nearly everything. everything. (I'll (I'll cover cover this this in in more more detail detail later.) later.) II want want to to repeat repeat again: again: one one of of the the most most important important skills skills needed needed for for creating creating aa low-budget low-budget homestead homestead or or retreat retreat is is the the ability ability to to differentiate differentiate between between needs needs and and wants. wants. The The more more of of your your resources resources you you use use to to obtain obtain wants, wants, the the less less you'll you'll have have available available for for your your needs. needs. Think Think critically critically about about the the choices choices you you make. make. TIME TIME VS. VS. PRODUCTIVITY: PRODUCTIVITY: A A NEW NEW PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE In In aa recent recent conversation, conversation, aa man man asked asked me, me, "Why "Why are are we we busier busier now now than than when jobs?" II told when we we had had jobs?" told him him it it was was because because we we were were now now doing doing everything pay other everything we we used used to to pay other people people to to do! do! There job long There are are times times I've I've thought thought about about getting getting aa "real" "real" job long enough enough to to earn earn enough enough to to hire hire someone someone with with aa dozer dozer to to come come clear clear and and level level aa few few acres acres of of our property for our property for aa larger larger garden garden and and hay hay meadow. meadow. He He could could get get more more done done in in two two days days than than II could could in in aa month month of of hard hard labor. labor. If job, II could If II got got aa job, could make make about about $15 $15 an an hour. hour. By By the the time time taxes taxes and and Social Social Security Security are are deducted, deducted, I'm I'm making making about about $12 $12 per per hour. hour. Plus Plus there's there's the the driving driving time, time, which which in in our our area area would would be be about about 90 90 minutes minutes each each way. way. Now Now figure be around figure in in gasoline gasoline to to drive drive to to work, work, which which at at current current rates rates will will be around $120 per week per week $120 per week minimum. minimum. I'm I'm making making about about $480 $480 per week take-home take-home pay pay and and spending spending $120 $120 per per week week of of that that for for fuel, fuel, which which leaves leaves me me $360 $360 for for my my effort. remember, not effort. But But remember, not only only am am II working working 40 40 hours hours aa week, week, I'm I'm spending spending another another 15 15 hours hours in in travel travel time, time, plus plus losing losing another another five five hours hours per per week week due due to job is to the the hour hour allotted allotted for for lunch. lunch. My My job is eating eating up up 70 70 hours hours of of my my time time each each week, week, and and after after taxes taxes and and fuel fuel I'm I'm "making" "making" roughly roughly $5.14 $5.14 per per hour hour of of effort

expended. expended. (Remember, (Remember, the the government government is is taking taking $3 $3 per per hour hour right right off off the the top top before before II see see any any of of it.) it.) Now Now out out of of that that I'll I'll have have extra extra maintenance maintenance on on my my vehicle, vehicle, plus plus the the eventual replacement cost eventual replacement cost since since it's it's going going to to wear wear out out much much faster faster and and we'll we'll have have to to pay pay insurance insurance on on an an extra extra vehicle vehicle since since my my wife wife will will need need aa licensed licensed and and insured insured vehicle vehicle while while I'm I'm at at work. work. Since Since I'm I'm in in town town every every day, day, we'll we'll spend purchased. spend more more for for things things we we wouldn't wouldn't normally normally have have purchased. So pretend I'll So let's let's pretend I'll end end up up with with an an extra extra $150 $150 per per week week to to hire hire aa dozer dozer and and operator operator to to clear clear five five acres acres of of land. land. He's He's going going to to charge charge me me $100 $100 per per hour, hour, and and it it will will take take him him about about 15 15 hours hours to to clear clear and and level level that that five five acres. acres. His His fee fee is is going going to to be be $1,500. $1,500. Now Now do do the the math. math. II have have $150 $150 per per week week to to apply apply toward toward his his work, work, so so it's it's going going to to take take me me 10 10 weeks weeks to to save save enough enough to to pay pay him. him. In In that that 10 10 weeks, weeks, I'll I'll have have devoted devoted 700 700 hours hours of of my my time time to to pay pay him him for for 15 15 hours hours of of work. work. It It would would take take me me about about 350 350 hours hours to to clear clear and and level level that that five by hand. five acres acres by hand. Also, Also, if if II do do it it myself, myself, II won't won't be be paying paying $1,200 $1,200 to to the the government be government in in taxes taxes and and another another $1,200 $1,200 to to the the gas gas station, station, and and II won't won't be insuring, insuring, maintaining, maintaining, and and replacing replacing another another vehicle. vehicle. The key here The key here is is that that I'm I'm not not going going to to do do it it all all at at one one time. time. In In fact, fact, it it might might take take me me aa couple couple of of years years while while devoting devoting aa few few hours hours per per day day to to the the project, project, but rather take but that's that's okay. okay. There's There's no no rush, rush, and and I'd I'd rather take the the extra extra time time working working at at home home than than spend spend it it in in the the city city breathing breathing polluted polluted air, air, putting putting up up with with the the constant constant noise, noise, enduring enduring the the harried harried atmosphere, atmosphere, and and supporting supporting the the government, government, insurance insurance companies, companies, and and oil oil industry. industry. I've I've done done enough enough of of that that in in my my life life already. already. I've I've paid paid the the price price of of convenience, convenience, and and it it cost cost too too much. much. Now, backhoe and Now, II could could buy buy aa tractor tractor and and backhoe and farm farm implements implements and and get get the the work work done done in in less less time, time, but but then then II have have other other problems. problems. If If II didn't didn't pay pay cash cash (believe book!), I'd (believe me, me, if if II had had that that kind kind of of cash cash II wouldn't wouldn't be be writing writing this this book!), I'd have bunch of have to to use use credit. credit. Then Then I'll I'll owe owe aa bunch of money, money, and and I'll I'll have have to to use use the the equipment equipment to to make make money. money. So, So, now now I'm I'm working working 40 40 hours hours or or more more per per week week to pay for to pay for my my equipment, equipment, plus plus liability liability insurance insurance and and other other business-related business-related costs. costs. Now Now I'm I'm a a contractor contractor rather rather than than a a homesteader, homesteader, and and I'm I'm in in the the same same trap trap II moved moved here here to to escape escape from.

Always job. You've Always remember remember that that homesteading homesteading is is your your job. You've traded traded the the ninenineto-five to-five rat rat race race for for your your present present life. life. So So what what if if it it takes takes three three times times as as long long to to get get things things done! done! We We go go through through periods periods when when we we wonder wonder if if it's it's worth worth it it to to grow grow our our own own food food and and directly directly provide provide for for most most everything everything else else we we have. have. For For example, example, we we were were having having peas peas for for supper. supper. By By the the time time we've we've worked worked the the ground, ground, added added compost by itself), planted the compost (making (making compost compost is is another another task task by itself), planted the seeds, seeds, weeded peas, and weeded and and watered watered the the crop crop all all summer, summer, picked picked and and shelled shelled the the peas, and canned jar of canned or or dried dried them, them, we've we've got got aa lot lot of of labor labor in in that that jar of peas. peas. Now, Now, for for those job, how those working working aa job, how many many hours hours do do you you work work to to be be able able to to pay pay 75 75 cents cents for for aa can can of of peas peas at at the the grocery grocery store? store? At At $10 $10 per per hour, hour, it it would would have have taken taken about about five five minutes minutes of of work work to to earn earn that that money. money. Is Is our our way way convenient? convenient? No! No! But But the the finished finished product product tastes tastes better better and and is is healthier healthier than than any any commercial commercial alternative alternative you you can can get get at at aa store. store. Is Is it it an an efficient efficient use use of of time? time? No! No! But But we we are are not not dependent dependent on on factory factory farms farms thousands thousands of of miles miles away away or or migrant migrant labor labor for for the the harvest harvest or or distant distant canneries canneries or or the the petroleum petroleum industry industry for for fuel fuel and and fertilizer fertilizer or or long-haul long-haul truckers truckers or or wholesalers wholesalers and and distributors distributors or or delivery delivery trucks trucks and and grocery grocery stores stores for for our our food.

We We grind grind our our meat meat using using aa hand-powered hand-powered grinder grinder that that we've we've had had for for 20 20 years. years. Remember, job. You job, Remember, this this is is your your job. You used used to to spend spend 40 40 hours hours aa week week at at aa job, plus plus your your commuting commuting time time and and the the time time you you were were allotted allotted for for lunch lunch to to provide provide aa paycheck paycheck to to buy buy your your food, food, pay pay your your mortgage mortgage and and insurance, insurance, and

buy buy natural natural gas, gas, electricity, electricity, or or whatever whatever to to heat heat and and cool cool your your home. home. Now Now you've you've traded traded that that time time to to directly directly provide provide those those necessities. necessities. If If it it takes takes me me 50 50 hours hours aa week week to to provide provide those those things, things, I'm I'm still still "working" "working" 20 20 hours hours less less per per week before, and week than than II was was before, and we we end end up up with with two two or or three three months months of of vacation vacation time time every every year year to to spend spend wherever wherever we we want want to to be. be. The job, then The irony irony of of the the situation situation is is that that II used used to to work work my my regular regular job, then come come home home and and work work in in my my garden, garden, pick pick huckleberries, huckleberries, and and go go hunting, hunting, fishing fishing and and trapping trapping for for fun. fun. Now Now II get get up up every every morning morning and and do do the the things things I've I've always always truly truly enjoyed enjoyed doing. doing.

The We make The electric electric toaster toaster didn't didn't make make the the move move with with us. us. We make toast toast by by sandwiching sandwiching the the bread bread in in aa sheet sheet of of aluminum aluminum foil foil on on top top of of the the woodstove. woodstove. Ifyou Ifyou use use foil foil on on one one side side only, only, the the bread bread dries dries out out and and curls. curls. It It can can also also be be made made in in aa frying frying pan pan or or on on aa cookie cookie sheet sheet in in the the oven.

FANCY FANCY VS. VS. FUNCTIONAL FUNCTIONAL My My grandfather grandfather was was aa frugal frugal farmer. farmer. He He never never owned owned an an electric electric air air compressor. When he compressor. When he had had aa low low tire, tire, he he pumped pumped it it up up with with aa hand hand pump. pump. II asked asked him him why why he he didn't didn't buy buy an an air air compressor compressor since since they'd they'd be be faster faster and and easier. easier. He He said said he he had had lots lots of of time time and and the the exercise exercise was was good good for for him. him. When When aa tire tire needed needed repairing, repairing, he he removed removed it it from from the the rim rim using using two two broken broken leaf leaf springs just go buy tire springs for for tire tire spoons. spoons. II asked asked him him why why he he didn't didn't just go buy tire spoons spoons from from the the auto auto parts parts store, store, and and he he said said he he didn't didn't see see any any sense sense spending spending money just as money for for store-bought store-bought tools tools when when his his worked worked just as well well and and didn't didn't cost cost him him anything. anything. The The wagon wagon we we hauled hauled hay hay on on was was made made from from the the frame frame of of an an old old worn-out worn-out truck. truck. He He removed removed the the drive drive train, train, cab, cab, and and bed bed and and made made a a new bed out new bed out of of used used lumber. lumber. It It was was nothing nothing fancy, fancy, but but it it actually actually worked worked better just for better than than the the wagons wagons sold sold just for the the purpose. purpose. It just didn't It wasn't wasn't that that he he didn't didn't have have money. money. He He just didn't see see the the need need for for "fancy" "fancy" when just as when "free" "free" (or (or cheap) cheap) worked worked just as well. well. In knife with In another another instance, instance, II saw saw aa man man forge forge aa knife with aa campfire, campfire, aa plastic plastic trash trash bag, bag, aa piece piece of of leftover leftover rebar, rebar, and and two two rocks. rocks. He He has has all all the the blacksmithing blacksmithing tools tools he he needs needs at at his his shop, shop, but but he he did did this this to to demonstrate demonstrate aa point: point: functional functional doesn't doesn't have have to to be be fancy. fancy. Cultivate Cultivate creativity. creativity. For For example, example, my my wife wife once once got got aa nail nail in in her her tire tire out out in in the the backcountry. backcountry. She She had had aa tire tire pump pump and and "space "space saver" saver" spare, spare, which which was was completely completely inadequate inadequate for for the the road road she she was was on. on. She She pulled pulled out out the the nail, nail, gave gave it it aa liberal liberal coating coating of of supersuper- glue, glue, and and stuffed stuffed it it back back in in the the hole. hole. Leak Leak fixed, fixed, problem problem solved! solved! We We live live in in an an era era where where specialization specialization is is the the norm. norm. Go Go to to aa website website catering catering to to cross-country cross-country bicyclers bicyclers and and you'll you'll find find endless endless discussion discussion on on the the "right" "right" bike bike and and the the "right" "right" clothes. clothes. Skiers, Skiers, both both downhill downhill and and cross-country, cross-country, are are another another example example of of people people who who focus focus on on specialized specialized clothing clothing and and equipment. equipment. There's There's nothing nothing wrong wrong with with having having aa specialized specialized bicycle bicycle or or anything anything else else unless become aa slave unless not not having having it it would would keep keep you you from from riding. riding. Don't Don't become slave to to the

"right" "right" equipment equipment or or methods methods of of accomplishing accomplishing aa task. task. In In today's today's society, society, "right" "right" is is aa product product of of advertiser's advertiser's hype hype and and has has more more to to do do with with cosmetics cosmetics than than functionality. functionality. Remember, Remember, people people crossed crossed the the United United States States with with handcarts, job done. handcarts, covered covered wagons, wagons, canoes, canoes, and and horses. horses. They They got got the the job done. Learn Learn to to make make do do with with the the things things you you already already have have and and save save yourself yourself money money and and time. time. KEEP KEEP IT IT SIMPLE! SIMPLE! We but that We say say that that primitive primitive people people needed needed almost almost nothing nothing to to survive, survive, but that isn't isn't true. true. They They needed needed the the same same things things we we do: do: food, food, clothing, clothing, water, water, shelter, shelter, security, security, and and friends, friends, family, family, and and community. community. The The difference difference is is that that their their needs needs were were supplied supplied locally locally and and their their circle circle of of dependence dependence was was small. small. When When they they needed needed tools, tools, they they made made them them from from locally locally available available materials materials rather rather than than order order them them from from factories factories half half aa world world away. away. When When they they needed needed food, food, they they harvested harvested it it from from their their fields fields or or foraged foraged locally. locally. When When they they needed needed security, security, it it was was supplied supplied by by the the men men in in their their tribe tribe or or village. village. When When we we say say their their needs needs were were "simple," "simple," what what we we mean mean is is that that their their needs needs were were supplied supplied through through simple-i.e., simple-i.e., uncomplicated, uncomplicated, low-tech-methods. low-tech-methods. The The modern modern way way of of life life is is extremely extremely interdependent. interdependent. An An oil oil embargo embargo in in the the Middle Middle East East leaves leaves long long lines lines at at the the gas gas pumps pumps in in the the United United States. States. A A volcano volcano in in Iceland Iceland stops stops air air traffic traffic across across broad broad areas areas of of Europe, Europe, leaving leaving people people stranded stranded in in airport airport lounges lounges while while looking looking for for alternate alternate modes modes of of transportation. transportation. Oil Oil price price increases increases lead lead to to higher higher fuel fuel costs, costs, which which lead lead to to increased increased expenses expenses for for farmers farmers in in fuel fuel and and fertilizer, fertilizer, leading leading to to higher higher prices prices at at the the grocery grocery store. store. One One of of the the major major benefits benefits of of the the self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead is is that that you you distance distance yourself yourself from from this this interdependency. interdependency. If If the the stock stock market market crashes, crashes, it it will will take take months months for for us us to to notice notice the the effects. effects. When When oil oil prices prices increase increase sharply, back on sharply, we we cut cut back on driving driving or or leave leave the the vehicles vehicles parked parked until until things things stabilize. stabilize. The keep things The key key here here is is to to keep things simple simple and and local. local. That That doesn't doesn't mean mean reverting reverting immediately immediately to to aa Stone Stone Age Age existence existence (although (although we're we're working working on

the the skills skills to to do do that that if if the the need need is is there). there). What What you you want want to to do do is is keep keep whatever whatever modern modern amenities amenities you you desire desire without without becoming becoming dependent dependent upon upon them. them. II have have an an electric electric table table saw saw and and radial radial arm arm saw saw along along with with an an air air compressor, compressor, drills, drills, sanders, sanders, and and various various other other electrical electrical tools. tools. The The stationary stationary saws saws and and air air compressor compressor must must be be powered powered by by aa generator, generator, but but everything everything else powered by power system. else can can be be powered by our our solar solar power system. Our Our electrical electrical needs needs are are supplied supplied locally locally and and completely completely independent independent from from the the power power grid. grid. In In addition, addition, we we have have hand-powered hand-powered counterparts counterparts to to every every item item mentioned mentioned so so if if for for some some reason reason we we cannot cannot generate generate our our own own electricity, electricity, we we can can still still build build things. things. If If you you check check your your history, history, you'll you'll find find it it wasn't wasn't that that long long ago ago when when everything just took everything was was built built with with hand hand tools. tools. It It just took longer. longer. II often people wanting often receive receive calls calls from from people wanting to to set set up up their their own own solar solar power power system system so so they they can can get get off off the the grid. grid. After After aa short short conversation, conversation, they're they're usually usually disappointed disappointed and and shelve shelve their their dream, dream, returning returning to to the the tyranny tyranny of of the the power power company. company. Why? Why? Because Because they they want want to to live live life life off-grid off-grid in in the the same same style style and and excess excess as as they they lived lived life life on on the the grid. grid. Unless Unless you you have have piles piles of of money just not money to to invest, invest, that's that's just not going going to to happen. happen. You're You're going going to to have have to to simplify simplify your your life life and and get get down down to to what's what's really really important important to to you. you. In In summary, summary, you're you're going going to to have have to to make make some some choices. choices. You You can can live live free free with with less, less, or or you you can can sell sell your your soul soul to to your your "conveniences." "conveniences." Option Option one one offers offers freedom, freedom, but but it's it's going going to to come come at at aa cost. cost. Things Things take take longer longer and and life life may be as may not not be as convenient. convenient. Option Option two two offers offers you you every every comfort comfort and and convenience, convenience, but but you're you're little little better better than than aa dependent dependent child child needing needing others others to to provide provide your your every every need. need. And And like like aa dependent dependent child, child, you'll you'll live live your your life life at at the benefactors are the whim whim of of your your benefactors. benefactors. In In this this case, case, your your benefactors are your your employer employer (or (or clientele), clientele), the the power power company, company, the the grocery grocery stores, stores, the the oil oil industry, industry, the the automobile automobile industry, industry, the the entertainment entertainment industry, industry, and and even even the the workers workers who who harvest harvest your your food. food. Which Which option option will will you you take?

. C6e%-... weet Seeeee®

°

oney, at ' Jsoney, at least least for for now, now, is is part part of of being being self-sufficient. self-sufficient. If If II had had to to guess reason people guess at at the the number number one one reason people abandon abandon their their dreams dreams of of selfselfsufficiency, sufficiency, I'd I'd say say it it was was money. money. Within Within aa few few miles miles of of our our cabin, cabin, II can can show show you you the the remains remains of of homes, homes, outbuildings, outbuildings, and and foundations foundations where where people people came race, only came to to escape escape the the rat rat race, only to to succumb succumb to to the the heartheart- wrenching wrenching reality reality that that money money is is still still aa necessity necessity in in self-sufficient self-sufficient living. living. We've piles of We've seen seen people people come come here here with with piles of money money and and pay pay cash cash for for their their land land and and home, home, then then run run up up enormous enormous debts debts and and lose lose it it all. all. We've We've seen seen others others come jobs paying come from from out out of of state state who who had had jobs paying $50 $50 an an hour, hour, only only to to learn learn that that the job here the same same job here (if (if they they can can find find one!) one!) pays pays aa third third that that amount. amount. Even Even those those who who tough tough it it out out sometimes sometimes face face years years of of deprivation deprivation and and stress stress before before fiscal fiscal progress progress is is seen.

Don't be naive Don't be naive about about money. money. You're You're still still going going to to need need it, it, but but if if you you follow follow some some of of the the guidelines guidelines in in this this chapter, chapter, you you may may find find you'll you'll need need a a lot lot less less than than you you thought thought and and may may find find ways ways to to make make it it while while still still pursuing pursuing your your dream dream of of selfself- sufficiency. sufficiency. The The first first step step of of our our financial financial odyssey odyssey began began long long before before we we moved moved to to our our cabin cabin in in the the woods. woods. We We were were at at aa point point where where we we probably probably weren't weren't going going to to make make more more than than our our current current income, income, so so if if we we wanted wanted to to improve improve our our lot lot in in the the financial financial world, world, we'd we'd have have to to find find ways ways to to save save more more of of what what we we made. made. WAYS WAYS TO TO SAVE SAVE MONEY MONEY Having problem many people face Having enough enough money money is is aa problem many people face every every day, day, and and we're we're no no different different in in that that regard. regard. But But we've we've found found ways ways to to stretch stretch the the small small amount amount of of money money we we do do have have aa long long way! way! Here Here are are some some of of the the things things we we and and others others have have done. done. Decide Decide What What You You Want Want What What level level of of preparedness preparedness or or self-sufficiency self-sufficiency do do you you want want to to attain? attain? Are Are you just planning you just planning to to use use your your retreat retreat until until conditions conditions stabilize? stabilize? Are Are you you aiming aiming for for complete complete self-sufficiency? self-sufficiency? Are Are you you equipping equipping aa place place as as an an insurance policy so insurance policy so that that if if it it is is TEOTWAWKI TEOTWAWKI (The (The End End Of Of The The World World As As We We Know Know It), It), you'll you'll have have someplace someplace to to go go with with family family and and friends friends and and live live your your life life in in relative relative security? security? Whatever Whatever your your goal goal is, is, you you need need to to make make a a list list of of the the skills, skills, tools, tools, knowledge, knowledge, and and equipment equipment you'll you'll need need to to reach reach your your desired desired level level of of preparedness. preparedness. Now Now go go through through the the list list and and set set priorities. priorities. As As you you save save money, money, get get the the most most important important items items first. first. A A list list like like this this will will keep keep you you on on track, track, and and you'll you'll be be able able to to see see the the progress progress you're you're making, making, which which will will motivate motivate you you to to continue continue your your efforts efforts over over the the long long haul. haul. Pennies Pennies Add Add Up Up to to Dollars, Dollars, Dollars Dollars Add Add Up Up to to Big Big Bucks Bucks Years Years ago ago II kept kept track track of of every every penny penny II spent spent for for one one full full month. month. That That was was illuminating, illuminating, to to say say the the least. least. The The biggest biggest shock shock came came when when II added added up up my my expenditures expenditures on on snacks. snacks. II averaged averaged aa mere mere $2 $2 aa day day for for snacks snacks and and soft soft drinks drinks from from the the machines machines at at work. work. That That didn't didn't sound sound like like much much until until II made

the the yearly yearly connection. connection. That That $2 $2 per per day day times times five five days days per per week week for for 50 50 weeks weeks came came to to $500 $500 aa year year spent spent to to rot rot my my teeth teeth and and expand expand my my waist. waist. So, So, II made made a a few few changes. changes. At At break break time, time, II had had coffee coffee (free (free where where II worked) worked) and and brought brought snacks snacks from from home. home. The The trade-off trade-off was was better better health health and and aa pile pile of of money money saved saved over over the the years. years. How How much much do do you you spend spend on on things things like like snacks, snacks, soft soft drinks, drinks, and and cappuccinos? just one cappuccinos? If If you you can can save save just one dollar dollar aa day day every every day day of of the the year, year, you'll you'll have have $365 $365 dollars dollars to to spend spend on on other other things. things. Even Even cutting cutting out out $10 $10 aa month key here month will will net net you you $120 $120 in in aa year's year's time. time. The The key here is is to to set set that that money money aside really want. aside for for the the things things you you really want. Start Start Saving Saving Dollars Dollars and and the the Money Money Adds Adds Up Up Even Even Faster Faster A A coworker coworker used used to to eat eat his his noon noon meal meal at at aa restaurant restaurant with with his his friends. friends. The The average average cost cost was was $7 $7 aa day. day. That's That's $35 $35 per per week, week, or or $1,750 $1,750 per per year. year. If If he he packed packed aa lunch, lunch, it it would would bring bring the the cost cost down down to to $2 $2 aa day day for for aa savings savings of of $1,250 per year. $1,250 per year. What What could could you you buy buy with with $1,250? $1,250? Add Add on on the the $500 $500 aa year year saved saved on on snacks snacks and and you you have have $1,750 $1,750 total total savings. savings. If If you you substitute substitute coffee coffee from from home, home, cutting cutting out out the the $7.50 $7.50 per per day day spent spent on on cappuccino, cappuccino, your your annual annual savings savings will will come come to to $1,875. $1,875. Add Add that that to to $1,750 $1,750 already purchase fund. What already saved saved and and you'll you'll have have $3,625 $3,625 in in your your special special purchase fund. What could could you you do do with with $3,625? $3,625? Divided Divided over over aa 12-month 12-month period, period, that's that's $302 $302 per per month. month. With With aa careful careful purchase, purchase, that that would would make make aa monthly monthly payment payment on on property property for for your your retreat. retreat. Save Save By By Downsizing Downsizing Can Can you you eliminate eliminate aa vehicle? vehicle? You'll You'll spend spend less less on on licensing, licensing, taxes, taxes, insurance, insurance, repairs, repairs, tires, tires, maintenance, maintenance, and and gasoline. gasoline. What What about about housing? housing? Could Could you you get get by by with with something something smaller smaller or or cheaper? cheaper? If If you you rented rented an an apartment apartment within within walking walking distance distance of of where where you you work work and and eliminated eliminated aa vehicle vehicle as as well, well, you you might might be be able able to to save save enough enough to to buy buy aa piece piece of of land land in in the the country country somewhere somewhere for for aa retreat.

If If you're you're at at the the age age where where you you can can buy buy that that retirement retirement home, home, think think carefully carefully about about what what you you get. get. Do Do you you really really need need four four bedrooms bedrooms and and five five bathrooms? houses are bathrooms? Large Large houses are costly costly to to heat heat and and cool, cool, difficult difficult to to keep keep clean, clean, and and expensive expensive to to maintain, maintain, and and the the taxes taxes and and insurance insurance are are atrocious. atrocious.

One best ways One of of the the best ways to to save save money money is is to to make make thingsyourself. thingsyourself. II wanted wanted aa heavy heavy wool wool coat coat but but couldn't couldn't afford afford aa new new one one or or find find aa used used one one like like II wanted. wanted. We We purchased purchased two two wool wool coats coats from from aa thrift thrift storefor storefor $7.50 $7.50 each. each. II combined combined them them to to make make aa coat coat exactly exactly like like II wanted. wanted. Not Not including including my my labor labor and and thread, thread, II saved saved over over $100 $100 compared compared to to the the price price of of aa new new coat. coat. Reevaluate Reevaluate Your Your Insurance Insurance The The typical typical American American pays pays insurance insurance on on his his or or her her life, life, health, health, home, home, and and vehicles. but remember vehicles. It's It's important important to to have have adequate adequate insurance, insurance, but remember that that the the more more insurance insurance aa salesman salesman can can talk talk you you into, into, the the fatter fatter his his commission-and commission-and the the thinner thinner your your wallet-becomes. wallet-becomes. Savings Savings can can amount amount to to hundreds hundreds of of dollars dollars per per year. year. Meet Meet your your legal legal requirements requirements on on property property and and vehicles; vehicles; carefully carefully analyze analyze what what you you do do and and do do not not need need after after that.

Medical Medical care care and and insurance insurance is is aa difficult difficult obstacle obstacle to to overcome. overcome. If If you're you're aa veteran, veteran, you you may may qualify qualify for for health health care care benefits benefits from from the the U.S. U.S. Department Department of of Veterans Veterans Affairs. Affairs. There There are are also also county-, county-, state-, state-, and and city-sponsored city-sponsored clinics clinics that that handle handle most most routine routine medical medical needs. needs. Those Those I'm I'm aware aware of of bill bill you you according according to to your your income. income. In In the the event event of of aa long-term long-term or or serious serious illness, illness, and and if be options. if you you qualify, qualify, Medicaid Medicaid or or Medicare Medicare may may be options. Utilizing Utilizing government-subsidized government-subsidized health health care care may may be be offensive offensive to to some, some, but but as as long long as as the the systems systems are are not not being being abused, abused, II have have no no problem problem with with those those using using them. them. There There are are alternative, alternative, home-based home-based treatments treatments for for many many of of the the ailments ailments people people purchase purchase drugs drugs to to cure. cure. II know know of of one one family family battling battling aa chronic chronic condition condition who, who, after after spending spending thousands thousands of of dollars dollars on on doctors, doctors, began began pursuing pursuing home home remedies. remedies. They They made made some some dietary dietary and and lifestyle lifestyle changes changes and and got prescription got better better results results than than following following the the $3,000 $3,000 aa month month regimen regimen of of prescription drugs drugs their their specialist specialist prescribed. prescribed.

You'll repairs by You'll save save money money on on automotive automotive repairs by fixing fixing parts parts whenever whenever possible. possible. The pickup quit The dimmer dimmer switch switch on on my my pickup quit working, working, so so II disassembled disassembled it, it, sanded

off back together. off the the corrosion, corrosion, and and put put it it back together. It's It's worked worked like like new new ever ever since. since. If If the the repair repair hadn't hadn't worked worked I'd I'd have have had had to to buy buy aa new new one one anyway, anyway, so so II figured figured II had had nothing nothing to to lose lose by by trying. trying. The The most most important important way way to to cut cut medical medical costs costs is is to to live live aa healthy healthy lifestyle. lifestyle. Eating Eating healthier healthier food food is is aa cinch cinch if if you're you're growing growing it it yourself! yourself! If If you you smoke, smoke, stop. stop. If If you you consume consume alcoholic alcoholic beverages, beverages, do do so so in in moderation. moderation. The The homestead homestead life life itself itself takes takes lots lots of of physical physical labor, labor, which which helps helps aa person person avoid avoid many many of of the the complications complications brought brought about about by by aa sedentary sedentary lifestyle. lifestyle. Be Be Energy Energy Efficient Efficient Trading Trading in in aa gas-guzzler gas-guzzler for for aa more more energyenergy- efficient efficient vehicle vehicle may may save save money money on on fuel, fuel, but but be be careful careful here. here. Add Add up up the the difference difference in in miles miles per per gallon gallon savings savings vs. vs. the the cost cost of of the the newer newer vehicle vehicle and and you you might might find find it's it's cheaper cheaper to to drive drive the the old old clunker clunker until until it's it's worn worn out. out. However, However, when when the the time time comes comes to to trade trade it it in, in, get get something something that's that's fuel fuel efficient. efficient. The The same same holds holds true true of of appliances. appliances. If If your your water water heater, heater, refrigerator, refrigerator, or or freezer belt, they freezer have have aa few few years years under under their their belt, they are are probably probably power power wasters. wasters. As As they they wear wear out, out, replace replace them them with with energy-efficient energy-efficient models. models. Little Little things things like like wrapping wrapping insulation insulation around around hot hot water water tanks tanks and and putting putting the the freezer freezer in in aa colder colder room room make make aa difference difference as as well. well. Turning Turning down down thermostats thermostats in in winter winter and and up up in in the the summer summer and and using using aa lower lower setting setting on on your your hot hot water water tank tank will will also also save save money. money. Connect Connect the the television, television, microwave, microwave, computers, computers, and and Xbox Xbox to to power power strips strips and and turn turn them them off off when when they're they're not not in in use. use. Many Many of of these these items items have have clocks clocks and and "instant "instant on" on" circuitry circuitry that that use use power power even even when when the the appliance appliance is is turned turned off. off. Replace Replace incandescent incandescent lights lights with with low-watt low-watt fluorescents fluorescents or or LEDs. LEDs. Use Use reading reading lamps lamps instead instead of of overhead overhead lighting. lighting. Turn Turn lights lights off off if if you you aren't aren't using using them. rather than them. Use Use motion-sensitive motion-sensitive lighting lighting outside outside rather than leaving leaving the the light light on on all all night.

Personal be anywhere Personal savings savings may may be anywhere from from aa few few dollars dollars to to over over $100 $100 per per month. month. However However small small or or large, large, it it all all adds adds up up over over time. time. Be Be Cautious Cautious of of Phone Phone and and Internet Internet Extras Extras The The more more extras extras the the phone phone company company sells sells you, you, the the more more money money they they make. make. Sure, Sure, call call waiting waiting is is only only aa couple couple of of bucks bucks aa month, month, but but do do you you really really need need it? it? What What about about caller caller ID, ID, voice voice mail, mail, or or unlimited unlimited long long distance? distance? We We save save about about $30 $30 aa month month by by using using aa calling calling card card for for long long distance distance at at three three cents per minute. cents per minute. That's That's $360 $360 per per year year available available for for other other things. things. What What about about family family plans plans and and the the other other extras extras that that cell cell phone phone companies companies offer offer to to save save you you money? money? They They operate operate on on the the same same principle principle to to make make money money that that we're we're using using to to save save money: money: they they know know that that an an extra extra 10, 10, 20 20 or or more more dollars dollars added added to to your your account account equals equals big big commissions commissions over over time time in in their their pockets. pockets. They They sell sell these these things things by by "saving" "saving" you you money. money. That's That's pretty pretty smart. smart. You You spend spend more more to to save save more, more, and and they they get get bigger bigger checks checks by by saving saving you you money! money! You You leave leave feeling feeling good good about about the the bargain bargain you you got, got, they they order order aa steak steak dinner dinner to to celebrate celebrate their their commission commission for for selling selling you you the the "super "super saver's saver's package package deal!" deal!" Now Now this this is is great great if if you you really really wanted wanted or or needed needed the the things things they they sold sold you. you. But But if if you you wouldn't wouldn't have have bought bought cell cell phones phones for for the the entire entire family family without without the the package just sign package deal, deal, did did you you really really save save money money or or did did you you just sign aa contract contract to to buy buy toys toys for for your your kids? kids? Internet Internet providers providers have have different different plans plans as as well, well, and and the the same same rules rules apply. apply. Get Get the the plan plan that's that's best best for for you, you, not not the the plan plan that that makes makes the the salesman salesman the the best best commission. commission. Are Are There There Some Some Habits Habits You You Could Could Do Do Without? Without? Cigarettes, Cigarettes, alcohol, alcohol, drugs, drugs, gambling, gambling, and and pornography pornography are are not not listed listed here here as as moral moral or or health health issues. issues. A A pack pack of of cigarettes cigarettes in in my my area area costs costs $5.75. $5.75. One One pack pack aa day day will will cost cost you you $40.25 $40.25 aa week, week, $161 $161 aa month, month, and and $2,093 $2,093 aa year. year. That's That's more more than than aa month month of of income income for for some some people, people, and and that's that's only only for for the the cigarettes. cigarettes. The The decline decline of of your your health health and and productivity productivity add add even even more! more! A

case case of of beer beer is is $7 $7 around around here. here. Two Two per per week week is is $14; $14; the the annual annual costs costs approaches approaches $728. $728. II knew knew aa couple couple who, who, before before they they quit, quit, spent spent more more on on cigarettes cigarettes every every month month than than they they did did on on their their house house payment. payment. They They could could have have bought bought another another home home with with the the money money they they spent spent on on cigarettes. cigarettes. Again, Again, I'm I'm not not judging anyone but if judging anyone for for these these activities, activities, but if you you enjoy enjoy these these things things in in excess, excess, you'll you'll pay pay for for them them in in excess. excess. Use Use Free Free Resources Resources The The public public library library is is your your friend. friend. People People pay pay others others to to clean clean debris debris from from rain paint their jobs like rain gutters, gutters, to to paint their house, house, to to pour pour cement cement for for simple simple jobs like sidewalks patios, to sidewalks and and patios, to shampoo shampoo or or lay lay aa carpet, carpet, or or any any number number of of tasks tasks they just go they could could do do themselves themselves if if they'd they'd just go to to the the library library and and check check out out aa book book on on the the subject. subject. Do Do it it yourself yourself and and pocket pocket the the money money you you saved. saved. YouTube YouTube is is aa treasure treasure house house of of information. information. In In addition addition to to the the entertainment entertainment videos, videos, there there are are literally literally thousands thousands of of posted posted videos videos teaching teaching you brought up you how how to to do do almost almost anything. anything. Just Just aa short short search search brought up videos videos on on field bread, threshing field dressing dressing aa deer, deer, baking baking bread, threshing wheat wheat at at home, home, and and learning learning how how to to build build aa stone stone wall. wall. What What would would you you like like to to learn? learn? Skills be acquired Skills can can be acquired through through donating donating time time to to nonprofit nonprofit organizations. organizations. Want Want to to learn learn how how to to ride ride and and care care for for horses, horses, or or the the ins ins and and outs outs of of backpacking, canoeing, skiing, rappelling, archery, shooting, or backpacking, canoeing, skiing, rappelling, archery, shooting, or lifeguarding? lifeguarding? Volunteer Volunteer as as aa scout scout leader leader or or summer summer camp camp counselor. counselor. Most Most organizations organizations will will teach teach you you how how to to do do these these things things and and more more so so that that you you can can teach teach others. others. When When II was was aa youth youth camp camp director, director, we we were were always always looking looking for for lifeguards lifeguards and and medical medical staff staff and and would would gladly gladly pay pay to to train train people people in in these these areas areas if if they'd they'd donate donate aa week week or or more more of of their their time. time. Sign Sign up up for for your your local local search search and and rescue rescue group group or or serve serve as as aa volunteer volunteer fireman fireman and and you'll you'll receive receive intensive intensive training training in in many many survival-related survival-related skills skills for for free. free. Clubs Clubs and and organizations organizations are are filled filled with with people people who who love love to to teach teach others others how how to to do do the the things things they they do. do. You You can can learn learn shooting, shooting, hunting, hunting, reloading, reloading, fishing, fishing, mountain mountain biking, biking, swimming, swimming, gardening, gardening, quilting, quilting, knitting, knitting, weaving,

and We got by taking and more more this this way. way. We got our our ham ham radio radio licenses licenses by taking free free classes classes given ham club. given by by the the local local ham club. The The only only things things we we paid paid for for were were the the book book and and the the test test fee. fee.

Buy Buy the the bestyou bestyou can can afford. afford. It'll It'll save save you you money money in in the the long long run. run. This This TroyTroyBilt Bilt tiller tiller was was purchased purchased over over aa quarter quarter century century ago ago and and is is still still running running great. great. It built to It was was built to last, last, and and last, last, and and last! last! When rebuild automatic When II wanted wanted to to learn learn how how to to rebuild automatic transmissions, transmissions, II contacted contacted the the local local vocational vocational school. school. They They told told me me that that they they didn't didn't offer offer the the class but would class normally normally but would if if there there was was enough enough interest. interest. II needed needed 10 10 people people to to get phone calling get aa class class going, going, so so II spent spent some some time time on on the the phone calling repair repair shops shops and and had up within paid for had 18 18 people people signed signed up within two two days. days. The The state state paid for everything everything except except textbooks. textbooks. Many Many colleges colleges and and universities universities offer offer adult adult education education classes classes for for aa nominal nominal fee. fee. If If there's there's aa subject subject you're you're interested interested in, in, suggest suggest it it to to them. them. Many Many times times they'll they'll line line up up instructors instructors to to teach teach the the class class if if you you can can get get enough enough people people to to sign sign up up for for it.

Years photography and Years ago ago II took took aa $35 $35 correspondence correspondence course course on on photography and made made money money on on the the side side doing doing weddings weddings and and graduation graduation pictures. pictures. You You can can get get the the same knowledge from same knowledge from aa library library book book for for free. free. II already already had had the the equipment, equipment, so so II used used it it to to pay pay for for itself itself and and made made some some profit profit as as well. well. Utilize Utilize government government resources. resources. Did Did you you know know that that you you can can get get free free information information from from sources sources like like the the Federal Federal Emergency Emergency Management Management Agency Agency (FEMA), (FEMA), Department Department of of Agriculture, Agriculture, U.S. U.S. Geological Geological Survey, Survey, Forest Forest Service Service (state (state and and federal), federal), county county extension extension offices, offices, and and most most colleges colleges and and universities? universities? FEMA FEMA has has aa wealth wealth of of information information on on survivalsurvival- related related subjects. subjects. The The county county extension extension office office has has information information on on gardening, gardening, livestock, livestock, off-grid off-grid power, power, and and dozens dozens of of other other preparedness preparedness topics. topics. Go Go to to their their websites websites and and see see what what they they have have to to offer. offer. Get Get Out Out of of Debt Debt and and Stay Stay Debt Debt Free! Free! We We could could not not live live the the way way we we do do if if we we had had any any debt. debt. Sit Sit down down with with your your monthly monthly statements statements and and add add up up the the amount amount of of interest interest you you pay pay every every month month on on your your credit credit cards, cards, home home and and vehicle vehicle loans, loans, school school loans, loans, or or any any other other loans What could loans you you have. have. What could you you buy buy with with that that amount? amount? Beware Beware of of those those "no "no payments payments or or no no interest interest for for six six months" months" and and similar similar deals. deals. Always Always assume assume that that they're they're making making up up the the difference difference somewhere. somewhere. Often Often they've they've added added extra extra charges charges or or higher higher interest interest rates rates to to make make up up for for the the lack lack of of payments. payments. Be Be careful careful of of consolidation consolidation loans loans and and second second mortgages. mortgages. If If you you cannot cannot control just get control your your spending, spending, consolidation consolidation loans loans will will just get you you that that much much deeper deeper in in debt. debt. I've I've seen seen too too many many people people get get aa consolidation consolidation loan loan to to pay pay off off credit credit cards, cards, then then immediately immediately buy buy more more things things on on credit. credit. They They ended ended up up making making payments payments and and interest interest on on the the consolidation consolidation loan loan and and the the new new credit credit card card debt.

Our Our son son is is changing changing aa tire tire on on our our $49.99 $49.99 Harbor Harbor Freight Freight Tools Tools tire tire machine. machine. He by buying He saved saved over over $200 $200 by buying his his tires tires online online and and mounting mounting them them himself. himself. We We save save over over $100 $100 per per year year using using this this machine machine and and doing doing our our tire tire swaps swaps and and repairs repairs ourselves. ourselves. It It comes comes with with instructions. instructions. Instead Instead of of buying buying on on credit, credit, use use layaway layaway at at the the store. store. Or Or save save up up the the money money and and pay pay cash.

Stop Stop Impulse Impulse Spending Spending One One of of my my biggest biggest problems problems was was buying buying on on impulse. impulse. I'd I'd see see aa good good deal. deal. II had had the the money money in in my my pocket pocket and and I'd I'd spend spend it. it. (Or (Or worse, worse, I'd I'd use use the the credit credit card!) really wanted card!) The The problem problem was was that that II didn't didn't have have what what II really wanted and and needed, needed, and and usually usually the the item item II bought bought ended ended up up being being sold sold at at aa yard yard sale-at sale-at aa loss! loss! Know before you Know what what you you want want and and how how much much you'll you'll spend spend before you go go into into aa store. store. If If it it isn't isn't on on your your list, list, don't don't buy buy it! it! Buy When Others When Others Buy When Others Are Are Selling, Selling, Sell Sell When Others Are Are Buying Buying II purchased purchased aa complete complete reloading reloading setup setup for for $100. $100. It It included included aa press, press, several powder several sets sets of of dies, dies, aa powder powder scale, scale, two two complete complete sets sets of of dipper-type dipper-type powder measures, measures, aa hand hand priming priming tool, tool, case case lube lube and and pads, pads, aa loading loading block, block, over over 8,000 8,000 primers, primers, several several pounds pounds of of powder, powder, hundreds hundreds of of cast cast bullets bullets in in .357 .357 and.44 and.44 calibers, calibers, and and aa box box full full of of other other loading loading accessories. accessories. A A friend friend at at work work was was moving moving and and needed needed the the money money in in aa hurry. hurry. He He made made the the offer; offer; II took took him him up back my up on on it. it. II later later sold sold some some of of the the dies dies that that II didn't didn't need need and and made made back my investment investment and and a a little little extra. extra. It It wouldn't wouldn't have have happened happened if if II hadn't hadn't had had the the cash cash on on hand. hand. On On the the flip flip side, side, buying buying when when everyone everyone is is buying buying gets gets expensive. expensive. II saw saw people people happily happily pay pay five five times times as as much much for for ammo ammo in in 2009 2009 after after the the presidential presidential election election as as II did did in in 2008. 2008. And And they they were were glad glad to to get get it it at at any any cost. cost. Why? Why? Supply Supply and and demand. demand. Anytime Anytime there's there's aa shortage, shortage, prices prices go go up. up. If buy when If you you must must buy when prices prices are are high, high, get get only only what what you you need. need. The The prices prices will just wait will probably probably stabilize stabilize and and may may even even go go down down if if you you can can just wait out out the the current current crisis. crisis. Look Look for for the the Best Best Deal Deal We prices on We seldom seldom pay pay retail retail prices on anything. anything. Most Most of of our our food food supplies supplies were were bought price. Watch Watch for bought in in case case lot lot sales sales at at half half the the retail retail price. for seasonal seasonal sales sales and and after-season after-season clearances clearances to to get get good good prices. prices. Use Use the the Internet Internet to to find find new new and and used used merchandise merchandise for for aa fraction fraction of of the the retail retail price. price. Figure Figure up up what what you you would would have have paid paid normally normally and and pocket pocket the the savings.

You'll places You'll have have to to decide decide if if it's it's worth worth the the membership membership costs costs to to shop shop at at places like like Coscto Coscto and and Sam's Sam's Club. Club. In In our our experience, experience, we we can can often often beat beat some some of of their their prices prices with with careful careful shopping. shopping. However, However, our our local local Costco Costco (65 (65 miles miles away!) away!) has has some some things things we we cannot cannot get get in in the the same same quality quality anywhere anywhere else else without without paying paying much much higher higher prices. prices. What What we've we've done done is is split split the the membership membership fees fees with with one one of of our our kids kids and and leave leave the the account account in in their their name. name. Since just do Since we we have have to to travel travel there there to to shop shop anyway, anyway, we we just do it it on on days days when when they bring it they can can come come along, along, or or they they pick pick up up what what we we need need and and bring it up up when when they they visit. visit. Be Be Frugal Frugal Spend We live Spend only only on on what what is is needed. needed. We live by by the the maxim, maxim, "use "use it it up, up, wear wear it it out, know the out, make make it it do, do, do do without." without." This This is is easier easier if if you've you've prioritized prioritized and and know the difference difference between between needs needs and and wants. wants. Stay Stay Home Home Fewer Fewer trips trips out out mean mean savings savings on on food, food, fuel, fuel, impulse impulse spending, spending, and and vehicle vehicle maintenance. maintenance. Consolidate Consolidate your your trips trips and and make make each each one one accomplish accomplish multiple multiple purposes. purposes. If If you're you're going going to to be be out out all all day, day, pack pack aa picnic picnic lunch lunch and and eat eat at at the the park park instead instead of of aa restaurant. restaurant. Take Take some some ice ice from from the the fridge fridge and and aa cooler cooler of of soft soft drinks. drinks. Bring Bring snacks snacks from from home. home. Pocket Pocket the the savings. savings. Reduce Reduce Your Your Times Times of of Eating Eating Out Out I'm but cooking I'm not not saying saying you you should should never never eat eat out, out, but cooking at at home home from from scratch scratch saves saves money money and and you'll you'll probably probably eat eat healthier healthier too. too. The The crockpot crockpot and and barbeque barbeque grill grill are are your your friends. friends. When When you you do do eat eat out, out, spend spend less. less. We We take take advantage advantage of of dollar dollar menus menus and and coupons coupons when when we we go go out. out. A A $5 $5 Little Little Caesar's Caesar's pizza, pizza, soft soft drinks drinks from from our our cooler, price that cooler, and and aa city city park park provide provide aa pleasant pleasant meal meal for for aa price that doesn't doesn't break break the the bank. bank. Pocket Pocket the the savings. savings. Don't Don't Let Let the the "Joneses" "Joneses" Control Control Your Your Life

Many Many of of our our friends friends have have newer newer vehicles, vehicles, bigger bigger boats, boats, larger larger houses, houses, and and unlimited unlimited electricity. electricity. They They also also depend depend on on others others to to provide provide food, food, fuel, fuel, electricity, electricity, and and heat. heat. With With the the current current economic economic meltdown, meltdown, many many of of them them are are on job in on unemployment, unemployment, with with no no prospect prospect of of aa decent decent job in the the foreseeable foreseeable future, future, and keep their and are are struggling struggling to to keep their homes homes out out of of foreclosure foreclosure and and food food on on the the table. table. Instead beat of Instead of of marching marching to to the the beat of aa different different drummer, drummer, be be the the drummer! drummer! Develop Develop an an independent independent spirit spirit and and lifestyle. lifestyle. Break Break free! free! Why Why go go into into debt debt to buy things just to to buy things that that will will drag drag you you down, down, just to impress impress people people you you may may not not even even like? like? Rent Rent Items Items You'll You'll Only Only Need Need Once Once or or Twice Twice Specialty paint sprayers, Specialty ladders, ladders, paint sprayers, carpet carpet cleaners, cleaners, backhoes, backhoes, motor motor homes, homes, trucks, big ticket trucks, and and trailers trailers are are among among dozens dozens of of big ticket items items that that can can be be rented rented at at aa fraction fraction of of what what it it would would cost cost you you to to own own them. them. Tough Tough It It Out Out Don't Don't sell sell anything anything you'll you'll have have to to replace replace or or buy buy back back later. later. I've I've known known people people who who sold sold or or pawned pawned guns, guns, cameras, cameras, musical musical instruments, instruments, tools, tools, jewelry, and jewelry, and other other valuables valuables when when they they were were caught caught short short at at the the end end of of the the month. month. Usually Usually they they got got much much less less than than the the item item was was worth worth and and ended ended up up with bought with no no money money and and no no gun gun (or (or whatever whatever they they sold). sold). Once Once you've you've bought something, bought it something, keep keep it. it. If If it's it's expendable, expendable, you you shouldn't shouldn't have have bought it in in the the first first place. place. Set Set Aside Aside the the Money Money You You Save Save When When you you forego forego aa cappuccino, cappuccino, take take the the money money you you would would have have spent spent out out of of your your pocket pocket and and put put it it aside. aside. Keep Keep an an envelope envelope at at home home and and deposit deposit the the money money there, there, or or open open aa separate separate bank bank account account for for these these funds. funds. Do Do the the same same with with everything everything else else on on this this list. list. Set Set that that money money aside aside and and use use it it only only for for the the things things designated designated in in your your master master plan. plan. Then, Then, when when that that super super deal deal comes comes along, along, you'll you'll be be able able to to cash cash in in on on it.

This This plan plan will will only only work work if if you you are are truly truly motivated. motivated. Start Start now. now. WAYS TO WAYS TO MAKE MAKE MONEY MONEY Saving Saving money money is is great, great, but but without without aa source source of of income, income, no no matter matter how how frugal run out frugal you you are, are, you'll you'll eventually eventually run out of of cash. cash. When When that that happens happens times times will really tough! will get get really tough! My My wife wife and and II have have made made money money lots lots of of different different ways ways since since our our move. move. (Notice (Notice II didn't didn't say say lots lots of of money money in in different different ways!) ways!) She She has has tuned tuned pianos, pianos, given given music music lessons, lessons, sold sold homemade homemade children's children's clothing clothing and and hot hot pads, pads, written written magazine magazine articles, articles, cut cut boughs boughs for for Christmas Christmas wreaths, wreaths, cut cut and and sold sold firewood, firewood, done done proofreading proofreading and and editing, editing, and and cleaned cleaned houses houses in in addition addition to to employment jobs. employment at at "real" "real" jobs. I've I've had had magazine magazine articles articles published, published, designed designed and and constructed constructed off-grid off-grid power power systems, systems, and and done done mechanical mechanical repairs repairs of of vehicles, vehicles, machinery machinery and and small small engines. engines. I've I've earned earned money money doing doing carpentry, carpentry, logging, logging, welding, welding, photography, photography, trapping, trapping, and and cutting cutting and and selling selling firewood. firewood. I've I've also also worked worked "real" jobs as janitor, security preacher, and "real" jobs as a a mechanic, mechanic, truck truck driver, driver, janitor, security guard, guard, preacher, and children's children's camp camp director.

This This is is my my wife wife on on her her way way into into town town for for the the farmer's farmer's market. market. She's She's taking taking everything bicycle and everything on on her her bicycle and trailer trailer to to save save gasoline gasoline and and get get some some exercise. exercise. The The trailer trailer was was originally originally aa child child carrier, carrier, but but she she modified modified it it to to haul haul cargo. cargo. It's It's about about 40 40 miles miles round round trip.

Everything Everything you you see see (table, (table, chair, chair, umbrella, umbrella, and and merchandise) merchandise) was was transported bicycle and boy at transported on on the the bicycle and trailer trailer (except (except for for the the boy at the the table!). table!). We We sold sold raspberry raspberry plants, plants, dried dried huckleberries, huckleberries, and and aa few few other other things things we'd we'd grown grown or or foraged foraged from from the the woods. woods. The possibilities for The Internet Internet has has opened opened up up possibilities for those those living living in in remote remote areas, areas, if if it's know aa man it's available. available. II know man who who "works" "works" in in California California yet yet lives lives in in aa lakeshore lakeshore cottage cottage in in Montana. Montana. He He commutes commutes once once aa month month by by plane plane to to the the jobsite, but jobsite, but everything everything else else is is done done at at home home in in front front of of his his computer computer screen. screen. We've We've made made money money selling selling items items on on Internet Internet marketing marketing sites sites like like eBay. eBay. We We peruse peruse yard yard sales sales and and thrift thrift stores stores for for bargains bargains we we can can resell resell and and make make aa profit profit on. on. II recently recently purchased purchased two two recurve recurve bows, bows, some some arrows, arrows, and and aa case case and and accessories accessories for for $40 $40 at at aa yard yard sale. sale. Two Two weeks weeks later, later, II sold sold one one of of the the bows bows for for $175 $175 on on eBay eBay and and kept kept the the rest rest of of the the items items for for my my own own use. use. However, be sure However, if if you're you're going going to to do do this, this, be sure you you know know the the value value and and marketability marketability of of what what you're you're buying, buying, and and don't don't use use cash cash you you cannot cannot afford afford to to lose. lose. One One of of our our sons sons makes makes extra extra money money housesitting housesitting for for people people on on vacation. vacation. He He has has earned earned aa good good reputation reputation that that has has spread, spread, so so people people now now call call him

directly. directly. We We know know others others who who work work as as wilderness wilderness survival survival instructors, instructors, hunting hunting guides, guides, taxi taxi and and shuttle shuttle drivers, drivers, wild-land wild-land firefighters, firefighters, snowplow snowplow operators, operators, auctioneers, auctioneers, greenhouse greenhouse owners, owners, rain rain gutter gutter installers, installers, foresters, foresters, and and heavy heavy equipment equipment owners/operators. owners/operators. Others Others are are Dumpster Dumpster divers divers who who restore restore other other people's people's "junk" "junk" and and resell resell it it at at yard yard sales, sales, and and who who salvage salvage aluminum, aluminum, copper, copper, and and other other materials materials for for its its scrap scrap value. value. Some Some do do seasonal seasonal work work picking picking and and selling selling mushrooms mushrooms in in the the spring spring and and huckleberries huckleberries in in the the summer; summer; selling selling produce produce at at farmer's farmer's markets markets in in the the spring, spring, summer, summer, and and fall; fall; and and selling selling Christmas Christmas trees trees in in the the winter. winter. Often jobs available Often there there are are part-time part-time and and temporary temporary jobs available in in government government service job service service or or with with private private firms firms and and individuals. individuals. Our Our state's state's job service site site has has special jobs. One special sections sections for for temporary temporary jobs. One example example is is during during the the potato potato harvest. people to harvest. The The farmers farmers hire hire people to sort, sort, sack, sack, and and ship ship potatoes potatoes at at harvest harvest time. know you're jobs time. If If you're you're aa good good worker, worker, let let people people know you're available available for for small small jobs in in the the area. area. A A lot lot of of people people need need help help for for aa few few hours hours on on aa particular particular project project and and will will call call you you if if you're you're aa good good worker worker and and available.

My While she My wife wife tunes tunes pianos pianos for for some some extra extra cash. cash. While she has has aa strong strong music music background, playa piano piano in background, you you don't don't even even need need to to know know how how to to playa in order order to to tune tune one. one. There There are are correspondence correspondence courses courses that that can can teach teach you you everything everything you you need need to to know, know, and and the the tools tools are are relatively relatively inexpensive. inexpensive. With With the the advent advent of of electronic electronic tuners, tuners, even even someone someone who who is is tone-deaf tone-deaf can can tune tune aa piano piano to to perfection. perfection. We build We know know some some folks folks who who do do chainsaw chainsaw carving carving and and others others who who build kayaks kayaks and and canoes canoes out out of of wood wood strips. strips. Another Another couple couple makes makes money money selling selling firewood. firewood. I've I've often often wondered wondered if if an an accountant accountant could could make make money money on on a a partparttime returns. It job in time basis basis doing doing tax tax returns. It would would be be an an ideal ideal homestead homestead job in this this area, area, because because tax tax time time comes comes at at aa slack slack season season for for us. us. It's It's still still too too cold cold and and snowy snowy to to plant plant the the garden garden or or do do much much else else outside, outside, so so why why not not bring bring in in a a little little income income in in the the warmth warmth of of your your cabin? cabin? If If you're you're contemplating contemplating aa homestead homestead lifestyle, lifestyle, it it helps helps to to be be versatile. versatile. The The best be rural, jobs can be best homestead homestead and and retreat retreat locations locations tend tend to to be rural, and and jobs can be

difficult places. The difficult if if not not impossible impossible to to find find in in these these places. The more more salable salable skills skills you you can can bring bring with with you, you, the the better better off off you'll you'll be. be. There There are are numerous numerous opportunities opportunities to to make make money money even even at at remote remote locations. problem is locations. The The problem is that that it it usually usually isn't isn't steady steady income, income, and and it it usually usually isn't isn't aa lot lot of of income income ... ... which which brings brings us us to to the the next next part. part.

“Mtn GUTTERS, INC 199+6390)

Our Our son son makes makes money money installing installing rain rain gutters. gutters. It It takes takes aa little little cash cash outlay outlay to to get built up get started, started, but but he's he's built up aa thriving thriving business business that's that's going going strong strong even even during during the the current current recession. recession. His His tips tips for for those those entering entering the the business: business: do do quality quality work, work, and and answer answer the the phone. phone. The The number number one one complaint complaint he he hears hears about about his his peers peers is is that that they they don't don't return return calls. calls. WAYS WAYS TO TO NEED NEED LESS LESS MONEY MONEY We've We've never never talked talked the the county county into into taking taking potatoes potatoes or or other other garden garden produce produce in in place place of of cash cash when when our our property property taxes taxes were were due, due, nor nor has has the the doctor doctor ever ever been been enthused enthused about about the the idea idea of of trading trading chickens chickens for for aa visit visit to to his his office, office, but but many many times times you'll you'll be be able able to to barter barter goods goods or or skills skills for for some some of of the

things We've traded things you you need. need. We've traded eggs eggs for for milk milk and and mechanical mechanical repairs repairs for for aa solar solar panel. panel. We've We've received received traps traps and and other other homestead homestead tools tools and and equipment equipment for We've traded for helping helping others others move. move. We've traded garden garden produce produce for for tires tires and and tires tires for for pigs. pigs. Barter remember are Barter is is alive alive and and well well in in the the countryside. countryside. Some Some things things to to remember are to to be be fair fair and and considerate considerate when when striking striking deals. deals. Don't Don't approach approach anyone anyone with with the pass off junk the attitude attitude that that your your stuff stuff is is gold gold and and theirs theirs is is garbage. garbage. Don't Don't pass off junk as as valuable. valuable. We've We've all all heard heard horse-trading horse-trading stories stories where where someone someone got got aa really really poor but the poor deal, deal, but the thing thing to to remember remember here here is is that that these these trades trades will will most most likely likely be be done done with with neighbors neighbors and and friends, friends, and and aa bad bad reputation reputation in in the the countryside countryside will will spread spread faster faster than than an an influenza influenza outbreak outbreak in in the the public public schools. schools. One One of of the the best best things things you you can can do do is is buy buy less less stuff! stuff! Review Review the the section section on on needs needs vs. vs. wants wants in in the the last last chapter chapter and and the the section section on on saving saving money money in in this this one. one. Remember: Remember: it's it's easier easier to to live live without without many many of of the the things things money money can can buy buy than than to to make make the the money money to to buy buy and and maintain maintain them. them. Engrave Engrave this this on on your your front refrigerator door, front door, door, the the fireplace fireplace mantle, mantle, the the refrigerator door, the the mirror, mirror, your your computer, computer, your your wife's wife's (or (or husband's!) husband's!) forehead-everything forehead-everything you you see. see. Most Most Americans Americans are are buried buried in in clutter. clutter. There There are are even even studies studies telling telling us us that that less less clutter clutter makes makes for for less less stress stress and and advising advising people people to to get get rid rid of of all all the the nonessentials nonessentials if if they they want want happiness happiness in in life. life. (Well, (Well, maybe maybe they they don't don't go go quite quite that that far!)

The people to The local local sawmill sawmill encourages encourages people to salvage salvage slabs slabs from from their their leftovers. leftovers. These parts of These are are the the round round parts of the the logs logs that that are are left left after after the the tree tree is is milled milled into into boards. We pick boards. We pick these these up up for for use use as as firewood firewood and and for for unique unique building building projects projects around around the the property. property. When When you you spend spend money, money, spend spend it it wisely. wisely. II remember remember seeing seeing an an advertisement advertisement in in aa tool tool salesman's salesman's truck truck that that said, said, "we'd "We'd rather rather explain explain our our price price than than apologize apologize for for the the quality." quality." There's There's aa lot lot of of wisdom wisdom in in that that statement. statement. Now, Now, II know know that that some some things things are are horribly horribly overpriced, overpriced, but but generally, pay for. generally, you you get get what what you you pay for. Yard purchased name-brand Yard sales sales and and thrift thrift stores stores are are your your friend. friend. I've I've purchased name-brand clothing, price when clothing, tools, tools, and and appliances appliances at at yard yard sales sales at at aa fraction fraction of of their their price when new. be sure buying and new. However, However, be sure you you know know what what you're you're buying and how how much much it's it's worth. worth. I've I've also also seen seen items items priced priced higher higher than than local local stores stores sold sold them them for for brand brand new. new. Be Be especially especially cautious cautious about about things things you'll you'll have have to to repair. repair. I've I've seen be aa good price, but but the seen ham ham radios radios at at what what seemed seemed to to be good price, the battery battery pack pack needed be replaced. bought new needed to to be replaced. By By the the time time you you bought new batteries, batteries, you you had had more

invested purchased new invested than than an an equivalent equivalent radio radio purchased new (battery (battery packs packs and and chargers chargers included). reason. included). Be Be cautious cautious buying buying rechargeable rechargeable tools tools for for the the same same reason.

We railing around We used used some some of of the the free free sawmill sawmill slabs slabs to to make make the the railing around our our front front porch. porch. Take Take care care of of what what you've you've got. got. Perform Perform scheduled scheduled maintenance maintenance on on schedule! We had schedule! Fix Fix minor minor problems problems before before they they become become major major issues. issues. We had aa neighbor neighbor tell tell us us that that Briggs Briggs & & Stratton Stratton generators generators lasted lasted aa lot lot longer longer if if you you changed changed the the oil oil twice twice as as often often than than the the manufacturer manufacturer recommended. recommended. He He was was right. right. Clean Clean your your tools tools and and store store them them in in their their proper proper places places when when you're you're finished really hurts finished using using them. them. When When you're you're short short on on cash, cash, it it really hurts to to have have to to replace broke because When replace something something you you lost lost or or broke because of of carelessness carelessness or or abuse. abuse. When you replaced and you use use tools tools or or equipment, equipment, pretend pretend it it can can never never be be replaced and treat treat it it accordingly. be true! accordingly. Someday Someday it it may may be true! Take Take care care of of yourself. yourself. Many Many if if not not most most of of the the illnesses illnesses people people seek seek treatment prevented through proper diet treatment for for could could have have been been prevented through proper diet and and exercise,

not being safety not smoking smoking or or drinking drinking excessively, excessively, less less stressful stressful living, living, or or being safety conscious. conscious. One be One of of the the benefits benefits of of the the homestead homestead lifestyle lifestyle is is that that you'll you'll probably probably be more more active active and and eat eat healthier healthier than than you you used used to. to. Not Not only only can can you you avoid avoid many many of of the the chemicals chemicals and and preservatives preservatives found found in in food food sold sold in in stores, stores, your your food food will will be be fresher, fresher, tastier, tastier, and and healthier. healthier. Plus Plus the the homestead homestead lifestyle lifestyle is is an an active active lifestyle. lifestyle. Gardening, Gardening, woodcutting, woodcutting, construction construction projects, projects, foraging, foraging, and and the the dozens dozens of of other other tasks tasks you you engage engage in in will will keep keep you you bending, bending, stretching, stretching, sweating, sweating, and and working working as as aa natural natural part part of of life. life. You You can can cancel cancel that that membership membership in in the the health health club club and and save save both both money money and and time time while while still still enjoying enjoying good good health health and and flexibility. flexibility. There There are are some some cautions cautions also. also. You'll You'll be be working working with with tools tools and and in in situations situations that that can can destroy destroy your your health health and and life life in in aa heartbeat heartbeat if if you you aren't aren't careful. broken wrist careful. Some Some of of the the things things we've we've had had happen happen include include aa broken wrist in in aa horse horse accident accident (my (my wife), wife), broken broken ribs ribs in in motorcycle motorcycle accidents accidents (both (both of of us us on on different different occasions), occasions), ribs ribs rebroken rebroken in in aa slip slip on on the the ice ice (me(me- hurts hurts aa lot lot more more the the second second time!), time!), and and 13 13 stitches stitches from from an an accident accident with with a a hatchet hatchet (me, (me, and and that row that was was after after II sternly sternly lectured lectured the the kids kids on on axe axe safety!). safety!). My My wife wife had had aa row of been very of stacked stacked firewood firewood fall fall on on her her once once that that could could have have been very serious, serious, and and aa neighbor just the neighbor broke broke his his wrist wrist on on our our trampoline. trampoline. And And that's that's just the short short list! list! Granted, Granted, not not all all are are related related specifically specifically to to homestead homestead life, life, but but it's it's far far safer safer to to play play video video games games at at the the computer computer than than to to engage engage in in the the outdoor outdoor activities activities commonly commonly found found on on the the homestead. homestead. The The moral moral here? here? Be Be careful; careful; it'll it'll save save you you aa pile pile of of money.

A A slip slip with with aa hatchet hatchet while while notching notching aa log log resulted resulted in in aa trip trip to to the the doctor's doctor's office keep aa stash office on on Saturday Saturday morning. morning. Always Always try try to to keep stash of of cash cash on on hand hand for for emergencies. emergencies. We We try try to to keep keep aa hundred hundred dollars dollars or or so so available. available. We We are are fortunate fortunate that that our our doctors doctors will will come come to to the the office office for for minor minor weekend weekend emergencies. emergencies. Otherwise Otherwise it it would would have have been been 65 65 miles miles to to the the nearest nearest emergency room and emergency room and aa much much greater greater expense. expense. Now, Now, here's here's the the disclaimer. disclaimer. Don't Don't become become so so frugal frugal that that life life is is no no longer longer aa joy. We joy. We sometimes sometimes take take long long vacations vacations to to aa warmer warmer climate climate in in winter. winter. We We occasionally We go occasionally go go out out to to eat eat or or take take in in aa movie. movie. We go fishing, fishing, kayaking, kayaking, backpacking, bicycling for backpacking, snowmobiling, snowmobiling, skiing, skiing, and and bicycling for fun. fun. When When we we do do these these things, things, we we still still remember remember to to keep keep the the cost cost low. low. When When we we head head south, south, we we take take aa tent tent or or our our U-Haul U-Haul truck truck converted converted into into aa motor motor home. home. We We bring bring food food from from home home and and prepare prepare it it ourselves, ourselves, camp camp where where it's it's free, free, and and generally generally do do things things on on the the cheap. cheap. Gasoline Gasoline is is about about the the only only extra extra expense expense beyond beyond what We take what it it costs costs to to stay stay home. home. We take home-dried home-dried food food when when backpacking, backpacking, bicycling, bicycling, and and on on other other activities. activities. Having Having fun fun doesn't doesn't have have to to cost cost aa fortune.

a,

®«

° ®ee0e00

2

a?

o*

mantra mantra of of real real estate estate agents agents is is "location, "location, location, location, location!" location!" Now, Now, while part of while location location is is aa part of the the picture, picture, it it isn't isn't your your only, only, or or even even most most important, people have important, concern. concern. Let's Let's face face it, it, people have adapted adapted to to every every climate climate and and land known to land mass mass known to man. man. For For most most of of the the earth's earth's history, history, they they did did so so without without electricity, electricity, super super insulated insulated housing, housing, or or central central heat heat and and air air conditioning. conditioning. Additionally, Additionally, you you aren't aren't aa land land speculator speculator with with the the intention intention of of gleaning gleaning huge huge profits profits aa few few years years down down the the road. road. What What you you need need is is something something in in your your price price range range that that you you can can use use to to provide provide for for your your needs. needs. With With that that in in mind, mind, there there are are some some things things you you need need to to think think through. through. DECIDE WHAT YOU DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT WANT Finding recognize is Finding affordable affordable land land can can be be aa challenge. challenge. The The first first thing thing to to recognize is that that cheap cheap land land is is cheap cheap for for aa reason-or reason-or aa lot lot of of reasons! reasons! Usually Usually it's it's remote;

jobs may be difficult jobs may be difficult to to find find or or nonexistent; nonexistent; it it will will probably probably be be lacking lacking in in amenities amenities such such as as water, water, sewer, sewer, and and electricity; electricity; roads roads and/or and/or access access may may be be seasonal seasonal or or by by four-wheel four-wheel drive drive only; only; or or it it may may be be in in such such undesirable undesirable locations locations as as deserts, deserts, mountains, mountains, or or swamps. swamps. In In short, short, it's it's going going to to be be aa challenge challenge to to live live there. there. However, be had However, there there are are still still bargains bargains to to be had and, and, in in the the current current housing housing market What you market meltdown, meltdown, there there may may be be more more in in the the future. future. What you need need to to do do before before you you even even begin begin considering considering land land is is to to decide decide what what you you consider consider to to be be essential essential and and what what is is negotiable. negotiable. Again, Again, be be realistic. realistic. Don't Don't get get dreamy dreamy eyed eyed believing believing "everything "everything will will work work out job or out in in the the end" end" If If you you can't can't find find aa job or make make money money from from home, home, you're you're going going to to be be faced faced with with some some harsh harsh options. options. You You may may have have to to temporarily temporarily work work out out of of state, state, as as some some do do in in our our area, area, or or you you may may have have to to dip dip into into retirement retirement savings. savings. If If you're you're going going to to hate hate the the climate climate or or the the people people living living there, there, find find someplace someplace else. else. If If on-site on-site water water is is nonnegotiable, nonnegotiable, don't don't buy buy property property without without it. it. If If you you have have aa minimum minimum acreage acreage requirement, requirement, stick stick with with it. it. If If you you have have aa maximum maximum price, price, don't don't go go beyond beyond it. it. If If you you plan plan on on utilizing utilizing solar solar power, power, don't don't buy buy land land on on aa north-facing north-facing mountainside. mountainside. Don't Don't start start your your new new life life on on aa shaky shaky foundation. foundation. That That being being said, said, at at least least take take aa look look at at alternatives. alternatives. Many Many people people think think that that aa homestead homestead or or retreat retreat must must be be remote, remote, inaccessible, inaccessible, and and at at least least 10 10 acres acres or or more. be the best option, but there's more. In In some some cases cases that that might might be the best option, but there's aa lot lot to to be be said said for bad times. for living living in in aa small small town town even even in in bad times. You'll You'll have have neighbors neighbors to to work work with with and and the the security security of of numbers numbers if if you you work work it it right. right. There There are are numerous numerous examples examples of of people people growing growing almost almost all all of of their their food food on on small small lots lots in in cities. cities. You'll You'll be be able able to to trade trade and and barter barter goods goods and and services services with with your your neighbors. neighbors. You You can can pool pool resources resources and and draw draw from from the the talents talents and and skills skills of of those those around around you. you. Going Going it it alone alone has has aa whole whole set set of of problems problems to to be be wary wary of. of. Security Security can can be be aa real real issue issue when when you're you're alone alone or or your your numbers numbers are are small. small. Standing Standing watch watch takes jobs are takes valuable valuable time time and and energy energy at at the the expense expense of of other other tasks. tasks. Many Many jobs are easier easier with with help help or or even even impossible impossible without without it! it! When When illness illness or or accidents accidents strike, strike, you'll you'll need need someone someone around around to to nurse nurse the the sick sick or or perform perform essential

duties. duties. Remember, Remember, in in tribal tribal cultures, cultures, banishment banishment from from the the tribe tribe was was often often a a death be your death sentence. sentence. People People can can be your friends friends and and allies allies instead instead of of enemies enemies to to avoid avoid or or defeat. defeat. II can can think think of of aa lot lot of of small small towns towns that that would would be be aa great great place bad. Even best to reliable place to to live live if if things things got got bad. Even in in rural rural areas, areas, it's it's best to have have reliable neighbors neighbors at at your your side. side.

Cheap Cheap land land is is often often remote, remote, with with very very poor, poor, often often seasonal seasonal roads. roads. Think Think carefully carefully about about finding finding (and (and getting getting to!) to!) work, work, repairing repairing and and replacing replacing vehicles vehicles more more often, often, the the amount amount of of time time it it will will take take to to get get emergency emergency medical kids to medical or or law law enforcement enforcement assistance, assistance, transporting transporting your your kids to and and from from school, school, and and the the time time and and expense expense involved involved to to get get groceries groceries and and attend attend church, church, school, school, and and community community functions. functions. Do Do your your homework homework before before putting putting any any money money down. down. If remember that If you're you're thinking thinking of of homesteading, homesteading, remember that you you don't don't need need aa lot lot of of land land to to take take care care of of your your needs. needs. This This is is especially especially so so in in areas areas where where the the climate climate is is mild mild and and growing growing seasons seasons are are favorable. favorable. II once once had had aa home home on on three three acres acres in in aa small small farming farming community community in in Kansas. Kansas. The The neighbors neighbors were were great. great. Our Our growing growing season season was was long. long. II had had aa hand-drilled hand-drilled well well with with aa shallow shallow well well pump pump to to water water the the garden. garden. II had had permission permission to to hunt, hunt, trap, trap, fish, fish, and and camp camp on by local on thousands thousands of of acres acres of of private private land land owned owned by local farmers. farmers. II worked worked out

of of my my garage garage repairing repairing trucks, trucks, cars, cars, and and farm farm equipment. equipment. It It was was aa great great place place to just got being sick to live-except live-except for for my my allergies. allergies. II just got tired tired of of being sick all all the the time time and and finally finally headed headed for for aa more more allergy allergy friendly friendly environment. environment. Where Where we we live live in in northwestern northwestern Montana Montana is is not not the the ideal ideal place place for for aa wilderness wilderness homestead homestead or or retreat. retreat. Our Our growing growing season season is is short. short. Winter Winter (and (and the people and the need need for for heat) heat) is is long. long. Food Food for for people and livestock livestock must must be be grown grown and and stored stored for for the the long long winters. winters. Game Game is is relatively relatively sparse sparse and and difficult difficult to to hunt hunt compared pasture aa cow compared with with many many places, places, and and it it takes takes aa lot lot of of land land to to pasture cow or or horse. horse. Predators Predators such such as as weasels, weasels, skunks, skunks, hawks, hawks, eagles, eagles, coyotes, coyotes, wolves, wolves, mountain mountain lions, lions, bobcats, bobcats, and and black black and and grizzly grizzly bears bears put put small small animals animals and and livestock livestock (and (and sometimes sometimes people) people) at at risk. risk. These These difficulties difficulties can can be be overcome, overcome, but but it it takes takes more more work work to to provide provide for for yourself yourself than than it it would would in in places places more more friendly friendly toward toward survival. survival. FINDING FINDING PROPERTY PROPERTY If If you're you're looking looking for for cheap cheap land, land, don't don't expect expect Realtors Realtors to to fight fight for for your your business. business. In In our our experience, experience, they'll they'll first first try try to to talk talk you you into into something something more more expensive. expensive. If If they they can't can't do do that, that, they'll they'll give give you you directions directions to to locations locations that that might might meet meet your your desires desires and and then then expect expect you you to to find find it it on on your your own. own. II can't can't blame blame them them to to aa degree. degree. They They work work on on commission, commission, and and the the profits profits from from cheap cheap land land won't won't go go far far toward toward purchasing purchasing gasoline gasoline at at today's today's prices. prices. And, And, like like II said said earlier, earlier, cheap cheap land land is is usually usually remote remote and and access access can can be be difficult. difficult. One One piece piece of of advice, advice, though: though: get get aa good good map map of of the the area area and and have have them them trace trace the the route route on on the the map map before before you you leave leave their their office. office. It It will will also also help help if if they they have have GPS GPS coordinates coordinates (assuming (assuming you you have have aa GPS). GPS). We We found found our our 20-acre 20-acre parcel parcel when when we we looked looked at at an an adjacent adjacent five-acre five-acre piece piece of of property property listed listed by by aa Realtor. Realtor. His His directions directions were were so so poor poor it it took took three three trips trips to to locate locate the the property. property. While While there, there, we we noticed noticed that that the the land land across across the the road road looked looked like like it it had had been been abandoned abandoned for for years, years, so so we we decided decided to to locate locate the the owner owner and and make make him him an an offer. offer. We We visited visited the the plat plat room room at at the the county county courthouse courthouse to to determine determine ownership, ownership, then then obtained obtained an an address address from from the the tax tax assessor's records (it's public information). assessor's records (it's all all public information). After After that, that, we we wrote wrote the the owner owner aa letter letter asking asking him him if if he he was was interested interested in in selling. selling. AA week week later later he he responded responded saying saying to to make make an an offer. offer. We We did did aa little little research research on on land land values, values, added added about

10 10 percent, percent, and and shot shot back back aa proposal proposal to to buy buy the the land land on on aa five-year, five-year, nonointerest, interest, no-down-payment no-down-payment contract. contract. He He made made aa counteroffer, counteroffer, which which we we accepted, accepted, and and the the deal deal was was done. done. The The lesson lesson here here is is that that you you have have nothing nothing to to lose lose in in trying trying some some unconventional unconventional methods. methods. The The landowner landowner wasn't wasn't desperate desperate to to sell sell or or he'd he'd have have had had the the land land on on the the market, market, but but he he wasn't wasn't against against selling selling it it either. either. There There are are others but you're others out out there there who'd who'd be be open open to to the the same same type type of of deal deal we we made, made, but you're going going to to have have to to find find them. them. In places to In addition addition to to real real estate estate websites, websites, eBay eBay and and Craigslist Craigslist are are good good places to search search for for land land on on the the Internet. Internet. Once Once you're you're on on the the sites, sites, you'll you'll have have to to enter enter data data relevant relevant to to your your search, search, such such as as desired desired location, location, type type of of property property (residential, (residential, rural, rural, commercial, commercial, etc.), etc.), with with or or without without dwellings, dwellings, and and price price range. range. There There will will be be lots lots of of options options to to choose choose from, from, so so narrow narrow them them down down to to the the most most desirable desirable and and check check those those first. first. Once Once you you have have results, results, read read the the listings bid price listings carefully. carefully. Sometimes Sometimes the the posted posted or or bid price covers covers only only the the down down payment. payment. If If you you have have an an area area in in mind, mind, drive drive around around aa bit bit and and look look for for land land you you might might be be interested interested in. in. If If you you see see something something that that catches catches your your eye, eye, find find out out who who owns owns it it (ask (ask someone someone living living nearby nearby or or visit visit the the county county plat plat room). room). Next, Next, contact contact the the owner owner and and ask ask them them if if they're they're interested interested in in selling. selling. If If they they say say no, no, then then ask ask if if they're they're aware aware of of any any land land in in the the area area that that might might be be for for sale. sale. Remember, Remember, you you have have nothing nothing to to lose lose by by inquiring. inquiring. If If you're you're not not familiar familiar with with aa plat plat room, room, check check the the county county courthouse courthouse in in the the same same county county the the land land is room. is in in and and ask ask the the clerk clerk at at the the information information desk desk how how to to find find the the plat plat room. Once room where keeps large Once there, there, you'll you'll be be directed directed to to aa room where the the county county keeps large scale scale maps maps of of the the county county with with each each parcel parcel listed listed by by number. number. Find Find the the numbers numbers corresponding corresponding to to the the parcel parcel you're you're interested interested in. in. From From there, there, go go to to the the records records of of ownership ownership (probably (probably in in the the same same room) room) to to learn learn the the name name of of the the current current owner. owner. Take Take the the numbers numbers identifying identifying the the parcel parcel of of land land along along with with the the name name of of the the current current owner owner to to the the tax tax assessor's assessor's office, office, and and they'll they'll give give you you the the contact contact information information for for the the owner. owner. From From that, that, you you can can obtain obtain an

address phone number address or or aa phone number and and write write them them a a letter letter or or call call them them to to make make an an offer. offer. We've We've always always found found the the county county employees employees very very helpful, helpful, although although if if you you go just give go in in with with aa long long list list of of properties, properties, they'll they'll probably probably just give you you aa lesson lesson on on finding regular duties. finding things things yourself yourself so so they they can can take take care care of of their their regular duties. The The information information is is also also available available online. online. Call Call the the county county or or aa local local Realtor Realtor and and they be kind they should should be be able able to to give give you you the the web web address address for for your your state. state. It It can can be kind of know what of fun fun once once you you know what you're you're doing. doing. You You can can find find out out who who owns owns any any piece piece of of land, land, along along with with records records of of ownership ownership dating dating back back aa hundred hundred years years or or more. more. There There is is also also free free land land available. available. It It may may take take some some searching searching to to find, find, but but many many cities cities and and counties counties offer offer free free home home lots lots or or commercial commercial land land to to qualified qualified individuals. individuals. These These are are usually usually residential residential or or business business lots lots in in small small towns towns that that have have been been losing losing population. population. Some Some will will be be bedroom bedroom communities communities where where most most of of the the people people commute commute to to work work someplace someplace else. else. There There will will be be restrictions restrictions and and expectations expectations to to fulfill, fulfill, so so check check them them out out carefully. carefully. In In most most cases, cases, they're they're trying trying to to build build up up their their population population and and tax tax base, base, so so you'll you'll probably build aa home probably be be required required to to build home and and live live there. there. Many Many of of these these places places are are within within commuting commuting distance distance of of larger larger towns, towns, where where work work may may be be available. available. If If the the land land is is free free and and you you build build aa modest modest home, home, you you could could be be living living mortgage mortgage free free or or at at least least be be able able to to pay pay the the loan loan off off quickly. quickly. This This may may be people. As be aa good good option option for for some some people. As noted noted above, above, small small towns towns can can be be very very good good places places to to live. live. Contacting Contacting banks banks for for properties properties that that have have been been foreclosed foreclosed on on might might be be an an option, option, although although if if you you can can find find aa real real estate estate agent agent specializing specializing in in such such sales, sales, you you can can save save aa lot lot of of time. time. Contacting Contacting the the county county sheriff's sheriff's department department for for land being sold both of land being sold for for delinquent delinquent taxes taxes is is another another option. option. In In both of these these examples, examples, you'll you'll need need to to know know the the rights rights of of the the seller seller as as well well as as your your own. own. In In many many sales sales such such as as these, these, the the former former property property owner owner has has aa time time period period in in which redeem the which they they can can redeem the property property (i.e., (i.e., buy buy it it back), back), so so you you may may not not receive redemption receive aa clear Clear title title on on the the land land for for one one or or more more years years until until the the redemption period be period expires. expires. Be Be cautious cautious about about this this option, option, though. though. Neighbors Neighbors could could be quite bought land quite hostile hostile if if you you bought land that that belonged belonged to to aa friend friend or or relative.

If If you're you're looking looking for for land land close close to to where where you you live, live, check check the the local local newspapers newspapers and and bulletin bulletin boards boards for for properties. properties. Many Many small small towns towns have have public public bulletin bulletin boards boards at at stores stores and and community community centers. centers. Local Local people people often often post post notices notices there there selling selling everything everything from from services services and and vehicles vehicles to to pets pets and and land. land. If job situation If your your job situation is is in in flux, flux, you you might might want want to to move move to to an an area area you're you're interested job, and interested in, in, get get aa job, and rent rent aa place place to to live live for for awhile. awhile. It It will will give give you you aa chance chance to to get get to to know know people people and and the the climate. climate. Ask Ask those those you you meet meet if if they they know know of of any any land land for for sale sale in in your your price price range. range. Check Check out out schools, schools, libraries, libraries, churches, churches, police police departments, departments, and and shopping shopping opportunities. opportunities. Go Go to to the the library library or both current or newspaper newspaper office office and and read read both current and and back back issues issues of of the the local local paper. paper. Spend Spend some some time time in in the the coffee coffee shops shops or or restaurants restaurants and and listen listen in in on on conversations. conversations. Be Be especially especially aware aware of of local local political political leanings leanings and and the the attitudes attitudes of of people people toward toward newcomers. newcomers. (More (More on on that that in in chapter chapter 17.) 17.) Check Check the the phone phone books books to to see see if if half half the the last last names names are are the the same. same. (Don't (Don't laugh! laugh! I've I've seen seen small small towns towns where where two two or or three three families families dominated dominated almost almost everything!) everything!) Check Check out out the the churches churches as as well, well, and and for for the the same same reason. reason. It It will will give give you you aa feel before you feel for for the the community community before you make make aa commitment commitment to to purchase purchase land. land. You You might might also also want want to to consider consider running running ads ads in in the the local local newspapers newspapers in in areas areas you you find find desirable. desirable. Just Just run run aa small small ad ad in in the the real real estate estate section section stating stating what what you're you're looking looking for for and and specify specify that that only only those those who who can can meet meet that that criteria region. criteria contact contact you. you. Do Do the the same same with with Craigslist Craigslist for for the the region. Some Some survival/preparedness survival/preparedness websites websites have have real real estate estate listings. listings. The The last last time time II checked checked the the Rawles Rawles site site at at http://survivalblog.com, http://survivalblog.com, he he had had real real estate estate listings listings with with land land in in various various parts parts of of the the country. country. Don't Don't forget forget magazines magazines aimed preparedness. Most aimed at at self-sufficiency self-sufficiency or or preparedness. Most of of them them have have websites websites with with ads ads accessible accessible to to the the public. public. Check Check hunting hunting and and fishing fishing magazines magazines as as well. well. They'll They'll have have hunting hunting or or fishing fishing properties properties or or "camps" "camps" listed, listed, and and many many of of those those would would also also make make good good homestead homestead or or retreat retreat locations. locations. Other Other options options include include magazines magazines catering catering to to outdoor outdoor pursuits, pursuits, like like Backpacker Backpacker or or Backcountry. Backcountry. Go Go to to your your nearest nearest magazine magazine retailer retailer or or library library and and look look through through all all these these publications. publications. If If you you find find one one that that has has sections sections advertising advertising land land that's that's suitable suitable for for homesteading, homesteading, write write down down its its name. name. Now Now find find it

online. online. That That way way you you may may be be able able to to look look over over back back issues issues for for old old real real estate estate ads. ads. I'd I'd be be willing willing to to bet bet that that many many of of those those properties properties are are still still on on the the market. market. Be payment" II can't Be cautious cautious about about ads ads listing listing "XX "XX acres acres with with low low down down payment" can't speak speak for for all all of of them, them, but but some some of of those those I've I've looked looked at at were were very very remote, remote, windswept windswept acres acres with with poor poor access. access. None None had had water water available, available, and and it it would would take just to take aa person person at at least least an an hour hour just to reach reach the the nearest nearest improved improved road road from from most most of of them. them. They They might might make make aa decent decent retreat retreat location location if if you you can can get get water water and place you'd and grow grow food food on on them, them, but but be be careful careful here. here. Be Be sure sure it's it's aa place you'd like like to to spend spend the the rest rest of of your your life life if if it it comes comes to to that. that. Disregard Disregard promises promises from from the the Realtor Realtor about about road road improvements improvements he'll he'll make make (he (he might might declare declare bankruptcy bankruptcy after bag) or after selling selling aa few few parcels parcels and and leave leave you you and and the the bank bank holding holding the the bag) or glowing prognostications about glowing prognostications about some some future future "homeowners "homeowners association" association" that's that's going going to to make make improvements improvements when when more more people people buy buy land. land. Generally, Generally, what what you you see see is is what what you you get. get. Be being shown Be absolutely absolutely sure sure that that the the land land you're you're being shown is is the the land land you're you're purchasing. purchasing. II had had one one Realtor Realtor show show me me a a parcel parcel II was was considering considering on on the the map map he he was was holding, holding, but but the the map map had had contour contour lines lines stacked stacked upon upon each each other other and and the the land land we we were were on on was was flat flat as as aa pancake. pancake. II was was sure sure the the lot lot on on the the map map was was the the one one next next to to the the lot lot we we were were standing standing on, on, but but he he insisted insisted II was was wrong. wrong. The been surveyed The lots lots hadn't hadn't even even been surveyed yet! yet! II asked asked him him if if II would would get get my my money money back back if if he he was was wrong, wrong, and and he he replied replied they they didn't didn't make make refunds refunds but but they parcel if they would would apply apply the the down down payment payment to to aa different different parcel if it it came came to to that. that. II said said no no thanks, thanks, call call me me back back when when you you get get it it surveyed. surveyed. II never never heard heard from from him him again. again. II drove drove by by that that area area several several years years later later and and there there wasn't wasn't aa habitation habitation of of any any kind kind on on the the entire entire 640-acre 640-acre section section of of land. land. In In another another instance, instance, here here in in our our area, area, an an out-ofout-of- state state purchaser purchaser came came to to look look at at land. land. After After he he went went back back home, home, he he closed closed the the deal deal on on one one of of the the parcels by mail parcels by mail with with the the Realtor. Realtor. However, However, when when he he moved moved a a year year or or so so later, later, he he learned learned that that the the parcel parcel he he was was sold sold was was not not the the one one he he wanted. wanted. Whether Whether he he messed messed up up or or the the Realtor Realtor did did is is for for the the courts courts to to decide. decide. In In the the end end he he accepted accepted the the lot lot he he actually actually purchased, purchased, even even though though it it wasn't wasn't the the one one he he wanted. wanted. It It would would have have been been too too much much hassle hassle and and expense expense to to straighten straighten things things out, out, and and he he would would have have been been homeless homeless while while the the case case went went through through the the court

system. system. It It was was aa hard hard lesson. lesson. Be Be sure sure that that you you have have the the exact exact lot lot location location and and specifications specifications when when you you close. close.

Fu Bevviee Fut Yves

~

297-7253

Be Be creative. creative. We We originally originally looked looked at at the the land land for for sale sale behind behind this this sign. sign. While While there there we we noticed noticed the the vacant vacant property property on on the the other other side side of of the the road. road. We We located located and and contacted contacted the the owner owner and and purchased purchased it it on on aa five-year five-year contract contract with with no no money money down down and and no no interest. interest. Sometimes Sometimes the the best best deals deals are are not not the the obvious obvious ones. ones. Have before purchasing, Have a a title title search search done done before purchasing, and and make make sure sure you you have have clear clear title title to to the the land. land. Get Get everything everything in in writing. writing. It It should should go go without without saying saying that that you you NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, buy buy land land without without seeing seeing it it first. first. COVENANTS COVENANTS AND AND RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS Assume Assume nothing nothing regarding regarding covenants covenants and and restrictions. restrictions. II looked looked at at land land that that had restrictive covenants regarding livestock, had some some restrictive covenants regarding livestock, yet yet one one of of the the landowners landowners had had horses horses in in aa corral corral next next to to his his cabin.

II asked asked the the Realtor Realtor about about it, it, and and he he shrugged shrugged his his shoulders shoulders and and said said evidently evidently the the neighbors neighbors didn't didn't mind. mind. II asked asked him him if if it it would would be be okay okay to to have have horses, horses, and and he he said said it it was was probably probably okay okay as as long long as as no no one one complained. complained. The The thing thing is, is, though, though, that that the the horse horse owner owner would would have have no no legal legal leg leg to to stand stand on on the the first first time time someone someone complained complained about about his his animals. animals. He He purchased purchased the the property property with with the the covenants covenants in in place, place, and and he he is is legally legally bound bound to to obey obey them. them. All All it it would would take take is is one one complaint complaint from from an an angry angry or or new new neighbor neighbor and and he'd he'd have have to to find find aa new new home home for for his his animals animals (or (or himself). himself). If If it's it's in in your your purchase purchase agreement, agreement, aa county county ordinance, ordinance, or or state state or or federal federal law, law, you you are are bound bound by by it. it. If If it's it's something something you you can't can't accept, accept, then then don't don't purchase purchase the the land. land. Make Make a a list list of of things things you you might might want want to to do do to to make make aa living living or or live live your your life life and and find find out out if if there there are are any any laws laws pertaining pertaining to to those those activities. activities. Check Check with with the the county county for for laws laws on on road road maintenance, maintenance, livestock, livestock, pets, pets, and and target target shooting junk vehicles shooting and and hunting. hunting. Look Look for for restrictions restrictions on on junk vehicles or or "unsightly "unsightly trash" trash" Check Check on on regulations regulations regarding regarding building building permits permits and and how how they they apply apply to to homes, homes, outbuildings, outbuildings, and and fences. fences. What What are are the the rules rules regulating regulating septic septic systems, systems, wells, wells, water water rights, rights, and and irrigation irrigation rights? rights? Are Are there there ordnances ordnances pertaining pertaining to to home home business business operations operations and and related related matters matters like like signs signs and and parking? parking? What What about about selling selling produce produce or or home-produced home-produced goods? goods? Do Do you you need need aa special jams or jellies? special license license to to make make and and sell sell food food such such as as jams or jellies? Septic Septic and and water water are are two two big big issues issues in in some some rural rural areas. areas. Some Some places, places, for for example, example, don't don't allow allow pit pit toilets toilets or or even even composting composting toilets. toilets. In In aa neighboring neighboring county, county, the the commissioners commissioners recently recently decided decided that that all all septic septic systems systems must must have have aa pressurized pressurized drain drain field field system. system. That That means means that that instead instead of of aa gravity gravity flow flow from from your your septic septic tank tank to to your your drain drain field, field, you you have have to to pump pump the the sewage sewage under but under pressure pressure to to the the leach leach lines. lines. This This isn't isn't aa big big deal deal if if you you live live on on grid, grid, but many many people people around around here here live live off-grid, off-grid, and and the the system system requirements requirements mean mean that that they they must must either either greatly greatly expand expand their their off-grid off-grid systems systems or or use use aa generator generator to to run run the the sewage sewage pumps. pumps. Find Find out out about about these these things things before before you you purchase purchase the the land. land. Find Find out out what what the the laws laws are are regarding regarding utility utility easements. easements. Do Do you you have have control run the be control over over where where they they run the lines lines across across your your property? property? Can Can you you be

charged charged for for installation installation costs costs for for lines lines crossing crossing your your property property to to neighboring neighboring properties? properties? Find Find out out who who owns owns such such things things as as mineral, mineral, timber, timber, and and water water rights. rights. How How will will these these affect affect you? you? If If you you are are obtaining obtaining financing, financing, see see if if you you are are allowed allowed to to cut cut timber timber for for your your own own use use or or for for sale. sale. Many Many who who offer offer owner owner financing financing do be harvested do not not allow allow timber timber to to be harvested for for sale sale until until after after the the property property is is paid paid for. because some bought land for. The The reason reason is is because some people people have have bought land with with aa low low down down payment, payment, then then sold sold the the timber timber and and defaulted defaulted on on the the loan. loan. The The owner owner is is left left with be with a a virtual virtual wasteland wasteland for for the the next next 20 20 or or more more years. years. On On the the same same note, note, be sure sure that that no no one one else else can can sell sell the the timber timber on on your your land land once once you you close close the the deal. deal. Access rights and Access can can be be another another problem. problem. Find Find out out what what your your rights and responsibilities responsibilities are. are. How How is is your your access access guaranteed guaranteed across across neighboring neighboring properties properties to to yours? yours? What What about about landowner landowner access access to to properties properties beyond beyond yours? be aa yours? Is Is there there aa road road running running through through your your land? land? Is Is it it going going to to be problem? problem? Think Think of of the the future future here. here. Right Right now now the the only only homes homes beyond beyond yours yours may may be be vacation vacation homes homes occupied occupied aa couple couple of of times times aa year, year, but but what what happens happens if if they're they're sold sold to to someone someone with with teenage teenage kids kids who who are are in in and and out out 20 20 times times aa day, day, driving driving fast fast and and stirring stirring up up clouds clouds of of dust dust and and endangering endangering your your pets, pets, children, children, or or livestock? livestock? Can Can you you move move the the road road without without their their permission? permission? If If so, so, who who pays pays for for it? it? Can Can other other landowners landowners move move the the road road to to your your property? property? What road width responsibility is What about about road width and and condition? condition? Whose Whose responsibility is it it to to maintain maintain the the road? road? Are Are you you required required to to maintain maintain the the road road to to specific specific standards? standards? What What about about the the road road into into your your property? property? Who Who maintains maintains it?

Many parcels of just need Many parcels of cheap cheap land land have have old old buildings buildings on on them. them. Some Some just need to to be be burned burned to to the the ground. ground. Others Others can can be be used used for for storage storage as as long long as as they're they're waterwater- and and pack pack ratrat- proof. proof.

When be doing When you're you're looking looking for for cheap cheap land, land, be be aware aware that that you'll you'll probably probably be doing aa lot before lot of of building building or or renovating. renovating. Find Find out out what's what's included included in in the the deal deal before putting putting your your money money down. down. Do Do not not assume assume that that such such systems systems as as wells, wells, septic, septic, and rented aa place and power power are are functional. functional. II once once rented place that that was was six six miles miles beyond beyond the the last pole. The power lines last power power pole. The house house was was wired wired for for electricity, electricity, but but the the power lines had had been been removed removed 20 20 years years earlier. earlier. Access public land Access can can be be aa critical critical issue issue if if you you must must cross cross public land to to get get to to your your property. property. Make Make absolutely absolutely sure sure you you have have legal legal access. access. Dealing Dealing with with the the government government on on this this issue issue is is not not fun. fun. They They may may have have more more laws laws and and restrictions restrictions than than you you can can imagine. imagine. It's It's possible possible you'll you'll need need to to have have an an environmental environmental impact impact statement statement submitted submitted and and approved approved to to do do even even minor minor repairs road. Be repairs or or changes changes to to aa public public road. Be clear clear about about who who maintains maintains the the road. road. Will Will you you be be allowed allowed to to make make improvements improvements if if the the government government won't? won't? We've We've been been through through this this locally. locally. A A section section of of our our road road goes goes through through national national forest forest land. land. You You need need permits permits from from the the U.S. U.S. Forest Forest Service Service to to even even grade grade the the road. road. It It might might be be an an issue issue you'll you'll have have to to deal deal with. with.

Sometimes Sometimes it it pays pays to to buy buy aa cheap cheap camper camper or or motor motor home home to to live live in in while while you you build build your your house. house. You'll You'll get get more more work work done done after after aa good good night's night's sleep, sleep, and

most most come come with with a a bathroom, bathroom, shower, shower, refrigerator, refrigerator, and and cookstove. cookstove. When When the the house house is is finished, finished, sell sell it it or or use use it it for for its its intended intended purposepurpose- cam cam ping! ping! Learn Learn what what laws laws apply apply to to livestock livestock and and pets. pets. We've We've had had people people move move near near us just because us who who thought thought they they could could let let their their dog dog run run free free just because they they lived lived in in the the country. country. It It doesn't doesn't work work that that way. way. The The dog dog can can run run free free as as long long as as it it stays stays on on its its own own property, property, but but that's that's the the only only place place it it can can run run free. free. (Check (Check local local regulations regulations to to be be sure!) sure!) You You will will be be held held responsible responsible if if your your pets pets chase, chase, harass, kill wild harass, or or kill wild or or domestic domestic animals. animals. Many Many rural rural residents residents will will shoot shoot aa dog dog that that chases chases deer deer or or livestock. livestock. Moving Moving to to the the country country does does not not relieve relieve anyone responsible pet anyone of of being being aa responsible pet owner. owner. Livestock Livestock can can be be another another problem. problem. In In most most instances instances you'll you'll be be required required to to properly properly confine confine your your livestock, livestock, and and you you may may be be held held responsible responsible for for damages be aa big big expense damages your your livestock livestock cause cause if if they they do do escape. escape. That That can can be expense if if they by aa vehicle. they get get hit hit by vehicle. There There are are exceptions, exceptions, however. however. Montana Montana is is an an "open "open range" range" state, state, meaning be confined. meaning that that livestock livestock do do not not have have to to be confined. If If your your neighbor's neighbor's cattle cattle or or horses horses are are trespassing trespassing on on your your property, property, it's it's your your responsibility responsibility to to build build aa fence fence to to keep keep them them out. out. That That doesn't doesn't mean mean you you can't can't contact contact the the owners owners to to seek seek aa solution, solution, but but it it does does mean mean that that they they have have the the law law on on their their side. side. Also Also check check subdivision subdivision requirements. requirements. First, First, if if you you desire desire space, space, the the last last thing thing you'll you'll want want is is aa nearby nearby landowner landowner building building aa subdivision subdivision next next to to your your property. property. Second, Second, if if for for some some reason reason you you want want to to sell sell part part of of your your land, land, you'll you'll need know if need to to know if subdividing subdividing is is an an option. option. Be Be aware aware that that many many properties properties are are advertised advertised with with "power "power to to the the property." know what property." Be Be sure sure you you know what that that means. means. Does Does the the power power run run to to the the building just to building site site or or just to the the property property boundary? boundary? Find Find out out how how much much it it would would cost cost to to hook hook up up to to the the grid. grid. We run power We had had aa neighbor neighbor run power lines lines to to his his place. place. It It cost cost him him over over $30,000. $30,000. However, However, there there was was aa way way for for him him to to recoup recoup some some of of his his investment. investment. If

someone someone else else hooked hooked up up to to that that line line within within the the ensuing ensuing five five years, years, they they would power company would have have to to pay pay half half his his costs costs (which (which the the power company reimbursed reimbursed to to him). ran the him). So So if if he he ran the power power line line a a mile mile and and it it cost cost him him $30,000, $30,000, then then you you hooked hooked up up later, later, you you would would have have to to pay pay $15,000 $15,000 to to hook hook onto onto that that line, line, plus plus whatever power from whatever extra extra it it cost cost to to run run power from the the line line to to your your house. house. After After five five years, years, the the extra extra fees fees would would no no longer longer apply apply and and you you only only would would pay pay to to run run power power from from the the existing existing line line to to your your home. home. So, So, even even if if the the power power is is to to the the property property line, line, you you may may be be required required to to pay pay extra extra to to hook hook onto onto it. it. Find Find out out how how much much the the total total cost cost will will be be before before you you purchase purchase the the land. land. TAXES TAXES Find just go Find out out how how much much you'll you'll be be paying paying in in property property taxes. taxes. Do Do not not just go by by taxes taxes paid paid by by the the previous previous owner. owner. Call Call the the tax tax assessor's assessor's office office and and talk talk to to them. but they them. They They may may not not be be able able to to give give you you an an exact exact figure, figure, but they should should be be able be after able to to give give you you aa general general idea idea of of how how much much your your taxes taxes will will be after you you close. plan close. Be Be honest honest with with them them when when you you describe describe any any improvements improvements you you plan on on making making to to the the property. property. They They cannot cannot give give you you a a realistic realistic estimate estimate of of future future taxes taxes if if you you misrepresent misrepresent your your intentions. intentions. The The taxes taxes on on our our land land went went up up considerably considerably after after we we moved moved onto onto the the property. property. Prior Prior to to that that it it was was all all classed rate was began classed as as agricultural/timber agricultural/timber land, land, so so the the rate was very very low. low. When When we we began living living there, there, the the acre acre on on which which our our home home was was located located was was taxed taxed at at aa substantially substantially higher higher rate. rate. It It wasn't wasn't exorbitant, exorbitant, but but it it was was an an expense expense we we hadn't hadn't anticipated. anticipated. Some Some states states reappraise reappraise properties properties at at aa much much higher higher rate rate after after they're they're sold. sold. This This is is usually usually to to protect protect long-time long-time residents residents from from skyrocketing skyrocketing real real estate estate values, values, which which push push their their tax tax rates rates higher higher as as well. well. Many Many of of these these people people are are on on fixed fixed incomes incomes and and would would be be forced forced off off their their land land otherwise. otherwise. To To clarify clarify this: this: In In some some areas, areas, the the rate rate that that property property taxes taxes can can increase increase is is limited limited by by law. law. Once Once you you purchase purchase your your property, property, no no matter matter how how much much nearby nearby values values escalate, escalate, your your property property taxes taxes cannot cannot go go up up more more than than aa specified specified amount amount each each year. year. That's That's what what protects protects the the current current owner owner from from hefty hefty tax tax increases. increases. However, However, when when the the property property is is sold, sold, the the new new owner owner is is taxed taxed at at the the current current market market value value and and may may end end up up paying paying substantially substantially more more in in taxes.

Be Be sure sure you you find find out out about about any any sales sales taxes, taxes, special special levies, levies, or or hook-up hook-up fees fees to to local local utilities utilities you you may may have have to to pay. pay. The The government government is is not not very very forgiving. forgiving. If If you you don't don't pay pay up, up, they they will will take take your your land land from from you. you. NEIGHBORS NEIGHBORS AND AND NEIGHBORHOODS NEIGHBORHOODS Learn Learn as as much much as as you you can can about about the the neighbors neighbors and and neighborhood. neighborhood. This This includes includes not not only only looking looking up up crime crime statistics statistics but but getting getting aa general general understanding people who understanding of of the the people who live live there. there. Does Does the the neighborhood neighborhood look look run run down down or or have have other other signs signs of of decay? decay? Are Are there junk vehicles there junk vehicles in in evidence? evidence? Does Does that that bother bother you? you? One One of of the the fastest fastest ways know of ways II know of to to wear wear out out your your welcome welcome in in rural rural areas areas is is to to move move there there and and try try to to change change everyone everyone around around you. you. II know know of of an an instance instance where where people people bought bought property, property, then then tried tried to to coerce coerce the the neighbors neighbors to to pay pay for for improving improving the the private private road road they they all all shared. shared. At At one one point point the the newcomers newcomers threatened threatened to to have have the road and the county county take take over over the the road and tax tax everyone everyone for for the the improvements. improvements. They They were were laughed laughed at at and and ridiculed, ridiculed, and and some some threats threats were were made made as as well. well. The The neighboring neighboring landowners landowners refused refused to to assist assist them them in in any any way way and and generally generally made made life life miserable miserable for for them them during during the the time time they they lived lived there. there. They They didn't didn't fit fit into into the the local local community community and and should should never never have have bought bought land land there there in in the the first first place. place. What What you you see see when when you you view view the the property property is is what what you're you're going going to to have have to to live live with with if if you you purchase purchase it. it. (There (There is is more more on on community community relations relations in in chapter chapter 17.) 17.) Is below neighborhood Is your your home home going going to to be be significantly significantly above above or or below neighborhood standards? standards? If If you you have have more more money money than than the the locals, locals, there there may may be be resentment. resentment. If If you you have have substantially substantially less, less, they they may may also also resent resent you. you. Are Are the the locals locals mostly mostly related related to to one one another? another? If If so, so, what what happens happens if if there's there's aa problem problem with with one one of of them? them? Will Will you you find find the the entire entire clan clan against against you? you? What What about racial tensions? about racial tensions? Are Are there there any any unusual unusual religions religions or or cults cults in in the the area? area? Drug Drug labs labs or or marijuana marijuana fields? fields? Is Is alcoholism alcoholism or or drug drug use use aa problem? problem? Don't Don't be be naive just like naive about about rural rural areas. areas. They They have have their their good good and and bad bad elements elements just like everyplace everyplace else.

In In summary, summary, determine determine whether whether this this is is aa place place where where you'll you'll fit fit in. in. PUBLIC PUBLIC LAND LAND ACCESS ACCESS This big issue This might might be be aa big issue to to some some (it (it was was to to us). us). If If you you moved moved from from a a state state that recreation on that allowed allowed motorized motorized recreation on public public land, land, check check to to see see if if it's it's allowed allowed in in the the area area you've you've targeted. targeted. Use Use restrictions restrictions are are becoming becoming far far more more common common on rights on public public lands lands due due to to pressure pressure from from environmentalists environmentalists and and animal animal rights extremists. protect high-use extremists. Some Some restrictions restrictions are are necessary necessary to to protect high-use areas, areas, but but if if one one of of your your goals goals in in moving moving to to the the country country is is unlimited unlimited access access to to public public land land to best to to ride ride your your ATV ATV on, on, it's it's best to find find out out if if that's that's even even an an option option before before you you purchase purchase land. land. On just listen On this this issue issue don't don't just listen to to the the locals. locals. Some Some have have been been breaking breaking the the laws laws for for years years and and no no one one has has cracked cracked down down on on them, them, but but if if the the laws laws exist, exist, assume assume that that they they will will be be enforced enforced at at some some point point in in the the future. future. Sometimes Sometimes locals locals don't don't even even know know there there are are laws laws against against certain certain activities. activities. Another Another thing thing to to check check is is access access across across your your land land to to public public land. land. And And not not just the just the legalities. legalities. Do Do the the locals locals have have aa trail trail beaten beaten across across your your land? land? If If so, so, what's what's going going to to happen happen if if you you close close it it off? off? Lawsuits? Lawsuits? Trespassing Trespassing violations? violations? Vandalism? Vandalism? Resentment Resentment toward toward you? you? Remember, Remember, the the people people you're you're taking taking to to court court will will be be your your neighbors. neighbors. Is Is it it worth worth it it to to stir stir up up aa lot lot of of problems problems with with them? them? Address Address as as many many of of these these issues issues as as you you can can before before you you make make any any purchases.

6 skills and Knowledge

ne been aa lack ne of of the the blessings blessings in in my my life life has has been lack of of financial financial resources. resources. II never never had had the the money money to to hire hire aa plumber, plumber, so so when when aa drain drain was was plugged, plugged, II went went to to the the library library and and found found aa book book on on plumbing plumbing and and learned learned how how to to clear clear the the drain drain myself. myself. When When II needed needed aa room room remodeled, remodeled, II couldn't couldn't afford afford aa carpenter, book on carpenter, so so II went went to to the the library library and and checked checked out out aa book on home home construction construction and and remodeling remodeling and and learned learned how how to to do do it it myself. myself. The The same same with with house house wiring, wiring, cement cement work, work, septic septic systems, systems, and and everything everything else else having having to to do do with with home home construction construction and and maintenance. maintenance. II was was also also blessed blessed with with relatives relatives who who farmed. farmed. At At aa young young age age II learned learned how bale, how to to drive drive and and maintain maintain tractors, tractors, farm farm implements, implements, and and pickups; pickups; cut, cut, bale, transport, plant, cultivate, transport, and and stack stack hay; hay; prepare prepare fields; fields; plant, cultivate, and and harvest harvest both both gardens gardens and and fields fields of of corn, corn, soybeans, soybeans, milo, milo, and and wheat; wheat; and and use use a a chainsaw chainsaw properly. build fences properly. II also also learned learned basic basic animal animal care, care, how how to to build fences and and corrals, corrals, and and how how to to milk milk cows cows by by hand hand and and by by machine. machine. My My father father took took me me small small game game hunting hunting when when II was was growing growing up, up, and and II improved reading books improved my my skills skills by by reading books and and magazine magazine articles articles on on the the subjects. subjects. In In the the same same way, way, II learned learned how how to to fish. fish. A A neighbor neighbor introduced introduced me me to to ammo ammo reloading press with reloading in in his his garage garage using using an an ancient ancient (by (by today's today's standards) standards) press with felt

wads wads to to reload reload paper paper shotgun shotgun shells. shells. Later Later II graduated graduated to to reloading reloading metallic metallic cartridges cartridges with with my my first first Lee Lee Loader. Loader. I'm I'm still still improving improving these these skills skills today. today. A A few few years years in in the the Boy Boy Scouts Scouts of of America America taught taught me plus such me how how to to camp, camp, plus such other other outdoor outdoor skills skills as as fire fire starting, starting, knots knots and and lashing, lashing, first first aid, aid, and and more. more. II took junior and took two two years years of of auto auto mechanics mechanics in in aa local local trade trade school school my my junior and senior senior years years of of high high school school and and continued continued in in that that trade trade more more years years than than II care care to remember. to remember. After After graduation graduation from from high high school, school, II enlisted enlisted in in the the U.S. U.S. Marine Marine Corps. Corps. There There II learned learned infantry infantry tactics, tactics, marksmanship, marksmanship, discipline, discipline, close close order order drill, drill, more more first first aid, aid, how how to to drive drive trucks, trucks, how how to to type type (not (not by by choice!), choice!), and and too too many many other other things things to to list list here. here. In In life life after after the the USMC, USMC, II owned owned aa couple couple of of businesses businesses and and expanded expanded my my skills repair skills in in welding welding and and metal metal fabrication, fabrication, learned learned automatic automatic transmission transmission repair and rebuilding, acquired and rebuilding, acquired basic basic bookkeeping bookkeeping skills, skills, and and became became an an avid avid gardener gardener and and trapper. trapper. Later Later in in life life II earned earned aa BS BS degree degree in in Bible Bible ministry ministry and and spent spent several several years years in in the the ministry ministry pastoring pastoring two two different different churches. churches. While While there there II learned learned (in (in addition addition to to Bible Bible knowledge) knowledge) business business administration, administration, writing, writing, speaking, speaking, and and teaching teaching skills. skills. I've body repair. I've taken taken correspondence correspondence courses courses in in photography photography and and auto auto body repair. When When we we got got our our first first solar solar panel panel (by (by barter), barter), II went went to to the the library library and and Internet Internet and and learned learned what what II needed needed to to know know for for setting setting up up an an off-grid off-grid power power system. system. I've janitor. I've also also spent spent time time as as aa camp camp administrator, administrator, security security guard, guard, and and janitor. All All these these skills skills have have been been put put into into use use in in some some way way on on the the homestead. homestead. II would would have have never never learned learned many many of of these these things things if if I'd I'd been been good good at at accumulating paid someone accumulating money, money, because because I'd I'd have have paid someone else else to to do do it it all all for for me.

I'm poverty is blessing (there's I'm not not going going to to say say that that poverty is aa blessing (there's nothing nothing good good about about true true poverty), poverty), but but being being short short on on money money can can certainly certainly lead lead to to aa more more selfselfsufficient sufficient life, life, so so don't don't become become discouraged discouraged over over aa lack lack of of finances finances or or knowledge. knowledge. There There are are aa lot lot of of ways ways to to learn learn the the things things you you need need to to know know without without aa pile pile of of cash cash to to draw draw from, from, but but it it will will take take some some diligence diligence on on your your part. part. If If you're you're going going to to be be aa low-budget low-budget homesteader, homesteader, you're you're entering entering a a life life of of learning learning new new skills skills and and improving improving existing existing ones. ones.

II learned jig that learned how how to to sharpen sharpen aa chainsaw chainsaw by by purchasing purchasing aa jig that clamped clamped to to the the bar bar and and had had a a file file guide guide that that allowed allowed you you to to precisely precisely set set the the angle angle of of the the file file against just using against the the chains chains teeth. teeth. Eventually Eventually II graduated graduated to to just using aa file file (which (which is is faster faster because because there's there's no no set-up set-up time).

WHAT WHAT YOU'LL YOU'LL NEED NEED TO TO KNOW KNOW It's It's hard hard to to imagine imagine aa self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead or or retreat retreat without without having having at at least least some some basic basic knowledge knowledge to to draw draw from. from. Some Some of of the the skills skills we've we've used used in in the remodeling, the last last seven seven years years include include plumbing, plumbing, carpentry, carpentry, building building and and remodeling, roofing, roofing, log log home home construction, construction, ammunition ammunition reloading, reloading, archery, archery, hunting, hunting, fishing, butchering, lard fishing, trapping, trapping, butchering, lard rendering, rendering, hide hide tanning, tanning, gardening, gardening, foraging, foraging, canning canning and and dehydrating dehydrating food, food, root root cellar cellar food food storage, storage, solar solar and and wind wind power power generation, generation, electrical electrical wiring, wiring, automotive automotive and and small small engine engine repair, repair, welding, welding, cement cement work, work, wood wood cutting, cutting, writing, writing, and and dozens dozens more. more.

This because the This water water pump pump was was free free because the housing housing was was cracked. cracked. A A few few minutes minutes brazing brazing using using aa $60 $60 oxyacetylene oxyacetylene welder welder purchased purchased at at aa pawnshop pawnshop fixed fixed it

up braze or up as as good good as as new. new. Don't Don't know know how how to to braze or weld? weld? II learned learned how how at at aa night night class class in in aa local local high high school. school. It It was was part part of of an an adult adult education education program program sponsored sponsored and and paid paid for for by by the the school school district. district. The The only only cost cost to to the the student student was was for for the the textbook. textbook. Many Many colleges, colleges, universities, universities, vocational vocational schools, schools, and and school school districts districts will will set set up up adult adult education education classes classes if if there's there's enough enough interest. interest. Usually Usually the the cost cost to to you you is is minimal. minimal.

Canning Canning is is one one of of the the best best ways ways to to preserve preserve food food ifyou ifyou don't don't have have aa freezer freezer available. available. Canning Canning is is not not difficult difficult to to learn, learn, butyou butyou must must pay pay attention attention to to the the details. details. The The Ball Ball Blue Blue Book Book tells tells you you everything everything you you need need to to know know in in an an easy-to-understand easy-to-understand format.

New New construction construction never never stops stops on on the the self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead. homestead. Learn Learn as as much much as as you you can can before before you you make make your your move. move.

HP creroke”

Welding Welding and and auto auto repair repair skills skills are are good good for for your your own own use use or or to to make make some some money money on on the the side. side. Ifyou're Ifyou're not not an an auto auto mechanic mechanic or or welder, welder, look look around around until until you you find find someone someone who's who's willing willing to to barter barter for for their their services. services. If If you're you're completely completely new new to to this, this, don't don't be be overwhelmed. overwhelmed. Start Start with with what what you you know know or or can can learn learn quickly quickly and and continually continually add add to to your your knowledge knowledge and and skills skills as as you you go. go. Initially Initially you'll you'll want want to to pursue pursue those those skills skills that that will will keep keep you you fed, fed, sheltered, sheltered, and and secure secure before before doing doing anything anything else. else. There There are are chapters chapters in in this this book book dedicated dedicated to to each each of of these these subjects. subjects. In In fact, fact, this this entire entire book book is is about pursue your about what what you you need need to to know know to to pursue your dream dream of of self-sufficiency. self-sufficiency. The break things The most most important important thing thing to to do do is is break things into into bite-sized bite-sized pieces. pieces. Even Even if if you you know know nothing nothing about about gardening, gardening, you you can can learn learn enough enough in in aa short short time time to to grow grow peas, peas, potatoes, potatoes, onions, onions, carrots, carrots, and and tomatoes. tomatoes. With With the the exception exception of of tomatoes, tomatoes, these these are are cold cold season season crops crops that that will will grow grow almost almost anywhere anywhere and and are be stored are basic basic ingredients ingredients for for many many fine fine meals. meals. All All can can be stored for for quite quite some some time by dehydration. time by dehydration. Electric Electric dehydrators dehydrators are are cheap cheap and and easy easy to to use, use, and and the the dried plastic bags bags to jars. dried food food can can be be stored stored in in anything anything from from plastic to old old glass glass jars. Nonelectric Nonelectric food food dehydrators dehydrators can can even even be be made made from from very very simple simple materials materials if if you you don't don't want want to to go go the the electric electric route. route. (More (More on on food food preparation preparation in in chapter chapter 8.) 8.) All All are are relatively relatively easy easy to to save save the the seed seed from, from, so so you you won't won't ever ever have buy seed have to to buy seed for for these these vegetables vegetables again again if if you you use use nonhybrids nonhybrids from from the the start.

Roofing books out Roofing is is not not rocket rocket science. science. There There are are aa lot lot of of good good books out there there that'll that'll teach jobs. Don't teach you you all all you you need need to to know know for for those those simple simple jobs. Don't be be afraid afraid to to try try new roof about new things, things, but but do do be be careful. careful. II fell fell off off this this roof about aa week week before before this this photo photo was was taken taken and and sprained sprained my my ankle. ankle. II was was very very fortunate fortunate that that the the sprain sprain was was the the extent extent of of my my injuries. injuries. That's That's my my wife wife helping helping to to the the left left of of me. me. The begin your journey to The point point is, is, that that you you can can begin your journey to self-sufficiency self-sufficiency with with aa very knowledge, and very minimal minimal investment investment in in time, time, knowledge, and money. money. Do Do not not get get stuck stuck on on equipment equipment or or tool tool requirements. requirements. Very Very few few things things essential essential to to life life require require expensive expensive tools tools and and gear. gear. Mankind Mankind has has survived survived thousands thousands of of years years with with nothing nothing beyond beyond what what he he could could manufacture manufacture from from local local materials. materials. You You can can too. too. Raising Raising animals animals can can be be done done the the same same way. way. Start Start with with something something easy easy like like chickens rabbits. Go chickens or or rabbits. Go to to the the library library or or get get online online and and learn learn what what you you can can about requirements. As about choosing choosing varieties, varieties, shelter shelter and and space space needs, needs, and and food food requirements. As you become familiar you become familiar with with them, them, go go on on to to the the next next critter critter or or skill skill and and repeat repeat the the process.

Every Every skill skill you you need need to to learn learn can can be be done done this this way. way. It It also also helps helps to to read read journals and journals and books books about about life life in in the the 1800s 1800s and and before. before. Study Study the the lives lives of of people people in in third third world world nations nations today today as as well; well; they've they've survived survived without without dependence dependence on on electricity electricity or or modern modern gadgets gadgets and and conveniences. conveniences. We We hope hope things point, but but if things never never reach reach that that point, if it it does, does, you you too too can can survive. survive. Remember, Remember, food, food, water, water, shelter, shelter, and and security security are are your your most most important important concerns. concerns. You You don't don't have have to to know know everything, everything, but but if if you're you're new new to to this, this, concentrate concentrate on on those those areas areas first. first. Above Above all, all, shut shut off off the the television television and and video video games games and and start start now! now! Do Do not not wait wait until until you you make make your your move move to to learn learn how how to to grow grow aa garden. garden. Do Do not not wait wait until until you you buy buy rabbits rabbits to to learn learn how how to to care care for for them. them. The The same same is is true true for for construction construction projects, projects, cutting cutting firewood, firewood, and and the the other other tasks tasks that that are are aa part part of of self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead living. living. Start Start accumulating accumulating the the tools tools you'll you'll need need at at least least aa year year in in advance. advance. That'll That'll give give you you time time to to hit hit yard yard sales, sales, auctions, auctions, and and the the want want ads ads to to get get the the best best value value for for your your money. money. Also realize that Also realize that you you probably probably have have more more time time and and money money now now than than you you will both wisely! will after after you you make make the the move. move. Use Use them them both wisely!

nyone nyone who who owns owns an an animal animal is is aa slave slave to to the the animal. animal. Many Many entering entering this just assume this lifestyle lifestyle just assume that that animals animals are are aa "must "must have" have" That's That's not not necessarily necessarily so. so. QUESTIONS QUESTIONS TO TO ASK ASK In rabbits, chickens, In our our lives, lives, we've we've owned owned sheep, sheep, cattle, cattle, pigs, pigs, goats, goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, turkeys, ducks, ducks, and and horses. horses. We We like like animals animals and and usually usually enjoy enjoy having having them them around, bring extra around, but but animals animals also also bring extra responsibilities responsibilities such such as as shelter, shelter, feed, feed, fencing, fencing, veterinary veterinary bills, bills, and and someone someone to to care care for for them them when when you you take take aa vacation. vacation. These These are are the the reasons reasons we we ask ask ourselves ourselves aa few few questions questions before before we we acquire acquire any. any. Are Are They They Useful? Useful? This We've This is is aa tough tough one, one, because because many many times times desire desire overwhelms overwhelms logic. logic. We've owned owned several several horses horses and and every every time time we we bought bought one, one, we we did did so so with with the the idea idea of of the the things things we we could could do do if if we we had had one one (or (or more). more). In In almost almost every every instance instance we we sold sold them them later later at at aa loss loss because because they they did did not not provide provide the the amount amount of of work work or be a a little or recreation recreation we we had had anticipated. anticipated. Now Now we we try try to to be little more more ruthless ruthless when when answering answering this this question. question. The The very very first first thing thing to to decide decide is is whether whether the the animal(s) animal(s) in in question question will will make make aa positive positive contribution contribution to to your your life. life. Even Even pets pets should should be be evaluated evaluated as as to to their their usefulness. usefulness. We We have have aa dog dog and and aa cat. just pets. When we cat. They're They're more more than than just pets. When we didn't didn't have have aa dog, dog, the the coyotes coyotes would would come come right right up up into into the the yard yard looking looking for for ways ways to to get get to to our our chickens, chickens, and and we we had had pack pack rats rats invading invading our our outbuildings. outbuildings. The The dog dog doesn't doesn't have have to to be be outdoors outdoors all all the the time. time. Just Just having having her her scent scent around around keeps keeps the the vermin vermin away. away. She She barks barks aa warning warning when when people people come come to to visit. visit. When When we we were were without without aa cat, cat, the the mice mice were were everywhere. everywhere. Now Now we we have have aa fat fat cat cat and and no no mice. mice. However, However, we we have have only only one one cat cat and and one one dog!

What What you you don't don't need need is is aa critter critter (or (or aa bunch bunch of of critters!) critters!) that that demands demands your your time, return or, time, money, money, and and attention attention and and offers offers nothing nothing in in return or, worse, worse, is is aa drain drain on on your your resources. resources. Do Do They They Have Have Multiple Multiple Uses? Uses? This return on We've raised This is is about about getting getting the the best best return on your your money money and and time. time. We've raised and and butchered butchered rabbits rabbits for for sale sale and and for for our our own own use, use, but but the the next next time time we we acquire acquire them them we're we're also also going going to to tan tan the the hides hides for for sale sale or or personal personal use use after after butchering butchering them. them. We've We've heard heard that that worms worms can can be be grown grown in in rabbit rabbit manure, manure, then then fed fed to to fish fish or or chickens chickens and and the the manure manure used used as as compost, compost, so so we'll we'll be be trying trying that that next next time time too. too. Our Our chickens chickens produce produce eggs eggs for for home home use use and and occasionally occasionally for for sale, sale, but but they they also also reproduce reproduce themselves. themselves. Their Their young young can can be be kept kept for for more more eggs, eggs, raised raised and and eaten, eaten, or or sold. sold. We've We've considered considered getting getting sheep sheep because because they they provide provide wool wool and and meat, meat, and and the the extras extras can can be be eaten eaten or or sold. sold. When When we we raised raised turkeys, turkeys, II saved saved the the feathers feathers to to use use as as fletching fletching on on my my arrows. arrows. Horses, Horses, rabbits, rabbits, chickens, chickens, and and every every other other animal animal provide provide manure manure for for compost. compost. A A milk milk cow cow or or goat goat reproduces reproduces itself itself in in addition addition to to providing providing milk, milk, and and with with milk milk you you can can make make cheese, cheese, butter, butter, and and yogurt. yogurt. Hogs Hogs can can eat eat leftover leftover or or spoiled spoiled garden garden produce produce and and be be housed housed in in portable portable pens pens and and used used to to clear clear and and fertilize fertilize ground ground for for gardening gardening or or other other uses. uses. People People used used to to put put aa fence fence around around aa field field with with stumps, stumps, then then dump dump grain grain around around the the bottom bottom of of the the stumps. stumps. The The hogs hogs would would root root out out the the grain grain and and the the stump stump at at the the same same time. time. In In some some places, places, hogs hogs were were free-ranged free-ranged to to forage forage on on acorns acorns and and other other natural natural foods, foods, but but that's that's not not aa good good practice practice anymore. anymore. If If left left in in the the wild, wild, they they can can multiply multiply to to the the point point of of destroying destroying habitat habitat that's that's essential essential for for native native game game species. species. In In essence, essence, we we try try to to get get the the most most out out of of every every animal animal we we raise. raise. Are Are They They Cost Cost Effective? Effective? This This is is primarily primarily aa financial financial issue, issue, but but the the cost cost of of animals animals should should also also be be tempered by the tempered by the quality quality factor. factor. How How much much will will you you be be paying paying for for aa dozen dozen eggs eggs after after purchasing, purchasing, feeding, feeding, and and housing housing your your chickens? chickens? If If you you use use aa straight straight dollar-per-dozen dollar-per-dozen comparison, comparison, you'll you'll usually usually find find that that it's it's cheaper cheaper to

buy buy your your eggs eggs at at the the store, store, but but there there are are other other things things that that come come into into play play here. here. Homegrown Homegrown eggs, eggs, for for example, example, taste taste better better and and are are usually usually larger larger (and (and always always fresher!) fresher!) than than those those bought bought at at the the store. store. Plus, Plus, on on a a homestead homestead you you can can free-range free-range your your chickens chickens and and feed feed them them leftovers leftovers to to bring bring your your feed feed costs costs down. down. (Chickens (Chickens make make great great garbage garbage disposals!) disposals!) You You should should also also consider consider the the rich, rich, organic organic fertilizer fertilizer they they contribute contribute and and the the amount amount of of bugs bugs they'll they'll eat. eat. To To further further reduce reduce costs, costs, try try bartering bartering for for animals animals and and feed feed from from your your neighbors. neighbors. We We once once worked worked out out aa deal deal to to trade trade four four tires tires for for aa couple couple of of hogs. hogs. We've We've incubated incubated eggs eggs for for aa percentage percentage of of the the chicks chicks that that hatched. hatched. Rural Rural people people tend tend to to like like bartering. bartering. See See what what you you might might have have available available for for trade trade in in either either goods goods or or services. services. It'll It'll cut cut back back on on your your total total cost cost and and might might make make an an iffy iffy proposition proposition cost-effective. cost-effective. Are Are They They Sustainable Sustainable Over Over the the Long Long Haul? Haul? Our Our goal goal is is self-sufficiency. self-sufficiency. Even Even though though it it might might be be cheaper cheaper financially financially to to go go to to the the store, store, the the idea idea of of self-sufficiency self-sufficiency is is to to provide provide things things for for ourselves. ourselves. That That means means we we want want critters critters that that can can feed feed us us and and that that can can reproduce reproduce themselves themselves indefinitely. indefinitely.

Cats keeping rodent rodent populations Cats are are important important for for keeping populations in in check. check. Get Get them them spayed spayed or or neutered neutered so so they they stay stay close close to to home. home. Otherwise Otherwise the the coyotes coyotes will will get get them.

Dogs Dogs are are indispensable indispensable on on the the remote remote homestead. homestead. Just Just having having their their scent scent around predators away. just came back from around helps helps keep keep predators away. This This is is Bear, Bear, and and she she just came back from running running my my trapline trapline with with me. me. It It was was about about 10 10 below below zero zero that that morning morning and and we we were were both both frosted frosted over over pretty pretty good. good. If poor in If you you look look at at the the livestock livestock chosen chosen by by the the poor in developing developing nations, nations, you'll you'll find find mostly mostly chickens, chickens, pigs, pigs, and and goats. goats. Why? Why? Their Their space space needs needs are are small small and and they'll they'll eat eat almost almost anything, anything, including including garden garden waste, waste, weeds, weeds, brush, brush, and and stale stale or or spoiled spoiled food. food. Now, Now, why why did did II bring bring that that up up here here rather rather than than in in the the section section on on cost cost effectiveness? effectiveness? Because Because on on the the self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead or or survival survival retreat, retreat, you'll you'll have have to to produce produce food food not not only only for for yourselves yourselves but but for for your your animals animals as as well. well. We We know know from from experience experience how how much much work work it it is is to to grow grow and and preserve preserve aa year's remember that year's supply supply of of food food for for aa family. family. It It pays pays to to remember that with with animals, animals, you'll you'll also also have have to to grow grow food food for for them. them. Under Under these these circumstances, circumstances, it it might

be be best best to to have have animals animals that that can can live live on on the the things things you you can't. can't. That That way way there's there's not resources. not as as much much competition competition for for available available food food or or resources. a, =

rename

erent a

ESS

ata

:

Chickens Chickens are are aa good good choice choice for for homestead homestead livestock. livestock. They They provide provide meat meat and and eggs right are eggs and and can can replenish replenish themselves. themselves. The The two two on on the the right are sitting sitting on on eggs eggs to been bred bred out to hatch hatch them them out. out. This This is is aa trait trait that's that's been out of of most most chickens. chickens. Ifyou Ifyou have have broody broody hens, hens, take take good good care care of of them!

This This chicken chicken is is now now the the proud proud momma momma of... of... baby baby ducks? ducks? Okay, Okay, we we switched switched the the eggs eggs when when she she wasn't wasn't looking! looking! One One of of the the best best things things about about homesteading homesteading is is seeing seeing life life at at its its basics. basics. How How many many people people have have ever ever seen seen aa baby baby duck duck or or chicken chicken struggle struggle to to break break free free of of an an egg?

The brown The white white egg egg on on the the far far right right is is aa grade grade A, A, large large from from the the store. store. The The brown eggs eggs are are from from our our chickens. chickens. The The extra extra large large one one on on the the far far left left is is aa double double yolk yolk egg. egg. It It has has two two yolks yolks instead instead of of one. one. Homegrown Homegrown eggs eggs taste taste much much better better than than those those you you purchase purchase at at the the store. store. Small Small animals animals are are easier easier to to care care for for and and have have higher higher reproduction reproduction rates. rates. Cattle but sometimes Cattle generally generally have have one one calf calf but sometimes have have twins, twins, while while goats goats often often have prolific, as have twins twins and and triplets. triplets. Rabbits Rabbits are are very very prolific, as are are chickens. chickens. If If you're you're unfamiliar be around. unfamiliar with with livestock, livestock, small small animals animals are are less less intimidating intimidating to to be around. It's build shelters It's cheaper cheaper and and easier easier to to build shelters for for small small animals animals as as compared compared to to larger larger livestock, livestock, and and it it takes takes less less space space to to store store their their food. food. Additionally, Additionally, smaller birth easier smaller animals animals give give birth easier with with fewer fewer complications complications and and avoid avoid many many of of the the medical medical costs costs associated associated with with larger larger livestock. livestock. Plus, Plus, if if they they die die you you aren't aren't out out as as much much money. money. We have We have nothing nothing against against owning owning large large animals animals or or lots lots of of animals animals or or even even lots but pets pets and lots of of large large animals, animals, but and livestock livestock are are dependents, dependents, and and as as long long as as you have the you have have them them you'll you'll have the responsibility responsibility of of caring caring for for them. them. Make Make your your choices choices wisely!

Which Which Variation Variation Fits Fits My My Needs Needs Best? Best? Critters Critters are are like like cars-you cars-you can can choose choose the the make make and and model model that that best best fits fits your your needs needs or or desires. desires. Just Just remember remember that that homesteading homesteading is is different different from from farming. farming. A A farmer farmer is is concerned concerned primarily primarily with with making making money. money. He He has has overhead overhead to to pay, pay, along along with with equipment equipment costs costs and and other other expenses expenses related related to to the the business business of of farming. farming. The The homesteader homesteader isn't isn't concerned concerned as as much much with with the the bottom bottom line line as as he he is is with with quality. quality. When When aa farmer farmer makes makes his his money money selling selling eggs, eggs, he's he's going going to to want want chickens chickens that that lay lay consistently consistently and and prolifically, prolifically, and and he's push the he's going going to to use use methods methods that that push the chickens chickens to to maximum maximum production. production. They're They're basically basically egg egg machines. machines. They They live live in in climate-controlled climate-controlled buildings buildings and and are are given given food food mixtures mixtures designed designed for for maximum maximum egg-laying egg-laying efficiency. efficiency. Artificial Artificial daylight daylight is is preprogrammed preprogrammed to to keep keep chickens chickens at at their their optimal optimal eggegglaying production slacks laying potential. potential. When When production slacks off, off, they're they're sent sent to to the the slaughterhouse buy in slaughterhouse to to become become the the canned canned chicken chicken you you buy in the the grocery grocery store. store. This just to This is is not not aa diatribe diatribe against against farming farming or or farmers; farmers; it's it's just to point point out out the the difference between farming difference between farming and and homesteading. homesteading. Farming Farming is is aa business business whose whose goal goal is is making making aa profit. profit. Homesteading Homesteading is is not not business; business; it's it's aa way way of of life life that that stresses stresses self-sufficiency self-sufficiency and and quality quality of of life. life. When When we we buy buy chickens, chickens, we we buy buy breeds breeds selected selected for for our our climate climate and and the the quality quality of of their their eggs. eggs. We We like like Barred Barred Rocks Rocks because because they they can can take take the the cold cold and and they they lay lay large, large, delicious delicious eggs. eggs. We've We've also also found found out out that that they they make make good good "setting been bred "setting hens" hens" for for hatching hatching out out their their own own eggs eggs (a (a trait trait that's that's been bred out out of of most most varieties varieties of of chickens). chickens). When When we we bought bought chickens chickens for for canning, canning, we we purchased purchased 50 50 Cornish Cornish Cross Cross meat meat chickens. chickens. They're They're bred bred to to grow grow fast fast and and large. large. There There are are probably probably hundreds hundreds of of varieties varieties of of chickens chickens available, available, but but the the point better for point is is that that each each one one has has different different traits, traits, making making it it better for some some things things and pick aa variety and worse worse for for others. others. As As aa homesteader, homesteader, you'll you'll want want to to pick variety that that best best fits fits your your needs. needs. Virtually Virtually every every domestic domestic animal animal you you can can think think of of has has strengths strengths and and weaknesses. breeds of weaknesses. Some Some breeds of milk milk cows cows produce produce aa higher higher ratio ratio of of cream cream than than others. others. Some Some produce produce larger larger quantities quantities of of milk, milk, some some less. less. Some Some breeds breeds are are larger larger and and some some smaller. smaller. AA commercial commercial farm farm will will tend tend toward toward breeds breeds that that produce produce larger larger quantities quantities of of milk milk with with aa lower lower fat fat (cream) (cream) content. content. The

homesteader produced less homesteader may may be be best best served served with with aa breed breed that that produced less milk milk with with aa higher higher fat fat content, content, which which is is better better for for making making butter butter and and cheese. cheese. Milk Milk goats goats can can be be selected selected the the same same way. way.

Goats probably try Goats provide provide meat meat and and milk. milk. You You should should probably try goat goat milk milk before before you you buy buy aa goat. goat. It It tastes tastes different different than than cow's cow's milk milk and and some some people people don't don't really really like like it. it. II like like it it best best with with aa little little Nestle Nestle Quik Quik mixed mixed in in to to give give it it aa chocolatetlavor.

Baby Baby animals animals (and (and goats goats in in particular!) particular!) are are cute, cute, but but don't don't forget forget that that they they eventually probably be eventually grow grow up. up. If If they're they're male male you'll you'll probably be eating eating them, them, so so don't don't get get too too attached! attached! Try Try to to avoid avoid impulse impulse purchases.

%

This This is is Peaches, Peaches, our our Belgian Belgian draft draft horse horse mare. mare. She She weighed weighed approximately approximately 1,500 pounds, measured 1,500 pounds, measured almost almost six six feet feet tall tall at at the the withers withers (shoulder), (shoulder), and and was was as as gentle gentle as as any any horse horse I've I've ever ever seen. seen. Our Our youngest youngest daughter daughter spent spent hours hours with with her, her, braiding braiding her her mane mane and and sitting sitting (or (or sleeping) sleeping) on on her her while while she she grazed. grazed. But But she she was was never never more more than than aa family family pet pet that that ate ate prodigious prodigious amounts amounts of of hay hay and and made made even even larger larger amounts amounts of of compost. compost. She She drank drank about about 10-15gallons 10-15gallons of of water water per per day, day, which which we we melted melted from from snow snow in in the the winter. winter. (That (That was was a a fullfulltime job!) We time job!) We eventually eventually sold sold her. her. When When choosing choosing aa homestead homestead animal, animal, you'll you'll want want one one that that is is hardy hardy for for your your climate, climate, easy easy to to care care for, for, reproduces reproduces itself itself well well and and with with minimal minimal complications, complications, doesn't doesn't need need aa special special diet, diet, and and is is best best suited suited for for your your intended intended use. use. Size Size matters matters as as long long as as it it doesn't doesn't sacrifice sacrifice effectiveness.

Smaller Smaller animals animals eat eat less less and and need need less less space. space. There There are are so so many many variations variations of of animals animals of of the the same same species species that that making making aa choice choice can can have have you you pulling pulling your your hair hair out out in in frustration. frustration. One One of of the the things things you you can can do do is is call call the the county county extension extension office office and and ask ask for for their their advice. advice. Tell Tell them them what what qualities qualities you're you're looking looking for for and and they they should should be be able able to to give give you you some some suggestions suggestions to to follow follow up up on. on. HEALTH HEALTH AND AND MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE ISSUES ISSUES Have Have you you ever ever tried tried to to bury bury aa dead dead horse? horse? Once Once you you acquire acquire an an animal animal of of any any type, type, it's it's now now your your responsibility responsibility to to care care for for its its every every need need from from the the day day you be quite you get get it it until until the the day day you you dispose dispose of of it. it. That That can can be quite aa task. task. Before Before you you purchase purchase livestock, livestock, be be sure sure you you can can care care for for it it properly. properly. One One thing knocking on thing you you don't don't want want is is to to have have the the county county sheriff sheriff knocking on your your door door because because someone someone turned turned you you in in for for animal animal abuse abuse or or neglect, neglect, and and you you certainly bad certainly don't don't want want animals animals in in your your care care to to suffer suffer needlessly. needlessly. Almost Almost as as bad is is being being saddled saddled with with critters critters costing costing you you as as much much to to feed feed as as it it does does your your family family and and you you can't can't even even give give them them away. away. (The (The animals, animals, II mean, mean, not not the the family.) family.) Most livestock need care, and Most livestock animals animals need periodic periodic care, like like worming worming and vaccinations. vaccinations. If If you you don't don't have have aa male male of of the the species species and and you you want want your your females females to to reproduce, reproduce, you'll you'll need need to to make make arrangements arrangements for for breeding breeding through through aa veterinarian veterinarian or or someone someone who who has has aa suitable suitable mate. mate. (Or (Or you you can can do do like like one one old just kind old farmer farmer II know know who who just kind of of let let aa few few strands strands of of the the fence fence down down and and allowed bull do allowed the the neighbor's neighbor's bull do his his thing.) thing.) Livestock Livestock like like horses, horses, mules, mules, donkeys, regular hoof donkeys, goats, goats, and and sheep sheep may may need need regular hoof care, care, such such as as trimming trimming and/or and/or shoeing. shoeing. You'll You'll either either need need to to learn learn how how to to do do it it yourself yourself or or pay pay someone someone else else to to take take care care of of it it for for you. you. If If they they get get sick, sick, you'll you'll need need to to take take proper proper action. action. In In the the case case of of chickens, chickens, ducks, just have ducks, rabbits, rabbits, and and other other small small animals, animals, you you might might just have to to let let them them die die and and take take your your loss. loss. (Often (Often they they die die before before you you even even knew knew there there was was aa problem.) problem.) If If it's it's something something you you have have aa lot lot of of money money invested invested in in or or replacement replacement costs costs will will be be expensive, expensive, you'll you'll need need to to contact contact aa veterinarian.

And And finally, finally, if if they they die die in in your your care, care, you're you're accountable accountable for for disposing disposing of of the the body. body. With With small small animals animals it's it's much much easier easier than than large large ones. ones. If If you you have have aa horse, horse, cow, cow, or or other other large large creature creature die, die, disposing disposing of of the the carcass carcass is is more more work. work. In In our our very very rural rural neighborhood, neighborhood, it it means means you you drag drag them them off off into into the the woods woods and and let let nature nature take take its its course. course. In In more more populated populated areas, areas, you you may may have have to to employ employ other, other, more more costly, costly, measures. measures. In In any any case, case, these these are are issues issues you you need need to to think think about about before before you you purchase purchase livestock. livestock. Once Once it's it's yours, yours, it's it's yours yours in in sickness sickness and and in in health health and and possibly possibly yours yours until until death. death. FEED FEED AND AND WATER WATER Have Have you you ever ever thought thought about about what what it it will will take take to to feed feed your your animals animals all all year year long long on on aa homestead homestead that that is is self-sufficient self-sufficient ?? That That means means that that not not only only will will you you have have to to grow grow and and store store enough enough food food for for you you and and your your family, family, you'll you'll have have to to do do it it for for your your livestock livestock and and pets pets as as well. well. What What will will you you have have to to grow grow to to feed feed aa horse horse or or cow cow all all year year from from your your own own resources? resources? Do Do you you have have adequate adequate pasture pasture for for grazing? grazing? What What about about aa field field of of alfalfa alfalfa and and grass grass for for cutting cutting and and storing storing aa sufficient sufficient amount amount of of hay hay for for winter? winter? Do Do you you have have the the equipment equipment and and knowledge knowledge to to cut, cut, cure, cure, transport, transport, and and store store the the hay? hay? Can Can you you grow grow enough enough grain grain to to supplement supplement your your livestock's livestock's diet diet without without putting putting your your family family at at risk? risk? Can Can you you support support chickens, chickens, rabbits, rabbits, goats, goats, sheep, sheep, or or any any other other livestock livestock you just like you might might have? have? They They need need to to eat eat all all year year long, long, just like you you do, do, and and if if your your goal goal is is self-sufficiency, self-sufficiency, they'll they'll need need to to be be fed fed from from food food grown grown by by you. you. That's That's one people tend one reason reason third third world world people tend to to acquire acquire animals animals that that don't don't compete compete with with their their own own food food supply. supply. What past was What farmers farmers did did at at times times in in the the past was hatch hatch chickens chickens in in the the early early spring, spring, let let them them run run free free (so (so they'll they'll scrounge scrounge for for their their own own food) food) all all summer, summer, then then butcher butcher them them in in the the fall. fall. Rabbits Rabbits and and pigs pigs got got the the same same treatment treatment to to save save money. money. That That way way they they didn't didn't have have to to feed feed them them over over the the winter.

Water We kept Water is is another another consideration. consideration. We kept aa 1,500-pound 1,500-pound Belgian Belgian draft draft horse horse one one winter. winter. Not Not only only did did she she give give real real experience experience to to the the quip quip "eating "eating like We live like aa horse," horse," she she also also drank drank like like aa horse. horse. We live off-grid off-grid with with solar solar power power and running water. and no no running water. There There was was no no way way we we could could keep keep the the water water in in the the horse's horse's tank tank thawed thawed out, out, so so II ended ended up up carrying carrying five five gallons gallons of of water water to to the the horse begin with, horse twice twice aa day. day. We We had had to to haul haul water water for for ourselves ourselves to to begin with, and and now now one one horse horse was was drinking drinking more more than than the the entire entire family family used used for for drinking, drinking, bathing, bathing, and and washing washing dishes. dishes. That That was was aa lot lot of of work, work, and and we we sold sold the the horse horse the the next next summer. summer. Do Do you you have have aa good good source source of of water water for for yourself yourself and and your your livestock livestock all all year year long? long? In In winter, winter, will will you you be be able able to to keep keep the the water water from from freezing? freezing? One One of of the the reasons reasons we we only only have have chickens chickens now now is is because because they they don't don't drink drink aa lot lot of of water bowl twice water over over the the winter. winter. We We fill fill their their water water bowl twice each each day. day. II bring bring it it in in and and set set it it beside beside the the woodstove woodstove to to thaw thaw the the leftover leftover ice, ice, fill fill the the bowl bowl with with water, water, then then take take it it out out to to the the henhouse henhouse and and swap swap it it with with the the bowl bowl II left left there there earlier. earlier. II then repeat the then repeat the process process by by thawing thawing out out the the ice ice in in that that water water bowl. bowl. We We can can easily keep the easily melt melt enough enough snow snow to to keep the chickens, chickens, cat cat and and dog, dog, and and ourselves ourselves in in water, water, but but that's that's about about all all we we want want to to do do at at present. present. SHELTERS SHELTERS AND AND FENCING FENCING This This is is another another good good argument argument for for small small animals. animals. It's It's much much easier easier and and cheaper cheaper to to build build rabbit rabbit hutches hutches than than to to build build aa shed shed and and fence fence in in 20 20 acres acres of of pasture pasture for for aa horse. horse. I'm I'm not not going going into into aa lot lot of of details details on on this this because because it it could could become book. Part before you become another another book book within within the the book. Part of of your your research research before you acquire acquire any any livestock livestock should should include include fencing fencing and and shelter shelter needs needs for for the the animals animals in in question. question. One keep your One thing thing to to keep keep in in mind mind is is that that fences fences are are not not always always to to keep your animals animals in; in; sometimes sometimes they're they're there there to to keep keep other other animals animals out. out. Small Small livestock livestock in in particular particular needs needs protection protection from from predators. predators. Virtually Virtually every every predator predator on on earth earth likes likes chickens, chickens, rabbits, rabbits, and and mutton mutton for for dinner. dinner. When When we we shut shut our our chickens chickens up up at at night, night, it it isn't isn't to to keep keep them them confined confined but but to to keep keep the

weasels, bobcats, weasels, skunks, skunks, badgers, badgers, raccoons, raccoons, owls, owls, foxes, foxes, coyotes, coyotes, wolves, wolves, bobcats, mountain mountain lions, lions, bears, bears, and and stray stray dogs dogs out. out. Tool Tool and and equipment equipment needs needs for for building building fences fences are are minimal. minimal. All All of of it it can can be be rented, reading up rented, but but I'd I'd advise advise reading up on on fence fence building building before before you you make make any any purchases rental agreements. purchases or or sign sign any any rental agreements. Electric Electric fences fences are are usually usually the the easiest, easiest, fastest, fastest, and and cheapest cheapest fences fences to to build. build. They They work work great great on on anything anything larger larger than than sheep. sheep. Fence Fence chargers chargers can can be be powered powered by by 120120- volt volt AC AC electricity electricity if if you're you're near near aa power power source, source, solar solar powered powered for for remote remote or or off-grid off-grid applications, battery powered powered (these applications, or or battery (these use use aa 66- or or 12-volt 12-volt automotive automotive battery battery that that must must be be recharged recharged occasionally). occasionally). Be Be sure sure that that any any fence fence you you build build is is within within your your property property boundaries. boundaries. Again, Again, check check the the fence fence recommendations recommendations for for the the animals animals you you intend intend to to own. own. e®eees

As As I I said said at at the the beginning beginning of of this this chapter, chapter, anyone anyone who who owns owns an an animal animal is is aa slave slave to to the the animal. animal. Enter Enter into into the the arena arena of of animal animal husbandry husbandry with with caution.

Seeeene®

Tey o Seeeaee*

: »

. .

ater ater is is the the Achilles' Achilles' heel heel of of cheap cheap land. land. Occasionally Occasionally you'll you'll run run into but not into a a deal deal on on land land with with water water on on it, it, but not often. often. If If there's there's a a natural natural source source like like aa stream, stream, spring, spring, or or lake, lake, the the price price goes goes up up considerably. considerably. If If there's there's aa drilled drilled well, well, the the price price goes goes up up to to cover cover the the cost cost of of the the well. well. If If you you buy buy land land and and drill drill aa well, well, you'll you'll have have to to fork fork over over the the dough dough to to get get that that task task done, done, so so water water is is aa major major consideration consideration for for the the lowlow- budget budget homesteader. homesteader. This This doesn't doesn't mean just mean you you should should give give up up or or reject reject any any land land without without aa source source of of water. water. It It just means be aware means you you need need to to be aware of of the the importance importance of of water water and and have have some some alternate alternate ways ways of of obtaining obtaining it. it. There There are are two two types types of of water water we'll we'll concern concern ourselves ourselves with: with: potable potable and and nonpotable. nonpotable. Potable Potable water water is is pure pure enough enough for for drinking. drinking. Most Most surface surface water water such rivers, and potable unless such as as lakes, lakes, rivers, and ponds ponds are are not not potable unless you you treat treat it it through through boiling, boiling, filtering, filtering, or or chemical chemical means. means. Most Most springs springs fall fall into into the the same

category, category, as as do do many many shallow shallow wells. wells. Most Most deep deep wells wells are are potable potable without without treatment because the treatment because the ground ground filters filters out out contaminants contaminants as as the the water water seeps seeps down down into into the the aquifer. aquifer. That That being being said, said, you you should should always always have have any any water water you you plan plan on on drinking drinking tested tested for for contaminants. contaminants. Even Even deep deep wells wells can can sometimes sometimes be be contaminated. contaminated. If If you you plan plan on on having having aa well well drilled, drilled, check check with with neighboring neighboring landowners landowners to to get get an an idea idea of of how how deep deep they they had had to to go go for for good good drinking drinking water. water. Well Well drillers drillers charge charge by by the the foot, foot, and and few, few, if if any, any, give give guarantees guarantees of of hitting hitting water. water. We We have have one one acquaintance acquaintance who who spent spent more more than than $12,000 $12,000 and and never never did did hit hit water water on on his his property. property. Know Know your your rights rights regarding regarding water water acquisition acquisition before before you you purchase purchase property. property. You You may may be be subject subject to to local, local, county, county, state, state, and and even even federal federal regulations regulations concerning concerning water water use use on on your your land. land. Even Even if if you you have have lake lake frontage, frontage, you you may may not not be be entitled entitled to to use use that that water water for for drinking drinking or or nonpotable nonpotable purposes. purposes. Let's Let's take take aa closer closer look look at at ways ways to to get get water water for for the the homestead. homestead. WELLS WELLS Wells Wells are are generally generally classed classed as as shallow shallow or or deep, deep, depending depending upon upon how how the the water jet pump water must must be be pumped pumped to to the the surface. surface. A A jet pump used used for for shallow shallow wells wells can can draw draw water water from from about about 25 25 feet feet below below the the pump. pump. They They work work by by creating creating aa vacuum vacuum above above the the water water so so that that atmospheric atmospheric air air pressure pressure will will "push" "push" the the water water up up the the pipe pipe to to the the pump. pump. Thus Thus the the 25-foot 25-foot limit limit is is set set because because of of the the physics pressure available physics involved. involved. The The amount amount of of atmospheric atmospheric pressure available to to push push the the water water up up the the pipe pipe is is the the limiting limiting factor. factor. It's It's much much easier easier to to push push water water than than to to pull pull it, it, so so you you always always want want your your pump pump to to be be located located as as close close to to the the water water as as possible. possible. Jet Jet pumps pumps are are available available that that will will bring bring water water up up from from deeper deeper wells, wells, but but they they are are very very inefficient inefficient compared compared to to submersible submersible pumps. pumps. If If your your well well is is over over 25 25 feet feet deep, deep, get get aa submersible submersible pump. pump. The The only only limiting limiting factor factor when when using using aa submersible submersible pump pump is is the the size size of of the the well well casing. casing. Usually Usually aa fourfour- inch inch inside inside diameter diameter is is minimum.

\ We jugs. There We haul haul most most of of our our drinking drinking water water in in plastic plastic jugs. There are are several several sources sources we we can can draw draw from, from, including including one one artesian artesian well well at at aa neighbor's neighbor's house. house. There pumps available There are are hand hand pumps available that that will will draw draw water water from from depths depths of of 350 350 feet feet and and more. more. They They are are expensive expensive but but reliable reliable and and can can be be converted converted to to wind wind power power using using equipment equipment like like the the old-fashioned old-fashioned windmills windmills you you often often see see in in farming farming country. country. These These windmills windmills have have aa gearbox gearbox at at the the top top that that converts converts the the rotary rotary motion motion of of the the wind wind vanes vanes into into vertical vertical movement movement at at the the pump. pump. As As the the impeller impeller rotates, rotates, it it moves moves an an arm arm at at the the other other side side of of the the gearbox gearbox in in aa circular circular motion. motion. The The arm arm is is connected connected to to aa long long rod rod hooked hooked to to the the top top of of the the pump pump shaft, shaft, which which is is moved moved up up and and down down to to pump pump the the water. water. These These are are very very low low tech tech and and need need very very little little wind wind to to function. function. In In high high wind wind they they have have aa governor governor that that turns turns aa tail tail fin fin so so that that the the vanes vanes are are twisted twisted perpendicular perpendicular to to the the wind. wind. The The impeller impeller then then slows slows down, down, protecting protecting the the mechanism mechanism from from damage. damage. The The best best book book I've I've seen seen on on home home well well drilling drilling is is aa United United Nations Nations publication, publication, Self-Help Self-Help Wells, Wells, available available through through the the UN's UN's Food Food and and Agriculture just enter Agriculture Organization Organization (FAO) (FAO) (www.fao.org; (www.fao.org; just enter the the publication publication title title in in the the search search box). box). It's It's designed designed for for use use in in low-tech low-tech applications applications in in third

world back. Third world countries. countries. Be Be sure sure to to look look over over the the photos photos at at the the back. Third world world people people are are amazingly amazingly resourceful resourceful (much (much like like the the early early pioneers pioneers in in the the USA). USA). Many Many of of the the tools tools needed needed were were manufactured manufactured from from locally locally available available materials. in format materials. It's It's also also available available for for downloading downloading in PDF PDF format at at www.watersanitationhygiene.org. www.watersanitationhygiene.org. Be boring aa hole Be advised advised that that there's there's more more to to drilling drilling aa well well than than boring hole in in the the ground pump water ground and and pumping pumping water water out out of of it. it. When When you you pump water out out of of aa new new well, pump a a lot well, it's it's normal normal for for the the water water to to appear appear cloudy. cloudy. Most Most drillers drillers will will pump lot of of water water out out of of aa well well before before it it clears clears up. up. However, However, there there are are some some types types of of water-bearing water-bearing strata strata that that will will never never clear clear up up no no matter matter how how long long you you pump pump water water out. out. A A professional professional driller driller will will know know the the difference difference and and advise advise you you accordingly. just have accordingly. If If you you don't don't know know what what to to look look for, for, you'll you'll just have to to take take your your chances. chances. If If the the intended intended use use of of the the water water is is for for livestock livestock or or irrigation, irrigation, it it might might not not matter matter if if it's it's aa little little cloudy. cloudy. If If you you want want it it for for drinking drinking and and washing washing clothes, clothes, you'll you'll either either have have to to try try again again or or run run it it through through a a filtration filtration system. system. The The ideal ideal for for the the self-sufficient self-sufficient homesteader homesteader is is to to hit hit an an artesian artesian well. well. This This is is water water that's that's under under pressure. pressure. You You don't don't need need aa pump pump because because the the water water will will flow flow up up the the well well casing casing and and out out the the top. top. Be Be careful careful sealing sealing these these because because if if you you try try to to stop stop all all flow, flow, the the water water often often erodes erodes around around the the well well casing, casing, sometimes pushing the sometimes pushing the casing casing itself itself out out of of the the ground. ground. Most Most artesian artesian wells wells that that I've I've seen seen have have valves valves on on top top of of the the casing casing that that allow allow water water to to constantly constantly flow, keeping the flow, thus thus relieving relieving pressure pressure and and keeping the well well intact. intact. It's be especially It's always always aa good good idea idea to to have have your your water water supply supply tested, tested, but but be especially diligent diligent with with shallow shallow wells. wells. Nitrate Nitrate contamination contamination from from inorganic inorganic fertilizer fertilizer and and animal animal manure manure is is aa common common shallow shallow well well pollutant pollutant in in farm farm country. country. You You can can still still use use the the water water for for irrigation, irrigation, but but don't don't drink drink it. it. Driven Driven Wells Wells Perhaps Perhaps the the simplest simplest way way of of reaching reaching water water when when conditions conditions permit permit is is the the driven point," which basically driven well. well. To To drive drive aa well, well, you you start start with with aa "drive "drive point," which is is basically aa section pipe with pointed end. section of of porous porous pipe with aa pointed end. You You attach attach aa hardened hardened cap cap to to the the top post driver. top of of the the pipe pipe and and drive drive the the pipe pipe into into the the ground ground with with aa post driver. Keep Keep adding When you adding new new sections sections of of pipe pipe as as you you go go deeper deeper into into the the ground. ground. When

think think you've you've reached reached the the water water table, table, attach attach aa weight weight to to aa string string and and lower lower it it to pipe down to the the bottom. bottom. If If the the string string is is wet, wet, drive drive the the pipe down another another 20 20 to to 30 30 feet feet and and start start pumping pumping water! water! This This method method works works best best in in sandy sandy or or loose loose soil. soil. If If you you have have rocky rocky ground, ground, it's it's less less effective. effective. Buried Buried rocks rocks will will either either deflect deflect the the drive drive point point (making (making the the well well shaft shaft crooked) crooked) or or stop stop it it altogether. altogether. It It won't won't work work at at all all in in solid solid rock. rock. Under Under ideal ideal conditions, conditions, you you may may be be able able to to hit hit 150 150 feet feet if if you're you're doing doing it it by by hand. hand. Hand Hand Augers Augers Wells Wells can can also also be be bored bored with with hand hand augers. augers. These These are are aa smaller smaller version version of of aa posthole posthole auger, auger, designed designed for for taking taking soil soil samples samples by by drilling drilling aa hole hole about about three posthole auger three inches inches in in diameter. diameter. You You can can use use aa posthole auger if if that's that's all all you you have. have. Try When you Try to to find find one one that that is is adjustable, adjustable, and and use use the the narrowest narrowest setting. setting. When you get get down down aa few few feet, feet, it it becomes becomes much much more more difficult difficult to to turn turn the the shaft. shaft. The The larger be. larger the the diameter, diameter, the the harder harder it it will will be. A but will A hand hand auger auger is is more more work work than than aa driven driven well well but will go go through through compacted With aa hand compacted soil soil better better than than aa drive drive point. point. With hand auger, auger, you you twist twist the the handle, bottom bore handle, making making the the shovels shovels on on the the bottom bore into into the the ground. ground. When When you've you've gone gone down down about about aa foot foot or or so, so, you'll you'll have have to to bring bring the the auger auger back back out out of of the the hole hole and and dump dump the the dirt dirt out out of of it. it. As As you you go go deeper, deeper, keep keep adding adding sections sections of of pipe. pipe. It's It's kind kind of of aa slow slow process process since since you'll you'll have have to to unscrew unscrew the the additional additional sections sections of of pipe pipe each each time time you you bring bring the the auger auger up up to to dump dump the the dirt dirt out out of of it. it. To build aa platform To expedite expedite things, things, you you can can build platform above above the the hole hole and and have have aa friend pull friend help. help. The The increased increased elevation elevation of of your your partner partner will will enable enable you you to to pull up up longer longer segments segments before before you you need need to to uncouple uncouple them. them. A A tall tall stepladder stepladder (anchored roof of (anchored solidly!) solidly!) can can help. help. II once once stood stood on on the the roof of aa garage garage to to accomplish accomplish the the same same thing.

We We bring bring the the water water to to aa boil boil to to sterilize sterilize it, it, then then pour pour it it into into our our storage storage barrel barrel in in the the house. house. From From there there it's it's pumped pumped into into aa tank tank that's that's above above the the sink. sink. It It flows flows by by gravity gravity from from there there to to the the sink. sink. Another Another method method is is to to build build aa tall tall tripod tripod over over the the hole hole with with aa pulley pulley at at the the top. top. Run Run aa rope rope through through the the pulley pulley and and back back down down to to the the ground. ground. When When you you need pull the need to to remove remove the the auger auger to to dump dump it, it, tie tie the the rope rope to to the the pipe pipe and and pull the entire entire section section out out of of the the ground. ground. If If your your tripod tripod is is 15 15 feet feet tall, tall, for for example, example, you be able you should should be able to to pull pull up up aa 14-foot 14-foot section section at at aa time time for for cleaning. cleaning. Stay power lines! Stay clear clear of of any any overhead overhead power lines! You You do do not not have have to to physically physically touch jump the touch aa power power line line to to be be electrocuted. electrocuted. Electricity Electricity will will jump the gap gap from from the the line just like jump the line to to any any metallic metallic object object just like the the spark spark will will jump the gap gap on on aa spark spark plug. plug. Even Even with with the the extra extra work work of of constantly constantly dumping dumping the the dirt dirt and and uncoupling uncoupling the bore aa hole the pipe, pipe, it it isn't isn't difficult difficult to to bore hole 25 25 feet feet deep deep in in an an afternoon.

When When the the dirt dirt you you dump dump out out of of the the bit bit comes comes up up muddy, muddy, you'll you'll know know you've you've begun begun to to hit hit water. water. When When you you think think you're you're deep deep enough, enough, run run aa pipe pipe down down the the hole, hole, attach attach aa pump, pump, and and see see how how much much water water you you can can get. get. Fifty Fifty feet feet is is about about maximum maximum depth depth using using this this method. method. If If you you hit hit aa rock, rock, you'll you'll have have to to start start aa new new hole hole elsewhere. elsewhere. With With both both driven driven and and augured augured wells, wells, it's it's important important to to pump pump water water out out of of them them for for awhile awhile to to clear clear out out the the sediment sediment so so that that the the water water underground underground will will flow flow more more freely. freely. Hand-Dug Hand-Dug Wells Wells There There are are few few tasks tasks more more dangerous dangerous than than hand hand digging digging aa water water well. well. It It was past because was done done in in the the past because no no other other method method was was available, available, but but aa lot lot of of well well diggers diggers lost lost their their lives lives when when walls walls collapsed collapsed on on them them or or they they were were overcome overcome by by poisonous poisonous gases. gases. They They also also needed needed to to be be careful careful that that they they didn't didn't run run out out of of oxygen oxygen in in the the bottom bottom of of the the hole. hole. When When they they reached reached the the water water table, table, they they kept kept digging digging deeper deeper until until the the water water was was flowing flowing in in faster faster than than they they could could pump pump it it out. out. At At that that point, point, they they had had to to shore shore up up the the sides sides with with stacked stacked rock rock at at the the bottom bottom and and mortared mortared rock rock or or bricks bricks above above the the water water level. level. Most Most wells wells dug dug by by hand hand are are about about four four or or five five feet feet in in diameter, diameter, because because this this is is as as small small an recommend hand an area area that that aa person person can can work work in. in. II would would never never recommend hand digging digging aa well well and and only only mention mention it it here here for for information information purposes. purposes. Motorized Motorized Well Well Drilling Drilling There rig There are are aa couple couple of of options options here. here. II once once used used aa home-built home-built drill drill rig powered powered by by aa 10-horsepower 10-horsepower gasoline gasoline engine. engine. It It worked worked okay okay until until II hit hit aa rock. back under rock. The The drill drill point point worked worked around around the the rock, rock, then then slid slid back under the the rock rock and kink in pipe and continued continued downward. downward. There There was was aa kink in the the hole hole II couldn't couldn't get get aa pipe through, through, so so even even though though I I hit hit water, water, II couldn't couldn't pump pump it it out. out. There There are are companies companies that that sell sell portable, portable, gasoline-powered gasoline-powered rigs rigs for for drilling drilling your your own own wells. wells. Those Those I'm I'm familiar familiar with with advertise advertise reaching reaching depths depths of of 200 200 feet feet or or more more under under good good conditions. conditions. I've I've never never used used one, one, so so this this is is neither neither an an endorsement endorsement nor nor denunciation. denunciation. My My advice advice would would be be to to get get references references from from people people who who have have used used them.

Motorized Motorized drilling drilling requires requires aa water water source source and and pump pump to to push push water water through bit and through the the drill drill shaft. shaft. The The water water cools cools the the bit and forces forces the the displaced displaced soil soil up up and and out out of of the the hole. hole. If If you you didn't didn't do do this, this, the the dirt dirt would would fill fill in in the the hole hole above above the the bit bit and and all all you'd you'd accomplish accomplish is is drilling drilling the the bit bit deep deep into into the the ground ground like like aa 200-foot-long 200-foot-long lag lag bolt. bolt. Jetted by forcing Jetted wells wells are are another another option. option. This This works works by forcing water water through through aa pipe. pipe and pipe. The The water water actually actually erodes erodes the the soil soil ahead ahead of of the the pipe and the the pipe pipe slowly slowly sinks sinks deeper deeper into into the the ground. ground. There There are are normally normally some some kind kind of of teeth teeth on on the the bottom bottom of of the the pipe pipe to to help help break break up up the the soil soil and and speed speed the the process. process. You You need need to keep turning to keep turning the the pipe pipe and and pumping pumping it it up up and and down down as as you you work. work. Otherwise Otherwise the the pipe pipe will will eventually eventually stick stick in in the the hole hole and and all all you'll you'll end end up up with with is is aa 50-foot-deep 50-foot-deep posthole posthole with with your your drill drill pipe pipe stuck stuck in in it. it. Jetted Jetted wells wells can can reach reach depths depths of of 300 300 feet feet or or more more depending depending upon upon soil soil conditions conditions and and the the strength strength of of your your pump. pump. SPRINGS SPRINGS A A spring spring is is aa place place where where water water in in underground underground aquifers aquifers reaches reaches the the surface. surface. Springs Springs come come in in all all sizes, sizes, from from miniscule, miniscule, seasonal seasonal springs springs that that may may only only create create patches patches of of boggy boggy ground ground at at certain certain times times of of the the year year to to the the gusher gusher flowing flowing nearly nearly 10 10 million million gallons gallons of of water water per per hour hour at at Mammoth Mammoth Spring, Spring, Arkansas. Arkansas. Many Many lakes lakes are are fed fed by by underground underground springs springs out out of of aquifers aquifers located located miles miles away. away. In In most most cases, cases, you'll you'll have have to to do do some some developing developing to to get get the the water water where where you build up you want want it. it. Developing Developing aa spring spring means means that that you you find find aa way way to to build up aa reservoir reservoir of of water water and/or and/or channel channel it it through through pipes pipes to to get get it it where where you you want want it. it. Sometimes Sometimes this this can can be be as as simple simple as as pounding pounding aa drive drive point point into into the the spring's spring's outlet. outlet. Other Other times times you you may may have have to to excavate excavate an an area area and and build build aa tank tank out out of of stone stone or or cement cement to to capture capture the the water. water. If If the the spring spring is is above above your your home home and and garden, pipe it garden, you you can can pipe it downhill downhill and and have have running running water water without without needing needing aa pump pump of of any any kind. kind. If If it's it's below below your your home home and and garden, garden, you'll you'll have have to to pump pump it it to to where where it's it's needed. needed. In In either either case, case, developing developing aa spring spring is is much much cheaper, cheaper, faster, faster, and and easier easier than than drilling drilling aa well.

Again, be sure Again, be sure to to check check the the water water for for contaminants. contaminants. Some Some springs springs flow flow from from deep deep underground, underground, and and if if surface surface pollutants pollutants are are kept kept clear clear where where it it emerges, emerges, the the water water may may be be pure. pure. In In many many cases, cases, the the spring spring may may flow flow underground underground yet yet near near the the surface surface and and pick pick up up contaminants contaminants along along the the way. way. You know until build aa fence You won't won't know until you you have have the the water water tested. tested. It's It's wise wise to to build fence around be around the the spring's spring's outlet outlet to to keep keep animals animals away. away. Otherwise, Otherwise, the the water water may may be polluted polluted by by feces. feces. RIVERS, RIVERS, LAKES, LAKES, AND AND CREEKS CREEKS Surface just too Surface water water is is seldom seldom pure pure enough enough to to drink. drink. There There are are just too many many possible possible sources sources of of contamination. contamination. It It can, can, however, however, provide provide water water for for irrigation, irrigation, livestock, livestock, and and washing. washing. In In most most cases, cases, all all you'll you'll need need is is aa pump pump to to get get the the water water where where it's it's needed. needed. You'll You'll need need to to filter filter and and purify purify it it for for drinking. drinking. If If you're you're depending depending on on these these sources sources for for water, water, do do some some research research on on flow flow rates rates for for the the entire entire year. year. Many Many creeks creeks and and some some rivers rivers dry dry up up during during the the hot hot summer summer months. months. You'll You'll also also need need to to be be prepared prepared for for spring spring or or fall fall flooding. flooding. Be Be sure sure you you can can legally legally tap tap into into this this source source for for your your own own use. use. (This (This also also goes just assume goes for for springs.) springs.) Don't Don't just assume that that because because the the water water touches touches your your property ranchers property it's it's yours yours to to use use as as you you desire. desire. There There may may be be farmers farmers or or ranchers that rights preempting that have have irrigation irrigation rights preempting yours, yours, or or nearby nearby cities cities that that own own the the water water and and use use it it for for their their municipal municipal water water supply. supply. If If anyone anyone upstream upstream from from you you has has rights rights to to the the waters, waters, you you might might see see "your" "your" stream stream or or even even lake lake going going dry dry when when the the farmer farmer above above you you powers powers up up his his irrigation irrigation pump pump to to water water his his crops. crops. PONDS PONDS In In places places with with adequate adequate rainfall, rainfall, ponds ponds can can be be aa great great water water source. source. If If there's there's an an existing existing pond, pond, check check to to see see how how old old it it is. is. If If there there are are trees trees growing growing in in the the pond pond dam, dam, they'll they'll give give you you aa hint hint at at its its age. age. The The larger larger the the trees, trees, the the older older the the pond. pond. Check Check water water depth depth as as well. well. Sometimes Sometimes silt silt buildup buildup over over the the years years can can fill fill in in aa pond pond so so that that even even though though the the pond pond may may appear appear deep, deep, it it isn't. problem, you isn't. If If silt silt buildup buildup is is aa problem, you may may be be able able to to revive revive the the pond pond by

dredging dredging it it out. out. Be Be sure sure to to check check with with local local authorities authorities regarding regarding the the legal legal issues issues involved. involved. You You can can build build your your own own pond pond if if there's there's aa depression depression with with adequate adequate drainage drainage leading leading into into it. it. If If you you want want aa large large pond, pond, you you can can hire hire someone someone with with aa dozer. dozer. Smaller Smaller ponds ponds can can be be dug dug by by hand hand if if you you have have the the time time and and energy. energy. Contact Contact the the county county extension extension office office to to see see what what your your options options are are for for building building aa pond. pond. In In some some cases cases they they may may know know of of ways ways to to have have it it done done free. free. In In one one county county where where II lived, lived, the the government government built built ponds ponds on on private private land land to to aid aid in in flood flood control. control. If pond, use If you you have have aa pond, use it! it! Stock Stock it it with with fish fish for for recreation recreation and and aa steady steady food food supply. supply. They They also also make make nice nice places places to to swim swim in in summer summer and and ice ice skate skate in in winter. winter. Just Just remember remember to to be be safe safe when when in, in, on, on, or or around around the the water. water. COLLECTING COLLECTING RAINWATER RAINWATER It rainwater collection It wasn't wasn't that that long long ago ago that that many many farmhouses farmhouses had had aa rainwater collection system system of of some some type. type. Hand-dug Hand-dug wells wells sometimes sometimes went went dry dry in in the the summer summer and and many many didn't didn't have have enough enough flow flow for for times times when when company company came, came, so so it it was was nice nice to to have have aa few few thousand thousand gallons gallons stored stored in in cisterns. cisterns. Depending Depending on on the the surface surface area area of of your your roof roof and and the the amount amount of of rainfall rainfall you you receive, receive, rain rain may may supply supply all all your your water water needs. needs. Even Even if if it it doesn't, doesn't, it it might might still still be be worth worth the the investment. investment. If If you're you're on on rural rural or or city city water water supplies, supplies, you'll you'll be be charged charged by by the the gallon gallon for for every every drop drop you you use. roof is use. Rain Rain is is free, free, and and whatever whatever falls falls on on your your roof is caught caught by by the the rain rain gutters gutters and and dumped dumped on on the the yard. yard. Why Why not not let let it it run run into into aa tank tank and and use use it it for for livestock livestock or or to to water water your your garden? garden? All All you'll you'll need need is is aa small small electric electric or or gasgaspowered pump and powered pump and aa hose, hose, and and you you can can have have water water as as far far away away as as the the hose hose will reach. will reach. One One inch inch of of rain rain will will add add up up to to .623 .623 gallons gallons per per square square foot foot of of surface surface area. roofs, so area. Remember, Remember, this this is is on on aa flat flat roof. roof. Most Most homes homes have have sloped sloped roofs, so you'll you'll need need to to figure figure the the square square footage footage as as if if the the roof roof were were flat. flat. For For example,

if if your your home's home's outside outside dimensions dimensions are are 30 30 by by 30 30 feet feet and and your your roof roof overhangs overhangs the the outside outside walls walls by by one one foot foot on on every every side, side, the the actual actual surface surface area area for for rainwater rainwater collection collection is is 1,024 1,024 square square feet. feet. Again, Again, the the pitch pitch of of your your roof roof doesn't doesn't matter; matter; the the only only thing thing that that matters matters is is the the amount amount of of ground ground covered covered by roof. Now potential of by the the roof. Now take take 1,024 1,024 times times .623 .623 and and you'll you'll have have the the potential of collecting collecting almost almost 638 638 gallons gallons of of water water for for every every inch inch of of rainfall rainfall you you receive. receive. We We collect collect rainwater rainwater in in 50-gallon 50-gallon barrels barrels under under the the downspouts downspouts of of the the rain rain gutters. gutters. We We put put aa siphon siphon hose hose in in each each barrel barrel and and siphon siphon the the water water from from the the barrel behind the We use barrel to to aa storage storage tank tank behind the house. house. We use an an electric electric pump pump to to move move water water from from the the main main tank tank to to the the tanks tanks in in the the garden garden and and for for watering watering the the garden garden with with the the hose. hose. Note: Note: Be Be sure sure that that collecting collecting rainwater rainwater is is legal legal in in your your area. area. In In some some states states it it isn't; isn't; in in others others it's it's restricted restricted to to small-scale small-scale systems. systems. MELTING MELTING SNOW SNOW If If you you live live in in snow snow country, country, you you can can melt melt snow snow to to obtain obtain water. water. If If you've you've ever ever melted melted snow, snow, you'll you'll know know it it takes takes aa lot lot to to make make aa gallon gallon of of water. water. Cold, Cold, fluffy by volume, fluffy snow snow has has the the least least water water content content by volume, while while warm, warm, wet wet snow snow has has the the most. most. We We still still advise advise treating treating it it by by boiling, boiling, filtering, filtering, or or chemical chemical means means before before drinking drinking it. it. The The easiest easiest way way to to get get an an idea idea of of how how much much water water you'll you'll get get out out of of the the snow snow is is by by weight. weight. We've We've melted melted so so much much snow snow that that we we can can tell tell how how much much water water it it will will produce produce by by the the weight weight of of the the bucket bucket when when we we bring bring it it into into the the cabin. produce aa pound cabin. A A pound pound of of snow snow will will produce pound of of water. water. The The thing thing is is that that fluffy, by fluffy, cold cold snow snow is is less less dense dense so so even even though though the the bucket bucket might might be be full full by volume, volume, the the weight weight is is relatively relatively low. low. A A bucket bucket full full of of wet wet snow snow will will have have the the same same volume volume of of snow, snow, but but the the water water content content is is much much higher. higher. No No matter matter how how wet wet the the snow snow is, is, though, though, it it will will still still take take a a lot lot of of it it to to make make a a gallon gallon of of water. water. The The way way we we melt melt snow snow is is by by leaving leaving about about aa fourth fourth of of the the kettle kettle filled filled with with hot hot water, water, then then fill fill it it the the rest rest of of the the way way with with snow. snow. As As that that melts, melts, we we add add more pan is more snow snow until until the the pan is full full of of water. water. We We then then dump dump the the water water into into the

tank, process over tank, leaving leaving some some water water in in the the pan pan to to start start the the entire entire process over again again ... ... and and again again and and again again and and again! again! You You may may need need to to filter filter the the melted melted snow snow when when you you transfer transfer it it to to your your storage storage tank. tank. At At home home the the wind wind blows blows dirt dirt and and lichen lichen off off the the trees, trees, and and there's there's usually usually aa little little soot soot from from the the chimney chimney as as well, well, so so we we use use aa canning canning funnel funnel and and coffee coffee filters filters to to filter filter the the snow snow water water when when pouring pouring it it into into the the storage storage tank. tank.

We We bring bring the the water water to to aa boil boil to to sterilize sterilize it, it, then then pour pour it it into into our our storage storage barrel barrel in in the the house. house. From From there there it's it's pumped pumped into into aa tank tank that's that's above above the the sink. sink. It It flows flows by by gravityfrom gravityfrom there there to to the the sink. sink. I've I've heard heard that that you you can can scorch scorch snow, snow, but but I've I've never never seen seen it it happen. happen. You You can, pan if can, however, however, seriously seriously burn burn your your pan if the the heat's heat's too too high. high. The The actual actual moisture base layer pan moisture content content of of snow snow is is low, low, so so the the base layer contacting contacting the the heated heated pan bottom bottom may may melt melt and and turn turn immediately immediately to to steam. steam. The The steam steam is is quickly quickly absorbed by the up with absorbed by the snow snow above above it, it, and and you you end end up with aa cave cave of of sorts sorts in in the the bottom bottom of of the the pan. pan. This This is is dead dead air air space, space, and and air air is is not not as as efficient efficient at at conducting red conducting heat heat as as water. water. The The result result is is aa pan pan bottom bottom that that may may become become red

hot hot in in places places while while there there is is still still unmelted unmelted snow snow only only an an inch inch or or so so above. above. Keep Keep the the heat heat low low until until you you have have at at least least aa couple couple of of inches inches of of water water in in the the pan. pan. GRAY GRAY WATER WATER RECOVERY RECOVERY Some restrictions on Some states states are are finally finally lifting lifting restrictions on gray gray water water use use around around the the home. home. All All II can can say say is is it's it's about about time! time! Gray Gray water water is is defined defined as as the the leftover leftover water water used used for for other other purposes, purposes, such such as as bathing bathing and and washing washing clothes clothes and and dishes. dishes. Never Never use use black black water, water, which which is is water water used used in in the the toilet toilet or or water water contaminated paint or contaminated with with toxic toxic chemicals chemicals like like paint or solvents. solvents. Water Water laced laced with with salt salt or or heavy heavy detergents detergents is is also also unsuitable unsuitable for for reuse reuse in in the the garden. garden. If plan on If you you plan on using using your your gray gray water water in in your your garden, garden, avoid avoid using using bleach bleach and/or and/or detergents detergents containing containing boron. boron. Gray Gray water water tends tends to to be be alkaline, alkaline, so so don't don't use use it it exclusively exclusively in in any any single single area. area. It's It's not not good good for for seedlings, seedlings, but but it it should should be be safe safe for for established established plants. plants. If If you you have have any any doubts doubts about about using using gray gray water water on plants, reserve on food food plants, reserve its its use use for for ornamental ornamental flowers flowers and and shrubs shrubs and and the the lawn. lawn. There There is is conflicting conflicting information information on on the the use use of of gray gray water water for for food food crops, crops, so so do do some some research research and and make make your your own own decisions.

Even been purified boiling, wefilter Even though though the the water water has has been purified by by boiling, wefilter it it through through aa coffee coffee filter filter to to strain strain it. it. No No matter matter how how clean clean it it looks, looks, there there is is always always bits bits of of lichen lichen and and other other debris debris in in the the water. water. We baking soda We use use baking soda in in our our wash wash water water (for (for both both clothes clothes and and dishes) dishes) in in place rinse water. place of of detergents. detergents. We We use use white white vinegar vinegar in in the the rinse water. The The wash wash water water containing containing baking baking soda soda (being (being alkaline) alkaline) is is used used to to water water plants plants like like cabbage, cabbage, asparagus, asparagus, and and our our plum plum trees. trees. The The rinse rinse water water containing containing white white vinegar vinegar (which (which is is acidic) acidic) is is used used on on our our blueberries blueberries and and strawberries. strawberries. In In our our case, case, it's it's easy easy to to capture capture the the wash wash water water because because the the tubs tubs have have drains just drain buckets. It drains with with hoses, hoses, so so we we just drain the the water water into into buckets. It might might take take aa little little more more resourcefulness resourcefulness in in the the average average home. home. Most Most dishwashers dishwashers and and automatic pump the pressure. If automatic washers washers pump the old old water water out out with with considerable considerable pressure. If you're you're serious serious about about reusing reusing it, it, you you can can adapt adapt the the drain drain hose hose to to accept accept aa garden garden hose hose and and pump pump the the gray gray water water to to an an outside outside tank tank for for further further distribution With wringer just drain distribution later. later. With wringer washers, washers, just drain them them into into aa bucket bucket and and dump dump it it where where it'll it'll do do the the most most good. good. CONSERVATION

At At one one time, time, buffalo buffalo (bison) (bison) roamed roamed the the prairies prairies in in herds herds so so large large the the beginning be seen beginning and and end end couldn't couldn't be seen from from the the same same location. location. Those Those days days are are long long gone. gone. Large-scale Large-scale market market and and hide hide hunting hunting and and aa government government desire desire to to eradicate eradicate the the food food source source of of the the Indians Indians left left buffalo buffalo carcasses carcasses rotting rotting in in the the sun sun in in numbers numbers too too great great to to count. count. The The relentless relentless destruction destruction of of this this "endless" "endless" resource resource by by shortsighted shortsighted bureaucrats bureaucrats and and the the sheer sheer greed greed of of humanity humanity has has left left only only remnants remnants of of these these magnificent magnificent animals animals scattered scattered about about in in small, small, protected protected herds herds on on public public and and private private land. land. Our Our nation's nation's water water supply supply is is on on the the same same road road to to destruction. destruction. Even Even if if you you live live in in the the city city with with unlimited unlimited water water availability, availability, water water conservation conservation needs needs to to become become aa way way of of life. life. Water Water is is one one of of the the most most precious precious resources resources we we have have ... ... and and also also one one of of the the most most abused. abused. In In our our society society we we take take water water for for granted. granted. According According to to the the Environmental Environmental Protection Protection Agency Agency (publication (publication EPA EPA 810-F-95-001), 810-F-95-001), aa single single person person needs needs 2.5 2.5 quarts quarts of of water water from per day from all all sources sources (water, (water, food, food, etc.) etc.) per day to to maintain maintain health, health, yet yet the the average Where does average consumption consumption per per day day is is 50 50 gallons. gallons. Where does it it all all go? go? Between Between two two and and seven seven gallons gallons are are used used each each time time aa toilet toilet is is flushed. flushed. Between Between 25 25 to to 50 50 gallons gallons are are used used in in the the average average five-minute five-minute shower. shower. Two Two gallons gallons are are used used to to brush brush your your teeth. teeth. Washing Washing dishes dishes with with an an automatic automatic dishwasher dishwasher takes takes between between 99 to to 12 12 gallons, gallons, while while washing washing dishes dishes by by hand hand uses uses on on average average 20 20 gallons gallons of of water. water. When When you you add add all all the the other other times times water water is is used, used, the the average average American American residence residence goes goes through through 107,000 107,000 gallons gallons of of water water per per year. year. The The average average American American pays pays 25 25 cents cents per per day day for for water. water. Don't Don't let let our our water water supply supply take take the the same same route route as as the the American American bison bison did. did. Don't Don't deprive deprive our our children children and and grandchildren grandchildren of of this this most most precious precious resource resource through through wanton wanton waste. waste. Conserving Conserving water water is is aa good good stewardship stewardship of of resources resources even even when when you you have have lots lots of of it it available. available. When When it's it's in in short short supply, supply, conservation conservation is is even even more more important.

We We live live in in an an and and climate. climate. From From the the first first of of April April to to the the end end of of October, October, we we capture capture about about 3,000 3,000 gallons gallons of of rainwater. rainwater. We We normally normally water water the the garden garden approximately approximately 10 10 times times per per year year using using about about 900 900 gallons gallons each each time. time. Add Add in in approximately approximately 30 30 gallons gallons per per week week for for household household uses uses and and it it totals totals approximately approximately 10,500 10,500 gallons gallons of of water water per per year year that that we we use use for for cooking, cooking, canning, canning, washing, washing, and and gardening. gardening. We We grow grow and and preserve preserve our our own own food, food, water keep up water the the garden, garden, keep up with with all all our our household household cleaning, cleaning, and and meet meet our our drinking drinking and and cooking cooking needs needs on on less less than than 10 10 percent percent of of the the water water used used by by the the average average American American household. household. We We don't don't claim claim to to know know everything everything about about water water conservation, conservation, but but in in the the last last eight eight years years especially, especially, we've we've modified modified our our lifestyle lifestyle to to conserve conserve every every drop drop we we use use without without sacrificing sacrificing cleanliness, cleanliness, health, health, or or food food production. production. Now Now that that you you have have your your water, water, let's let's examine examine ways ways in in which which you'll you'll manage manage and and use use it. it. HAULING HAULING WATER WATER We jugs. We We haul haul water water for for drinking drinking using using plastic plastic water water jugs. We currently currently have have one jug, two jugs, and one six-gallon six-gallon jug, two seven-gallon seven-gallon jugs, and two two that that hold hold five five gallons. gallons. If If you're jugs, we purchasing the you're going going to to buy buy water water jugs, we recommend recommend purchasing the smaller smaller containers. containers. Water Water is is heavy, heavy, and and five five gallons gallons is is about about right right for for us. us. These These supply bathing for supply enough enough water water for for drinking, drinking, cooking, cooking, washing washing dishes, dishes, and and bathing for about about aa week week on on average. average. During bathing and During the the spring, spring, summer, summer, and and fall, fall, we we use use rainwater rainwater for for bathing and washing washing clothes clothes and and for for our our garden, garden, livestock, livestock, and and pets. pets. In In the the winter winter we we melt melt snow. snow. By By late late summer, summer, when when we've we've used used up up the the water water in in the the cistern, cistern, II haul pickup with haul water water for for the the garden garden using using the the pickup with six six 50-gallon 50-gallon barrels. barrels. This This way way II can can get get 300 300 gallons gallons on on each each trip. trip. We We have have neighbors neighbors who who have have tanks tanks mounted mounted in in their their pickup pickup to to haul haul water. water. While While it's it's inconvenient inconvenient at at times, times, hauling big deal hauling water water is is not not aa big deal if if you you use use the the water water wisely. wisely. Hauled Hauled water water can can be be stored stored in in aa tank tank inside inside the the house house if if you you have have room. room. If If the the tank tank is is at at ground ground level, level, you'll you'll need need aa pump pump to to run run the the water water through through the the lines lines when when you you turn turn on on aa faucet faucet (like (like most most camp camp trailers). trailers). Just Just remember remember that

if if the the batteries batteries are are dead, dead, you you won't won't have have running running water! water! If If you you use use an an overhead overhead tank tank inside, inside, you you can can let let gravity gravity do do the the pumping. pumping. We We do do this this for for our our kitchen kitchen sink sink and and plan plan on on hooking hooking up up the the shower shower this this way way too. too. We We once once stayed stayed at at aa cabin cabin that that had had aa 300-gallon 300-gallon water water tank tank mounted mounted outside outside on on stilts. stilts. The The water water was was pumped pumped into into the the tank, tank, which which was was plumbed plumbed into into the the house. house. All All you you had had to to do do after after that that was was turn turn on on the the faucet faucet and and you you had had running running water water (although (although the the supply supply was was limited, limited, so so you you still still had had to to use use it it frugally). frugally). In In the the winter winter the the tank tank had had to to be be drained drained to to keep keep it it from from freezing. freezing. Since Since the the cabin cabin was was only only used used in in the the summer, summer, this this wasn't wasn't aa problem. problem. You You can can also also bury bury aa water water tank tank on on aa hillside hillside above above your your home. home. You You can can then running water then run run the the plumbing plumbing from from the the tank tank to to the the house house to to have have running water inside. remember that inside. Again, Again, remember that the the supply supply is is limited. limited. The The advantage advantage here here is is that below the be that as as long long as as the the tank tank and and pipes pipes are are buried buried below the frost frost line, line, they they can can be used used year-round year-round because because the the ground ground will will insulate insulate them them and and keep keep the the water water from from freezing. freezing. One One thing thing to to remember remember when when it it comes comes to to storing storing water water and and heating heating entirely entirely with with wood: wood: if if you you leave leave in in the the winter winter for for more more than than aa day day or or two, two, you'll you'll have have to to drain drain any any aboveground aboveground tanks tanks to to keep keep them them from from freezing, freezing, or or you'll keep the you'll have have to to leave leave someone someone around around to to keep the fire fire in in the the woodstove woodstove going. going. Some Some people people solve solve this this problem problem by by having having aa propane propane heating heating stove stove to to keep keep the the house house above above freezing freezing when when they they are are away. away. My My personal personal opinion opinion is is that that the the best best way way to to store store water water is is in in an an underground underground tank. tank. It's It's on on our our "things "things to to get get when when we we have have the the money" money" list. list. WASHING WASHING CLOTHES CLOTHES Washing Washing clothes clothes is is accomplished accomplished using using two two washtubs washtubs and and aa hand-cranked hand-cranked wringer. wringer. It's It's time time consuming, consuming, but but not not as as difficult difficult as as some some imagine. imagine. If If you you don't route, get don't want want to to take take our our route, get aa wringer wringer washer. washer. The The difference difference between between aa wringer wringer washer washer or or washtub washtub compared compared to to an an automatic automatic washer washer is is that that an an automatic automatic washer washer uses uses aa new new load load of of water water for for each each wash wash and and rinse rinse cycle cycle (about (about 35 35 gallons gallons on on average). average). With With aa wringer wringer washer washer or or washtubs, washtubs, you you don't don't change change the the water water until until you're you're finished. finished. Washing Washing four four loads loads of of laundry laundry per per week week in in an an automatic automatic washer washer will will use use approximately approximately 7,300 7,300 gallons gallons per per year.

With With aa wringer wringer washer washer using using about about 20 20 gallons gallons per per week, week, you'll you'll use use approximately approximately 1,040 1,040 gallons gallons of of water. water. That's That's aa difference difference of of over over 6,000 6,000 gallons gallons of of water water per per year. year. If If you're you're using using aa wringer wringer washer, washer, fill fill the the washer washer with with water, water, add add detergent, detergent, and and wash wash your your laundry. laundry. Usually Usually about about 10 10 or or 15 15 minutes minutes is is enough. enough. The The first first load load should should be be the the cleanest cleanest clothes clothes (usually (usually white white and/or and/or light light colored). colored). Once Once these these are are clean, clean, you you run run them them through through the the wringer wringer into into the the rinse rinse tub. tub. Now Now put put the the next next load load of of dirty dirty clothes clothes into into the the washer, washer, still still filled filled with with the the same same water. water. While While these these are are washing, washing, agitate agitate the the clothes clothes in in the the rinse rinse water water with with aa plunger, When plunger, stick, stick, or or similar similar implement implement to to rinse rinse out out the the detergent detergent residue. residue. When they're rinsed adequately, run the they're rinsed adequately, turn turn the the wringer wringer 90 90 degrees degrees and and run the rinsed rinsed clothes clothes through through the the wringer, wringer, letting letting them them drop drop into into aa clean clean laundry laundry basket basket below. below. Now Now hang hang them them to to dry dry and and continue continue this this process process until until the the laundry laundry is is all all washed washed and and hanging hanging on on the the line. line. You You may may have have to to add add more more detergent detergent to to the the wash wash water water at at some some point point along along the the way way as as you you wash wash progressively progressively dirtier dirtier clothes, clothes, but but don't don't use use too too much much or or it it becomes becomes difficult difficult to to rinse rinse it it out out of of the the clothes. clothes. Some Some people people use use two two rinse rinse tubs. tubs. We We prefer prefer to to use use less less detergent detergent (or (or baking baking soda). soda). It's It's very very important important to to sort sort the the laundry laundry from from the the cleanest cleanest to to the the dirtiest dirtiest (usually (usually my my work jeans) and work jeans) and wash wash it it in in the the proper proper order. order. If If the the water water gets gets too too dirty dirty in in either either the the wash wash or or rinse rinse tubs, tubs, change change it. it. At At the the end end of of the the day's day's laundry, laundry, drain drain and and rinse rinse the the washtubs. washtubs. Most Most people people II know know who've who've used used wringer wringer washers washers believe believe it it gets gets their their clothes clothes much much cleaner cleaner than than automatic automatic washers.

>,

\. »

Lt

ah=x

When When using using the the washtubs, washtubs, always always wash wash the the cleanest cleanest clothes clothes first first and and the the dirtiest jeans are dirtiest clothes clothes last. last. That That usually usually means means my my work work jeans are the the last last to to get get washed washed The The washtub washtub method method is is similar similar to to the the wringer wringer washer washer except except you you agitate agitate the rinse tubs, the clothes clothes by by hand hand in in both both the the wash wash and and rinse tubs, and and it it doesn't doesn't need need electricity. electricity. You You fill fill the the tubs tubs about about two-thirds two-thirds full full with with water, water, and and plunging

time time will will vary vary according according to to how how dirty dirty the the clothes clothes are are (experience (experience is is aa great great teacher teacher on on this). this). You You may may have have to to do do some some scrubbing scrubbing on on extra extra dirty dirty clothes clothes to to get get them them clean. clean. We We lay lay the the clothes clothes out out on on aa washboard, washboard, clean clean bench, bench, or or table table (anything (anything with with aa clean, clean, flat flat surface), surface), pour pour on on aa couple couple drops drops of of liquid liquid detergent detergent or or rub rub some some bar bar soap soap into into the the stain, stain, and and then then scrub scrub it it out out with with aa brush. brush. It It will will take take out out the the most most stubborn stubborn dirt dirt or or stain. stain. Once Once the the clothes clothes are are clean, clean, we we run run them them through through the the wringer wringer and and into into the the rinse rinse tub, tub, put put the the next next load load into into the the washer, washer, agitate agitate them them a a bit, bit, and and then then let let them them soak soak while while we we agitate When the agitate the the rinse rinse load. load. When the soap soap is is rinsed rinsed out, out, we we run run them them through through the the wringer repeat the wringer and and hang hang them them and and then then repeat the process process until until the the laundry laundry is is finished. finished. Add Add more more detergent detergent to to the the wash wash water water as as needed, needed, but but again, again, less less is is best.

The The best best way way to to clean clean extra extra dirty dirty clothes clothes is is by by laying laying them them on on aa bench, bench, sprinkling sprinkling them them with with liquid liquid detergent, detergent, and and scrubbing scrubbing them them with with aa brush. brush. We've used washboards, job and We've used washboards, but but they they don't don't do do as as good good aa job and are are much much harder harder on on clothing. clothing. If If you you do do laundry laundry by by hand hand like like we we do, do, we'd we'd advise advise getting getting two two items items to to make job easier make the the job easier and and faster. faster. First First is is aa tool tool called called aa "Rapid "Rapid Washer." Washer." It

looks looks like like aa stick stick with with an an upside-down upside-down metal metal funnel funnel on on the the end. end. It It makes makes aa much much better better agitator agitator than than anything anything else else we've we've tried. tried. Second Second is is aa handhandcranked cranked wringer. wringer. Wringing Wringing the the water water out out of of the the clothes clothes by by hand hand is is much much more job easy. more labor labor intensive intensive than than you'd you'd think. think. The The wringer wringer makes makes the the job easy. Other Other Low-Tech Low-Tech Laundry Laundry Methods Methods If If you're you're going going anywhere anywhere and and have have room, room, you you can can put put your your laundry laundry in in aa bucket bucket or or barrel barrel that that has has aa watertight watertight lid lid on on it, it, add add water water and and detergent, detergent, seal seal the the top, top, and and set set it it in in your your vehicle. vehicle. Drive Drive around around doing doing your your errands, errands, then then dump dump the the soapy soapy water, water, squeeze squeeze as as much much soap soap out out of of the the laundry laundry as as you you can, can, add barrel, reseal When you add clean clean water water to to the the barrel, reseal the the top, top, and and drive drive home. home. When you get get home, home, take take the the now now clean clean and and rinsed rinsed laundry laundry out out of of the the bucket bucket and and hang hang it it to to dry. dry. This This works works particularly particularly well well when when doing doing large, large, bulky bulky items items like like winter winter coats, coats, blankets, blankets, sleeping sleeping bags, bags, and and rugs. rugs. Laundry just aa bucket. Laundry can can also also be be washed washed using using just bucket. Follow Follow the the same same procedure procedure as as used used for for the the wringer wringer washer, washer, only only do do the the agitating agitating and and wringing wringing by by hand. hand. A A note note on on scrub scrub boards: boards: We We have have aa couple, couple, but but we we don't don't use use them them like like the the old-timers old-timers did. did. We We lay lay them them flat flat or or at at an an angle angle into into the the washtub, washtub, lay lay the the clothes clothes across across the the corrugated corrugated surface, surface, and and use use aa soft-bristle soft-bristle brush brush to to scrub scrub the the clothes. clothes. It's It's easier easier and and faster faster than than the the traditional traditional method method of of scrubbing scrubbing the the clothes clothes across across the the board board and and much, much, much much gentler gentler on on your your clothing. clothing. WASHING WASHING DISHES DISHES This This is is easy: easy: wash wash dishes dishes less less often often using using less less water water and and soap. soap. If If you you have have aa large large sink, sink, use use aa dishpan dishpan so so you you won't won't need need as as much much water. water. It It also also helps helps to to clean clean your your plate plate better better after after eating. eating. Use Use aa plastic plastic spatula spatula or or rubber rubber scraper scraper and and squeegee squeegee off off leftover leftover food food and and put put it it in in the the compost compost bin bin or or feed feed it it to to the the chickens, chickens, pigs, pigs, or or dog. dog. Your Your wash wash water water will will stay stay clean clean longer, longer, and and you'll you'll need need less less of of it it if if the the dishes dishes don't don't have have aa lot lot of of leftover leftover food food stuck stuck to to them. them. Put Put the the dirty dirty dishes dishes out out of of sight sight if if it it bothers bothers you you to to have have them them in in the the open, open, and and wait wait to to wash wash them them until until you you have have aa decent decent load load set set aside.

WASHING WASHING PEOPLE PEOPLE If If you you have have running running water, water, take take aa "navy "navy shower." shower." Get Get wet, wet, turn turn the the water water off, off, soap soap up, up, water water back back on, on, rinse, rinse, water water off, off, dry dry off. off. Use Use as as little little water water and and soap soap as as you you can. can. If If you you use use too too much much soap soap and and have have difficulty difficulty rinsing rinsing off, off, try try aa quick rinse over quick rinse over the the soap, soap, squeegee squeegee off off the the excess excess with with your your hands, hands, then then rinse rinse off off the the residue. residue. If If you you don't don't have have running running water, water, you you can can use use aa solar solar shower shower designed designed for for camping. bags holding camping. These These are are plastic plastic bags holding about about five five gallons gallons of of water water that that you you hang hang in in the the sun sun to to allow allow the the sun sun to to warm warm the the water. water. They'll They'll have have aa small small plastic plastic hose hose with with aa showerhead showerhead and and aa valve valve that that lets lets the the water water out. out. You You can can use use it it without without the the sun sun by by heating heating water water on on aa stove stove and and pouring pouring it it into into the the plastic plastic reservoir. reservoir. If If you you use use the the entire entire five five gallons gallons to to shower, shower, you're you're using using too too much.

When When there's there's no no running running water, water, showers showers are are taken taken by by putting putting water water into into aa kettle kettle and and then then pouring pouring it it over over yourself yourself with with aa cup. cup. You You get get wet, wet, soap soap up, up, and and rinse been in rinse off. off. Anyone Anyone who's who's ever ever been in the the Navy Navy knows knows the the drill. drill. In In most most cases cases we we need need less less than than two two gallons gallons of of water water to to take take aa shower. shower. Another put warm Another method method is is to to put warm water water in in aa bucket, bucket, then then dip dip the the water water out out with up, then with aa cup cup and and pour pour it it over over yourself. yourself. First First get get wet wet and and soap soap up, then rinse rinse off. off. Start Start at at the the top top and and work work down.

You You can can also also take take aa sponge sponge bath. bath. Put Put some some soapy soapy water water in in aa bucket bucket or or basin. basin. Using Using aa sponge, sponge, start start at at the the top top and and wash wash down. down. Repeat Repeat the the process process with with aa basin basin of of clean clean water water to to rinse rinse off. off. It It isn't isn't always always necessary necessary to to bathe bathe daily. daily. Even Even after after aa day day of of hard hard labor, labor, you you might just need might just need to to rinse rinse off off with with aa basin basin of of water water and and aa sponge. sponge. If If you you have have access access to to aa pond pond or or creek, creek, aa quick quick dip dip is is often often enough enough to to remove remove the the day's day's grime. grime. You body brush You can can also also use use aa body brush for for aa periodic periodic scrubbing. scrubbing. These These aren't aren't meant meant to to take take the the place place of of showering, showering, but but they they allow allow you you to to shower shower less less often. often. They're They're easier easier on on your your skin skin because because you you don't don't have have soap soap washing washing away away your your body's body's natural natural oils. oils. Bathing Bathing doesn't doesn't have have to to take take aa lot lot of of water. water. Every Every method method above above can can be be done done with with less less than than aa gallon gallon of of water. water. The The key key is is to to use use as as little little soap soap as as possible possible and and to to squeegee squeegee as as much much soap soap residue residue off off as as you you can can between between rinses. rinses. It's just aa single It's even even possible possible to to wash wash your your hair hair in in just single cup cup of of water. water. II didn't didn't believe believe it it until until my my wife wife showed showed me me how how to to do do it. it. II gave gave her her aa measuring measuring cup cup with just to prove to with precisely precisely one one cup cup of of water water in in it it just to prove to me me it it could could be be done. done. II insisted insisted she she use use our our middle middle daughter daughter to to demonstrate demonstrate because because she she had had thick, thick, waist-length waist-length hair. hair. She She sprinkled sprinkled the the water water into into her her hair hair and and slowly slowly began began working working in in small small amounts amounts of of shampoo. shampoo. She She continued continued until until her her hair hair was was saturated saturated with with suds. suds. When When her her hair hair was was clean, clean, my my wife wife began began to to squeeze squeeze the the suds suds out out of of our our daughter's daughter's hair. hair. She She continued continued this this process, process, adding adding aa few few drops drops of of water water at at aa time time and and squeegeeing squeegeeing until until all all the the shampoo shampoo was was gone gone and and her her hair hair was was squeaky squeaky clean. clean. You You may may not not want want to to go go to to this this extent extent to to conserve conserve water water when when washing washing your your hair hair (and (and we we seldom seldom do), do), but but it's it's good good to to know know it it can can be be done. done. WATERING WATERING THE THE GARDEN GARDEN First rule: get First rule: get rid rid of of the the sprinklers. sprinklers. Even Even on on a a cloudy, cloudy, cool cool day, day, evaporation evaporation takes takes aa lot lot of of the the moisture moisture away away before before it it ever ever reaches reaches the

ground. ground. Additionally, Additionally, sprinklers sprinklers put put too too much much water water between between the the rows, rows, which which merely merely gives gives the the weeds weeds aa drink. drink. Any Any gardener gardener knows knows that that weeds weeds don't don't need need any any help help growing. growing. They They do do quite quite well well stealing stealing nutrients nutrients and and water water from from the the rest rest of of the the garden. garden. If If you you have have aa pressurized pressurized water water system system (including (including gravity gravity flow), flow), soaker soaker hoses hoses or or aa homemade homemade equivalent equivalent placed placed on on the the ground ground next next to to the the plant's plant's roots roots works works very very well. well. There's There's little little evaporation, evaporation, and and the the slow slow application application of of water water allows allows it it to to soak soak into into the the soil soil instead instead of of running running off off where where it's it's not not needed. needed. We We usually usually water water each each plant plant by by hand hand using using aa low-pressure low-pressure sprinkler sprinkler head head on on the the hose hose when when we we have have the the pump pump running. running. In In dry dry times times we we may may water water twice twice aa week. week. It It usually usually takes takes about about three three hours, hours, but but this this is is how how we we get get the the best best results results using using the the least least amount amount of of water. water. That That may may sound sound like like aa lot lot of of time, job. It's just part time, but but remember remember that that this this is is our our job. It's just part of of our our work work routine. routine. Some by Some water-dependent water-dependent plants plants like like tomatoes tomatoes get get more more frequent frequent watering watering by dipping dipping the the water water can can into into the the water water tank tank and and hand-watering hand-watering each each plant. plant. We We often often build build small small dikes dikes around around plants plants to to help help contain contain the the water water and and give give it it time time to to soak soak into into the the ground ground where where it's it's needed needed most. most. I've I've seen seen elaborate elaborate systems systems of of plastic plastic pipe pipe routed routed to to raised raised beds. beds. It It looks looks like like aa great great system system and and we we plan plan on on doing doing that that eventually. eventually. Right Right now now it's it's aa money money thing thing holding holding us us back. back. It It takes takes aa lot lot of of pipe pipe to to reach reach every every bed bed in in aa garden garden the the size size of of ours. ours. Rule plant intensively, Rule two: two: plant intensively, meaning meaning grow grow more more in in less less space. space. Intensive Intensive gardening gardening is is most most commonly commonly found found where where space space is is limited. limited. It's It's also also aa great great way way to to conserve conserve water. water. When When I I lived lived in in Kansas, Kansas, II had had aa couple couple of of acres acres of of tillable tillable ground ground and and aa good good well well from from which which to to pump pump water. water. II had had aa tractor tractor for for preparing preparing the the ground, ground, aa push push planter planter for for rapid rapid planting, planting, and and aa large large tiller tiller for for keeping keeping down down the the weeds. weeds. Here Here we we have have none none of of those those benefits. benefits. Our Our ground ground is is poor, poor, rocky, rocky, and We have and congested congested with with stumps. stumps. We have to to fight fight for for every every square square inch inch of of tillable tillable ground. ground. To To top top things things off, off, our our growing growing season season is is short, short, and and we we haul haul the the water water we we use use for for watering watering the the garden. garden. If If it it wasn't wasn't for for intensive intensive gardening, gardening, we'd

never never be be able able to to grow grow enough enough to to provide provide for for ourselves. ourselves. Between Between the the efficient efficient use use of of space space and and water water conservation, conservation, it's it's the the only only way way to to grow grow what what we we need need here. here. Rule Rule three: three: mulch, mulch, mulch, mulch, mulch! mulch! As As soon soon as as the the ground ground warms warms and and the the plants plants are are up, up, we we begin begin applying applying mulch. mulch. We'll We'll use use old old hay, hay, straw, straw, leaves, leaves, newspaper, newspaper, and and even even old old rag rag rugs. rugs. Anything Anything that that will will safely safely cover cover the the ground ground to to keep keep moisture moisture in in the the soil soil is is fair fair game. game. In In the the corn corn patch patch (and (and other other crops crops planted between the planted in in straight straight rows), rows), we we mound mound the the dirt dirt between the rows rows and and cover cover the the mounds mounds with with old old newspapers. newspapers. Then Then the the water water is is channeled channeled directly directly to to the the roots roots of of the the plants. plants. Rule Rule four: four: shade shade the the plants plants during during the the hot hot days. days. This This might might be be aa surprise surprise considering considering that that in in northwestern northwestern Montana Montana we we don't don't have have very very many many hot hot days! days! We We found found this this out out because because we we often often need need to to cover cover our our plants plants due due to to frost providing some frost danger. danger. As As an an aside, aside, we we discovered discovered that that by by providing some shade shade to to our our plants, plants, they they needed needed less less water. water. It It made made sense sense once once we we thought thought about about it. it. Plants, but unlike people they Plants, like like people, people, lose lose aa lot lot of of moisture moisture on on hot hot days, days, but unlike people they can't can't move move to to aa shady shady place. place. So So we we provide provide some some shade shade for for them. them. We We use use row row covers covers sold sold in in large large rolls rolls by by seed seed companies companies or or thin, thin, light-colored light-colored cloth cloth material material (bought (bought on on sale sale from from sewing sewing and and craft craft stores) stores) spread spread over over frames frames to to cut cut down down on on the the sun sun during during the the hottest hottest part part of of the the day. day. Both Both diffuse diffuse the the sunlight We build build sunlight while while letting letting the the rain rain and and dew dew through through to to the the plants. plants. We frames frames and and suspend suspend the the material material like like aa tent tent or or lay lay it it directly directly on on top top of of the the plants. plants. Don't Don't overdo overdo it, it, though. though. If If the the plants plants don't don't get get enough enough sun, sun, it it will will inhibit inhibit growth. growth. Rule recommended that Rule five: five: give give more more water water but but less less often. often. It's It's generally generally recommended that you you water water your your garden garden once once aa week week instead instead of of daily. daily. The The reason reason is is that that as as the the ground ground dries, dries, the the plants plants will will send send their their roots roots deeper deeper into into the the soil. soil. Shallow Shallow watering just below below the watering tricks tricks the the plants plants into into sending sending their their roots roots out out just the surface; surface; then then when when the the ground ground dries dries up up later later in in the the year, year, they they can't can't draw draw from from the the moisture moisture deeper deeper in in the the ground. ground. We We usually usually water water once once aa week week unless unless it's it's extremely extremely dry, dry, but but when when we we do do water water we we make make sure sure the the ground ground is is thoroughly thoroughly soaked soaked beneath beneath the the mulch.

If porous, this If your your soil soil is is sandy sandy or or extremely extremely porous, this may may not not work work for for you. you. In In this this case, case, aa heavy heavy layer layer of of mulch mulch is is especially especially helpful. helpful. Rule Rule six: six: drought-resistant drought-resistant plants plants can can save save you you aa lot lot of of water water and and work. work. If If the just makes the option option is is available, available, it it just makes sense sense to to go go with with varieties varieties that that are are drought just need drought tolerant. tolerant. It's It's in in their their genes. genes. They They just need less less water water than than their their peers. peers.

Having property-whether it's pond, lake, Having water water on on your your property-whether it's aa pond, lake, stream, stream, spring, spring, or or well-makes well-makes life life aa lot lot easier. easier. But But don't don't let let the the lack lack of of water water stop stop you. you. There There are are ways ways to to survive survive without without endless endless amounts amounts of of water, water, and and even even if if water water is is plentiful, plentiful, be be aa good good steward steward of of it. it. Future Future generations generations will will thank thank you you for for it. it.

helter, helter, water, water, security, security, and and food food are are the the most most important important aspects aspects of of selfselfsufficiency. sufficiency. Out Out of of these these four four essentials, essentials, food food will will probably probably require require the the most most effort. effort. In In this this chapter, chapter, we'll we'll look look at at six six methods methods of of procuring procuring food food and and then then we'll we'll examine examine some some low-tech, low-tech, low-budget low-budget ways ways of of preserving, preserving, storing, storing, and and preparing preparing it. it. THE THE SELF-SUFFICIENT SELF-SUFFICIENT GARDEN GARDEN One One of of the the most most difficult difficult tasks tasks we've we've faced faced is is growing growing enough enough food food to to provide provide for for ourselves. ourselves. We've We've been been gardening gardening for for over over 30 30 years, years, but but gardening gardening for for self-sufficiency self-sufficiency is is different different than than our our hobby hobby gardens gardens of of the the past. past. Self-sufficient Self-sufficient gardening gardening has has broader broader focus, focus, to to include include such such issues issues as as productivity, productivity, reliability, reliability, harvest harvest time, time, storability, storability, and and self-perpetuation. self-perpetuation. With With that that in in mind, mind, we've we've come come up up with with 10 10 rules rules for for self-sufficient self-sufficient gardening. gardening. Rule Rule Number Number One: One: Plant Plant What What You You Eat Eat Self-sufficient produce. So, Self-sufficient means means you you live live off off what what you you produce. So, the the first first rule rule is is to to plant plant what what you you like like to to eat. eat. We We love love carrots, carrots, potatoes, potatoes, rutabagas, rutabagas, turnips, turnips, squash, squash, tomatoes, tomatoes, and and peas, peas, so so we we plant plant lots lots of of them. them. We We also also plant plant broccoli, broccoli, celery, brussels sprouts, reflect our celery, lettuce, lettuce, and and brussels sprouts, but but in in lower lower volumes volumes to to reflect our usage. usage. We We grow grow a a lot lot of of herbs herbs and and spices spices as as well. well. Gardening plant Gardening for for self-sufficiency self-sufficiency isn't isn't about about money. money. For For years years II didn't didn't plant potatoes because they potatoes because they were were cheap cheap at at the the store, store, but but that that attitude attitude defeats defeats the the purpose behind self-sufficiency purpose of of gardening gardening for for self-sufficiency. self-sufficiency. The The idea idea behind self-sufficiency is is to We ask to provide provide for for yourself. yourself. We ask ourselves ourselves what what we we would would grow grow if if we we were were Robinson Robinson Crusoe Crusoe and and there there was was no no place place to to purchase purchase food. food. Rule Rule Number Number Two:

Plant Plant What What You You Can Can Reliably Reliably Grow Grow Under Under Adverse Adverse Conditions Conditions The The key key phrase phrase here here is is "reliably "reliably grow grow under under adverse adverse conditions" conditions" If If selfselfsufficiency sufficiency is is the the goal, goal, you you don't don't want want to to depend depend on on undependable undependable crops. crops. We We order order varieties varieties rated rated at at least least one one (often (often two!) two!) zone(s) zone(s) colder colder than than the the seed seed companies companies recommend recommend for for our our area. area. We We live live in in the the mountains, mountains, so so our our weather weather is is fickle. fickle. Last Last year year we we had had frost frost every every month month of of the the year, year, so so we we want want our be frost our plants plants to to be frost hardy. hardy. We We try try to to cover cover them them when when cold cold nights nights are are forecast, just about forecast, but but what what happens happens if if we're we're gone? gone? It It isn't isn't just about the the number number of of frost-free While the frost-free days days either. either. While the number number of of hours hours of of sunlight sunlight here here can can be be long long and and the the summer summer days days can can be be warm, warm, our our nights nights tend tend to to be be cold, cold, which which retards retards the the growth growth of of many many plants. plants. Plus, Plus, with with aa short short growing growing season, season, we we get get no no second second chance. chance. If If aa frost frost takes takes out out aa crop, crop, it's it's finished finished for for the the year. year. Done! Done! Over! just proven Over! We We do do without without until until the the next next year. year. It's It's just proven best best for for us us to to order order seed seed for for aa colder colder zone zone than than those those recommended recommended by by the the seed seed companies. companies. Because Because of of our our climate, climate, our our mainstays mainstays are are cold cold weather weather crops. crops. That That means means the prime spots the prime spots are are devoted devoted to to root root crops crops like like potatoes, potatoes, rutabagas, rutabagas, turnips, turnips, onions, onions, and and carrots. carrots. We We also also plant plant peas, peas, celery, celery, asparagus, asparagus, brussels brussels sprouts, sprouts, and and broccoli. broccoli. We We grow grow tomatoes, tomatoes, peppers, peppers, beans, beans, and and squash. squash. These These aren't aren't frost frost hardy hardy and but we and take take aa lot lot of of extra extra care, care, but we like like eating eating them. them. In In order order to to meet meet the the "reliably "reliably grow grow under under adverse adverse conditions" conditions" clause, clause, we we grow grow them them in in hoop hoop houses houses for for frost frost protection. protection. We We plant plant more more varieties varieties than than those those listed listed here, here, but but these these are are the the vegetables vegetables we we depend depend on on year year after after year. year. Rule Rule Number Number Three: Three: Diversify! Diversify! Potatoes Potatoes are are our our favorite favorite root root crop crop and and usually usually reliable. reliable. However, However, last last year year the by several production wasn't the potatoes potatoes were were hit hit hard hard by several late late frosts, frosts, so so production wasn't up up to to par. par. The The good good thing thing was was that that our our rutabagas, rutabagas, turnips, turnips, and and carrots carrots had had aa great

year year and and made made up up for for the the shortage shortage of of potatoes. potatoes. Since Since we we often often use use turnips turnips and and rutabagas rutabagas the the same same way way we we use use potatoes, potatoes, we'll we'll still still be be okay okay for for the the year. year. Next rutabagas may Next year year our our potatoes potatoes may may do do great great and and the the rutabagas may falter, falter, but but we've we've never never had had aa year year when when everything everything floundered. floundered. One One year year we we had had cane cane borers borers in in one one of of our our raspberry raspberry patches. patches. We We cut cut out out the the infected infected branches, branches, but but it it greatly greatly reduced reduced our our harvest harvest the the next next year. year. We We did, did, however, however, have have other other raspberry raspberry patches patches that that were were not not infected infected because because we just in we plant plant them them in in different different areas areas just in case case of of problems problems like like this. this. We We do do our our other other crops crops the the same same way. way. We'd We'd rather rather have have five five smaller smaller potato potato patches patches scattered scattered around around than than aa single single large large one. one. If If you're you're blessed blessed with with aa long long growing growing season, season, you you can can plant plant early early and and late late season season crops. crops. When When I I lived lived in in Kansas, Kansas, II planted planted late late and and early early varieties varieties of of corn, begin eating corn, beans, beans, squash, squash, and and tomatoes. tomatoes. Not Not only only did did II begin eating out out of of the the garden garden earlier, earlier, but but if if we we were were hit hit with with aa summer summer drought drought or or excessive excessive heat heat that that baked baked the the garden, garden, II still still harvested harvested the the early early season season crops. crops. Always Always plant plant aa late late season season or or cover cover crop crop as as you you harvest harvest the the early early varieties. varieties. We We planted planted turnips turnips as as aa fall fall cover cover crop. crop. We We could could harvest harvest the the greens greens and and the the turnips; turnips; plus, plus, by by broadcast broadcast sowing sowing them, them, they they provided provided weed weed control control and and kept kept the the ground ground cooler. cooler. As As the the saying saying goes, goes, "never "never put put all all your your eggs eggs in in one one basket."

Starting raw land Starting aa garden garden on on raw land is is aa lot lot of of work. work. In In most most cases cases the the land land must must be be cleared cleared of of brush, brush, trees, trees, and and old old stumps. stumps. Usually Usually the the soil soil will will need need tons tons of of compost, compost, peat peat moss, moss, or or other other organic organic matter matter before before it's it's fertile fertile enough enough to to grow grow decent decent crops.

We've We've added added aa new new section section to to our our garden garden every every year year since since we we moved moved here. here. It It generally generally takes takes three three years years of of tilling, tilling, composting, composting, and and planting planting before before the the ground best. The rot and ground is is at at its its best. The stumps stumps eventually eventually rot and we we pull pull them them up. up. Ifyou Ifyou have backhoe, you have access access to to aa backhoe, you can can remove remove the the stumps stumps with with it.

Our Our climate climate is is harsh, harsh, so so we we use use "wall "wall of of water" water" towers towers for for our our tomatoes tomatoes and and hoop hoop houses houses covered covered in in plastic plastic to to give give the the warmer warmer season season crops crops aa head head start. start. Rule Rule Number Number Four: Four: Plant Plant More More Than Than You You Think Think You'll You'll Need! Need! Last Last summer summer we we had had frost frost every every month month of of the the year year and and lots lots of of cold, cold, cloudy cloudy days. We lost days. We lost aa few few things things to to frost, frost, but but the the greatest greatest damage damage was was to to overall overall yields. had enough yields. The The cold cold nights nights stunted stunted growth growth and and harvests. harvests. We We still still had enough to to live but only because we live on, on, but only because we always always plant plant more more than than we we think think we'll we'll need. need. If If you you have have extra, extra, you you can can sell sell it it or or give give it it away, away, feed feed it it to to the the livestock, livestock, compost compost it, it, or or preserve preserve it it for for use use in in the the lean lean years. years. Remember, Remember, the the idea idea is is to to be be food food self-sufficient self-sufficient for for the the entire entire year. year. That That means means you you should should have have enough enough stored stored to to get get you you through through to to the the next next harvest. harvest. With With aa long long growing growing season, season, that that may may only only be be aa few few months months in in the the dead dead of of winter. winter. In In our our case case it it means means that that food food harvested harvested in in the the fall fall needs needs to to last last us us until until the the next next harvest harvest aa year year later.

Rule Rule Number Number Five: Five: Save Save Your Your Own Own Seed Seed Why Why save save seed? seed? Because Because if if you you can't can't get get seeds seeds from from other other sources sources for for some some reason, reason, you'll you'll be be right right back back to to depending depending on on the the grocery grocery store store for for your your food. food. We We didn't didn't take take this this seriously seriously until until aa few few years years ago. ago. Every Every year year we we ordered ordered our our corn corn seed seed from from aa major major supplier, supplier, but but that that time time we we received received word word back back that that it it would would be be shipped shipped "in "in season" season" What What we we didn't didn't know know was was that that the the supplier supplier was was low low on on seed seed and and was was shipping shipping the the available available stock stock to to warmer warmer zones zones first first since since they they could could plant plant it it earlier. earlier. The The idea idea was was that that they'd they'd have have more more seed seed later later to to ship ship to to the the more more northern northern gardeners. gardeners. A A couple couple of of months months later later we we got got aa notice notice that that they they were were out out and and we we wouldn't wouldn't be be getting getting our our seed, seed, and and we we should should "feel "feel free free to to order order it it from from another another company." company." By By then then no no one one had had any any seed seed corn corn varieties varieties that that would would grow grow in in our our zone. zone. Now Now we we specify specify that that anything anything we we order order except except trees trees and and shrubs shrubs be be shipped shipped immediately. immediately. Since Since then then we we also also grow grow only only heirloom heirloom varieties varieties so so we we can can save save our our own own seed. seed. Now Now our our seed seed catalogue catalogue orders orders are are for for new new varieties varieties we're we're trying trying for for the the first first time, time, not not for for crops crops we we depend depend on! on! We We also also save save aa pile pile of of money. money. We We used used to to order order over over $100 $100 worth worth of of seed seed and and plants plants every every year. year. We We still still spend spend quite quite aa bit, bit, but but our our orders orders are are different. different. We We now now have have the the money money to to purchase purchase fruit fruit and and nut nut trees, trees, berry berry bushes, bushes, and and other other things things we we couldn't couldn't afford afford before. before. Saving Saving money money is is much much easier easier than than making making money money on on the the low-budget low-budget homestead. homestead. Rule Rule Number Number Six: Six: Don't Don't Forget Forget the the Specialty Specialty Items Items Specialty Specialty items items are are those those things things we we don't don't usually usually associate associate with with gardening. gardening. We because we We grow grow a a lot lot of of mint mint because we like like mint mint tea. tea. We We also also grow grow such such herbs herbs as as oregano, basil, sage, oregano, basil, sage, and and thyme. thyme. We We grow grow grains grains like like wheat, wheat, oats, oats, and and barley

on on some some plots plots outside outside the the fenced fenced garden garden area. area. They They are are labor labor intensive intensive to to harvest, just enough harvest, so so we we grow grow just enough for for our our own own use. use. We We also also have have strawberries, strawberries, raspberries, raspberries, and and blueberries. blueberries. We We planted planted grapes grapes last last year, year, so so we'll we'll see see how how they they do do this this year. year. Years Years ago ago we we planted planted apple apple and and cherry rabbit killed killed most cherry trees trees in in the the garden; garden; then then aa rabbit most of of them them by by chewing chewing the the bark bark off off the the trees trees over over the the winter. winter. We We did did get get some some apples apples from from our our two two remaining remaining trees, trees, and and we we planted planted new new ones ones to to replace replace those those that that died. died. Rule Rule Number Number Seven: Seven: Stay Stay Organic Organic We We are are 100 100 percent percent organic organic growers. growers. No No pesticides pesticides or or herbicides herbicides or or chemical chemical fertilizers. fertilizers. We We have have few few problems problems with with insect insect pests. pests. Part Part of of it it is is due due to pests simply to our our cold cold climate; climate; many many garden garden pests simply cannot cannot survive survive the the winter winter here. pesticides destroy both the here. Another Another thing thing is is that that pesticides destroy both the bad bad bugs bugs and and the the good good bugs. bugs. We've We've found found over over the the years years that that without without pesticides, pesticides, you you get get aa few few bad bad bugs bugs and bugs but but you you also also get get good good bugs bugs to to eat eat the the bad bad bugs and keep keep them them in in check. check. We We also also work work hard hard to to enhance enhance soil soil health, health, believing believing that that good good soil soil produces produces strong, strong, bugbug- and and disease-resistant disease-resistant plants. plants. The The truth truth is is that that you you must must stay stay organic organic to to be be self-sufficient self-sufficient unless unless you you happen happen to to have have an an oil oil well well in in your your backyard backyard and and the the capability capability of of turning turning crude crude oil oil into into fertilizer. fertilizer. We've We've put put ads ads up up for for old old hay hay and and manure manure to to compost. compost. Some kids own Some of of our our kids own horses, horses, and and we we get get manure manure from from them them as as well. well. We We feed feed aa neighbor's neighbor's buffalo buffalo during during the the winter winter and and clean clean up up the the feeding feeding area area every every spring spring for for some some of of the the best best compost compost material material you you can can get. get. We We also also utilize utilize manure manure from from our our chickens chickens and and rabbits rabbits (when (when we we have have rabbits). rabbits). All All kitchen kitchen waste waste that's that's not not fed fed to to the the chickens chickens goes goes to to the the compost compost pile. pile. I'd I'd estimate estimate that that we we add add about about three three to to four four tons tons of of compost compost to to our our garden garden every every year. year. In In our our "old" "old" garden garden sections, sections, the the soil soil is is so so friable friable that that we we no no longer longer need need aa shovel shovel to to harvest harvest potatoes potatoes or or carrots. carrots. We We simply simply dig dig into into the the soil soil with with our bugs or our hands. hands. We We have have very very few few problems problems with with either either bugs or disease.

We We water water the the garden garden with with aa hose hose instead instead of of sprinklers, sprinklers, which which lose lose too too much much to pump, you to evaporation. evaporation. Ifyou Ifyou have have aa well well and and pump, you can can use use soaker soaker hoses hoses to to accomplish accomplish the the same same thing thing with with less less labor.

We We cover cover the the garden garden at at night night to to protect protect it it from from frost. frost. Last Last year year (2011) (2011) we we had had frost frost every every month month of of the the year. year. You You don't don't take take chances chances when when you you depend depend upon upon yourgarden yourgarden to to feed feed you. you. Ifyou Ifyou live live in in aa friendlier friendlier climate, climate, you you won't won't have have to to go go to to the the extremes extremes we we do do to to protect protect your your crops.

Part Part of of the the harvest! harvest! Our Our staples staples are are potatoes potatoes and and carrots. carrots. Both Both tolerate tolerate cold cold well well and and produce produce prolifically prolifically in in our our climate. climate. They're They're also also easy easy to to store store in in the the root root cellar. cellar. Rule Rule Number Number Eight:

Don't Don't Try Try to to Do Do It It All All the the First First Year Year This This might might seem seem to to clash clash with with rule rule number number five five (plant (plant more more than than you you think think you'll you'll need), need), but but if if you're you're new new to to gardening, gardening, you'll you'll get get more more food food out out of of aa small, small, well-cared-for well-cared-for plot plot than than aa large large garden garden with with poor poor soil soil that's that's choked choked with with weeds. weeds. Gardening Gardening is is hard hard work work and and if if you're you're working working with with new new ground, ground, you'll you'll be be fighting fighting weeds, weeds, grass, grass, and and soil soil fertility fertility the the first first year year or or so. so. Our Our ground ground here here consists consists of of poor poor soil soil with with aa lot lot of of clay. clay. It It takes takes us us about about three three years, years, applying applying thick thick layers layers of of compost compost every every year, year, before before the the soil soil improves improves measurably. measurably. Add Add in in the the time time it it takes takes for for planting, planting, weeding, weeding, watering, watering, harvesting, harvesting, storing storing crops, crops, and and putting putting the the garden garden to to bed bed each each fall fall and and you'll you'll have have aa lot lot of of time time invested. invested. So, So, if if you're you're new new at at this, this, start start small small and and add add more more as as you you become become more more proficient. proficient. Rule Rule Number Number Nine: Nine: Time Time Is Is Your Your Friend Friend and and Your Your Enemy Enemy Many Many if if not not most most people people reading reading this this live live in in aa much much more more forgiving forgiving climate, climate, with with longer longer growing growing seasons seasons and and less less dependence dependence on on storability. storability. But But always always remember remember that that the the goal goal in in having having a a selfself- sufficient sufficient garden garden is is food food self-sufficiency. build up self-sufficiency. And And that that takes takes time-time time-time to to build up the the soil, soil, time time to to grow grow the the crops, crops, time time to to preserve preserve them, them, time time to to learn learn the the craft. craft. But But the the best best time time of of all all is is when when you you look look in in your your pantry pantry and and root root cellar cellar and and realize realize it's it's time time to to kiss kiss the the grocery grocery store store good-bye. good-bye. Very Very few few people people are are going going to to grow grow enough enough food food the the first first year, year, but but by by following producing all following these these guidelines, guidelines, you'll you'll be be well well on on your your way way to to producing all of of the the fruits, fruits, grains, grains, vegetables, vegetables, and and berries berries you'll you'll need need to to feed feed you you and and your your family family for for the the year. year. Rule Rule Number Number Ten: Ten: Animals Animals Are Are Not Not Your Your Friend Friend The The fuzzy fuzzy little little rabbit rabbit that that was was so so cute cute hopping hopping around around in in the the garden garden and and playing playing with with the the kitten kitten last last summer summer killed killed several several of of our our fruit fruit trees trees the

following been nurturing following winter. winter. These These were were trees trees that that we'd we'd been nurturing for for the the last last five five years. years. Deer Deer broke broke through through aa fence fence one one night night and and in in aa matter matter of of hours hours ate ate all all of of the the field field peas peas and and soybeans soybeans on on one one plot. plot. They They came came back back the the next next night night to to break break through through the the repaired repaired section section and and eat eat all all of of the the corn corn we we had had planted. planted. I've I've heard heard dozens dozens of of ways ways to to keep keep deer deer out out of of aa garden, garden, but but the the only only one one II know know of of that that consistently consistently works works is is aa good good fence. fence. Our Our new new fence fence is is six six feet feet tall bottom to tall with with electric electric wire wire at at the the top top and and bottom to keep keep the the deer, deer, elk, elk, moose, moose, and and bears bears out. out. Rabbits, Rabbits, chipmunks, chipmunks, red red squirrels, squirrels, and and ground ground squirrels squirrels are are trapped trapped or or shot shot (I (I use use aa high-velocity high-velocity air air rifle) rifle) if if they're they're found found anywhere anywhere near near the the garden. garden. Mice Mice and and moles moles can can also also wreak wreak havoc havoc on on your your garden garden if if left left unchecked. unchecked. If If you you can't can't bear bear the the thought thought of of killing killing the the animals, animals, build build aa good good fence fence to to keep keep out out the the large large critters critters and and use use aa live live trap trap to to catch catch the the small small ones. ones. Just Just be be sure sure to to release release them them miles miles away away from from your your garden garden or or they'll they'll probably probably be before you be back back before you are. are. Also Also be be sure sure that that you you don't don't release release them them where where they'll they'll be be someone someone else's else's problem. problem. As As for for me me ... ... squirrels squirrels and and rabbits rabbits taste taste mighty mighty good good fried fried or or in in potpies. potpies. HUNTING HUNTING If If you you haven't haven't already already been been through through aa hunter hunter safety safety class, class, the the first first thing thing you you should should do do is is take take one. one. Most Most states states require require it it before before they'll they'll sell sell you you aa hunting hunting license, license, so so contact contact your your state's state's Department Department of of Fish, Fish, Wildlife, Wildlife, and and Parks Parks (or (or whatever whatever agency agency regulates regulates hunting hunting in in your your state) state) and and enroll enroll in in aa hunter hunter education education course. course. They They will will not not only only educate educate you you on on safe safe gun gun handling but on handling but on hunting hunting and and survival survival techniques, techniques, game game laws, laws, hunting hunting ethics, ethics, and and suitable suitable weapons weapons to to obtain obtain and and use. use. Hunting Hunting Basics Basics When When the the earliest earliest European European settlers settlers arrived arrived on on the the shores shores of of North North America, America, they they nearly nearly starved starved to to death. death. Growing Growing food food was was more more difficult difficult than than they'd they'd imagined, imagined, and and game game animals, animals, while while abundant, abundant, were were in in their their words words "exceedingly "exceedingly wary." wary." Life Life was was harsh harsh in in this this new new land, land, and and illness illness and and starvation starvation haunted haunted them them through through the the long long winters. winters. If If the the natives natives hadn't hadn't shown shown them them how how to to grow grow and and hunt hunt their their food, food, many many more more of of these these immigrants immigrants would would have have starved.

Historically, Historically, hunting hunting skills skills were were passed passed from from one one generation generation to to the the next. next. In In our our modern modern world, world, that's that's often often not not the the case. case. But But hunting hunting is is aa learned learned skill. skill. It It doesn't doesn't matter matter if if you've you've never never hunted hunted anything anything more more elusive elusive than than aa television television remote knowledge and remote control: control: with with some some basic basic knowledge and practical practical field field skills skills you you can can "make best of "make meat" meat" with with the the best of them. them. To To be be aa successful successful hunter, hunter, you you must must do do two two things: things: (a) (a) find find the the animal, animal, and and (b) (b) kill kill it. it. (Butchering, (Butchering, cooking, cooking, and and eating eating it it are are separate separate subjects.) subjects.) Let's Let's take take aa look look at at what what each each task task requires. requires. Finding Finding the the Animal Animal Step Step one one is is to to narrow narrow your your focus. focus. If If you've you've never never hunted hunted before, before, it's it's usually usually best best to to start start with with small small game game (rabbits (rabbits and and squirrels); squirrels); upland upland birds birds like like quail, quail, pheasants, pheasants, and and grouse; grouse; and/or and/or waterfowl waterfowl (ducks, (ducks, and and geese). geese). These These are are more more abundant abundant and and have have longer longer seasons; seasons; plus plus the the methods methods you you use use to to bag bag small big game. small game game will will also also apply apply to to big game. The The first first thing thing to to do do is is contact contact your your state's state's Fish Fish and and Game Game Department Department and and request request hunting hunting regulations. regulations. Most Most have have them them available available for for download download at at their their website. website. These These will will tell tell you you what what animals animals are are available available to to hunt, hunt, the the season season dates dates they they can can be be legally legally hunted, hunted, and and the the weapons weapons you you can can use use to to hunt hunt them. them. They They may may also also have have information information on on public public land land that's that's open open to to hunting. hunting. Don't Don't overlook overlook nongame nongame species. species. These These can can usually usually be be hunted hunted year-round year-round and and will will offer offer valuable valuable practice practice for for honing honing your your hunting hunting skills. skills. Once Once you've you've seen seen what's what's available, available, narrow narrow your your focus focus to to one one or or two two animals. animals. My My recommendation recommendation is is rabbits rabbits or or squirrels. squirrels. These These are are plentiful plentiful almost almost everywhere, everywhere, and and the the same same skills skills you you use use to to hunt hunt them them will will be be helpful helpful with with other other game game animals animals as as well. well. Step Step two two is is to to know know the the animal. animal. You You must must have have an an understanding understanding of of an an animal animal to to find find it it consistently. consistently. Once Once you've you've identified identified your your target target species, species, go go to to the the library library or or get get online online and and do do some some research. research. Answer Answer the the following following questions: questions: What What do do they they eat? eat? Where Where do do they they find find water water and and how how much much do do they they need? need? What What do do they they need need for for shelter shelter from from weather weather or or predators? predators? What What kinds prefer? Do kinds of of habitat habitat do do they they prefer? Do they they have have any any seasonal seasonal traits traits such such as

migration migration or or hibernation? hibernation? Are Are they they solitary solitary or or herd herd animals animals by by nature? nature? Are Are they they most most active active during during the the day, day, night, night, or or in in between? between? What What kinds kinds of of "sign" "sign" (tracks, (tracks, droppings, droppings, scrapes, scrapes, rubs, rubs, wallows, wallows, etc.) etc.) do do they they make? make? How How well well do do they they see, see, hear, hear, or or smell? smell? What What are are their their reproduction reproduction characteristics? characteristics? By By knowing knowing the the needs needs of of an an animal, animal, you you can can find find where where it it lives. lives. By By knowing knowing what what kind kind of of sign sign it it leaves leaves and and its its preferred preferred food, food, you'll you'll be be able able to to locate locate its its home home territory territory and and travel travel routes. routes. By By knowing knowing its its habits habits and and sensory sensory abilities, abilities, you you can can narrow narrow down down hunting hunting methods methods and and times. times. All All these these things things help help you you to to locate locate the the animals animals you you intend intend to to hunt. hunt. Killing Killing the the Animal Animal Once know the Once you you know the characteristics characteristics of of the the animal animal you're you're going going after, after, you you need need to to formulate formulate aa plan plan to to kill kill it. it. Hunting Hunting methods methods include include stand stand hunting, hunting, still still hunting, hunting, spot spot and and stalk, stalk, walking, walking, using using dogs, dogs, baiting, baiting, calling, calling, and and combinations combinations of of the the above. above. Stand Stand hunting hunting (usually (usually done done by by sitting) sitting) refers refers to to finding finding aa place place where where well-used well-used game game trails trails intersect intersect and and setting setting up up aa comfortable comfortable stand stand where where you you can be can watch watch for for animals animals to to pass pass within within range range of of your your weapon. weapon. Stands Stands may may be ground ground level level or or elevated. elevated. A A ground ground stand, stand, or or "blind," "blind," is is where where the the hunter hunter stays stays on on the the ground. ground. He He may may stack stack or or weave weave brush brush or or limbs limbs for for concealment concealment or just sit or maybe maybe just sit with with his his back back against against aa tree. tree. Elevated Elevated stands stands position position the the hunter hunter above above the the ground ground anywhere anywhere from from aa few few to to 15 15 or or more more feet feet above above the the earth's earth's surface. surface. They They may may be be in in aa tree tree or or built built on on stilts. stilts. The The advantages advantages to to elevated elevated stands stands are are that that you you can can see see farther farther and, and, since since you you are are also also above above the the animal's animal's line line of of sight, sight, it's it's not not as as easy easy for for it it to to see see you. you. When When using using elevated elevated stands, stands, your your scent scent is is often often carried carried above above the the game game animals animals instead instead of of directly directly to to them. them. The The disadvantage disadvantage is is that, that, should should an an animal animal take take aa different different trail, trail, you you can't can't get get down down to to follow follow it it without without being being seen. seen. Ground Ground blinds blinds offer offer aa chance chance to to do do some some stalking stalking if if the the opportunity opportunity presents but increase being smelled presents itself itself but increase the the odds odds of of being smelled or or seen. seen. Always Always use use appropriate blinds. appropriate safety safety restraints restraints when when hunting hunting from from elevated elevated blinds.

Hunting Hunting plays plays aa large large part part in in our our meat meat acquisition. acquisition. Here Here is is aa fine fine whitetail whitetail doe doe that that Susan Susan harvested harvested the the first first day day of of the the season. season. Still Still hunting hunting refers refers to to quietly quietly and and slowly slowly walking walking through through the the hunting hunting ground before it ground trying trying to to see see the the animal animal before it sees sees you. you. It's It's aa very very challenging challenging way keys are, way to to hunt. hunt. The The keys are, first, first, to to be be where where the the animals animals are; are; second, second, to to move move slowly; slowly; and, and, third, third, to to see see them them before before they they see see or or smell smell you. you. The The general general rule rule for for still still or or stand stand hunting hunting is is that that you you should should be be sta sta tionary tionary when when the be moving the animals animals are are moving moving and and be moving when when the the animals animals are are stationary. stationary. Spot place to Spot and and stalk stalk is is when when you you move move from from one one place to another another and and look look for for game game animals animals in in the the distance. distance. It's It's aa common common method method in in the the central central and and western western states, states, where where you you can can see see long long distances. distances. Once Once you you spot spot them, them, you you stalk range. stalk (like (like aa cat cat sneaking sneaking up up on on aa bird) bird) to to get get within within shooting shooting range.

Walking just that-walking Walking is is just that-walking through through your your hunting hunting area area hoping hoping to to scare scare up up animals birds like animals to to shoot. shoot. It's It's the the way way people people usually usually hunt hunt upland upland game game birds like quail rabbits. A quail or or pheasants pheasants or or small small game game such such as as rabbits. A variant variant of of this this is is the the deer deer drive, drive, where where people people walk walk through through aa section section of of woods woods where where deer deer are are known known to be hiding. to be hiding. Other Other hunters hunters take take "stands," "stands," setting setting up up ambushes ambushes at at places places where where deer deer are are likely likely to to go go to to escape escape from from the the drivers. drivers. You You must must be be very very careful careful setting setting these these up up to to ensure ensure the the safety safety of of everyone everyone involved. involved. Usually Usually shooting shooting is is limited limited to to those those on on the the stands, stands, and and they they are are allowed allowed to to shoot shoot only only when when aa deer deer has has passed passed them them and and is is heading heading away away from from the the drivers. drivers. Dogs Dogs have have been been used used to to hunt hunt deer, deer, bobcats, bobcats, mountain mountain lions, lions, bears, bears, coyotes, job coyotes, raccoons, raccoons, rabbits, rabbits, squirrels, squirrels, and and virtually virtually all all game game birds. birds. Their Their job varies brush, varies from from retrieving retrieving downed downed birds, birds, chasing chasing the the animals animals out out of of heavy heavy brush, trailing trailing them them by by sight sight or or smell, smell, or or even even distracting distracting them them until until aa hunter hunter can can get get aa shot. shot. Using Using dogs dogs to to hunt hunt is is regulated regulated by by state state game game laws. laws. Baiting by using Baiting is is when when you you draw draw animals animals in in to to your your stand stand location location by using food food for for bait. bait. It's It's sometimes sometimes used used when when hunting hunting bear bear or or deer. deer. This This practice practice is is also also regulated regulated by by game game departments. departments. Calling Calling can can be be an an effective effective way way to to hunt. hunt. To To call call in in predators, predators, you you make make sounds sounds like like aa prey prey animal animal in in distress. distress. The The predator predator comes comes in in looking looking for for an an easy easy meal. meal. Many Many calls calls mimic mimic the the sound sound of of an an animal animal calling calling in in aa mate. mate. Calling being sought. Calling methods methods vary vary according according to to the the species species being sought. I've I've used used calls calls to to lure lure in in turkeys, turkeys, squirrels, squirrels, deer, deer, elk, elk, coyotes, coyotes, ducks, ducks, geese, geese, and and crows. crows. These These are are all all common common tactics tactics used used to to get get close close enough enough to to an an animal animal so so you you can can kill kill it. it. No No matter matter which which method method you you choose, choose, aa key key to to success success is is to to look look for for parts parts of of an an animal. animal. For For every every game game animal animal standing standing in in the the open, open, there there will will be be ten ten who who show show only only aa foot foot or or ear. ear. Look Look as as far far away away as as you you can can see see (not (not at at your your feet!). feet!). Watch Watch for for movement. movement. Weapons Weapons Weapon Weapon choice choice is is aa highly highly personal personal matter. matter. The The standard standard advice advice is is to to use use the the most most powerful powerful weapon weapon you you can can shoot shoot comfortably comfortably and and accurately. accurately. Bullet

or power of or arrow arrow placement placement is is always always more more important important than than the the power of the the projectile projectile used. used. Most Most game game departments departments limit limit the the types types of of legal legal weapons weapons for for hunting hunting game game animals animals to to firearms, firearms, bows bows and and arrows, arrows, and and crossbows. crossbows. Obviously Obviously the the effective bow and effective range range of of any any firearm firearm is is much much greater greater than than that that of of aa bow and arrow. arrow. However, However, aa bow bow is is relatively relatively silent silent and and in in aa survival survival situation situation in in which which stealth bow or stealth is is important, important, aa bow or crossbow crossbow might might be be aa good good choice. choice. Check Check state state and and local local game game regulations regulations regarding regarding any any weapon weapon before before using using it it for for hunting. hunting. Whatever Whatever your your weapon weapon of of choice choice is, is, it's it's up up to to you you to to become respect for become proficient proficient with with it. it. You You should should always always have have enough enough respect for the the animal animal to to kill kill it it as as quickly quickly and and humanely humanely as as possible. possible. Hunting Hunting for for Self-Sufficiency Self-Sufficiency Hunting Hunting plays plays an an integral integral role role in in our our life. life. Most Most of of our our meat meat for for the the year year is is shot shot during during the the fall fall deer deer season. season. In In our our state, state, you you can can purchase purchase an an A' A' tag tag and and several several "B" "B" tags tags for for antlerless antlerless deer deer in in selected selected hunting hunting zones zones where where overpopulation overpopulation is is aa problem. problem. We We usually usually purchase purchase two two A' A' tags tags (one (one each each for for me me and and my my wife) wife) and and sometimes sometimes aa couple couple of of "B" "B" tags. tags. Depending Depending on on how how many purchase licenses We get many kids kids are are at at home, home, they they usually usually purchase licenses too. too. We get about about 40 40 to to 50 50 pounds pounds of of extra extra lean lean venison venison off off each each deer deer taken. taken. That's That's only only 100 100 pounds We also but filling pounds of of meat meat for for aa year. year. We also purchase purchase elk elk and and bear bear tags, tags, but filling them them is is an an iffy iffy proposition proposition most most years. years. So, So, we we plan plan on on having having aa minimum minimum of of 100 pounds of 100 pounds of venison venison for for the the entire entire year. year. That's That's not not quite quite two two pounds pounds aa week. just my week. With With just my wife wife and and me, me, aa half-pound half-pound of of venison venison is is about about right right for for most most meals, meals, so so we we have have enough enough venison venison for for 200 200 meals meals annually. annually. So, So, if if we we want want aa serving serving of of meat meat every every day day of of the the year, year, we we need need other other sources. sources. Small Small game game hunting hunting adds adds not not only only to to the the amount amount of of meat meat in in the the pot pot but but also We often also to to the the variety variety available. available. We often supplement supplement our our venison venison with with grouse grouse and and sometimes sometimes snowshoe snowshoe hare. hare. If If II wanted wanted to, to, we we could could purchase purchase licenses licenses to to hunt hunt turkeys, turkeys, ducks, ducks, and and geese geese to to add add to to the the yearly yearly meat meat supply supply and and variety. variety. If be able If you you happen happen to to live live where where small small game game is is plentiful, plentiful, you you may may be able to to add add rabbits, rabbits, squirrels, squirrels, quail, quail, pheasants, pheasants, and and other other small small game game animals animals and and birds birds to to your your diet.

Some Some of of the the advantages advantages to to small small game game hunting hunting include include availability availability (there (there are are larger larger quantities quantities of of animals animals available available and and seasons seasons are are usually usually longer), longer), accessibility accessibility (it's (it's often often easier easier to to get get permission permission from from private private landowners landowners to to hunt hunt small small game game than than large large game; game; plus plus you you can can usually usually find find small small game game near near where where you you live), live), and and expense expense (license (license fees, fees, travel travel expenses, expenses, and and equipment equipment costs costs are are usually usually less less for for hunting hunting small small game game than than large large game). game). It It pays pays to to remember remember that that subsistence subsistence hunting hunting is is different different than than trophy trophy hunting. hunting. II want want to to stress stress here here that that II am am not not against against trophy trophy hunting. hunting. It It takes takes aa lot buck or but like lot of of skill skill to to find find and and kill kill aa wise wise old old buck or bull, bull, but like the the saying saying goes, goes, "you "you can't can't eat eat horns" horns" The The person person hunting hunting for for their their meat meat supply supply is is concerned concerned about about the the size size of of the the animal animal instead instead of of the the size size of of its its antlers antlers or or horns. horns. After After all, all, if if you you only only have have aa tag tag for for one one deer, deer, elk, elk, or or moose, moose, you'll you'll get get more more meat meat from pass up from aa large large one. one. A A true true trophy trophy hunter hunter will will pass up an an animal animal whose whose horns horns won't won't make make the the record record book. book. If If you're you're aa subsistence subsistence hunter, hunter, that that may may mean mean an an empty empty freezer. freezer. AA subsistence subsistence hunter hunter may may hold hold out out awhile awhile for for aa largelarge- bodied bodied animal, animal, but but when when the the season season draws draws to to aa close close and and you you haven't haven't filled filled your your tag, tag, you you should should be be prepared prepared to to settle settle for for any any legal legal animal animal you you can can ethically ethically harvest. harvest. Don't Don't forget, forget, it's it's about about meat meat for for the the pot, pot, not not social social standing standing or or bragging bragging rights. rights. From purely practical From aa purely practical standpoint, standpoint, hunting, hunting, for for most most people, people, is is not not cost cost effective. effective. If If you you travel travel long long distances distances to to your your hunting hunting territory, territory, you'll you'll need need to to figure figure in in travel, travel, food, food, and and lodging lodging expenses expenses in in addition addition to to license license fees fees vs. vs. the the number number of of pounds pounds of of meat meat you you procure. procure. If If you you take take it it to to aa commercial commercial processor, processor, you'll you'll need need to to add add that that expense expense into into the the cost cost as as well. well. At At the the dollars-per-pound just purchase dollars-per-pound comparison, comparison, it it might might be be cheaper cheaper to to just purchase livestock livestock and and grow grow your your own own meat meat supply. supply. Remember Remember that that our our goal goal is is to to live live independent independent of of outside outside resources, resources, so so we we spend spend very very little little on on travel travel to to and and from from our our hunting hunting area. area. Once Once there there we we stay stay in We stay in tents tents and and eat eat homegrown homegrown and and preserved preserved food. food. We stay at at that that location location and and fill kill ourselves. fill as as many many tags tags as as we we can can and and process process whatever whatever we we kill ourselves. We We are are fortunate fortunate to to live live where where the the hunting hunting is is difficult difficult but but good. good. What What II mean mean by by that that is but the is that that we we have have aa lot lot of of different different game game animals animals available, available, but the mountainous keep population mountainous and and heavily heavily forested forested terrain terrain keep population densities densities low low and

make make hunting hunting aa challenge. challenge. The The opportunities opportunities are are there, there, but but you you have have to to work work to to fill fill your your tags. tags. If If hunting hunting for for meat meat is is going going to to be be aa part part of of your your homesteading homesteading or or survival survival experience, experience, it's it's important important to to learn learn how how to to do do so so efficiently efficiently and and economically economically in in your your neck neck of of the the woods. woods. So, So, if if hunting hunting isn't isn't economically economically viable, viable, why why hunt? hunt? We We hunt hunt for for several several reasons. reasons. First, First, wild wild game game is is extra extra lean lean meat, meat, which which is is healthy healthy meat. meat. Wild Wild game We've never purchased or game is is cheap cheap meat meat the the way way we we hunt hunt it. it. We've never purchased or grown grown food food nor nor ever ever built built or or repaired repaired aa fence fence to to contain contain wild wild animals. animals. Wild Wild game game is is organic organic in in the the best best sense sense of of the the word. word. They They haven't haven't been been force-fed force-fed antibiotics, antibiotics, growth growth hormones, hormones, or or any any of of the the other other additives additives often often given given to to commercial commercial livestock. livestock. Wild killing an Wild game game is is free free ranging. ranging. II have have aa difficult difficult time time killing an animal animal that's that's never never had had aa chance chance for for freedom. freedom. Domestic Domestic animals animals are are confined confined from from their their birth back to birth to to the the time time of of execution. execution. Their Their owner owner may may have have nursed nursed them them back to health health if if they they were were ill ill and and protected protected them them from from predators predators and and most most certainly certainly fed but all purpose of fed and and sheltered sheltered them, them, but all for for the the express express purpose of killing killing them them for for money money or or food. food. I'm I'm not not saying saying anything anything is is wrong wrong with with killing killing domestic domestic animals. animals. I've I've done done it it myself, myself, but but it's it's definitely definitely not not something something II look look forward forward to. to. Wild Wild animals animals at at least least have have aa chance chance of of escape. escape. If If II do do my my part part right, right, it it never be quick never sees sees death death coming coming and and its its death death will will be quick and and painless. painless. (Contrary (Contrary to to nature's nature's way way of of killing, killing, which which is is often often slow slow and and excruciatingly excruciatingly painful.) painful.) Now, Now, if if you're you're the the type type who who thinks thinks killing killing an an animal animal is is wrong, wrong, you'd you'd better better be be aa vegetarian vegetarian and and live live in in aa cave cave or or grass grass hut hut and and eat eat only only food food foraged foraged from from the the wild. wild. Otherwise Otherwise you're you're aa hypocrite. hypocrite. The The meat, meat, fish, fish, or or fowl fowl you you eat eat was was once once aa living, living, breathing breathing creature. creature. If If you you didn't didn't kill kill it it yourself, yourself, you you paid paid someone someone else else to to do do it it for for you. you. The The only only difference difference between between you you and and someone someone who recognize that who kills kills their their own own food food is is that that they they at at least least recognize that for for them them to to live, live, something something else else must must die. die. Final Final Notes Notes on on Hunting

Reading Reading is is not not enough enough to to make make you you into into an an effective effective hunter. hunter. You You must must get get out out and and hunt hunt to to become become good good at at it. it. You but animals You can can go go to to aa park park and and observe observe animal animal behaviors, behaviors, but animals in in the the wild know when wild are are much much more more wary, wary, and and they they often often know when your your intentions intentions turn turn from from observation observation to to annihilation. annihilation. Likewise, Likewise, the the deer deer you you see see standing standing peacefully peacefully at at the the side side of of the the road road will will seldom seldom act act the the same same when when you you are are hunting hunting it. it. In In the the same same way, way, being being an an expert expert marksman marksman on on the the rifle rifle range range doesn't doesn't mean mean you'll you'll be be able able to to hit hit the the kill kill zone zone on on aa deer deer or or rabbit rabbit in in the the hunting hunting field. field. When When shooting shooting at at aa live live target, target, many many other other things things enter enter into into the the picture. picture. Things Things like like adrenaline, adrenaline, aa pounding pounding heart, heart, rapid rapid breathing, breathing, muscle muscle shakes, shakes, poor poor sight sight pictures, pictures, shooting shooting at at the the whole whole animal animal rather rather than than picking picking aa spot, spot, and and aa dozen dozen other other factors factors will will affect affect your your shot shot placement. placement. I've I've known known people people who who were were overwhelmed overwhelmed by by "buck "buck fever" fever" and and shot shot five five times times at at aa deer deer standing standing broadside broadside at at 50 50 feet feet and and never never touched touched aa hair hair on on it. it. I've I've seen seen accomplished accomplished skeet skeet shooters shooters miss miss when when aa covey covey of of quail quail flushed flushed at at their their feet. feet. We We have have aa saying saying at at our our house house that that "you "you can't can't do do it it unless unless you've you've done done it." it." What What we we mean mean is is that that many many things things that that seem seem simple simple aren't, aren't, and and unless unless you've you've actually actually done done it it enough enough to to become become proficient, proficient, don't don't count count on on being being able able to to do do it it when when the the chips chips are are down. down. This This is is especially especially true true when when hunting. hunting. Reading Reading this this chapter chapter is is aa start, start, aa beginning. beginning. It's It's imperative imperative that that you you get get out out in in the the woods woods and and put put these these things things into practice. into practice. TRAPPING TRAPPING Trapping Trapping is is aa timeless timeless profession profession used used in in both both ancient ancient and and modern modern times times to to provide provide food food and and clothing clothing and and as as an an effective effective means means of of predator predator and and pest pest control. received so press from control. It's It's aa shame shame it's it's received so much much bad bad press from the the politically politically correct rights groups. correct and and animal animal rights groups. Despite Despite the the bad bad rap, rap, trapping trapping is is one one of of the the most most effective effective ways ways to to feed feed and and clothe clothe your your family family and and protect protect your your homestead homestead from from furred furred invaders. invaders. After After all, all, who who among among us us has has never never trapped trapped aa mouse mouse that that had had its its sights sights set set on on our our stored stored grain?

Trapping played aa major primitive culture Trapping played major role role in in every every primitive culture I'm I'm aware aware of. of. Very Very effective effective snares snares and and deadfalls deadfalls can can be be made made from from locally locally available available materials materials with with aa minimum minimum of of fuss fuss and and no no investment investment other other than than the the time time it it takes takes to to make make and and set set them. them. Learning Learning how how and and where where to to set set them them takes takes some some skill, skill, but but it's it's no no more more difficult difficult than than learning learning how how to to hunt hunt or or fish. fish. Traps Traps have have the the additional additional advantage advantage of of working working 24 24 hours hours aa day, day, seven seven days days aa week week in in rain, rain, sleet, sleet, and and snow. snow. If If you're you're ever ever in in aa true true SHTF SHTF or or TEOTWAWKI TEOTWAWKI situation, situation, trapping trapping may may be be the the only only reliable reliable way way to to obtain obtain meat. meat. The The prerequisites prerequisites of of trapping trapping are are similar similar to to those those for for hunting. hunting. Get Get to to know know the know and the animals, animals, know and obey obey the the appropriate appropriate laws laws and and regulations, regulations, purchase purchase or or make make the the required required equipment, equipment, and and start start trapping. trapping. Always Always know know the the laws laws regarding regarding trapping trapping and and obey obey them. them. The The only only exception exception is is if if you you find find yourself yourself in in aa survival survival situation, situation, and and even even then then you'll you'll have have to to rest rest your your case case on on the the mercy mercy of of the the court. court. Depending Depending on on the the location, location, it be legal it may may not not be legal to to trap trap or or snare snare some some of of the the animals animals II will will discuss discuss in in this this section. section. If If so, so, this this is is for for informational informational purposes purposes only only and and is is not not an an endorsement endorsement of of illegal illegal activities. activities. Equipment Equipment Needs Needs Traps Traps fall fall into into three three categories categories or or types: types: foothold, foothold, body body grip, grip, and and live live traps. traps. All All come come in in different different sizes. sizes. The The correct correct size size is is dependent dependent upon upon what what you're you're trying trying to to trap. trap. Foothold Foothold traps traps have have been been around around for for centuries centuries and and originally originally were were used used to to trap trap people. people. They're They're designed designed to to close close on on an an animal's animal's leg leg and and hold hold it it until until you you arrive. arrive. Modern Modern traps traps differ differ little little in in appearance appearance from from those those original original traps, traps, but but there there have have been been improvements improvements made made in in the the last last few few years. years. They They can can now now be purchased with jaws (required jaws, be purchased with rubber rubber padded padded jaws (required in in some some states), states), offset offset jaws, and jaws in and double double jaws in addition addition to to the the traditional traditional models. models. Foothold Foothold traps traps are are available available in in different different sizes sizes relating relating to to the the target target animal. animal. Foothold Foothold traps traps are are my my favorite favorite for for ground ground sets sets because because you you can can release release animals animals you you didn't didn't want want to to catch. catch. If If the the proper proper trap trap was was used, used, they they usually usually leave leave with with nothing nothing more more serious serious than than aa bruised bruised leg. leg. I've I've had had squirrels squirrels bound bound up up aa tree tree and and scold scold me me soundly released from soundly after after being being released from aa foothold foothold trap.

= , +. %

a?

.. tu

-

‘ty

i

a a

Heading Heading out out to to check check traps. traps.

When kayaks for When we we spend spend an an afternoon afternoon cruising cruising aa lake lake in in kayaks for pleasure, pleasure, I'm I'm also also scouting scouting out out new new trapping trapping areas. areas. Ifyou Ifyou look look closely, closely, you'll you'll see see aa large large beaver beaver lodge photo. lodge next next to to the the spit spit of of land land on on the the left left side side of of the the photo. Body-grip Body-grip traps traps are are designed designed to to clamp clamp around around the the animal's animal's body, body, crushing crushing its killing it its chest chest and and killing it quickly. quickly. Be Be very very careful careful with with these. these. There There is is no no second second chance chance if if you you catch catch aa nontarget nontarget animal. animal. II use use them them on on aboveground aboveground sets sets and and water pet won't water sets sets in in places places where where I'm I'm sure sure someone's someone's pet won't stumble stumble into into it. it. They They come beaver and come in in different different sizes, sizes, and and the the larger larger ones ones used used for for beaver and otter otter are are truly truly formidable. formidable. They They are are very very effective effective traps, traps, and and the the small small ones ones can can even even be be used used to to catch catch fish fish under under survival survival conditions. conditions. Again, Again, I'm I'm not not advocating advocating illegal illegal activities, activities, only only informing informing you you that that it it can can be be done. done. Live Live traps traps are are usually usually wire wire boxes boxes that that simply simply shut shut aa critter critter in. in. After After that, that, you you decide decide its its fate. fate. They They are are especially especially effective effective with with rodents rodents like like pack pack rats. rats. They best used They are are best used in in areas areas where where there's there's aa chance chance you you might might catch catch your your or

your your neighbor's neighbor's pet pet and and you you want want the the ability ability to to release release it it unharmed. unharmed. Be Be careful careful about about liberating liberating vermin vermin and and pests. pests. You'll You'll need need to to release release most most of of them them many many miles miles away away or or they'll they'll simply simply return return home home again. again. You You don't don't want want to When to release release them them where where they'll they'll damage damage someone someone else's else's property property either. either. When we just shoot we use use them them to to trap trap pack pack rats, rats, we we just shoot the the rat rat with with a.22 a.22 rimfire rimfire shot shot shell kills the shell while while it's it's in in the the trap. trap. It It kills the rat rat instantly, instantly, and and we we don't don't have have to to worry worry about about shooting shooting holes holes in in or or otherwise otherwise damaging damaging the the trap trap as as aa solid solid bullet bullet or or pellet pellet might might do. do. Snares being cheap Snares are are easy easy to to make make and and use. use. They They have have the the advantages advantages of of being cheap and and light light weight weight so so you you can can make make dozens dozens of of them them and and set set them them all all over. over. They They have have the the same same disadvantage disadvantage as as body-grip body-grip traps traps when when set set to to choke choke an an animal. animal. There be no There will will be no second second chances, chances, so so don't don't set set them them where where your your neighbor's neighbor's pets piano wire picturepets roam. roam. I've I've made made snares snares out out of of piano wire and and guitar guitar strings, strings, picturehanging hanging wire, wire, steel steel fishing fishing leaders, leaders, military military surplus surplus trip trip wire, wire, and and stranded stranded copper copper wire wire stripped stripped from from old old extension extension cords. cords. For For larger larger animals animals like like coyotes, coyotes, make make your your snares snares out out of of small-diameter small-diameter steel steel aircraft aircraft cable. cable. All All you you need need is is aa one-way one-way slide slide and and aa flexible flexible wire wire loop loop strong strong enough enough to to hold hold whatever whatever it it is is you're you're after. after. Snares Snares have have been been used used for for every every animal animal you you can can name. name. In In some some cases cases they're they're set set to to catch catch an an animal animal by by the the leg, leg, and and in in other other cases cases they they grip grip them them around around the the neck. neck. Snares Snares for for larger larger animals animals should should have have aa one-way one-way lock lock so so that that when when the the snare snare tightens tightens it it won't won't reopen reopen when when the the animal animal releases releases pressure. pressure. Be Be sure sure to to check check trapping trapping regulations regulations before before setting setting snares. snares. Trapping Trapping for for Food Food In In my my opinion, opinion, snares snares are are better better than than traps traps for for small small game game like like squirrels squirrels and and rabbits. rabbits. For For treetree- dwelling dwelling squirrels, squirrels, set set the the snares snares in in travel travel routes routes leading leading to to where where they they eat. eat. Sometimes Sometimes leaning leaning aa pole pole against against aa tree tree or or spanning pole between spanning aa pole between two two trees trees is is aa good good plan plan since since squirrels squirrels like like to to use use them them for for travel travel corridors. corridors. It's It's better better to to have have aa dozen dozen snares snares in in good good locations locations than than two two dozen dozen scattered scattered haphazardly haphazardly in in hopes hopes aa squirrel squirrel will will stumble stumble into into one.

Rabbits best way Rabbits will will have have runways runways and and trails trails along along the the ground. ground. Often Often the the best way to to find find them them is is to to lay lay down down on on the the ground ground and and look look things things over over from from the the rabbits' rabbits' viewpoint. viewpoint. Find Find places places where where the the trails trails cross cross or or merge. merge. Sometimes Sometimes at at the rabbit trails the edges edges of of thick, thick, tall tall patches patches of of grass, grass, the the rabbit trails will will fan fan out out from from aa single single opening opening in in the the grass. grass. That That will will be be aa good good place place to to set set aa snare. snare. If If there there are are aa lot lot of of trails, trails, try try blocking blocking some some off off with with stick stick fences fences to to funnel funnel the the rabbits rabbits through through the the trails trails where where you've you've set set your your snares. snares. Scouting Scouting really really pays pays off off here. here. The The more more rabbits rabbits using using an an area, area, the the more more likely likely you you are are to to snare snare some. some. While While II believe believe snares snares are are the the best best way way to to catch catch rabbits rabbits and and squirrels, squirrels, there there are are other other methods methods you you can can use. use. In In my my experience, experience, foothold foothold traps traps work work well well on on squirrels squirrels but but not not so so well well on on rabbits. rabbits. Rabbits Rabbits have have thinner thinner skin skin and and their their bones bones break break easily. easily. They They may may escape escape the the trap, trap, only only to to die die an an agonizing agonizing death death in in their their burrow. burrow. Small Small body-grip body-grip traps traps work work well well on on squirrels squirrels or or rabbits, rabbits, but but you'll you'll want want to to be be sure sure they they won't won't catch catch nontarget nontarget species. species. Trapping Trapping for for Fur Fur and and Profit Profit Fur prices fluctuate Fur prices fluctuate according according to to demand. demand. It's It's kind kind of of like like farming: farming: you you never never know know whether whether you'll you'll make make money money until until you you sell sell the the crop. crop. Trapping Trapping is is one one of of those those things things you you can can do do a a little little or or aa lot lot of. of. The The choice choice is is yours. yours. Many Many farm farm boys boys made made spending spending money money running running aa short short trap trap line line before before or or after after school, school, and and many many people people today today make make their their living living trapping. trapping. If If you're you're new new to to trapping, trapping, see see if if your your state state offers offers aa trapper trapper education education course. course. You You might might also also contact contact your your state's state's trapping trapping association association for for information. information. If If you you like like trapping, trapping, you you should should check check into into nuisance nuisance trapping. trapping. Nuisance Nuisance trappers trappers go go after after animals animals that that have have been been deemed deemed a a threat threat or or nuisance nuisance to to local local landowners. landowners. It It might might be be trapping trapping beaver beaver that that have have built built aa dam dam that's that's flooding flooding aa golf killing trees golf course course or or killing trees in in aa subdivision. subdivision. You You may may find find yourself yourself trapping trapping skunks skunks in in aa crawl crawl space space or or bats bats in in an an attic. attic. Contact Contact your your state's state's Department Department of of Fish, Fish, Wildlife, Wildlife, and and Parks Parks to to see see if if there there are are any any legal legal hurdles hurdles to to overcome, overcome, then then run run an an ad ad in in the the newspaper, newspaper, yellow yellow pages, pages, or or whatever. whatever. Trapping be an Trapping for for fur fur can can be an additional additional source source of of food food as as well well as as income. income. Many rabbit), opossum, Many furbearing furbearing animals animals are are edible. edible. Muskrat Muskrat (aka (aka marsh marsh rabbit),

and parts of and raccoon raccoon are are considered considered good good table table fare fare in in some some parts of the the country, country, and and if if things things get get really really bad, bad, they'll they'll be be considered considered good good table table fare fare everywhere. everywhere. Trapping Trapping Pests Pests Sooner Sooner or or later later your your garden garden and and feed feed shed shed are are going going to to draw draw in in rats, rats, mice, mice, gophers, gophers, or or other other pests. pests. Live Live traps traps have have already already been been mentioned, mentioned, but but you'll you'll want want to to keep keep aa few few rattraps rattraps and and mousetraps mousetraps nearby nearby as as well. well. The The rattraps rattraps I'm I'm speaking speaking of of look look like like mousetraps mousetraps on on steroids. steroids. They're They're big big enough enough to to kill kill rats rats and and small small rodents rodents like like chipmunks. chipmunks. One One thing thing we've we've learned learned is is that that they they don't don't always always kill kill aa rat rat quickly, quickly, so so they'll they'll need need to to be be anchored anchored firmly firmly or or the the entire entire trap trap will will be be gone. gone. We We handle handle the the situation situation in in two two ways. ways. One, One, we we drill drill aa hole hole in in the the base base of of the the trap trap and and fasten fasten aa steel steel wire wire through through it it and and tie tie it it to to aa post post or or other other solid solid anchor. anchor. The The second second method method is is to to fasten fasten the the trap trap to to aa larger larger board board that be careful that aa rat rat can't can't drag drag away. away. Again, Again, be careful with with them. them. These These traps traps can can seriously seriously ruin ruin the the day day of of any any cat cat that that happens happens along. along. FISHING FISHING I'll I'll start start this this section section off off with with aa disclaimer: disclaimer: I'm I'm not not aa great great fisherman. fisherman. Actually, Actually, I'm I'm not not even even good good at at fishing. fishing. Sure, Sure, II catch catch fish fish sometimes, sometimes, but but II don't being don't have have the the patience patience or or knowledge knowledge to to catch catch fish fish consistently. consistently. That That being said, said, II do do catch catch some some fish fish and and II thoroughly thoroughly enjoy enjoy eating eating fish, fish, but but they they aren't aren't aa big big part part of of our our homestead homestead meal meal ticket. ticket. Fishing know your Fishing is is kind kind of of like like trapping. trapping. You You need need to to know your quarry quarry and and the the best best methods methods of of catching catching it, it, so so begin begin by by identifying identifying the the fish fish that that are are legal legal and and desirable desirable in in your your area. area. Once Once you've you've learned learned their their likes likes and and dislikes dislikes regarding regarding water water temperatures, temperatures, preferred preferred depths depths to to hang hang out out in in at at various various times times of of the the year, year, favorite favorite hunting hunting grounds grounds when when they're they're hungry, hungry, favorite favorite foods, foods, breeding breeding habits, While habits, and and temperaments, temperaments, you you can can formulate formulate aa plan plan to to catch catch them. them. While there there are are lots lots of of ways ways to to catch catch fish, fish, you're you're going going to to be be limited limited to to those those that that are are legal legal under under your your state's state's fishing fishing laws. laws. Most Most people people use use reels reels mounted mounted on on fishing fishing rods rods to to cast cast fishing fishing line line with with hooks hooks baited baited with with live live bait, bait, various various kinds kinds of of meats meats and and cheeses, cheeses, corn, corn, or or some some smelly smelly concoction concoction bought bought at at aa store store or or put put together together in in their their top-secret

lab lab at at home. home. (Okay, (Okay, I'm I'm exaggerating exaggerating aa bit bit here here about about the the lab!) lab!) They They go go where where they they believe believe the the fish fish are are and and go go fishing. fishing. Those Those who who are are good good at at it it often often bring bring home home lots lots of of very very high-quality high-quality food. food. Some jug Some of of the the most most productive productive ways ways to to fish fish where where it's it's legal legal to to do do so so are are jug fishing, fishing, limb limb lines, lines, and and trotlines. trotlines. Jug Jug fishing fishing is is done done by by tying tying your your line, line, hook hook (or jug or (or several several hooks hooks to to one one main main line), line), and and bait bait to to an an empty empty plastic plastic jug or float float of kind and pond or of some some kind and throwing throwing it it out out into into aa pond or lake. lake. If If you you don't don't have have aa boat, jug and boat, you'll you'll want want to to tie tie another another line line to to the the jug and anchor anchor the the end end to to the the bank bank so jug later. boat, you jugs float so you you can can retrieve retrieve the the jug later. If If you you have have aa boat, you can can let let the the jugs float freely freely and and retrieve retrieve them them from from the the boat. boat. You You can can also also tie tie aa heavy heavy weight weight to to the jug in the bottom bottom of of the the line line to to anchor anchor the the jug in aa specific specific fishing fishing hole. hole. I've I've done done it it all jugs bob bob around all three three ways. ways. The The idea idea is is that that as as the the jugs around on on the the waves, waves, the the fish fish will will find find the the bait bait and and swallow swallow it. it. They're They're then then hooked hooked until until you you come come to to collect jugs at collect them. them. II recommend recommend checking checking the the jugs at least least daily; daily; twice twice aa day day is is even even better. better. This This method method is is best best in in small small lakes lakes and and ponds, ponds, preferably preferably private private ponds ponds and and lakes jugs are lakes since since the the jugs are clearly clearly visible visible and and anyone anyone passing passing by by might might help help themselves themselves to to your your catch. catch. The The nice nice thing thing about about this this method method (and (and the the next next two) two) is is that that you you have have multiple multiple lines lines out out so so you you greatly greatly increase increase your your chances chances of of catching catching fish, fish, and and you you can can set set everything everything up up and and then then go go do do something something else. else. Be Be sure sure to to check check the the legality legality of of these these methods. methods. Limb Limb lines lines are are done done in in aa similar similar way way except except instead instead of of tying tying the the line line and and baited jugs, you baited hooks hooks to to plastic plastic jugs, you tie tie the the line line to to tree tree limbs limbs that that hang hang out out over over the best depth the water. water. Set Set the the length length of of the the line line so so that that the the bait bait dangles dangles at at the the best depth for for the the fish fish you're you're seeking. seeking. Again, Again, check check the the lines lines daily. daily. A A caution caution here: here: please please be be sure sure to to retrieve retrieve these these after after you're you're done done fishing. fishing. II was was floating floating down down a a river river in in aa canoe canoe once once when when the the hook hook from from an an old old limb limb line jacket and line caught caught my my life life jacket and nearly nearly pulled pulled me me out out of of the the canoe canoe (almost (almost capsizing process). II had knife handy capsizing the the canoe canoe in in the the process). had aa knife handy and and cut cut the the line line to to avert but even avert disaster, disaster, but even today today II shudder shudder to to think think what what would would have have happened happened if if the the hook hook had had caught caught me me in in the the eye eye or or another another part part of of my my body body instead instead of

the jacket. The the life life jacket. The lines lines had had evidently evidently been been set set when when the the water water was was higher higher and and when when it it receded receded they they were were dangling dangling about about two two feet feet above above the the surface. surface. This This was was not not aa matter matter of of someone someone not not locating locating this this one one line. line. There There were were dozens dozens of of these these abandoned abandoned on on this this stretch stretch of of river. river. Trotlines Trotlines are are another another way way to to catch catch more more fish. fish. These These are are used used mostly mostly for for catfish, by catfish, although although they they will will work work on on other other fish fish as as well. well. Trotlines Trotlines are are made made by using using one one long, long, heavy heavy line line approximately approximately the the diameter diameter of of paracord, paracord, with with baited baited hooks hooks tied tied to to the the main main line. line. The The hooks hooks are are tied tied with with regular regular fishing fishing line line so so that that they they dangle dangle about about aa foot foot or or so so below below the the main main line. line. The The trotline trotline is is usually usually anchored anchored to to shore shore on on one one or or both both ends. ends. In In lakes lakes or or ponds ponds they they are are often often anchored anchored to to shore shore on on one one end end and and to to the the bottom bottom with with aa heavy heavy weight weight on on the the other other end. end. Usually Usually large large hooks hooks are are used used with with limb limb lines lines and and trotlines trotlines to to catch catch large large fish. fish. I've I've seen seen many many 2525- to to 40-pound 40-pound catfish catfish caught caught with with these these rigs. rigs. If If it's it's legal, legal, fish fish traps traps and and nets nets work work for for catching catching large large amounts amounts of of fish. fish. II have have no no experience experience with with either either of of these these methods, methods, so so I'll I'll take take Mark Mark Twain's Twain's advice be thought advice when when he he cautioned cautioned that that "it "it is is better better to to be thought aa fool fool than than to to speak speak and and remove remove all all doubt" doubt" Another Another way way to to get get fish fish is is to to capitalize capitalize on on the the efforts efforts of of others. others. II have have aa son son who who participates participates in in aa semiannual semiannual fishing fishing tournament tournament in in aa large large lake lake in in northwestern northwestern Montana. Montana. The The purpose purpose is is to to thin thin out out the the population population of of aa particular particular species species of of fish, fish, and and the the contestants contestants are are encouraged encouraged to to donate donate their their fish fish to to the the local local food food banks banks or or find find other other uses uses for for them. them. It It doesn't doesn't take take him him long long to to fill fill aa freezer, freezer, so so he's he's more more than than happy happy to to give give the the extra extra fish fish away. away. These These are are not not trash trash fish. fish. Most Most tend tend to to be be in in the the 55- to to 1010- pound pound category category and and are are very very good good eating. eating. If If there there are are any any fishing fishing tournaments tournaments in in your your area, area, find find out out what what they they do do with with the the fish fish that that are are caught. caught. Spend Spend a a little little time time at at the the weigh weigh station station and and ask ask contestants contestants if if you you can can keep keep any any extra extra fish fish they they don't don't want. want. Our Our state state wildlife wildlife agency agency also also traps traps salmon salmon to to obtain obtain eggs eggs (or (or at at least least they they did did aa few few years years ago). ago). The The fish fish are are given given away away to to food food banks banks and and to to volunteers volunteers who who participate participate in in the the program. program. We We had had aa man man in in our our church church who

provided provided salmon salmon by by the the bucketful bucketful to to anyone anyone who who wanted wanted them. them. Check Check with with your your local local game game wardens wardens to to see see if if anything anything like like this this is is available available in in your your area. area. They They are are usually usually ecstatic ecstatic to to have have volunteers volunteers on on these these types types of of projects. projects. Finally, Finally, check check your your neighborhood neighborhood for for avid avid fishermen. fishermen. Lots Lots of of people people love love to but catch be quite to fish fish but catch more more than than they they can can eat. eat. They'll They'll usually usually be quite happy happy to to share share their their catch catch with with you you and and your your family. family. A A quick quick note note on on hunting hunting and and fishing: fishing: Every Every survivalist survivalist should should have have aa copy copy of book Survival of Ragnar Ragnar Benson's Benson's book Survival Poaching Poaching (available (available from from Paladin Paladin Press) Press) in in their their library. library. As As he he notes, notes, the the techniques techniques he he describes describes are are seldom seldom legal, legal, but but they they are are effective. effective. If If it it ever ever comes comes to to the the point point where where society society has has broken broken down down and and you you must must be be able able to to harvest harvest fish fish and/or and/or game game for for food food or or clothing, clothing, the the knowledge knowledge he he provides provides might might make make the the difference difference between between living living and and dying. dying. Just Just remember, remember, this this is is not not an an endorsement endorsement to to violate violate game game laws; laws; it's it's simply know ... just in simply good good information information to to know ... just in case! case! FORAGING FORAGING There's picking if There's aa lot lot of of great great food food available available free free for for the the picking if you you do do a a little little searching. searching. On On our our property property we we have have wild wild strawberries, strawberries, gooseberries, gooseberries, serviceberries bunch of serviceberries (aka (aka saskatoon), saskatoon), rose rose hips, hips, grapes, grapes, and and aa bunch of different different spices spices and and wild wild edibles edibles that that are are often often considered considered weeds weeds by by the the unknowing. unknowing. True, True, wild wild foods foods tend tend to to be be smaller smaller than than domestic domestic varieties, varieties, but but the the taste taste is is usually usually on on par par or or better better than than anything anything grown grown on on aa factory factory farm, farm, so so take take advantage advantage of of them. them. Our Our wild wild strawberries strawberries are are typically typically producing producing fruit fruit weeks weeks before before our our domestic plants, so domestic plants, so we we get get aa head by picking pancakes, and head start start by picking them them and and using using them them in in cereal, cereal, pancakes, and pastries. pastries. Our jams, jellies, jellies, and juice and Our wild wild grapes grapes make make excellent excellent jams, and juice and in in some some years years are are very very abundant. abundant. Every Every year year in in late late summer, summer, we we spend spend aa few few days days picking picking huckleberries huckleberries in in the the mountains. mountains. We We dehydrate dehydrate most most of of them them for for later later use use in in pies, jams, jellies, jellies, syrup, pies, jams, syrup, ice-cream, ice-cream, and and pancakes, pancakes, but but we we eat eat quite quite aa few few fresh fresh also. also. We'll We'll normally normally pick pick several several gallons gallons to to get get us us through through the the year.

In In spring spring and and fall, fall, mushrooms mushrooms are are plentiful. plentiful. Our Our preferences preferences are are for for morels morels and and the the various various types types of of boletes boletes that that grow grow in in the the area. area. It It isn't isn't difficult difficult to to gather gather 20 20 pounds pounds of of boletes boletes in in one one fall fall afternoon afternoon of of walking walking old old logging logging roads. roads. Morels Morels grow grow by by the the hundreds hundreds in in any any place place that that aa fire fire burned burned through through the previous year, the previous year, although although they they can can be be found found in in lesser lesser numbers numbers in in other other areas areas as as well. well. Serviceberries Serviceberries grow grow in in abundance abundance in in our our yard yard and and along along nearby nearby lakes lakes and and rivers. rivers. Some Some people people don't don't like like the the seeds seeds they they contain, contain, but but we we don't don't mind mind them. them. They're They're great great in in pies pies and and pancakes. pancakes. We raspberries and We also also have have wild wild raspberries and thimbleberries. thimbleberries. Thimbleberries Thimbleberries look look like like raspberries raspberries and and have have aa mild mild raspberry raspberry taste. taste. They're They're good good fresh fresh or or in in pies, pies, pastries, pastries, ice ice cream, cream, or or any any other other way way you'd you'd use use raspberries. raspberries. Foraging Foraging opportunities opportunities are are endless. endless. Be Be aware aware of of your your local local choices. choices. In In Kansas Kansas we we foraged foraged for for walnuts, walnuts, pecans, pecans, pears, pears, and and apples apples at at abandoned abandoned farmsteads permission, of farmsteads (with (with the the owner's owner's permission, of course). course). City City parks parks often often have have opportunities pesticides opportunities for for foraging. foraging. Be Be sure sure they they haven't haven't been been sprayed sprayed with with pesticides or or other other poisons, poisons, though. though. (It's (It's aa good good bet, bet, for for example, example, that that cattails cattails beside beside water water in in aa public public park park or or golf golf course course will will be be saturated saturated with with chemicals chemicals from from the the fertilizer fertilizer runoff.) runoff.) Take Take some some courses courses in in edible edible wild wild plants. plants. You'll You'll be be surprised surprised at at the the number number of of edible edible plants plants growing growing in in your your neighborhood. neighborhood. Again, Again, be be sure sure you you have have permission permission from from the the proper proper authorities authorities before before harvesting harvesting on on land land that that you you don't don't own. own. GLEANING GLEANING Gleaning Gleaning is is mentioned mentioned in in the the Bible Bible where where landowners landowners were were encouraged encouraged to to set parts of poor would set aside aside parts of their their fields fields so so that that the the poor would be be able able to to eat eat too. too. Gleaning Gleaning is is still still an an option option today, today, although although few few take take the the opportunity opportunity to to do do it. it. The The main main difference difference between between gleaning gleaning and and foraging foraging is is that that foraging foraging is is collecting collecting wild wild plants, plants, berries, berries, etc., etc., while while gleaning gleaning is is the the harvesting harvesting of of domestic domestic fruits, fruits, grains, grains, vegetables, vegetables, and and other other edibles edibles that that are are left left in in fields fields or or orchards orchards after after the the harvest.

Huckleberries Huckleberries are are aa favorite favorite in in our our house. house. We We pick pick them them on on national national forest forest land land about about 20 20 miles miles from from home.

Huckleberries Huckleberries picked, picked, cleaned, cleaned, and and in in the the food food dehydrator. dehydrator. If If you you aren't aren't familiar familiar with with modern modern agriculture, agriculture, it it might might surprise surprise you you to to know beans, and know that that harvesting harvesting machinery machinery leaves leaves aa lot lot of of corn, corn, wheat, wheat, beans, and other other crops crops in in the the fields. fields. These These are are often often in in corners corners where where the the large large equipment equipment couldn't couldn't turn turn sharply sharply enough enough or or in in wet wet places places where where they'd they'd get get mired mired in in the the mud. mud. Sometimes, Sometimes, primarily primarily when when harvesting harvesting soybeans, soybeans, the the cutting cutting heads heads simply simply can't can't reach reach low low enough enough to to harvest harvest all all the the beans beans so so some some are are left left at at the the bottoms but you bottoms of of the the stalks. stalks. It's It's hard hard on on your your back, back, but you can can glean glean aa lot lot of of soybeans bottom eight soybeans off off that that bottom eight inches inches of of stalk.

_

A Pastis =

og

fF,

y; >.

a

Bears Bears like like huckleberries huckleberries too. too. Since Since this this is is grizzly grizzly country, country, we we always always carry carry handguns handguns with with us us when when picking picking huckleberries.

This This is is what what dried dried huckleberries huckleberries look look like. like. Ifyou Ifyou look look closely, closely, there's there's another another full behind Susan. full stack stack of of trays trays behind Susan. We We have have three three electric electric dehydrators, dehydrators, but but we we also raining. also dry dry food food outside outside on on racks racks when when it's it's not not raining. In In other other cases, cases, such such as as in in wheat wheat fields, fields, I've I've seen seen bushels bushels of of wheat wheat left left when when the the harvesters harvesters didn't didn't cut cut low low enough enough and and missed missed the the shorter shorter stalks. stalks. In In almost almost every every field, field, you'll you'll find find uncut uncut wheat wheat in in the the corners corners where where the the combines combines turned just cut turned to to go go the the other other direction. direction. It It usually usually works works best best to to just cut the the heads heads off off and When you and put put them them in in aa bag bag for for transport. transport. When you get get them them home, home, you you can can feed feed them them to to livestock livestock as as they they are are or or separate separate the the grain grain and and chaff chaff and and use use it it for for human human consumption.

Gleaning Gleaning is is an an excellent excellent way way to to get get food. food. Prices Prices for for cherries cherries were were so so low low that that the the orchard orchard owners owners were were giving giving them them to to anyone anyone who'd who'd come come pick pick them. them. Always Always take take advantage advantage of of opportunities opportunities like like this. this. In In addition, addition, many many farmers farmers burn burn the the wheat wheat fields fields instead instead of of plowing plowing the the stubble past times. stubble under under as as in in past times. If If the the combine combine didn't didn't have have aa "chopper," "chopper," you you can pickup, rake, rake, and by forking can take take aa pickup, and pitchfork pitchfork and and get get straw straw by forking it it out out of of the the windrows windrows into into the the back back of of your your truck. truck. If If you you have have access access to to aa hay hay baler, baler, they they may may let let you you bale bale the the leftover leftover straw straw for for your your own own use use and and for for sale. sale. II did did this this for for aa couple couple of of years years until until the the farmer farmer learned learned how how much much II was was making making selling selling the the straw straw and and began began baling baling it it himself. himself. Corn knocked over Corn stalks stalks are are often often knocked over when when combines combines make make their their turns turns at at the the ends ends of of the the fields, fields, and and the the ears ears of of corn corn can can be be easily easily harvested harvested by by hand. hand. I've I've gleaned pickup load gleaned aa pickup load of of corn corn this this way way in in an an afternoon afternoon of of work. work. The The point point is is that that if if you you live live in in farm farm country, country, you you may may be be able able to to get get enough enough grains grains to to feed feed your your family family and and livestock livestock by by asking asking farmers farmers for for permission permission to to glean glean the the leftovers leftovers from from their their harvested harvested fields. fields. Most Most farmers

I've just ask. I've dealt dealt with with are are happy happy to to give give permission permission if if you'll you'll just ask. Be Be sure sure to to inquire inquire about about leaving leaving gates gates open open or or shut, shut, and and get get permission permission to to drive drive your your vehicle vehicle onto onto the the field. field. See See if if they've they've got got any any livestock livestock in in the the field field as as well. well. Be Be very very careful careful to to avoid avoid areas areas where where you you might might get get stuck, stuck, and and treat treat their their property property with with the the utmost utmost respect. respect. But But grains grains aren't aren't the the only only thing thing to to seek. seek. Go Go for for aa walk walk in in your your neighborhood neighborhood and and you'll you'll probably probably see see many many yards yards with with fruit fruit trees trees where where the the fruit fruit is is never never picked. picked. Sometimes Sometimes the the residents residents are are elderly elderly and and can can no no longer longer harvest just don't harvest the the fruit fruit themselves. themselves. In In most most cases, cases, though, though, they they just don't want want to to mess mess with with it. it. I've I've seldom seldom been been turned turned down down when when asking asking permission permission to to harvest harvest abandoned abandoned fruit. fruit. Most Most property property owners owners are are glad glad to to have have someone someone clean clean up up the the mess mess the the rotting rotting food food leaves leaves in in the the yard. yard. It It always always helps helps to to offer offer them just them aa share share of of what what you you pick, pick, but but in in my my experience experience they're they're usually usually just wanting wanting someone someone to to clean clean up up the the fallen fallen fruit. fruit. Get know your Get to to know your local local neighbors neighbors who who garden. garden. We've We've had had elderly elderly neighbors neighbors who who were were excellent excellent gardeners gardeners and and usually usually grew grew far far more more than than they they could could eat. eat. Later Later in in the the season, season, they'd they'd gladly gladly share share what what was was left left in in the the garden garden to to whoever whoever needed needed it. it. We've We've done done that that ourselves. ourselves. The The most most distressing distressing thing thing about be glad produce off about this this is is that that many many people people will will be glad to to take take the the extra extra produce off your your hands-if pick it, hands-if you'll you'll pick it, package package it, it, and and deliver deliver it it to to their their door. door. So, So, if if you you get get an be aa slug an offer offer to to share share the the excess excess from from aa neighbor's neighbor's garden, garden, don't don't be slug and and expect expect them them to to bring bring it it to to you. you. Get Get over over there there quickly quickly and and harvest harvest it it yourself. yourself. FOOD FOOD PRESERVATION PRESERVATION AND AND STORAGE STORAGE Some Some people people have have the the luxury luxury of of long long growing growing seasons. seasons. If If you're you're one one of of them them you you have have our our envy, envy, and and some some (most?) (most?) of of this this section section won't won't apply apply to to you. you. For For us, us, it's it's aa major major consideration. consideration. II grew grew up up in in Kansas, Kansas, where where growing growing seasons seasons are are long long and and the the land land is is fertile. fertile. II planted planted shortshort- and and long-season long-season corn corn and and we we ate ate it it fresh fresh out out of of the the garden planted spring garden from from Memorial Memorial Day Day to to Labor Labor Day. Day. II planted spring crops crops and and fall fall crops crops and and cover cover crops. crops. The The garden garden furnished furnished fresh fresh food food all all summer summer and and deep deep into We now into fall. fall. We now live live in in the the mountains mountains of of northwestern northwestern Montana. Montana. We We have

no per year. no earlyearly- or or late-season late-season crops. crops. We We get get one one crop crop per year. What's What's harvested harvested in in the the fall fall needs needs to to sustain sustain us us until until the the crops crops mature mature the the next next year. year. Our Our preferred preferred methods methods of of storage storage are are the the root root cellar, cellar, dehydrating, dehydrating, and and canning canning in in that that order. order. We We adore adore root root cellar cellar crops crops like like potatoes, potatoes, rutabagas, rutabagas, turnips, turnips, and and carrots carrots because because they they take take little little preparation preparation for for storage. storage. Pumpkins room in Pumpkins and and squash squash are are stored stored in in an an unheated unheated room in the the cabin. cabin. We've We've kept kept spaghetti spaghetti squash squash for for over over aa year year this this way. way. If If you've you've ever ever canned canned enough enough food food for for aa family family of of six six to to live live on on for for aa year, year, you'll you'll appreciate appreciate the the ease ease of of storing storing crops crops in in aa root root cellar. cellar. It It doesn't doesn't take take aa NASA NASA engineer engineer to to build build aa root root cellar. cellar. Ours Ours is is aa hand-dug hand-dug hole hole in in the the ground ground topped topped with with scrap scrap boards, boards, aa layer layer of of plastic, plastic, aa layer layer of of dirt, dirt, another another layer layer of of plastic, plastic, and and more more dirt. dirt. We We have have approximately approximately two two feet feet of of soil soil covering covering it. it. It It stays stays about about 45 45 degrees degrees (plus (plus or or minus minus five five degrees, degrees, depending We should depending on on the the season) season) all all year year long. long. We should have have put put aa vent vent in in it it to to help but it potatoes and help dissipate dissipate condensation, condensation, but it stores stores potatoes and carrots carrots very very well well even even without just can't without aa vent. vent. We We just can't store store metal metal cans cans in in it it because because they they rust. rust. If If you you have have an an unheated unheated basement, basement, you you can can partition partition off off aa section section of of the the wall, wall, insulate insulate it it heavily, heavily, and and store store veggies veggies there there instead instead of of digging digging aa separate separate cellar. cellar. Mini root cellars be made Mini root cellars can can be made in in the the garden garden by by burying burying a a plastic plastic foodfoodgrade produce inside, grade barrel barrel in in the the ground, ground, storing storing your your produce inside, and and insulating insulating it it with with bags book you bags of of leaves leaves or or straw. straw. The The best best book you can can get get on on building building and and using using aa root root cellar cellar is is Root Root Cellaring: Cellaring: Natural Natural Cold Cold Storage Storage of of Fruits Fruits and and Vegetables Vegetables by by Mike Mike and and Nancy Nancy Bubel. Bubel. This This is is another another book book every every homesteader homesteader should should own.

Our Our hand-dug hand-dug root root cellar cellar is is perfect perfect for for keeping keeping things things from from freezing. freezing. This This photo photo was was taken taken during during our our first first winter winter on on the the homestead, homestead, so so the the food food inside inside was rather than was store-bought store-bought rather than home home canned canned or or produced. produced. Dehydrating Dehydrating is is our our second second preference. preference. This This is is the the only only way way we we can can store store onions but we onions long long term, term, but we also also dehydrate dehydrate peas, peas, tomatoes, tomatoes, squash, squash, peppers,

herbs herbs and and spices, spices, strawberries, strawberries, huckleberries, huckleberries, mushrooms, mushrooms, and and almost almost everything everything else else we we grow grow or or forage. forage. Dried Dried food food takes takes only only one one fourth fourth of of the the storage storage space space that that canned canned food food needs. needs. We We also also dehydrate dehydrate our our own own food food for for backpacking backpacking and and bicycle bicycle trips, trips, giving giving us us aa lightweight lightweight alternative alternative to to storestorebought bought trail trail foods. foods. We We have have a a passive passive solar solar dehydrator dehydrator and and three three electric electric dehydrators. dehydrators. In In aa sense powered since sense they they are are also also solar solar powered since we we live live off-grid. off-grid. On On long, long, sunny sunny days, panels generate days, our our solar solar panels generate plenty plenty of of electricity electricity to to run run the the dehydrators. dehydrators. We jars that We store store dried dried food food in in glass glass jars that aren't aren't suitable suitable for for canning canning and and reuse reuse the jars. Another the lids lids that that came came off off the the canning canning jars. Another advantage advantage of of dehydrating dehydrating is is that that we we can can store store the the food food in in outbuildings outbuildings where where freezing freezing is is aa problem problem for for canned canned goods. goods. Canning Canning is is the the third third method. method. We We use use it it mostly mostly for for meat meat and and homemade homemade jam, jelly, jelly, syrup, jam, syrup, cheese, cheese, butter, butter, and and prepared prepared food food like like chili, chili, soup, soup, and and stew. stew. When When considering considering long-term long-term self-sufficiency, self-sufficiency, you'll you'll need need to to remember remember that that canning canning lids lids must must be be replaced replaced after after use. use. Stocking Stocking up up on on lids lids is is an an option, option, but but it's it's only only temporary temporary at at best. best. Eventually Eventually the the rubber rubber seals seals get get brittle brittle and and won't won't work. We've seen work. We've seen reusable reusable lids lids advertised, advertised, but but they're they're expensive expensive and and we we are are not not familiar familiar with with them. them. This This is is one one of of the the main main reasons reasons canning canning is is third third on on our our list. list. Freezing Freezing is is an an option option for for those those who who have have grid grid or or solar solar power power or or use use propanepropane- or or oil-powered oil-powered freezers. freezers. We We have have an an electric electric refrigerator refrigerator and and may may get get an an electric electric freezer freezer in in the the future. future. Solar Solar panels panels normally normally last last 20 20 years years or or more, best batteries more, but but even even the the best batteries have have only only aa 10-year 10-year lifespan. lifespan. Freezers Freezers don't don't last last forever forever either, either, so so if if things things ever ever get get really really bad, bad, freezing freezing will will eventually eventually be be impractical just as impractical just as canning canning will. will. Kerosene-powered Kerosene-powered freezers freezers could could possibly possibly be but again, be adapted adapted to to other other fuels, fuels, but again, they'll they'll eventually eventually quit. quit. We refrigeration while We plan plan to to use use canning canning and and refrigeration while they're they're available, available, but but we'll we'll be be relying relying on on our our root root cellar cellar and and dehydrating dehydrating for for long-term long-term sustainable sustainable ways ways of of storing storing food.

Some Some of of the the food food we we dehydrated dehydrated in in 2003 2003 and and 2004. 2004. FOOD FOOD PREPARATION PREPARATION We propane cookstove, We have have aa propane cookstove, yet yet we we still still do do most most of of our our cooking cooking by by other other methods. methods. When When we we first first moved moved to to our our homestead, homestead, all all cooking cooking was was done done on on an an open open fire fire in in the the front front yard yard or or occasionally occasionally on on aa small, small, single-burner single-burner propane baking. propane camp camp stove. stove. We We used used aa Coleman Coleman Camp Camp Oven Oven for for baking. Now Now that that we're we're all all settled settled in, in, we we use use our our woodwood- burning burning heating heating stove stove for for most most of of our our cooking cooking except except in in the the summer summer when when it it heats heats the the cabin cabin too too much. much. We We have have aa wood-burning wood-burning cookstove cookstove on on our our screened-in screened-in porch porch we we use use as as a

summer purchased aa solar summer kitchen. kitchen. We We also also purchased solar cooker cooker aa couple couple of of years years ago ago that that we we use use when when the the sun's sun's rays rays are are strong. strong. We jobs like We still still use use our our propane propane stove. stove. It's It's handy handy for for quick quick jobs like boiling boiling aa pan pan of of water water or or baking, baking, and and it it gets gets heavy heavy use use when when we're we're canning. canning. We've We've canned canned using using the the woodstove, woodstove, but but it's it's much much easier easier to to maintain maintain the the steady steady heat heat needed needed for for canning canning on on the the propane propane stove. stove. We We use use less less than than 200 200 pounds pounds of of propane propane aa year, year, and and most most of of that that is is during during canning canning sessions. sessions. Cooking Cooking on on the the same same wood-burning wood-burning stove stove you you use use to to heat heat your your home home is is relatively just set relatively easy. easy. We We just set the the pan, pan, griddle, griddle, or or skillet skillet directly directly on on top top of of the the stove. stove. It It takes takes aa little little longer longer than than the the propane propane stove, stove, but but that's that's rarely rarely aa problem. problem. If If the the firebox firebox of of your your stove stove has has an an outer outer shell shell around around it, it, you you may may not not be be able able to to use use it it for for cooking. cooking. In In that that case case you'll you'll need need to to get get aa different different woodstove woodstove for for cooking. cooking. We We bake bake on on our our woodstove woodstove with with aa Coleman Coleman Camp Camp Oven. Oven. These These were were originally originally designed designed for for use use on on Coleman Coleman camping camping stoves, stoves, but but they they work work on on top top of of our our wood wood heating heating stove stove too. too. Again, Again, they they take take longer longer than than the the oven oven in in our our propane propane stove, stove, but but that's that's not not aa problem problem for for us. us. We We sometimes sometimes cover cover the the vents just vents on on top top with with aluminum aluminum foil foil to to make make the the oven oven hotter, hotter, but but usually usually we we just bide bide our our time time cooking. cooking. Our Our only only real real complaint complaint with with the the camp camp oven oven is is its its small small size; size; we we can't can't use use pans pans over over nine-inches nine-inches wide wide in in it.

We We use use aa solar Solar cooker cooker in in the the summer. summer. It It works works well, well, but but it's it's slow. slow. Be Be sure sure to to allow allow plenty plenty of of time. time. We've but in We've cooked cooked outdoors outdoors over over an an open open fire, fire, but in our our climate climate that's that's aa summer summer option option only. only. Be Be forewarned: forewarned: it it will will blacken blacken your your pots, pots, pans, pans, and and skilput the skil- lets. lets. We We often often put put aa large large steel steel plate plate over over the the fire fire and and put the cookware cookware on keeps the on that that when when cooking. cooking. It It keeps the pans pans cleaner cleaner and and diffuses diffuses the the heat heat somewhat. We also somewhat. We also set set the the camp camp oven oven on on the the steel steel plate plate when when baking. baking. If If we we lived lived in in coal coal country, country, we'd we'd seriously seriously look look into into using using it it in in our our stoves. stoves. While renewable resource, While it it may may not not be be aa renewable resource, it's it's not not something something you're you're going going to to run run low low on on for for the the next next couple couple of of centuries. centuries. What What we we don't don't want want in in our our homestead be dependent homestead is is to to be dependent on on fuels fuels that that take take aa lot lot of of technology technology to to mine, mine, transport, transport, or or refine. refine. Fuel Fuel must must be be low low tech tech and and available available locally. locally.

This because it's This is is one one of of the the longest longest chapters chapters of of the the book book not not so so much much because it's important but because important (although (although it it is) is) but because in in the the modern modern world world of of factory factory farms, farms, supermarkets, refrigerators, freezers, supermarkets, refrigerators, freezers, fast fast food, food, and and microwave microwave ovens, ovens, the the knowledge knowledge of of how how things things were were done done in in the the past past has has been been nearly nearly lost. lost. Food

growing, preserving, and preparing is growing, gathering, gathering, preserving, and preparing is aa large large part part of of homestead homestead life. life. It It helps helps to to have have plenty plenty of of options options available. available.

2 Man. . Seeeee”

eee

° 7

ew replacing the bathroom ew people people see see any any desirable desirable options options for for replacing the bathroom throne. throne. Outhouses Outhouses have have the the reputation reputation of of being being cold, cold, dark, dark, and and smelly; smelly; composting composting toilets toilets are are practically practically unheard unheard of of in in the the United United States; States; and and to to even pots or even suggest suggest chamber chamber pots or bedpans bedpans is is to to elicit elicit an an upturned upturned nose nose and and change change of of subjects. subjects. But But as as we we all all know, know, "what "what goes goes in in must must also also come come out." out." So So now now what what do do you you do do with with "it"? "it"? THE THE TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL WATER WATER CLOSET CLOSET Lavatory keep the Lavatory lovers lovers take take heart! heart! Under Under the the right right conditions, conditions, you you can can keep the commode commode operational operational for for many many years years and and may may never never even even be be faced faced with with its

replacement replacement options. options. Commodes Commodes need need only only water, water, sewer sewer pipe, pipe, and and aa septic septic or or lagoon lagoon system system to to function. function. You You don't don't even even need need running running water. water. Helen Helen and and Scott Scott Nearing Nearing (wellknown (wellknown homesteaders homesteaders from from the the 1970s 1970s and'80s) and'80s) used used aa bucket bucket of of water water each each time time they they flushed. flushed. So, So, as as long long as as you you have have aa plentiful plentiful supply supply of of water water and and keep keep your your septic septic system system in in good good repair, repair, you you can can keep keep your your flush flush toilet. toilet. If If you you need need to to conserve conserve water, water, flush flush only only when when the the need need dictates. dictates. Remember Remember the the saying, saying, "If "If it's it's yellow, yellow, let let it it mellow; mellow; if if it's it's brown, brown, flush flush it it down" down" Now, Now, about about septic septic systems systems ... ... regardless regardless of of which which waste-disposal waste-disposal system system you know the you end end up up with, with, you you will will need need to to know the zoning zoning regulations regulations for for your your area. area. While While the the flush flush toilet toilet is is acceptable acceptable in in every every state state I'm I'm aware aware of, of, regulations regulations vary vary regarding regarding sep sep tic tic systems. systems. The The county county next next to to ours ours requires requires that that septic septic systems systems with with aa drain drain field field must must have have aa "uniform "uniform pressure pressure distribution distribution system" system" Most Most septic septic systems systems use use gravity gravity to to move move the the overflow overflow from from the the septic septic tank tank to to the the leach leach lines. lines. With With the the pressurized pressurized distribution distribution system, system, the the overflow overflow is is pumped be aa problem pumped through through the the leach leach lines. lines. That That won't won't be problem as as long long as as your your electrical electrical system system holds holds up, up, but but if if you're you're planning planning on on living living off-grid, off-grid, you'll you'll need need enough enough generating generating ability ability to to power power the the pump pump whenever whenever it's it's needed. needed. If If you're you're interested interested in in aa completely completely self-sufficient self-sufficient survival survival homestead, homestead, you'll you'll need need to to ensure ensure you you have have that that generating generating capacity capacity forever forever if if you you want want to to keep keep using backup plan plan available. using your your flush flush toilet. toilet. Otherwise, Otherwise, have have aa backup available. I've known of I've known of instances instances where where flush flush toilets toilets and and holding holding tanks tanks were were used. used. The The tank tank was was pumped pumped out out when when full full and and the the contents contents taken taken to to aa treatment treatment plant. retreat, but plant. This This might might be be an an option option for for aa vacation vacation cabin cabin or or retreat, but it it isn't isn't aa good good long-term long-term solution. solution. It's It's too too dependent dependent on on outside outside assistance assistance and, and, at at $200 $200 or or more more each each time time you you have have the the tank tank pumped, pumped, it it can can get get expensive expensive (especially (especially with with aa large large group group of of people people present). present). Lagoons Lagoons are are sometimes sometimes used used where where soil soil conditions conditions make make drain drain fields fields impractical. impractical. Instead Instead of of the the effluent effluent going going from from the the septic septic tank tank to to the the drain drain field, field, it it flows flows into into aa lagoon, lagoon, where where bacteria bacteria finish finish the the process process of

decomposition. pollution, decomposition. In In order order to to prevent prevent ground ground or or surface surface water water pollution, lagoons lagoons must must be be located located where where the the soil soil is is impermeable. impermeable. You You do do not not want want it it percolating percolating down down and and contaminating contaminating the the groundwater. groundwater. If If you you live live on on aa floodplain floodplain the the lagoon lagoon system system is is not not aa good good idea, idea, as as floodwaters floodwaters will will carry carry the the contents being said, contents to to anyone anyone downstream. downstream. That That being said, if if aa lagoon lagoon system system is is properly properly designed designed and and maintained, maintained, it it is is usually usually trouble trouble free free for for 30 30 years years or or more.

This This is is an an Envirolet Envirolet composting composting toilet toilet that that we we purchased purchased to to install install in in our our home. but we home. These These units units are are aa bit bit pricey pricey at at around around $1,500 $1,500 and and up, up, but we got got this this one one used used for for much much less. less. The The previous previous owners owners had had never never installed installed it. it. So So far far we people at we haven't haven't either! either! These These use use no no water water and and are are rated rated for for four four people at fullfulltime time use use orsix orsix people people if if installed installed in in aa vacation vacation home. home. They They do do require

electricity electricity to to run run aa small small vent vent fan fan when when needed. needed. Plusyou'll Plusyou'll need need to to vent vent it it outside outside the the building. building. These These units units are are waterless waterless and and chemical chemical free. free. COMPOSTING COMPOSTING TOILETS TOILETS Composting Composting toilets toilets are are popular popular where where septic septic systems systems are are impractical, impractical, where where water water is is scarce, scarce, or or for for composting composting human human excrement excrement for for use use as as fertilizer. fertilizer. They're They're seen seen far far more more often often in in European European countries countries than than in in the the United United States.

The The insides insides resemble resemble aa porta-pot porta-pot like like those those sold sold in in sporting sporting goods goods stores, stores, but but these be emptied these only only need need to to be emptied occasionally. occasionally. A A porta-pot porta-pot does does not not compost compost its its contents, contents, whereas whereas these these do.

The The aerator aerator and and rake rake bar bar help help stir stir things things up up inside inside for for more more complete complete composting, provides access composting, while while the the door door at at the the base base provides access to to empty empty the the (now (now composted) composted) contents. contents. How How often often it it will will need need to to be be emptied emptied depends depends on on several several factors. factors. Composting Composting toilets toilets are are waterless waterless and, and, when when functioning functioning properly, properly, odor odor free. free. They They come come in in different different styles, styles, from from store-bought store-bought units units intended intended for for ininhome home use use only only to to homebuilt homebuilt facsimiles facsimiles for for indoor indoor and and outdoor outdoor applications. applications. Sizes Sizes vary vary as as well. well. Some Some manufactured manufactured units units have have large large reservoirs reservoirs with with intake intake tubes tubes reaching reaching to to the the toilet toilet in in the the room room above. above. Other Other smaller, smaller, manufactured manufactured composting composting toilets toilets are are fully fully self-contained self-contained and and take take little little more more space recreational vehicle's space than than aa recreational vehicle's porta-pot. porta-pot. The The advantage advantage of of the the larger larger units units is is that that the the reservoir reservoir doesn't doesn't need need to to be be emptied emptied as as often. often. Many Many types types use use aa small small fan fan for for odor odor control. control. These These toilets toilets are are sealed sealed like like an While it's being an RV RV toilet, toilet, so so there there is is no no odor odor when when the the unit unit is is not not in in use. use. While it's being used, used, the the chamber chamber is is open open and and the the fan fan pulls pulls air air from from the the room room and and forces forces it it through through the the outside outside vent, vent, very very similar similar to to the the ventilation ventilation fan fan located located in in the the ceiling bathrooms. It's ceiling in in most most bathrooms. It's aa much much more more efficient efficient way way of of dealing dealing with

odors odors than than aa ceiling ceiling fan. fan. During During times times when when the the power power is is out, out, doing doing without without the the fan fan will will not not affect affect the the operation operation of of the the toilet. toilet. Homemade Homemade compost compost toilets toilets also also range range in in size size from from diminutive diminutive sawdust sawdust toilets toilets constructed constructed with with plastic plastic buckets buckets to to large large outdoor outdoor designs designs with with two two separate separate chambers. chambers. Just Just like like the the commercial commercial models, models, the the only only real real advantage advantage to to the the large large toilets toilets is is they they need need to to be be emptied emptied less less frequently. frequently. The The sawdust sawdust toilet toilet is is one one of of the the simplest simplest compost compost toilets toilets you you can can make. make. You just do You just do your your "chores" "chores" in in aa plastic plastic bucket bucket and and cover cover the the waste waste with with sawdust. sawdust. As As you you deposit deposit more more excrement excrement to to the the pile, pile, you you add add more more sawdust sawdust to bucket is to cover cover it. it. When When the the bucket is as as full full as as you you want want to to contend contend with, with, take take it it outside outside and and dump dump it it in in aa compost compost bin bin to to continue continue composting. composting. Clean Clean the the empty empty bucket bucket and and put put it it back back with with aa new new layer layer of of sawdust sawdust on on the the bottom bottom and and repeat bucket in repeat the the process. process. Most Most people people build build wooden wooden boxes boxes to to put put the the bucket in and and then then install install aa regular regular toilet toilet seat. seat. Sawdust Sawdust toilets toilets are are virtually virtually odorless odorless and, and, with with careful careful construction, construction, look look like like nice nice additions additions to to the the home. home. There but the There are are lots lots of of variations variations in in outdoor outdoor composting composting toilets, toilets, but the process process is is the the same same for for them them as as for for the the sawdust sawdust toilet. toilet. Outdoor Outdoor units units look look like like outhouses, outhouses, except except provisions provisions are are made made to to shovel shovel out out the the composted composted excrement excrement when when the the storage storage area area is is full. full. There There are are aa couple couple of of variations, variations, though. though. In In some some instances, instances, people people use use aa removable removable tub tub to to hold hold the the waste. waste. When When it's it's full, full, you you remove remove it it and and dump dump it it in in the the compost compost pile pile or or replace replace it it with with an an empty empty tub tub and and let let the the first first one one decompose decompose further. further. One One of of the the fanciest fanciest designs designs I've I've seen seen was was aa double-chamber double-chamber composting composting toilet. joined outhouses toilet. It It looked looked like like two two joined outhouses made made out out of of stone. stone. Only Only one one was was used used at at a a time. time. When When its its chamber chamber was was full, full, the the door door was was locked locked and and the the other other side side put put to to use. use. By By the the time time the the second second chamber chamber was was full, full, the the first first chamber chamber was was finished finished composting. composting. It It was was shoveled shoveled out out and and put put back back into into use use and and the the other other side side locked. locked. The The only only real real advantage advantage was was that that by by the the time time you you shoveled shoveled out out the the first first chamber, chamber, its its contents contents were were finished finished with with the the composting composting process process so so there there were were no no fresh fresh feces feces to to deal deal with. with. Sawdust Sawdust is is not not the the only only material material you you can can use use to to cover cover the the "evidence." "evidence." Any Any dry dry materials materials you'd you'd put put in in your your compost compost pile pile is is acceptable: acceptable: chipped chipped wood,

chopped chopped straw, straw, cereal cereal hulls, hulls, shredded shredded paper, paper, or or any any other other carbon-rich carbon-rich organic organic material material is is quite quite sufficient. sufficient. The The advantages advantages of of composting composting toilets toilets on on the the low-budget low-budget homestead homestead or or retreat retreat are are that that they're they're cheap cheap to to construct, construct, they they are are low low tech, tech, and and they they bridge bridge the the gap gap between between the the traditional traditional pit pit toilet toilet and and the the water water closet. closet. Composting Composting toilets toilets don't don't need need electricity electricity or or water, water, and and instead instead of of aa potential potential source source of of groundwater groundwater pollution pollution like like septic septic systems, systems, the the end end result result is is aa rich rich soil soil enhancer. enhancer. OUTHOUSES OUTHOUSES Now Now on on to to the the next next option: option: the the infamous infamous outhouse. outhouse. In In this this case, case, "outhouse" "outhouse" isn't isn't aa fair fair term term to to use use because because outside outside composting composting toilets toilets are are also also aa form form of of outhouse. outhouse. Outhouses Outhouses are are merely merely toilet toilet facilities facilities located located outside outside the the house. house. In In this this case, case, though, though, we're we're talking talking about about the the traditional traditional outhouse. outhouse. Traditional Traditional outhouses outhouses take take one one of of two two forms: forms: the the pit pit privy privy or or the the shovelshovelout out backhouse. backhouse. AA pit pit privy privy is is built built over over aa pit. pit. The The waste waste fills fills the the pit pit over over time time and and when when it's it's about about full, full, you you cover cover it it with with dirt, dirt, dig dig another another pit pit somewhere somewhere else, put your else, move move the the building building to to the the new new location, location, and and start start over. over. If If you you put your used bag or used toilet toilet paper paper in in aa bag or diaper diaper pail pail instead instead of of dumping dumping it it down down the the hole, hole, your your pit pit will will take take about about twice twice as as long long to to fill fill up. up. (You (You can can dispose dispose of of the the used used TP TP by by burning, burning, composting, composting, or or disposing disposing of of it it in in the the local local landfill.) landfill.) Be Be very very sure sure to to situate situate the the privy privy well well away away from from any any water water sources sources it it could could pollute. pollute. A A shovel-out shovel-out backhouse backhouse is is built built with with aa groundground- level level reservoir reservoir you you can can periodically back to periodically empty. empty. You'll You'll need need to to leave leave aa door door in in the the back to make make removing removing the the contents contents easier. easier. You'll You'll also also need need aa place place to to compost compost the the "night "night soil." soil." Be Be sure sure to to cover cover the the deposits deposits with with sawdust sawdust or or other other organic organic material material to to reduce reduce the the smell smell and and keep keep away away flies. flies. I'd I'd advise advise putting putting aa good good fence fence around around it it to to keep keep dogs dogs out. out. We We once once had had the the unique unique experience experience of of our our dog dog discovering discovering aa latrine joyously rolling latrine in in the the woods woods made made by by aa group group of of campers campers and and joyously rolling in in it. it. She played "fetch She was was immediately immediately walked walked to to the the nearest nearest lake, lake, and and we we played "fetch the the stick stick we we throw throw in in the the water" water" until until the the evidence evidence of of her her indiscretion indiscretion was was eliminated. back to eliminated. Then Then it it was was back to the the house house for for her her bubble bubble bath.

Using below zero Using an an outhouse outhouse when when the the temperature temperature is is 20 20 below zero can can be be aa chilling chilling experience! experience! Some Some people people have have Styrofoam Styrofoam seats seats stored stored in in the the house house and and take take them them out out with with them them when when the the temperature temperature drops drops this this far. far. The The only only difference difference between between aa shovel-out shovel-out backhouse backhouse and and aa composting composting toilet toilet is is that, that, with with aa composting composting toilet, toilet, the the waste waste is is covered covered with with sawdust sawdust after after use. use. With With aa shovel-out shovel-out backhouse, backhouse, the the excrement excrement is is moved moved in in its its original original condition condition and and composted composted later. later. (Okay, (Okay, there's there's also also aa considerable considerable difference difference in in smell smell when when shoveling shoveling out out the the backhouse!) backhouse!) The The advantages advantages of of an an outhouse outhouse in in its its various various forms forms are are that that it it is is low low tech tech and and sustainable. sustainable. You You don't don't even even need need to to gather gather sawdust sawdust or or other other organic organic materials materials as as with with aa composting composting toilet. toilet. The related to The disadvantages disadvantages are are obvious obvious and and all all are are related to our our vanity. vanity. Yes, Yes, they they do bad at reduced do smell smell bad at times, times, although although if if properly properly ventilated ventilated the the smell smell is is reduced considerably. considerably. They They are are cold cold in in the the winter, winter, but but then, then, how how long long do do you you expect expect to When it's really cold, to be be out out there there anyway? anyway? When it's really cold, use use aa bedpan bedpan and and dump dump it it in in the the outhouse outhouse later! later! It's It's aa pain pain to to dig dig aa new new pit, pit, but but again, again, even even with with aa family,

aa pit pit measuring measuring three three feet feet square square and and five five feet feet deep deep will will last last three three years years or or more more if if you you don't don't fill fill it it with with toilet toilet paper. paper. AA shovelshovel- out out backhouse backhouse will will need need emptying job. If emptying more more often, often, and and it it is is indeed indeed aa smelly, smelly, disgusting disgusting job. If that's that's the the option just smear option you've you've chosen, chosen, just smear aa little little Vicks Vicks VapoRub VapoRub (or (or aa generic generic equivalent) equivalent) under under your your nose nose and and get get it it done done as as quickly quickly as as possible! possible! BEDPANS BEDPANS II mention mention bedpans bedpans last last because because even even with with aa bedpan, bedpan, you're you're going going to to need need aa way way to to dispose dispose of of the the waste. waste. It It wasn't wasn't that that long long ago ago that that bedpans bedpans (also (also known known as pots) were as chamber chamber pots) were common common for for aa couple couple of of good good reasons. reasons. First, First, when when it's it's cold bundled up cold out, out, especially especially during during the the night, night, getting getting bundled up and and making making that that trip trip outside outside is is something something few few will will embrace. embrace. Second, Second, if if you've you've ever ever made made aa nighttime nighttime trip trip to to outdoor outdoor facilities facilities in in the the country country where where wild wild animals animals prowl prowl and and trees trees cast cast scary scary shadows shadows in in the the moonlight, moonlight, it it can can be be aa frightening frightening experience experience to to those those not not used used to to that that environment environment (especially (especially for for kids). kids). We've We've had had skunks, skunks, bears, bears, moose, moose, mountain mountain lions, lions, coyotes, coyotes, and and wolves wolves near near the the cabin. cabin. The The occasional occasional grizzly grizzly and and Bigfoot Bigfoot have have made made neighborhood neighborhood rounds rounds as as well. well. (Okay, (Okay, there's there's no no solid solid proof proof on on the the Bigfoot!) Bigfoot!) Little Little critters critters like like mice mice and rustle leaves, and pack pack rats rats rustle leaves, as as does does the the wind. wind. Add Add in in shifting shifting shadows shadows or or dark, dark, moonless moonless nights nights and and even even aa mild mild imagination imagination can can make make a a trip trip to to the the outhouse outhouse aa frightening frightening ordeal. ordeal. We've We've had had guests guests that that wouldn't wouldn't go go alone alone during during the the day! day! In In cases cases like like these, these, bedpans bedpans are are aa viable viable alternative alternative to to dying dying of of fright fright (or (or constipation).

This be emptied This is is the the porta-pot porta-pot we we use use in in our our camper. camper. These These need need to to be emptied when when they they are are full, full, so so you'll you'll need need somewhere somewhere to to dump dump the the contents. contents. There There are are deodorants pleasant. deodorants and and other other chemicals chemicals you you can can use use to to make make their their use use more more pleasant. There be no properly. The There should should be no odor odor when when everything everything is is closed closed up up properly. The contents contents will will freeze, freeze, so so keep keep them them in in aa heated heated room room unless unless they're they're empty. empty. Again, Again, the the time time interval interval for for dumping dumping them them depends depends on on how how often often they're they're used. used. After After rearing rearing seven seven children, children, we've we've changed changed enough enough diapers diapers in in our our lifetime bright side: lifetime that that an an outhouse outhouse or or bedpan bedpan is is not not aa big big deal. deal. Look Look at at the the bright side: you'll you'll never never have have to to worry worry about about the the toilet toilet backing backing up! up! GRAY WATER DISPOSAL GRAY WATER

Don't just love Westerns where Don't you you just love the the old old Westerns where the the cook cook steps steps outside outside the the door door and and empties empties the the wash wash pan pan with with aa fling? fling? Like Like many many things things depicted depicted by by Hollyweird, just doesn't Hollyweird, it it just doesn't work work that that well well in in real real life. life. In In summer, summer, you'll you'll end end up up with with aa smelly, smelly, muddy muddy mess mess infested infested with with flies, flies, bugs, bugs, and and other other vermin. vermin. In In the the winter winter you'll you'll have have an an ugly ugly area area of of gray, gray, soggy soggy snow snow covered covered with with little little pieces pieces of of leftover leftover food food and and whatever whatever other other garbage garbage was was on on the the plates plates when when you you washed washed them. them. In In chapter chapter 7 7 we we looked looked at at options options for for recovering recovering gray gray water water and and using using it it around around the the homestead. homestead. If If recycling recycling gray gray water water is is not not an an option, option, you'll you'll need need to to find find another another way way to to dispose dispose of of it. it. If If you you have have aa septic septic system, system, the the problem problem is is solved; just plumb be done solved; just plumb your your sinks, sinks, bathtubs, bathtubs, etc., etc., into into the the system system and and be done with with it. it. If If you you don't don't have have aa septic septic system, system, it it gets gets aa little little more more complicated. complicated. If If you're you're building building your your house house and and plan plan on on aa gray gray water water recovery recovery system, system, it's best to it's best to construct construct it it when when you you build build your your home. home. In In that that case, case, perhaps perhaps aa holding holding tank tank with with aa sump sump and and filtering filtering system system in in the the inlet inlet and and pump pump in in the the tank be aa good tank would would be good idea. idea. Install Install an an electric electric pump pump for for the the good good times, times, but but have just in have aa manual manual pump pump just in case. case. I've I've also also seen seen old old homesteads homesteads that that employed employed aa modified modified Dutch Dutch drain drain system. system. They They buried buried aa barrel barrel that that had had holes holes drilled drilled in in it it (in (in one one case, case, they they used used aa rifle rifle and and shot shot the the holes holes in in it), it), then then ran ran the the drainpipe drainpipe to to the the barrel. barrel. If If you're you're worried worried about about the the barrel's barrel's sides sides collapsing, collapsing, fill fill it it with with large large rocks. rocks. If If the the soil soil is is permeable, permeable, the the barrel barrel will will drain drain okay okay for for awhile. awhile. For For long-term long-term use, use, you'll you'll want want to to filter filter the the water water going going into into the the barrel barrel or or the the holes holes will will eventually eventually become become plugged. plugged. At At the the very very least, least, be be sure sure to to put put aa fence fence around around it it to to keep keep people people away. away. A A better better idea idea is is aa concrete concrete slab. slab. If If (or (or when!) when!) the the top top of of the the barrel barrel rusts rusts through, through, someone someone could could fall fall in in and and get get hurt hurt (which (which is is another another good good reason reason to to fill fill the the barrel barrel with with large large rocks). rocks). In just drained In another another instance, instance, the the gray gray water water was was just drained through through aa pipe pipe onto onto the the ground ground about about 50 50 yards yards from from the the house. house. It It was was aa long long time time ago ago at at aa rural rural residence. but it residence. II wouldn't wouldn't normally normally recommend recommend that that system, system, but it worked worked for for them.

When When it it comes comes to to waste waste disposal, disposal, be be aware aware of of the the legalities legalities involved. involved. If If you you violate violate the the law, law, you you might might be be visited visited by by county county or or state state authorities. authorities.

here places on here are are very very few few places on this this earth earth where where it's it's neither neither too too hot hot nor nor too part of too cold cold at at least least part of the the year. year. So, So, you're you're going going to to need need some some low-buck, low-buck, low-tech, low-tech, sustainable sustainable options options for for dealing dealing with with it. it. When When it it comes comes to to heating heating and and cooling, cooling, contemporary contemporary housing housing is is 100 100 percent percent electricity electricity dependent. dependent. Normally Normally that that isn't isn't aa problem, problem, but but if if you're you're planning pile of planning on on living living off-grid off-grid and and don't don't have have aa pile of money money for for solar solar panels, panels, wind wind turbines, turbines, and and massive massive battery battery banks, banks, or or you you don't don't live live near near aa vibrant, vibrant, rushing better off rushing stream stream for for aa hydroelectric hydroelectric generating generating system, system, you'll you'll be be better off with with passive passive heating heating and and cooling cooling systems. systems. Modern Modern houses houses are are tightly tightly sealed sealed and and well well insulated. insulated. That's That's aa good good thing, thing, and and you'll you'll want want to to keep keep that that in in any any low-budget low-budget alternative alternative you you design. design. I've I've lived best lived in in my my share share of of poorly poorly insulated, insulated, drafty drafty houses, houses, and and even even with with the the best heating heating system system you you always always feel feel cold cold in in those those places.

The The bad bad thing thing about about new new houses houses is is that that they they have have long long hallways hallways and and multiple multiple rooms rooms (and (and most most bedrooms bedrooms have have their their own own bathroom), bathroom), with with low low ceilings reason these ceilings and and small small doors doors and and windows. windows. The The reason these are are bad bad is is that that if if you're you're using using aa woodstove woodstove or or other other low-tech low-tech heating heating source, source, the the only only room room that'll be warm that'll be warm is is the the one one with with the the stove. stove. Unless Unless you you use use aa fan fan to to circulate circulate the the air, air, heat heat will will stay stay in in that that one one room room and and venture venture no no farther. farther. Bathrooms Bathrooms in in particular particular get get pretty pretty cold cold in in the the winter. winter. Forced-air problem by by blowing blowing the Forced-air systems systems overcome overcome that that problem the air air (whether (whether hot hot or or cold) cold) directly directly into into the rooms through the rooms through heating/air heating/air conditioning conditioning ducts. ducts. The The motors motors used used to to power power the the fan fan are are large large and and use use approximately approximately 1,200 1,200 watts watts of of power power every every hour hour (and (and require require about about three three times times that that amount amount to to start start them them each each time). time). Winter Winter poses poses special special problems problems for for the the off-grid, off-grid, solar-powered solar-powered homesteader. homesteader. There There is is less less sunlight sunlight to to generate generate electricity, electricity, and and long, long, cold cold nights nights mean mean the the blower blower on on your your furnace furnace runs runs more more often often and and for for prolonged prolonged time time periods periods (which (which requires requires aa hefty keep the hefty battery battery bank bank to to keep the furnace furnace going going during during the the night). night). So So even even if if you you have have aa woodwood- or or coal-fired coal-fired furnace, furnace, you're you're still still going going to to need need aa steady steady source source of of electricity electricity to to heat heat your your house. house. If If you you want want aa home home that's that's warm warm in in the the winter winter and and cool cool in in the the summer, summer, the the best begin is best place place to to begin is with with your your home's home's design. design. While While we'll we'll go go over over that that in in more basic concepts keep in more detail detail in in chapter chapter 12, 12, the the basic concepts you'll you'll want want to to keep in mind mind are are that keep warm that to to keep warm in in cold cold weather, weather, you'll you'll want want lots lots of of insulation, insulation, open open rooms rooms with with few few (if (if any) any) hallways, hallways, windbreaks windbreaks on on the the north north side, side, and and windows windows on on the the south south side. side. The The keys keys to to keeping keeping cool cool in in hot hot weather weather are are insulation, insulation, shade, shade, and and ventilation. ventilation. Those Those are are the the things things to to think think about about if if you're you're designing designing your your home. home. If If you're you're moving moving into into an an existing existing structure, structure, you'll you'll have have to to make make the the best best of of what what you you have. have. COOLING COOLING YOUR YOUR HOME HOME Aside Aside from from earth-sheltered earth-sheltered housing, housing, your your options options are are limited limited when when it it comes comes to to good, good, lowlow- budget budget ways ways to to cool cool your your home. home. Air Air conditioners conditioners are are energy bundle to energy hogs. hogs. Even Even where where the the sun sun shines shines brightly, brightly, it it will will cost cost aa bundle to set set up up an an off-grid off-grid power power system system that that can can keep keep an an air air conditioner conditioner running running all all day

long. long. Inverters Inverters will will also also have have to to be be large. large. Their Their continuous continuous duty duty rating rating must must be be adequate adequate to to power power the the blower blower fan fan for for hours hours on on end. end. For For most most heating heating and and AC AC systems, systems, that that means means your your inverter inverter will will need need to to be be rated rated around around 10,000 10,000 watts watts or or higher. higher. (There's (There's more more about about inverter inverter duty duty cycles cycles in in the the next next chapter.) chapter.) Likewise, bank to Likewise, it'll it'll take take aa huge huge battery battery bank to keep keep the the system system going going at at night. night. If If you kind of book. However, you have have that that kind of money, money, you you won't won't need need this this book. However, there there are are some some things things you you can can do do within within aa limited limited budget. budget.

Wood Wood heat heat is is the the most most self-sufficient self-sufficient way way to to heatyour heatyour home home in in winter. winter. Wood Wood is is aa renewable renewable resource, resource, and and since since the the best best trees trees for for the the stove stove are are trees trees that that have have already already died, died, you're you're making making aa healthier healthier forest forest by by cutting cutting them them up up and and hauling hauling them them off. off. Even Even aa small small solar solar power power system system is is capable capable of of running running low-watt low-watt fans fans in in the We have We the summer. summer. We have several several small small fans fans and and aa couple couple of of ceiling ceiling fans. fans. We

each each have have aa small small fan fan for for use use at at our our desks desks when when writing. writing. These These take take 10 10 watts. watts. We We also also have have aa 12-inch 12-inch fan fan that that uses uses 27 27 watts watts on on the the "high" "high" setting. setting. It It oscillates, kitchen/dining room. We have oscillates, so so it's it's usually usually found found in in the the kitchen/dining room. We have aa couple couple of of 20-inch 20-inch box box fans fans that that we we put put in in windows windows for for whole whole house house cooling. cooling. These These can can be be set set to to blow blow inward inward to to cool cool aa room room or or outward outward to to draw draw air air through through the the cabin. cabin. These These take take from from 24 24 to to 96 96 watts, watts, depending depending upon upon fan fan speed. speed. Our Our lowlowwatt watt ceiling ceiling fan fan uses uses less less than than 50 50 watts watts at at maximum maximum speed. speed. We We can can run run every every fan fan in in the the house house on on less less than than 200 200 watts watts of of power. power. Just Just for for comparison, comparison, most most houses houses use use three three or or more more 60-watt 60-watt lightbulbs lightbulbs to to illuminate illuminate each each room, room, so so it it doesn't doesn't take take aa lot lot of of energy energy to to run run aa fan fan aa few few hours requires between hours each each day. day. In In contrast, contrast, aa room room air air conditioner conditioner requires between 600 600 to to 3,000 3,000 watts, watts, depending depending on on its its size. size. Central Central air air conditioners conditioners need need anywhere anywhere from from 2,000 2,000 to to 5,000 5,000 watts. watts. A A 100-watt 100-watt solar solar panel panel costs costs approximately approximately $400 $400 at at this this time. time. You'd You'd need need six six of of them them to to power power aa small small room room air air conditioner. conditioner. (Actually, (Actually, you'll you'll need need more more than than that, that, but but those those details details are are found found in in the the next next chapter.) chapter.) A A large large central central air air unit unit would would need need more more than than fifty fifty 100-watt 100-watt panels panels at at aa total total cost cost of of over over $20,000. $20,000. And And that's that's for for the the solar solar panels panels only!

Evaporative Evaporative coolers coolers (swamp (swamp coolers) coolers) use use considerably considerably less less power power than than an an air running aa compressor. air conditioner conditioner since since you you aren't aren't running compressor. They They do do need need aa constant constant supply supply of of power, power, though, though, for for the the fan fan and and aa small small water water pump. pump. Although Although water water use use is is relatively relatively low low (around (around 15 15 gallons gallons aa day), day), it it needs needs to to be be consistent consistent throughout throughout the the day. day. They They work work best best in in dry dry climates. climates. The The lower lower the the humidity, better they humidity, the the better they work. work. Power Power consumption consumption will will vary vary according according to to the the size size of of the the fan fan but but is is typically typically about about 1,000 1,000 to to 1,200 1,200 watts. watts. You'll You'll still still be be stretching stretching the the limits limits of of most most low-budget, low-budget, off-grid off-grid power power capabilities, capabilities, especially run an especially if if you you run an electric electric refrigerator refrigerator or or freezer freezer in in addition addition to to the the swamp swamp cooler. cooler. We'll We'll look look at at passive passive home home cooling cooling ideas ideas in in chapter chapter 12, 12, but but large large shade shade trees trees are are helpful, helpful, as as are are lots lots of of windows windows for for ventilation, ventilation, awnings awnings over over windows, windows, and and covered covered decks decks that that shade shade the the walls walls of of your your home home during during the the day. day. Cooling Cooling Yourself Yourself Historically, Historically, an an afternoon afternoon siesta siesta was was the the norm norm for for outside outside laborers laborers in in the the southwestern southwestern desert desert of of the the United United States. States. Temperatures Temperatures over over 100 100 degrees degrees are are normal just common normal in in that that region, region, and and it it was was just common sense sense to to rest rest during during the the hottest hottest part part of of the the day day and and work work in in the the cooler cooler morning morning and and evening evening hours. hours. Nights Nights are are generally generally cool cool in in the the low low humidity humidity of of the the desert, desert, so so sleeping sleeping wasn't wasn't usually usually aa problem. problem. In In the the Midwest Midwest and and southeastern southeastern United United States, States, people people often often slept slept outdoors outdoors on on hot hot summer summer nights. nights. The The high high humidity humidity retains retains heat heat so so even even though though the the sun sun was was down, down, the the nights nights were were still still hot hot and and sleep sleep could could be be elusive. elusive. Always Always drink drink lots lots of of water water when when the the temperature temperature is is high, high, especially especially if if you're you're not not used used to to working working in in the the heat. heat. You You lose lose aa lot lot more more to to perspiration perspiration than people realize. than most most people realize. Know Know the the symptoms symptoms of of heat heat exhaustion exhaustion and and heat heat stroke. stroke. Know Know the the signs signs of of dehydration. dehydration. A bandana and A good good trick trick to to use use in in hot hot climates climates is is to to wet wet aa bandana and drape drape it it over over your your head head so so that that it it hangs hangs over over your your shoulders shoulders and and back. back. Put Put your your hat hat on

over place. It over it it to to hold hold it it in in place. It acts acts like like aa portable portable swamp swamp cooler cooler to to keep keep your your head head and and neck neck cool cool and and shaded shaded from from the the sun. sun. Schedule Schedule your your work work so so that that the the more more laborlabor- intensive intensive tasks tasks are are done done in in the the mornings mornings or or evenings evenings when when the the temperature temperature is is lower. lower. One One advantage advantage of of the the self-sufficient self-sufficient lifestyle lifestyle is is that that you you set set your your own own schedule, schedule, so so make make your your health health and and productivity productivity aa high high priority. priority. HEATING HEATING YOUR YOUR HOME HOME When When it it comes comes to to heating, heating, you'll you'll have have some some choices choices to to make. make. Liquid Liquid and and gas gas fuels fuels are are easier easier to to use, use, but but you'll you'll have have to to buy buy them them from from outside outside suppliers. suppliers. If If you're you're aiming aiming for for self-sufficiency self-sufficiency or or even even trying trying to to depend depend only only on on locally locally available available resources, resources, these these are are aa short-term short-term solution. solution. There relative There are are options options to to make make your your own own fuels, fuels, such such as as diesel diesel (a (a close close relative to to fuel fuel oil) oil) from from soybeans soybeans and and other other crops, crops, but but to to grow grow the the quantities quantities needed needed for for fuel fuel will will take take some some work, work, and and I'm I'm not not sure sure how how complicated complicated the the "soybean "soybean to to fuel" fuel" process process is. is. However, However, if if you you can can make make your your own own fuel fuel to to power power your your vehicles probably have vehicles and and equipment, equipment, then then you'll you'll probably have the the machinery machinery needed needed to to grow grow enough enough soybeans soybeans for for home-heating home-heating fuel fuel as as well. well. If If you you go go that that route, route, you're you're probably probably not not looking looking at at the the low-budget low-budget angle. angle. It's It's possible possible to to make make fuel fuel from from alcohol alcohol and and methane methane as as well. well. These These have have been read much been used used for for powering powering motors, motors, but but I've I've never never read much about about using using them them to to heat heat homes homes or or buildings. buildings. If If you you can can produce produce an an adequate adequate supply, supply, maybe maybe you you could could use use them them to to power power aa generator. generator. Again, Again, if if you you go go that that route, route, you you probably probably aren't aren't working working from from aa low-budget low-budget angle. angle. Waste Waste Oil Oil Another Another option option includes includes recycling recycling waste waste oil oil (automotive (automotive oil, oil, transmission transmission fluid, fluid, used used vegetable vegetable oil oil from from restaurants, restaurants, etc.). etc.). Waste Waste oil oil heaters heaters can can be be purchased both purchased or or made made with with aa few few commonly commonly found found items. items. They They come come in in both electric electric (using (using aa fan fan to to circulate circulate the the heat) heat) and and radiant radiant (nonelectric) (nonelectric) heat heat designs. designs. Plans Plans are are available available on on the the Internet, Internet, so so I'm I'm not not going going into into aa lot lot of of detail detail on on how how to to build build one.

If If your your tank tank is is large large enough enough to to run run the the heater heater for for aa couple couple of of days, days, it it will will give give you you aa chance chance to to get get away away in in winter winter without without worrying worrying about about your your canned canned goods goods or or small small pets pets like like birds, birds, hamsters, hamsters, gerbils, gerbils, or or fish fish freezing freezing while while you're you're gone. gone. These These do do have have ash ash pans pans that that must must be be cleaned cleaned periodically, periodically, so so don't don't expect expect to to be be gone gone weeks weeks at at aa time time without without maintaining maintaining them. them. Waste Waste oil oil is is often often available available for for free free at at auto auto repair repair shops. shops. Years Years ago, ago, vendors bought the but since vendors bought the used used oil oil for for recycling, recycling, but since the the Environmental Environmental Protection Protection Agency Agency (EPA) (EPA) has has tightened tightened up up regulations, regulations, the the vendors vendors now now charge repair shops charge repair shops disposal disposal fees. fees. For For that that reason, reason, many many business business owners owners are are enthusiastic enthusiastic to to have have you you take take it it off off their their hands. hands. They'll They'll probably probably need need you you to to sign sign for for it it to to leave leave aa paper paper trail trail in in case case the the EPA EPA starts starts asking asking what what happened happened to just aa way keep them to it. it. There's There's nothing nothing nefarious nefarious in in their their request; request; it's it's just way to to keep them from from facing facing fines fines and and penalties penalties for for improperly improperly disposing disposing of of the the oil. oil. You're You're going going to to need need aa pump pump to to draw draw the the oil oil from from their their tanks tanks and and aa vessel vessel of of your your own own to to pump pump it it into. into. Admittedly, Admittedly, waste waste oil oil will will still still keep keep you you dependent dependent upon upon outside outside suppliers suppliers so so it's it's not not aa long-term, long-term, selfself- sufficient sufficient solution, solution, but but it it is is aa low-budget low-budget solution solution to to heating heating your your home home or or shop. shop. Coal Coal Coal Coal is is aa great great long-term long-term heating heating option option if if it's it's locally locally available. available. It It isn't isn't renewable, renewable, but but in in many many places places it's it's found found in in large large enough enough quantities quantities to to keep keep you you and and future future generations generations supplied supplied in in fuel fuel for for several several lifetimes. lifetimes. Be Be very very careful careful mining mining it, it, though. though. II know know of of one one instance instance when when some some property property owners owners worked worked diligently diligently at at mining mining their their own own coal coal until until the the day day they they went went out out to to work work and and found found that that the the mine mine had had collapsed. collapsed. The The only only thing thing that that saved saved their their lives lives was was the the timing. timing. If If it it had had happened happened during during the the previous previous day's day's work, work, they they would would have have become become a a statistic statistic cited cited in in the the local local paper. paper. You You can can safely safely burn burn wood wood in in aa coal coal stove, stove, but but it's it's inefficient. inefficient. Coal-burning Coal-burning stoves stoves have have grates grates that that allow allow air air to to freely freely circulate circulate under under the the burning burning coal coal and and they they have have no no baffles baffles in in front front of of the the chimney chimney opening. opening. The The fireboxes fireboxes on on coal coal stoves stoves are are usually usually smaller, smaller, so so it it may may be be difficult difficult to to get get enough enough wood wood in in the the firebox firebox to to generate generate much much heat. heat. You'll You'll probably probably have have to to split split the the wood wood into into small small pieces, pieces, which which increases increases its its burn burn rate rate so so you'll you'll need need to to feed feed the the stove result is stove more more often. often. The The end end result is that that you'll you'll use use aa lot lot more more wood.

Be Be very very careful careful about about burning burning coal coal in in aa wood wood stove. stove. Coal Coal burns burns hotter hotter than than wood, wood, and and there's there's aa real real danger danger of of warping warping or or cracking cracking the the metal metal of of aa stove stove designed designed for for burning burning wood. wood. If If you you want want dualdual- fuel fuel capability, capability, the the safest safest bet bet is is to to purchase purchase aa stove stove intended intended for for burning burning coal. coal. You'll You'll lose lose efficiency efficiency when when burning but at burning wood, wood, but at least least you you won't won't have have to to be be as as concerned concerned about about melting melting your your stove. stove. Wood Wood Pellets Pellets and and Corn Corn I've burn wood I've lumped lumped stoves stoves that that burn wood pellets pellets and and corn corn together together because because they they both Wood pellets pellets and both operate operate in in similar similar ways. ways. Wood and corn corn are are aa similar similar size, size, and and both both are are poured poured into into reservoirs reservoirs and and fed fed into into the the firebox firebox by by small small augers. augers. If If the the hopper hopper is is large large enough, enough, you you may may only only have have to to fill fill it it once once each each day. day. Both Both wood wood pellets pellets and and corn corn are are cleaner cleaner than than wood wood to to transport, transport, store, store, and and handle. handle. Wood Wood pellets pellets are are wood wood by-products by-products that that are are compressed compressed into into small small pellets pellets about about the the size size of of corn. corn. They're They're bought bought in in plastic plastic bags, bags, usually usually around around 40 40 lbs. Ibs. per per bag, bag, and and can can be be transported transported in in your your car car or or truck truck and and stored stored in in your your garage garage or building. They or an an outside outside building. They burn burn clean clean and and hot, hot, with with very very little little ash ash residue. residue. Be know what Be aware aware that that they they come come in in different different grades, grades, so so know what you're you're buying. buying. Corn Corn is is combustible combustible and and may may be be an an option option if if you you live live where where winters winters are are short short and and the the growing growing season season is is long. long. The The major major advantage advantage of of corn corn in in aa longlongterm term self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead or or retreat retreat is is that that it it can can be be grown grown and and harvested harvested on on your your property property under under primitive primitive conditions. conditions. Even Even if if you're you're buying buying corn corn for for fuel, fuel, it's it's one one of of the the lowest lowest cost cost heating heating options options available. available. If If you you grow grow your your own, own, you'll you'll have have the the corncobs corncobs left left after after shelling shelling the the corn. corn. If If you're you're doing doing it it yourself, yourself, I'd I'd recommend recommend getting getting aa handhand- cranked cranked machine machine to to shell shell the the corn. corn. They're They're reasonably reasonably priced priced (under (under $50) $50) and and work work without without electricity. electricity. In In the the past, past, the the cobs cobs were were often often burned burned in in cookstoves. cookstoves. They They put put out out aa lot lot of of heat heat for for aa short baking. short amount amount of of time, time, so so they they were were perfect perfect for for cooking cooking or or baking. Corncobs Corncobs were were also also put put to to use use in in the the outhouse outhouse as as aa toilet toilet paper paper substitute. substitute. The biggest weakness The biggest weakness of of corn corn and and pellet pellet stoves stoves on on the the self-sufficient self-sufficient side side is is their their requirement requirement for for electricity electricity to to run run the the auger auger (which (which is is minimal) minimal) and and the juice). Wood Wood pellets pellets and the blower blower (takes (takes aa lot lot more more juice). and corn corn can can be be burned burned in in aa regular regular wood-burning wood-burning stove, stove, but but they they are are inefficient. inefficient. It's It's kind kind of of like like burning

aa pile pile of of leaves, leaves, in in that that they they pack pack so so tightly tightly that that air air can't can't circulate circulate for for good good combustion. combustion. They'll They'll work work best best if if you you add add them them to to the the fire fire in in small small doses. doses. II need need to to stress stress again again that that if if you're you're depending depending upon upon off-grid off-grid power, power, you you need need to to be be careful careful of of any any essential essential need need (such (such as as heat) heat) being being powered powered by by solar know that solar or or wind wind energy. energy. Most Most of of us us who who live live off-grid off-grid know that there there are are timestimesespecially especially in in the the winter-when winter-when the the sun sun doesn't doesn't put put out out much much energy energy for for weeks weeks at at aa stretch stretch and and the the wind wind can can stop stop blowing blowing as as well. well. If If you you use use heating heating systems be sure systems that that need need electricity electricity to to function, function, be sure to to have have nonelectric nonelectric backup backup systems systems set set up up and and ready ready to to go go with with an an adequate adequate supply supply of of fuel fuel in in storage. storage. Wood processing so Wood pellets pellets require require special special processing so in in aa long-term long-term survival survival or or selfselfsufficient sufficient situation, situation, wood wood pellets pellets are are classed classed the the same same as as propane propane or or other other fossil fossil fuels. fuels. You You may may be be able able to to store store aa bunch bunch of of them, them, but but eventually eventually you're you're going going to to run run out. out. WOOD WOOD Aside Aside from from passive passive solar solar energy energy (covered (covered in in chapter chapter 12), 12), the the best best selfselfsufficient burning wood. sufficient option option for for heat heat is is burning wood. Wood Wood is is aa renewable renewable resource resource that's that's available available almost almost everywhere. everywhere. Ideally, Ideally, you'll be able you'll be able to to cut cut the the wood wood you'll you'll need need on on your your own own land. land. Years Years ago, ago, fastfastgrowing just this growing trees trees were were advertised advertised for for just this purpose. purpose. You You can can also also gather gather wood been broken wood by by cutting cutting up up limbs limbs that that have have been broken off off by by storms. storms. Scrap Scrap wood wood from from construction construction sites, sites, wood wood pallets, pallets, and and other other sources sources can can be be used used as as well. well. If If you you live live near near aa lake, lake, river, river, or or ocean, ocean, driftwood driftwood is is an an option. option. Even Even if if you you can't can't get get enough enough wood wood from from your your own own land, land, it it will will be be available available locally. locally. In In aa survival survival situation, situation, there there will will be be people people selling selling or or trading trading firewood firewood for for the the things but if things they they need. need. Ideally Ideally you you won't won't have have to to buy buy wood, wood, but if you you do, do, it it will will probably probably be be locally locally available available in in aa long-term long-term survival survival situation-unlike situation-unlike natural natural gas, gas, propane, propane, or or heating heating oil. oil. Just Just be be sure sure you you have have barterable barterable skills skills or or merchandise. merchandise. If If your your home home isn't isn't too too large large or or poorly poorly designed designed and and you've you've insulated insulated it it well, well, you you may may only only need need two two or or three three cords cords per per year. year. Of Of course, course, living living where where the the winters winters are are short short will will help help too!

Wood-Burning Stoves Wood-Burning Stoves The The market market is is flooded flooded with with wood-burning wood-burning stoves. stoves. These These can can be be categorized categorized as as internal, internal, external, external, airtight, airtight, not not airtight, airtight, forced forced air, air, fireplace fireplace inserts, inserts, fireplaces, fireplaces, or or aa campfire campfire in in the the middle middle of of your your teepee. teepee. Wood-burning kind are Wood-burning stoves stoves of of any any kind are either either airtight airtight or or not not airtight. airtight. An An airtight airtight stove stove is is built built so so that that all all seams seams are are sealed. sealed. Rope-type Rope-type gaskets gaskets are are used used around around the the stove's stove's door door to to stop stop air air from from entering entering there. there. The The only only place place air air can can enter enter the the combustion combustion chamber chamber is is through through the the air air intake intake vent. vent. If If you you close close the the vent, vent, the the fire fire will will die die from from lack lack of of oxygen. oxygen.

Wood-burning be Wood-burning stoves stoves need need periodic periodic service. service. Firebrick Firebrick linings linings need need to to be replaced best done replaced every every few few years, years, while while replacing replacing door door gaskets gaskets is is best done every every year. year. If If you you have have one one of of the the old old cast-iron cast-iron stoves stoves going going at at night, night, you you can can often often see see firelight firelight through through the the seams seams where where the the cast-iron cast-iron panels panels meet. meet. They They have have so so many many air air leaks leaks that that even even if if you you close close the the damper damper or or vent vent completely, completely, the the fire keep burning. burning. fire will will keep

The The advantage advantage of of an an airtight airtight stove stove is is that that you you have have much much more more control control over over burning burning rates, rates, which which means means the the temperature temperature stays stays more more consistent consistent in in the the house house and and you you use use less less wood. wood. They're They're also also safer safer in in the the event event of of aa chimney chimney fire, fire, since since you you can can close close off off the the air air supply supply to to (hopefully!) (hopefully!) suffocate suffocate the the fire. fire. However, begins, you'll However, once once aa chimney chimney fire fire begins, you'll need need to to do do more more to to put put it it out out than just close than just close the the vent vent on on the the stove. stove. (More (More on on that that later.) later.) When When you you use use an an airtight airtight stove, stove, the the tendency tendency is is to to stuff stuff the the wood wood box box full, full, close close the the vent vent most most of of the the way, way, and and let let the the fire fire smolder smolder all all day day and/or and/or night. night. While While this this is is easier easier on on you you since since you you don't don't have have to to add add wood wood as as often, often, it's it's hard hard on on the the environment environment and and your your chimney. chimney. Cold, Cold, smoldering smoldering fires fires produce produce more more creosote creosote (corrosive (corrosive and and highly highly flammable flammable tar tar buildup) buildup) in in your your chimney. chimney. Even Even with with an an airtight airtight stove, stove, you're you're better better off off putting putting less less wood wood in in the the combustion combustion chamber chamber and and opening opening the the vent vent more more to to make make aa small, small, hot hot fire fire than than to to stuff stuff the the stove stove full full of of wood wood and and let let it it smolder. smolder. Many built into Many modern modern stoves stoves have have catalytic catalytic converters converters built into them them to to burn burn pollutants pollutants before before they they reach reach the the atmosphere. atmosphere. In In congested congested areas areas or or places places where where air air inversion inversion is is aa problem, problem, these these may may be be mandatory. mandatory. Some Some stoves stoves use use fans fans to to circulate circulate the the hot hot air. air. They They usually usually have have hollow hollow pipes pipes running running through through the the stove's stove's combustion combustion chamber chamber or or aa metal metal shield shield around around the the stove stove or or fireplace fireplace insert. insert. The The idea idea with with the the pipe pipe method method is is that that the the heat heat in in the the firebox firebox will will heat heat up up the the pipes; pipes; then then fans fans can can blow blow air air through through the the pipes pipes and and into into the the room. room. The The stoves stoves with with outside outside shielding shielding blow blow air air between between the the stove stove wall wall and and the the shield. shield. These These will will function function without without the the fans, fans, but but they they won't won't be be as as efficient. efficient. Most Most of of the the time time you you can can put put aa fan fan over over aa regular regular woodstove just as woodstove and and circulate circulate the the heat heat just as well. well. Additionally, Additionally, the the outer outer shield shield makes makes it it difficult difficult to to cook cook on on the the top top of of your your wood-burning wood-burning stove. stove. The The outside outside shell just doesn't shell just doesn't get get hot hot enough. enough. Fireplace just that-they burning stoves Fireplace inserts inserts are are just that-they are are woodwood- burning stoves that that fit fit into into aa fireplace fireplace opening. opening. The The original original Franklin Franklin stove stove (named (named after after its its inventor, inventor, Benjamin Benjamin Franklin) Franklin) was was aa fireplace fireplace insert. insert. Fireplaces Fireplaces are are notoriously notoriously inefficient. inefficient. The The only only methods methods of of control control are are aa damper damper (a (a metal metal gate gate that that can can be be opened opened or or closed) closed) in in the the chimney chimney and and the the amount amount and and kind kind of of wood wood you

use. use. Fireplaces Fireplaces also also send send most most of of the the heat heat up up the the chimney chimney in in aa futile futile attempt attempt to to increase increase the the temperature temperature outside. outside. Modern Modern fireplace fireplace inserts inserts are are typically typically airtight airtight stoves stoves that that fit fit in in or or in in front front of of the the fireplace fireplace opening. opening. You You get get the the fuel-saving fuel-saving advantages advantages of of an an airtight airtight stove stove with with the the aesthetics aesthetics of of an an open open fire fire (most (most of of them them have have clear clear fronts fronts to to view view the the fire fire as as it it burns). burns). They They usually usually have have fans fans to to circulate circulate the the hot hot air. air. When When you you confine confine aa stove stove in in aa small small area area as as happens happens with with aa fireplace fireplace insert, insert, it it loses loses much much of of its its ability ability to to heat heat through through convection, convection, so so the the heat heat needs needs to to be be forced forced or or blown blown out out into into the the room. room. Wood-burning radiating heat Wood-burning stoves stoves heat heat like like aa campfire campfire by by radiating heat in in all all directions directions and and work work best best when when standing standing away away from from walls. walls. The The potbelly potbelly stoves stoves you you see see in in old-time old-time movies movies were were always always situated situated in in the the open open parts parts of of the the room room with with chairs chairs sitting sitting around around them. them. Very Very seldom seldom did did you you see see one one in in aa corner corner because because there there wasn't wasn't much much point point in in heating heating up up the the wall. wall. Leave Leave plenty plenty of of space space around around them them for for air air to to circulate. circulate. Another Another potential potential problem problem when when crowding crowding them them in in tight tight spaces spaces (other (other than than catching catching the the house house on on fire!) fire!) is is that that it's it's easy easy to to overheat overheat the the sides sides of of the the stove stove that that are are next next to to the the wall. wall. Even Even stoves stoves with with thick thick steel steel walls walls will will warp warp and and crack crack if if they they overheat. overheat. If If you you install install your your stove stove in in aa basement basement corner, corner, be be sure sure to to leave leave plenty plenty of of air air space space around around the the stove. stove. The The primary primary advantages advantages of of external, external, or or outdoor, outdoor, wood-fired wood-fired furnaces furnaces are are that be sweeping that they they keep keep the the mess mess outside outside (you'll (you'll always always be sweeping up up wood wood chips, chips, sawdust, sawdust, ash, ash, and and pieces pieces of of bark bark around around the the woodstove) woodstove) and and you you can can load load them them up up with with huge huge amounts amounts of of wood wood so so you you won't won't have have to to make make aa lot lot of of trips trips outside refill the outside to to refill the stove. stove. The The disadvantage disadvantage is is that that they they need need electricity. electricity. Most Most of of these these heat heat your your home just like home by by either either blowing blowing hot hot air air into into the the house house through through ductwork ductwork just like aa forced-air forced-air furnace, furnace, or or they they heat heat water water in in aa boiler boiler and and pump pump it it into into the the house house for for radiant radiant heat heat in in the the floor floor or or through through baseboard baseboard heaters. heaters. These These distribute distribute heat heat to to individual individual rooms, rooms, which which is is more more comfortable comfortable than than radiant radiant heat heat that that mostly mostly heats heats the the room room the the stove stove is is in. in. As As I've I've already already mentioned, mentioned, electricity electricity can With outside can be be aa problem problem in in the the winter. winter. With outside furnaces, furnaces, you'll you'll need need electric

thermostats thermostats for for heat heat control control in in the the stove stove and and the the house; house; plus plus you'll you'll be be powering powering either either aa fan fan for for forcing forcing air air through through ductwork ductwork or or aa pump pump for for pumping pumping hot hot water water through through pipes. pipes. They They have have some some good good points points if if your your power power supply supply can can handle handle them. them. Heat Heat Values Values of of Wood Wood Not When firewood Not all all wood wood is is created created equal. equal. When firewood cutters cutters get get together together and and discuss discuss which which wood wood is is the the "best," "best," they're they're usually usually referring referring to to the the heat heat value value of by BTUs of the the wood wood itself. itself. Heat Heat value value is is commonly commonly measured measured by BTUs (British (British thermal thermal units). units). One One BTU BTU is is the the amount amount of of energy energy needed needed to to increase increase the the temperature temperature of of one one pound pound of of water water one one degree degree Fahrenheit Fahrenheit at at aa constant constant pressure pressure of of one one atmosphere atmosphere (the (the air air pressure pressure at at sea sea level). level). In In the the spreadsheet, spreadsheet, you'll you'll see see the the heat heat value value of of one one cord cord of of wood wood expressed expressed in in million million BTUs. BTUs. There There are are often often discrepancies discrepancies between between lab lab findings findings due due to to such per cord, such factors factors as as moisture moisture content, content, the the actual actual cubic cubic feet feet of of wood wood per cord, and and different different testing testing methods. methods. Still, Still, the the numbers numbers are are generally generally reliable. reliable. BTU BTU ratings ratings are are based based on on aa full full cord cord of of wood. wood. That's That's aa stack stack of of wood wood measuring measuring four four feet feet high, high, four four feet feet wide, wide, and and eight eight feet feet long. long. That That comes comes to to 128 128 cubic cubic feet feet of of space. space. However, However, the the actual actual volume volume of of the the wood wood in in aa cord cord will will vary vary depending depending upon upon how how large large each each piece piece is is and and how how tightly tightly they they are are packed. packed. Since Since there there will will always always be be airspace airspace between between the the chunks, chunks, you're you're probably probably only only getting getting about about 85 85 cubic cubic feet feet of of wood wood in in that that 128 128 cubic cubic foot foot "box." "box." The The BTU BTU numbers numbers on on the the spreadsheet spreadsheet should should be be multiplied multiplied by by one one million million (M-BTU). (M-BTU). To To compare compare the the heat heat output output of of different different types types of of firewood firewood to to fuel fuel oil, propane, and oil, propane, and wood wood pellets, pellets, use use the the follow follow ing ing numbers. numbers. The The heat heat output output of of heating heating oil oil is is rated rated at at 138,700 138,700 BTU/gallon; BTU/gallon; for for propane propane it's it's 92,000 92,000 BTU/gallon; BTU/gallon; for for wood wood pellets pellets it's it's approximately approximately 8,000 8,000 BTU/lb. BTU/Ib. FIREWOOD FIREWOOD RATINGS

Heat Value

Million BTUs Per Cord

Alder Apple Ash, Black Ash, White, Green

Med. High Med. High

14.8 26.5 19.1 23.6

Aspen

Low

Basswood

Low

Beech Birch, Black

Easy to Split

Rating

Yes No Yes Yes

Poor Medium Excellent Excellent

14.7

Yes

Fair

13.5

Yes

Fair

High High

24 26.8

Yes Yes

Excellent Excellent

Birch, White, Gray, Paper

Med.

20.3

Yes

Excellent

Birch, Yellow

High

23.6

Yes

Excellent

Boxelder

Low

17.9

No

Fair

Butternut

Low

14.5

Yes

Poor

Catalpa

Low

16.4

No

Poor

Cedar, White, Red

Med.

17.5

Yes

Good

Cherry

Med.

20

Yes

Good

Chestnut Cottonwood

Low Low

12.9 13.5

Yes Yes

Poor Fair

Cypress Dogwood Douglas Fir Eastern Hornbeam

Med. High High High

30.4 21.4 27.3

Yes Yes Yes No

Fair Excellent Good Excellent

Elm, White, American Eucalyptus Fir, Balsam Gum Hackberry

Med. High Low Med. Med,

19.5 33.5 14.3 18.5 20.8

No No Yes No Yes

Fair Fair Poor Fair Excellent

Hawthorn

High

Hemlock

Low

15.9

Hickory Locust, Black Locust, Honey Maple, Hard

High High High High

27.7 26.8 25.8 29.7

Medium No Medium Yes

Medium

Good Fair

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent

Maple, Soft, Red

Med.

18.7

Yes

Excellent

Maple, Sugar

High

24

No

Good

Oak, Red

High

21.7

No

Excellent

Oak, White

High

25.7

No

Excellent

Pecan

High

Yes

Excellent

Pine, Norway, Jack, Pitch Pine, Ponderosa

Low Low

17.1 15.2

Yes Yes

Fair Fair

Pine, Sugar

Low

15.8

Yes

Fair

Pine, White Pine, Yellow Poplar, Yellow Redwood Spruce Sycamore

Low Low Low Med. Low Med.

14.3 15.8 16 18.8 14.5 18.5

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Fair Good Poor Fair Poor Fair

Tamarack/Larch Walnut

Med. Med.

20.8 20

Yes Yes

Fair Good

Willow

Low

14.5

Yes

Poor

For For example, example, one one cord cord of of tamarack/larch tamarack/larch produces produces approximately approximately 20,800,000 rating of 20,800,000 BTUs BTUs of of energy. energy. Divide Divide that that by by 138,700 138,700 BTUs BTUs (energy (energy rating of one one gallon gallon of of fuel fuel oil) oil) and and you you will will need need almost almost 150 150 gallons gallons of of fuel fuel oil oil to to equal equal the the heat heat output output of of one one cord cord of of tamarack. tamarack. Remember, Remember, this this is is aa guideline guideline for for comparison comparison purposes purposes only. only. Actual Actual energy energy output output may may vary vary depending depending on on factors factors like like the the moisture moisture content content of of the the wood pellets, wood and and the the actual actual volume volume of of wood wood in in the the cord. cord. Even Even wood wood pellets, propane, propane, and and fuel fuel oil oil vary vary on on their their actual actual energy energy content. content. Seasoning Seasoning Firewood just another Firewood needs needs to to be be seasoned seasoned before before use. use. Seasoning Seasoning is is just another term term for for drying drying wood. wood. When When a a live live tree tree is is cut cut down, down, 60 60 percent percent or or more more of of its its weight weight may may be be water. water. This This is is called called "green" "green" wood, wood, and and the the moisture moisture in in it it may may cause cause several several problems problems when when you you burn burn it. it. First, First, aa large large percentage percentage of of the the heat before the heat must must be be used used to to evaporate evaporate all all of of that that water water before the wood wood fibers fibers can can burn. just as burn. As As this this water water evaporates, evaporates, it's it's trying trying to to put put out out your your fire fire just as if if you you were were sprinkling sprinkling water water on on it. it. You You end end up up with with aa cold cold fire, fire, which which produces produces excess excess creosote, creosote, which which clogs clogs chimneys chimneys and and is is the the number number one one cause cause of of chimney chimney fires. fires. When When a a tree tree dries, dries, very very little little moisture moisture escapes escapes through through the the sides, sides, traveling traveling instead instead through through the the cut cut ends. ends. The The best best way way to to dry dry firewood firewood is is to to cut cut it it into into stove stove length length and and stack stack it it where where air air can can circulate circulate through through it. it. The The shorter shorter the the sections sections of of wood wood and and the the better better the the air air circulation, circulation, the the faster faster it it will will dry. dry. It's It's seldom seldom necessary necessary to to season season stove-length stove-length wood wood longer longer than than six six months, months, although although longer longer wood wood may may need need aa year year or or more. more. Unless Unless you you live live in in aa climate climate where where rain rain and and high high humidity humidity are are the the norm, norm, covering covering wood wood doesn't doesn't speed speed things but again, things up up much. much. Likewise, Likewise, splitting splitting the the wood wood helps helps a a little, little, but again, the the improvement improvement is is minimal. minimal. Wood Wood is is considered considered properly properly seasoned seasoned when when the the moisture moisture content content is is reduced reduced below below 20 20 percent. percent. Splitting

Splitting Splitting "problem" "problem" wood wood is is simple simple if if you you have have aa motorized motorized splitter. splitter. However, However, if if you're you're splitting splitting it it by by hand, hand, you'll you'll want want wood wood that's that's easier easier to to split. split. The The spreadsheet spreadsheet has has aa column column rating rating the the different different types types of of wood wood by by how how easy know easy or or difficult difficult they they are are to to split. split. Again, Again, use use this this as as aa general general guide. guide. II know from personal experience be easy from personal experience that that some some trees trees that that should should be easy to to split split aren't aren't due due to to anomalies anomalies like like twisted twisted grain grain or or multiple multiple and/or and/or large large knots. knots. It's It's also also easier easier to to split split dry dry wood wood than than green green wood. wood. There There are are some some good good reasons reasons to to split split firewood. firewood. First, First, large-diameter large-diameter logs logs that that won't won't fit fit through through the the door door of of your your stove stove must must be be split. split. Similarly, Similarly, if if the the pieces pieces are are too too heavy heavy it's it's best best to to split split them. them. Finally, Finally, split split wood wood is is easier easier to to ignite. ignite. When When you you split split wood, wood, you you leave leave at at least least one one sharp sharp edge. edge. Because Because the the mass point mass at at the the edge edge is is smaller, smaller, it it heats heats faster faster and and reaches reaches the the ignition ignition point sooner sooner than than wood wood that's that's in in the the "round" "round" Split Split wood wood often often has has splinters splinters protruding protruding from from the the wood. wood. These These splinters splinters also also ignite ignite easily easily and and provide provide more more heat heat to to get get the the log log burning burning sooner.

Firewood be split big for Firewood needs needs to to be split if if it's it's too too big for the the stove. stove. II like like it it small small enough enough that that II can can pick pick it it up up with with one one hand. hand. Purchasing Purchasing Firewood

If If you you ever ever buy buy firewood, firewood, be be sure sure that that you you and and the the seller seller are are talking talking about about the the same same amounts. amounts. We've We've already already discussed discussed the the measurements measurements of of aa full full cord cord of of wood wood (four (four feet feet wide, wide, four four feet feet high, high, and and eight eight feet feet long). long). Sometimes Sometimes merchants merchants sell sell what's what's called called aa "face" "face" cord cord (aka (aka "rank," "rank," "rick," "rick," "stove," "stove," or or "fireplace" "fireplace" cord). cord). A A face face cord cord is is aa stack stack of of wood wood that that is is four four feet feet high high and and eight eight feet feet long long but but is is only only as as deep deep as as the the pieces pieces of of firewood. firewood. For For example, example, when when the the wood wood is is sold sold in in stove stove length length (usually (usually 16 16 inches inches long), long), aa face face cord cord will will measure measure four four feet feet by by eight eight feet feet by by 16 16 inches inches deep, deep, which which is is one-third one-third of of aa full full cord cord of of wood. wood. You'll You'll also also get get less less wood wood in in aa cord cord if if the the wood wood is is split. split. If If you you don't don't believe believe me, box and me, get get aa box and fill fill it it with with unsplit unsplit wood. wood. Now Now split split the the wood wood and and try try to to get get it it all all back back in in the the box. box. So So if if you you don't don't mind mind splitting splitting your your own own wood, wood, buy buy it it "in "in the the round" round" You'll You'll get get more more wood wood for for the the same same amount amount of of money. money. Whether Whether you you buy buy your your firewood firewood or or cut cut it it yourself, yourself, it it pays pays to to know know which which types types of of wood wood will will get get you you the the most most heat heat for for the the least least amount amount of of work. work. Review Wood" section Review the the "Heat "Heat Value Value of of Wood" section above. above. A A quick quick note note on on storing storing wood: wood: keep keep your your woodshed woodshed at at least least 100 100 feet feet from from your your house. house. In In most most locations, locations, wild-land wild-land firefighters firefighters will will not not try try to to save save outbuildings. outbuildings. If If aa wildfire wildfire rolls rolls through, through, you you don't don't want want it it catching catching your your woodshed woodshed on on fire fire and and then then having having fire fire from from the the woodshed woodshed burning burning your your house house down down as as well. well. Additionally, Additionally, you you may may bring bring home home uninvited uninvited guests guests when when you you cut cut wood. wood. You You don't don't want want things things like like termites, termites, ants, ants, and and other other insects insects taking taking up up residence residence in in your your house house or or cabin. cabin. Do Do cover cover your your wood. wood. Wet Wet wood wood is is hard hard to to ignite, ignite, and and an an ice ice storm storm can can leave just when leave the the whole whole stack stack frozen frozen solid solid just when you you need need it it the the most. most. Chimney Chimney Cleaning Cleaning How How often often your your chimney chimney needs needs cleaning cleaning will will depend depend on on how how much much wood wood you you burn, burn, the the quality quality of of the the wood wood you you burn, burn, how how hot hot you you keep keep the the fire fire in in your your stove, stove, and and the the design design of of your your chimney. chimney. Wet Wet or or green green wood, wood, cold cold fires, fires, and and cold cold chimneys chimneys make make a a lot lot of of creosote. creosote. Efficient Efficient chimneys, chimneys, seasoned

wood, wood, and and hot hot fires fires (whether (whether small small or or large) large) keep keep your your chimney chimney clean clean longer. longer. To To simplify simplify this, this, think think hot hot equals equals clean clean and and cold cold equals equals creosote. creosote. Chimneys Chimneys need need to to heat heat up up quickly quickly for for best best efficiency. efficiency. If If you've you've ever ever tried tried to know what to start start aa fire fire in in aa firefire- place place on on aa damp, damp, cold cold morning, morning, you'll you'll know what II mean. mean. Fireplaces Fireplaces with with large large brick brick or or stone stone chimneys chimneys are are cold. cold. When When you you try try to just rolls rolls out to start start aa fire, fire, the the smoke smoke just out into into the the room room instead instead of of drafting drafting up up the the chimney problem is chimney as as it it should. should. The The problem is that that you you have have aa big big slug slug of of heavy, heavy, cold cold air push air inside inside the the chimney chimney and and until until you you can can get get enough enough heat heat from from below below to to push the the cold cold air air out, out, you're you're going going to to have have aa lot lot of of smoke smoke in in the the room. room. The big wad The remedy remedy is is to to take take aa big wad of of crumpled crumpled newspaper, newspaper, stuff stuff it it up up in in the the chimney, chimney, and and light light the the paper. paper. The The quick-burning quick-burning paper paper creates creates aa lot lot of of heat heat fast, fast, which which pushes pushes the the cold cold air air up up and and out out of of the the chimney. chimney. Even Even then, then, the the chimney chimney won't won't draw draw well well until until the the heat heat from from the the fire fire has has warmed warmed the the brick brick or or stone. stone. Remember Remember this this when when you you think think about about building building that that beautiful beautiful stone stone or or brick brick chimney. chimney. They They draw draw well well as as long long as as they they are are warm. warm. Let Let the the fire fire go go out out for for aa few few hours hours and and when when the the chimney chimney cools cools down, down, you'll you'll be be starting starting all all over over again. again. When keep the When you you install install your your stove stove and and chimney, chimney, try try to to keep the chimney chimney as as straight bends, curves, straight and and open open as as you you can. can. Any Any bends, curves, or or restrictions restrictions cool cool down down the the smoke smoke entering entering the the chimney. chimney. Remember, Remember, cool cool equals equals creosote. creosote. II once once hooked hooked aa stove stove with with aa 6-inch 6-inch flue flue to to aa 10-inch-diameter 10-inch-diameter chimney. chimney. The The large large portion portion was was always always sooting sooting up up because because when when the the hot hot gasses gasses went went from from the the 66inch passing through inch pipe pipe to to the the 10-inch 10-inch pipe, pipe, they they expanded expanded much much like like air air passing through aa venturi. venturi. This This expansion expansion cooled cooled down down the the gasses gasses and and no no matter matter how how hot hot the the fire fire or or how how dry dry the the wood, wood, we we were were always always cleaning cleaning that that chimney. chimney. Our Our present present chimney chimney is is straight straight and and the the same same 6-inch 6-inch diameter diameter from from start start to to finish. finish. We We have have very very few few problems problems with with creosote creosote now. now. Aside keep your Aside from from chimney chimney design, design, the the next next best best things things are are to to keep your fires fires hot hot and and no no larger larger than than necessary necessary and and to to use use only only seasoned seasoned wood. wood. Green Green wood wood and and cold, cold, smoldering smoldering fires fires are are ideal ideal recipes recipes for for making making creosote. creosote. Airtight Airtight stoves stoves are are more more prone prone to to creosote creosote buildup buildup because because you you can can dampen dampen them them down down enough enough to to make make your your fire fire smolder. smolder. Older, Older, non-airtight non-airtight stoves stoves usually usually have have enough enough air air leaks leaks that that you you can't can't shut shut down down the the oxygen oxygen supply

completely. completely. Don't Don't let let that that lull lull you you into into complacency, complacency, though. though. It It still still pays pays to to use use only only seasoned seasoned wood wood and and keep keep the the fire fire small small and and hot. hot. Another burn the Another tip tip is is to to burn the fire fire good good and and hot hot when when you you first first build build it it up up in in the the morning. morning. This This warms warms the the chimney chimney quicker quicker and and may may burn burn off off thin thin layers layers of of creosote creosote before before they they build build up up and and cause cause aa chimney chimney fire. fire. Do Do not not try try this this if if you've build up you've let let the the creosote creosote build up to to dangerous dangerous levels. levels. The The resulting resulting fire fire might might be be more more intense intense than than you you bargained bargained for. for. If If you you have have too too much much creosote, creosote, get get the the chimney chimney cleaned; cleaned; then then keep keep it it clean clean forever forever after. after. There There are are chemicals chemicals you you can can add add to to your your fire fire to to help help rid rid creosote creosote from from your your chimney. chimney. I've I've never never used used them, them, but but that that doesn't doesn't mean mean they they don't don't work work or or are are not not aa good good idea. idea. Chimney Chimney cleaning cleaning tools tools are are widely widely available available and and cheap. cheap. Equipment Equipment needs needs are are minimal minimal in in most most cases. cases. Brushes Brushes can can be be purchased purchased in in the the size size and and shape shape of of your brushes are your chimney. chimney. Steel Steel brushes are the the way way to to go. go. Creosote Creosote may may look look powdery powdery or or it it may may appear appear as as aa shiny, shiny, paint-type paint-type residue residue in in the the inside inside of of the the flue. flue. Soft Soft brushes just smear brushes just smear it it around. around. The The cheapest cheapest method method is is to to tie tie aa weight weight to to one one end end of of aa chimney chimney brush brush and and aa long long rope rope to to the the other. other. Let Let the the weight weight pull pull the the brush brush to to the the bottom bottom and and use use the the rope rope to to haul haul it it back back up. up. Keep Keep it it up up until until the the chimney chimney is is clean. clean. We We have have aa brush brush clamped clamped to to aa long long section section of of electrical electrical conduit. just run conduit. We We just run it it up up and and down down the the chimney chimney from from the the top. top. If If you you have have any bends, you'll any bends, you'll have have to to remove remove the the pipe pipe elbows elbows and and do do each each straight straight section section individually. individually. Watch Watch out out for for overhead overhead power power lines. lines. If If you you get get too too close close to to one, one, the the chimney chimney won't won't be be the the only only thing thing on on fire! fire! I've people using I've heard heard of of people using burlap burlap sacks sacks filled filled with with rocks rocks drawn drawn up up and and down down the the chimney chimney or or using using tire tire chains chains to to rattle rattle around around inside inside the the flue. flue. These These work work somewhat, somewhat, but but brushes brushes are are cheap, cheap, last last for for years, years, and and do do a a much much better better job. This job. This is is one one place place where where making making aa small small investment investment will will pay pay aa huge huge dividend peace of dividend in in fire fire prevention prevention and and peace of mind. mind. Be Be advised advised that that you're you're going going to to make make aa big big mess mess doing doing this, this, so so wear wear eye eye protection protection and and aa surgeon's surgeon's or or painter's painter's mask mask to to keep keep the the dust dust out out of of your your lungs. lungs. Leather Leather gloves gloves and and old old coveralls coveralls help help too. too. We We keep keep the the door door and and vent vent tightly tightly closed closed on on the the stove stove and and work work from from outside. outside. That That way way the the creosote

falls falls into into the the stove, stove, where where we we shovel shovel it it out out afterward. afterward. If If for for some some reason reason you you need keep the need to to work work from from the the inside inside and and can't can't keep the door door to to your your stove stove closed, closed, cover cover your your furniture furniture and and the the floor floor around around the the stove stove or or fireplace fireplace for for easier easier cleanup. base, and cleanup. This This stuff stuff is is dusty dusty or or flaky flaky with with an an oily oily base, and it's it's very very difficult difficult to to clean clean up up if if you you get get it it on on the the floor floor or or furniture. furniture.

Clean Clean chimneys chimneys draw draw better better and and reduce reduce the the chances chances of of chimney chimney fires. fires. Cleaning Cleaning isn't isn't difficult difficult with with the the proper proper equipment. equipment. Regular Regular chimney chimney brushes brushes are job than are inexpensive inexpensive and and do do aa much much better better job than flailing flailing the the inside inside of of the the chimney chimney with with tire tire chains chains or or gunny gunny sacks sacks filled filled with with rocks. rocks. Chimney Chimney Fires Fires Take Take my my word word for for this: this: you you do do not not want want to to experience experience aa chimney chimney fire. fire. I've I've never never had had one one (yet), (yet), and and hope hope II never never do. do. Those Those II know know who who have have had had them them become become very very religious religious about about cleaning cleaning their their chimney. chimney. Chimney Chimney fires fires start start when begin, they when creosote creosote deposits deposits in in the the chimney chimney ignite. ignite. Once Once they they begin, they quickly quickly become become self-sustaining, self-sustaining, reaching reaching incredible incredible temperatures temperatures within within minutes. minutes. They They can can burn burn through through steel steel chimneys chimneys and and crack crack tile tile chimney chimney liners liners with with their their intense intense heat. heat. Once Once they've they've ignited ignited flammable flammable materials materials near near the the chimney, best way chimney, you you also also have have aa house house fire fire to to extinguish. extinguish. The The best way to to deal deal with with them them is is to to prevent prevent them them by by regular regular chimney chimney inspections inspections and and cleaning. cleaning. However, However, if if you you have have aa chimney chimney fire, fire, here here are are some some do's do's and and don'ts. don'ts. •¢ Do: Do: Evacuate Evacuate the the house house and and call call the the fire fire department department immediately. immediately. You You may may get get the the fire fire out out or or you you may may not, not, but but if if you you don't don't get get it it out, out, you're you're going going to to need need their their help. help. If If you you do do get get it it out out before before they they arrive, arrive, have have them them check check for residual fires for residual fires hidden hidden in in walls walls or or the the attic attic before before they they leave. leave. They They will will not not get get mad mad at at you you for for calling calling if if you you extinguish extinguish the the fire fire before before their their arrival. arrival. •¢ Do: Do: Throw Throw in in any any chimney chimney fire fire suppressant suppressant you you have have on on hand. hand. These These are are available available most most places places where where wood-burning wood-burning stoves, stoves, chimneys, chimneys, or or chimney chimney cleaning cleaning equipment equipment are are sold. sold. Familiarize Familiarize yourself yourself with with the the manufacturer's manufacturer's recommendations recommendations for for use use before before you you need need one one of of these these in in aa crisis. crisis. If If you you have put out have aa chemical chemical fire fire extinguisher, extinguisher, use use it it to to put out the the fire fire in in the the stove; stove; then then shut shut all all vents, vents, doors, doors, etc. etc. to to deprive deprive the the chimney chimney of of oxygen. oxygen. Some Some recommend recommend having having plastic plastic sandwich sandwich bags bags on on hand hand filled filled with with the the same same fire fire suppressant suppressant found found in in dry dry chemical chemical fire fire extinguishers. extinguishers. They They drop drop one one in in the the top top of of the the chimney. chimney. The The heat heat melts melts the the bag bag and and coats coats the the chimney, putting out just in chimney, (hopefully) (hopefully) putting out the the fire. fire. Take Take some some extras extras just in case

you you need need more more than than the the first first one! one! Baking Baking soda soda might might work work too. too. However, However, be be very very cautious cautious aboutgetting aboutgetting on on the the roof roof near near aa chimney chimney that's that's on on fire. fire. If If the the fire fire is is burning burning inside inside the the attic, attic, the the roof roof could could collapse. collapse. It's It's best best to to use use aa long long stick stick and and drop drop the the bags bags in in from from aa safe safe distance. distance. •¢ Do: Do: Shut Shut down down draft draft controls controls to to restrict restrict as as much much air air as as you you can can from from entering entering the the stove stove or or chimney. chimney. •¢ Do: Do: Very Very carefully carefully inspect inspect the the chimney chimney after after any any fire fire to to check check for for cracked cracked pipe pipe or or liners, liners, loose loose mortar mortar in in brick brick or or stone stone chimneys, chimneys, or or any any other other damage damage the the chimney chimney may may have have sustained. sustained. •¢ Do: Do: Install Install aa chimney chimney thermometer thermometer to to monitor monitor flue flue temperatures. temperatures. •¢ Do Do not: not: Throw, Throw, spray, spray, or or pour pour water water in in or or on on the the stove stove or or in in or or on on the the chimney. react very chimney. It It could could turn turn to to steam steam and and react very violently violently (blowing (blowing stove stove pipes pipes loose loose or or burning burning you you or or others others nearby), nearby), and/or and/or the the rapid rapid cooling cooling may may crack crack steel steel stoves, stoves, shatter shatter glass glass stove stove fronts, fronts, and and crack crack chimney chimney liners. liners. It It may room, setting may also also wash wash smoldering smoldering coals coals out out and and into into the the room, setting more more fires fires inside inside the the house. house. If If you you must must use use water, water, dampen dampen aa paper paper towel, towel, newspaper, newspaper, or or small small cloth cloth towel towel or or washrag washrag and and toss toss it it in in the the stove. stove. Repeat Repeat as as needed. needed. One One final final note note on on chimneys: chimneys: If If you you purchase, purchase, rent, rent, or or commandeer commandeer an an old old house house or or cabin cabin with with aa brick brick or or stone stone chimney, chimney, do do not not use use the the existing existing chimney chimney until until it it passes passes aa thorough thorough inspection. inspection. Many Many of of these these relics relics have have loose loose mortar, mortar, bricks, bricks, or or stones stones that that allow allow flames flames and and poisonous poisonous gasses gasses to to leak leak through. through. My My father father had had aa house house catch catch on on fire fire due due to to loose loose mortar mortar in in an an old old brick brick chimney. chimney. It It got got put put out out before before it it caused caused excessive excessive damage, damage, but but the the whole whole family family was was busier busier than than aa one-legged one-legged man man dancing dancing the the Charleston. Charleston. Don't Don't take take chances. chances. There're There're few few things things as as satisfying satisfying as as the the heat heat from from aa hot hot stove stove on on aa cold cold morning, morning, but but always always be be safe. safe. In In the the case case of of wood-burning wood-burning stoves, stoves, you you really really are are playing playing with with fire. fire. Don't Don't let let it it get get out out of of control.

®ese08

‘.

es

Seenee®

e®@

o**

e®

~~yy first first exposure exposure to to aa home home power power system system came came when when I I visited visited the the remote remote homestead homestead of of aa retired retired electrical electrical engineer. engineer. What What aa setup! setup! Housed Housed in in its its own own building building was was aa diesel diesel generator, generator, shelves shelves lined lined with with batteries, batteries, and and aa control panel that control panel that looked looked like like something something designed designed by by NASA. NASA. Outside Outside stood stood aa three-legged three-legged tower tower with with an an elevated elevated platform platform crowded crowded with with solar solar panels panels that that

automatically automatically tracked tracked the the sun. sun. When When he he told told me me the the price price tag tag of of his his investment, investment, II came came to to two two conclusions. conclusions. First, First, he he had had more more money money than than sense. sense. Second, be able Second, there there was was no no way way I'd I'd ever ever be able to to live live off-grid off-grid without without reverting reverting to both counts! to aa nineteenth-century nineteenth-century lifestyle. lifestyle. Well, Well, II was was wrong wrong on on both counts! That That was was more more than than 15 15 years years ago. ago. II have have aa lot lot of of respect respect for for those those who who have have the the knowledge knowledge and and cash cash to to set set up up aa classy classy solar solar energy energy system. system. Our Our problem problem is is that that we we are are not not electrical electrical engineers, engineers, nor nor are are we we financially financially able able to to build build aa system system that that can can compete compete with with the the power power company. company. We We needed

something something simpler simpler and and cheaper. cheaper. What What we've we've learned learned is is that, that, with with careful careful planning planning and and self-discipline, self-discipline, it it is is possible possible to to have have your your electrical electrical needs needs met met without without investing investing aa fortune fortune in in aa home home power power system. system. Here's Here's how how we we did did it. it. STEP STEP ONE: ONE: REDUCE REDUCE DEMAND DEMAND When When you you think think of of electrical electrical demand demand on on aa home home power power system, system, visualize visualize aa 50-gallon Water is running into 50-gallon barrel barrel of of water. water. Water is running into the the barrel barrel at at the the rate rate of of five five gallons barrel also gallons per per minute. minute. The The barrel also has has aa hose hose at at tached tached to to the the bottom bottom in in which which the the water water is is running running out out at at the the rate rate of of 10 10 gallons gallons per per minute. minute. It It doesn't doesn't take take aa rocket rocket scientist scientist to to see see that that the the water water is is running running out out twice twice as as fast fast as as it's it's going going in. in. Obviously Obviously you're you're going going to to run run out out of of water. water. To To avoid avoid that that you you need need to to (a) (a) reduce reduce the the rate rate the the water water flows flows out, out, or or (b) (b) increase increase the the rate rate the the water water flows flows in, in, or or (c) (c) put put in in aa larger larger reservoir, reservoir, or or (d) (d) some some combination combination of of the the above. above. To To apply apply this this to to powering powering your your your your charging charging system system (solar, (solar, wind, wind, the the storage storage system, system, which which would would amount amount of of electricity electricity you you are are using. using.

home, home, think think of of the the water water flowing flowing in in as as or barrel as or hydro hydro power). power). Think Think of of the the barrel as be be your your batteries. batteries. The The outflow outflow is is the the

Obviously, Obviously, wind wind and and solar solar energy energy outputs outputs fluctuate fluctuate according according to to the the amount amount of of sunlight sunlight or or wind wind you you have have available, available, so so you're you're going going to to need need batteries batteries to to store store the the electricity electricity they they produce. produce. The The more more batteries batteries you you have, have, the the more more electricity electricity you you can can store. store. The The more more or or larger larger solar solar panels panels or or wind wind generators problem is generators you you have, have, the the more more power power you you can can produce. produce. The The problem is that that batteries, batteries, solar solar panels, panels, and and wind wind generators generators are are expensive. expensive. In In addition, addition, you're you're going going to to need need an an inverter inverter to to convert convert the the electricity electricity stored stored in in the the batteries batteries from from direct direct current current (DC) (DC) to to alternating alternating current current (AC). (AC). Good Good inverters inverters are are (like (like everything everything else!) else!) expensive, expensive, and and the the larger larger the the inverter inverter the the more more it's it's going going to to cost. cost. Cutting back on Cutting back on your your electrical electrical needs needs is is the the most most economical economical way way to to save save money power system. money when when setting setting up up your your home home power system. By By cutting cutting back back on on your your needs, needs, you you can can get get by by with with aa smaller smaller inverter inverter (which (which saves saves you you money), money), fewer fewer batteries batteries (which (which saves saves you you money), money), and and fewer fewer or or smaller smaller solar solar panels panels or or wind wind generators generators (which (which also also saves saves you you money).

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE APPLIANCE WORKSHEET WORKSHEET (Note: (Note: Multiply Multiply volts volts times times amps amps to to get get the the watts watts needed needed to to run run the the tool tool or or appliance.)

Electrical appliance

Watts

Need

Frequency

Home-power

start/run

rating

used

friendly?

Available alternatives

Notes or comments

Using Using the the spreadsheet spreadsheet provided, provided, you you should should first first take take an an inventory inventory of of everything everything on on your your property property that that uses uses electricity. electricity. Include Include all all electrical electrical appliances appliances and and tools, tools, from from the the big big electricity electricity hogs hogs like like the the water water heater heater and and electric electric range range all all the the way way down down to to the the bulb bulb in in the the porch porch light. light. Second, be found Second, list list the the number number of of watts watts the the item item uses. uses. (This (This figure figure can can be found somewhere somewhere on on the the tool tool or or appliance.) appliance.) Some Some appliances appliances use use an an amp amp rating rating instead instead of of watts. watts. Multiply Multiply the the amps amps by by the the voltage voltage to to get get the the number number of of watts watts needed needed to to run run the the appliance. appliance. For For example, example, our our vacuum vacuum cleaner cleaner uses uses 12 12 amps, amps, so so 12 12 amps amps x x 120 120 volts volts = = 1,440 know how 1,440 watts. watts. The The reason reason you'll you'll need need to to know how many many watts watts are are required required is is because because solar solar panels, panels, wind, wind, and and gas gas generators generators and and inverters inverters are are rated rated in in watts watts rather rather than than amps. amps. Some Some things things may may have have two two listings. listings. One One is is the the number number of of watts watts needed needed to to start start the the tool tool or or appliance; appliance; the the other other is is the the number number of of watts watts needed needed to to run run it it once once you you get get it it going. going. Be Be sure sure to to figure figure in in the the higher higher number! number! Your Your power power supply supply must must be be adequate adequate for for the the highest highest figure. figure. Third, Third, decide decide if if this this is is an an essential essential or or nonessential nonessential item. item. This This is is entirely entirely subjective. subjective. If If Mom Mom can't can't do do without without her her hair hair dryer dryer or or curling curling iron, iron, then then list list it it as as essential. essential. The The same same goes goes for for Dad. Dad. If If he he can't can't imagine imagine life life without without his his table table saw saw (or (or hair hair dryer?), dryer?), then then it it too too must must be be listed listed as as essential.

While replace vacuum While floor floor sweepers sweepers won't won't replace vacuum cleaners, cleaners, they they make make sense sense for for those jobs between between major those quick quick jobs major cleanings. cleanings. Plus, Plus, they they don't don't require require aa single single watt watt of of electricity. electricity. Some be considered Some things things might might be considered essential essential even even if if they they are are seldom seldom used. used. We We kept kept our our waffle waffle iron iron even even though though we we use use it it only only occasionally. occasionally. You You decide

what what you you want want to to keep. keep. Fourth, Fourth, estimate estimate how how often often and and how how long long it's it's used. used. If If it's it's daily, daily, then then put put daily daily (or (or weekly, weekly, etc.). etc.). For For example, example, if if you you have have aa laptop laptop computer computer that that you you use use five five hours hours every every day day for for work, work, put put "5h/5days" "Sh/Sdays" in in this this column. column. Fifth, Fifth, is is it it home-power home-power friendly? friendly? For For example, example, some some televisions, televisions, VCRs, VCRs, and and DVD DVD players players draw draw power power even even when when the the unit's unit's power power switch switch is is turned turned off off in in order order to to maintain maintain memory, memory, run run clocks, clocks, or or energize energize "instant "instant on" on" circuits. circuits. If If you you have have appliances appliances like like these, these, you'll you'll want want to to be be sure sure that that (a) (a) the the batteries batteries never never go go completely completely dead, dead, or or (b) (b) you you have have an an automatic automatic backup backup system system such such as batteries get as aa generator generator that that will will kick kick in in if if your your batteries get low. low. There There is is aa third third option, option, if if you you don't don't mind mind the the clock clock flashing flashing the the wrong wrong time time or or waiting waiting aa bit bit longer longer for for the the television television to to come come on: on: you you can can put put in in aa separate separate switch switch to to completely power to completely shut shut off off the the power to the the unit unit and and end end the the drain drain on on your your batteries. batteries. We purpose. We use use multiple-outlet multiple-outlet power power strips strips for for this this purpose. Overall Overall electrical electrical draw draw may may or or may may not not be be aa red red flag flag in in this this category. category. A A microwave but only microwave may may draw draw a a lot lot of of power power but only run run for for aa few few minutes, minutes, whereas whereas aa toaster toaster oven oven with with the the same same watt watt rating rating may may be be in in use use 30 30 minutes minutes or or more. more. Obviously Obviously the the toaster toaster oven oven will will use use aa lot lot more more power power in in the the long long run. run. The The same same might might be be true true of of aa circular circular saw saw when when compared compared to to aa vacuum vacuum cleaner. cleaner. They but the They may may both both use use the the same same amount amount of of power power per per minute, minute, but the vacuum vacuum cleaner be in cleaner will will be in use use for for longer longer time time periods periods than than the the saw. saw. Sixth, Sixth, are are there there practical, practical, nonelectric nonelectric alternatives alternatives to to the the appliance? appliance? For For example, example, aa refrigerator refrigerator or or freezer freezer may may not not use use much much electricity electricity per per hour, hour, but but you'll you'll need need to to have have power power to to it it 24 24 hours hours per per day, day, seven seven days days aa week. week. That's That's no power no big big deal deal if if you're you're on on the the grid, grid, but but when when you're you're generating generating your your own own power it it can can be be aa problem. problem. That That doesn't doesn't mean mean you you must must go go without without aa refrigerator. refrigerator. There just as There are are propanepropane- and and kerosene-powered kerosene-powered models models that that work work just as well, well, so so under under this this column column you'd you'd write write "propane." "propane." The The same same could could be be done done for for electric powered by electric lights. lights. There There are are multiple multiple alternatives, alternatives, such such as as lights lights powered by propane, kerosene, or propane, kerosene, or gasoline. gasoline. There There are are also also lowlow- wattage, wattage, fluorescent, fluorescent, and and LED LED lights lights that that work work quite quite well.

An We like An example example from from our our household household is is the the toaster. toaster. We like toast toast but but due due to to the the high high electrical electrical draw, draw, the the toaster toaster didn't didn't make make the the move move with with us. us. However, However, we we still just make still have have toast. toast. We We just make it it on on top top of of the the woodstove. woodstove. So So under under this this column column we we wrote wrote "use "use woodstove." woodstove." If If the the woodstove woodstove isn't isn't in in use, use, we we make make it it in in aa skillet. skillet. Seventh, Seventh, under under this this section section write write in in your your thoughts thoughts on on the the appliance appliance in in question. question. For For example, example, you you might might want want to to write write in in "purchase "purchase propane propane refrigerator" refrigerator" or or "purchase "purchase gas gas dryer." dryer." One One thing thing to to be be aware aware of of is is that that some some gas gas appliances appliances must must have have electricity electricity to to operate. operate. We We once once owned owned aa gas gas stove stove that that had had electrically electrically powered powered oven oven controls. controls. No No electricity? electricity? No No cake cake or or cookies! cookies! STEP STEP TWO: TWO: CONSERVE CONSERVE ENERGY ENERGY This routine whether This should should be be aa basic basic part part of of everyone's everyone's routine whether on on or or off off the the grid. grid. II can can guarantee guarantee that that if if you you go go to to someone's someone's off-grid off-grid home, home, you you will will not not see see lights lights left left on on in in unoccupied unoccupied rooms, rooms, nor nor will will you you see see aa television television left left on on with with no no one one watching watching it. it. People People tend tend to to be be wasteful wasteful when when there's there's an an abundance. abundance. Use Use only only what what you you need. need. You You don't don't need need lots lots of of overhead overhead lighting just lounging lighting if if you're you're just lounging on on the the couch couch reading. reading. Use Use an an LED LED reading reading lamp lamp drawing drawing less less than than three three watts. watts. Other Other ways ways to to conserve conserve include include using using energyenergy- efficient efficient appliances appliances whenever whenever possible. possible. Laptop Laptop and and notebook notebook computers computers need need far far less less power power than than desk desk models, models, and and aa 15-watt 15-watt fluorescent fluorescent bulb bulb or or 5-watt 5-watt LED LED light light puts puts out out the the same bulb. Replace same amount amount of of illumination illumination as as aa 60-watt 60-watt incandescent incandescent bulb. Replace highhighdraw draw items items with with energy-efficient energy-efficient models. models. When When you you live live off-grid, off-grid, you you gain gain aa new new appreciation appreciation for for the the electrical electrical power power you you use. use. Conservation Conservation becomes becomes aa way way of of life. life. STEP STEP THREE: THREE: BE BE SHREWD SHREWD Don't Don't run run things things like like the the vacuum vacuum cleaner, cleaner, iron, iron, clothes clothes washer, washer, and and computer computer at at the the same same time. time. This This saves saves you you money money in in several several ways.

First, First, your your inverter inverter must must be be able able to to handle handle the the maximum maximum load load placed placed upon upon it. it. If If you you use use the the vacuum vacuum cleaner cleaner and and the the toaster toaster and and the the microwave microwave at at the the same same time, time, you'll you'll need need a a 3,300-watt 3,300-watt or or larger larger inverter. inverter. If If you you run run them them one one at at aa time, time, you you can can get get by by with with aa 1,500-watt 1,500-watt inverter. inverter. Quality Quality inverters inverters are are expensive expensive and and as as the the output output of of the the inverter inverter increases, increases, so so does does the the price. price. By By spreading spreading out out the the demand, demand, you you can can use use aa smaller smaller inverter. inverter. AA smaller smaller inverter inverter is is aa cheaper cheaper inverter. inverter. AA cheaper cheaper inverter inverter means means more more money money left left in in your your pocket, pocket, or or extra extra money money that that can can be be used used for for other other projects. projects. Second, Second, spread spread the the power power usage usage out out over over the the week. week. Remember Remember the the water water into into the the barrel barrel vs. vs. the the water water out out of of the the barrel? barrel? If If the the bottom bottom spigot spigot is is closed, closed, the the 50-gallon 50-gallon barrel barrel will will fill fill completely completely in in 10 10 minutes. minutes. Then Then if if the the spigot spigot is is opened opened all all the the way way (10 (10 gallons gallons per per minute), minute), it it will will take take 10 10 minutes minutes to to empty empty it. it. (Remember, (Remember, you you are are also also putting putting in in five five gallons gallons per per minute minute while while the the spigot spigot is is open.) open.) If If you you open open it it only only three-fourths three-fourths (7.5 (7.5 gallons gallons per per minute), minute), it it will will be be 20 20 minutes minutes before before it it runs runs dry. dry. That's That's twice twice as as much much "run "run time" time" by by reducing reducing your your draw draw by by only only 25 25 percent. percent. Your Your home home power power system system works works the the same same way.

One One easy easy way way to to reduce reduce demand demand is is to to use use reading reading lamps lamps instead instead of of overhead overhead lighting lighting when when curled curled up up with with aa book. book. Use Use LED LED or or low-watt low-watt fluorescent fluorescent bulbs bulbs to reduce demand to reduce demand even even more. more. When When you you produce produce more more electricity electricity than than you you are are using, using, the the batteries batteries store store it. it. The The batteries batteries allow allow you you to to use use that that excess excess power power during during times times your your system system is is not not charging charging or or when when you're you're using using power power at at aa faster faster rate rate than than the the system system is

replenishing power out replenishing itself. itself. Anytime Anytime you you draw draw power out faster faster than than you you put put it it in, in, you're you're going going to to run run your your batteries batteries down. down. By By spreading spreading out out the the work, work, you'll you'll get get by by with with fewer fewer batteries batteries and and aa smaller smaller generating generating system. system. So, So, instead instead of of doing doing the the wash, wash, vacuuming, vacuuming, and and all all the the other other housework housework in in one one day, day, spread spread it it out. out. Do Do the the wash wash on on Tuesday Tuesday and and Thursday Thursday and and vacuum vacuum on on Monday Monday and and Friday. Friday. Spend Spend the the other other time time reading, reading, working working in in the the garden, garden, walking, walking, or or doing doing something something that that doesn't doesn't require require electricity. electricity. Note: Note: All All definitions definitions are are from from the the Encarta Encarta ®® World World English English Dictionary, Dictionary, © © & & (P) (P) 1998-2005 1998-2005 Microsoft Microsoft Corporation. Corporation. All All rights rights reserved. reserved. STEP STEP FOUR: FOUR: USE USE A A GENERATOR GENERATOR FOR FOR BIG-DRAW BIG-DRAW ITEMS ITEMS A purchase than A 5,000-watt 5,000-watt generator generator is is much much cheaper cheaper to to purchase than aa 5,000-watt 5,000-watt inverter. inverter. When When we we fire fire up up the the generator, generator, we we forget forget about about step step three. three. We We may may use use the the fast fast charger charger to to charge charge batteries batteries and and use use the the electric electric grain grain mill mill (much (much faster faster than than the the hand hand mill!) mill!) to to grind grind enough enough flour flour and and corn corn to to last last aa month month or or more. more. We We might might also also run run the the vacuum vacuum cleaner cleaner and/or and/or use use any any high-draw high-draw power power tools tools like like my my shop shop equipment equipment or or the the cement cement mixer. mixer. If If you you have have the the resources resources to to build build aa first-class first-class system, system, then then more more power power to to you! you! For For us us that that wasn't wasn't an an option. option. Rather Rather than than live live totally totally without without electricity, electricity, we we designed designed aa sustainable sustainable system system that that would would meet meet our our needs needs at at aa price price we we could could afford. afford. At At this this point point we we wouldn't wouldn't hook hook up up to to the the grid grid if if they they ran ran the the power power lines lines under under the the front front porch. porch. We've We've pared pared down down to to the the point point that that we we need need very very little little electricity, electricity, and and we we sure sure don't don't need need monthly monthly electric electric bills bills staring staring us us in in the the face. face. If If you're you're looking looking into into producing producing your your own own electricity, electricity, you you have have four four options: options: solar, solar, wind, wind, hydroelectric, hydroelectric, and and fuel-powered fuel-powered generators. generators. Each Each have have their their strengths strengths and and weaknesses, weaknesses, and and to to have have your your bases bases covered, covered, you'll you'll probably probably need need aa combination combination of of two two or or more. more. ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL TERMS TERMS AND AND OPTIONS

In In the the rest rest of of this this chapter chapter we'll we'll be be looking looking at at ways ways electricity electricity is is measured, measured, so so before before we we get get into into more more detail detail on on your your four four power power options, options, it's it's appropriate appropriate here here to to define define some some terms terms and and look look at at formulas formulas for for converting converting volts volts to to amps amps to to watts. watts. We'll We'll also also take take aa quick quick look look at at your your options options for for wiring wiring hookups hookups and and voltage voltage systems. systems. Basic Basic Terminology Terminology A A volt volt is is aa "unit "unit of of electric electric potential potential difference: difference: the the unit unit of of electromotive electromotive force between two force and and electric electric potential potential difference difference equal equal to to the the difference difference between two points points in in aa circuit circuit carrying carrying one one ampere ampere of of current current and and dissipating dissipating one one watt watt of of power. power. Symbol Symbol V." V." An An ampere ampere (or (or amp) amp) is is an an "SI "SI unit unit of of electric electric current: current: the the basic basic unit unit of of electric electric current current in in the the SI SI system, system, equal equal to to aa current current that that produces produces aa force force of of 2x10-7 2x10-7 newtons newtons per per meter meter between between two two parallel parallel conductors conductors in in aa vacuum. vacuum. Symbol Symbol A." A." A A watt watt is is aa "unit "unit of of electrical electrical power: power: the the international international SI SI unit unit of of power power equal equal to to the the power power produced produced by by aa current current of of one one ampere ampere acting acting across across aa potential potential difference difference of of one one volt. volt. Symbol Symbol W" W" An An ohm ohm is is aa "unit "unit of of electrical electrical resistance: resistance: the the SI SI unit unit of of electrical electrical resistance, resistance between resistance, equal equal to to the the resistance between two two points points on on aa conductor conductor when when aa potential potential difference difference of of 11 volt volt produces produces aa current current of of one one ampere. ampere. Symbol Symbol f)." f)." Now right? Now that that we we know know what what we're we're talking talking about, about, we'll we'll continue continue ... ... right? Wrong! Wrong! Unless Unless you're you're an an electrical electrical engineer, engineer, the the definitions definitions above above don't don't make make aa lot lot of of sense, sense, so so we'll we'll try try to to understand understand them them on on layman's layman's terms. terms. Now, Now, please please don't don't take take the the following following analogies analogies to to extremes. extremes. I've I've oversimplified oversimplified some some complex complex interactions interactions in in order order to to grasp grasp some some fundamental fundamental concepts. concepts. Volts Volts are are aa measurement measurement of of electrical electrical force force or or pressure. pressure. The The higher higher the the number, number, the the greater greater the the power.

Amps Amps are are the the instant instant "volume "volume of of flow flow rate" rate" of of electricity. electricity. It's It's kind kind of of like like aa "gallons "gallons per per second" second" measurement. measurement. Watts Watts are are the the measurement measurement of of the the total total volume volume of of electricity electricity used used in in aa specified specified time time period period of of one one hour. hour. Kind Kind of of like like "gallons "gallons used used in in one one hour." hour." Ohms Ohms refer refer to to resistance resistance in in electrical electrical terms, terms, i.e., 1.e., the the restraining restraining force force electricity electricity must must overcome overcome to to flow. flow. We're We're not not going going to to compute compute resistance resistance values values but, but, as as we'll we'll see see later, later, it it is is important important to to understand understand how how resistance resistance affects affects our our power power system. system. Volts, Volts, amps, amps, and and watts watts are are all all measurements measurements of of electrical electrical energy, energy, and and all all three three are are present present whenever whenever electricity electricity is is being being used. used. The The problem problem we we have have is is that that devices devices that that generate generate electricity electricity and and the the devices devices that that use use electricity electricity don't don't always always list list all all three three on on the the data data plate. plate. Generators Generators of of all all types types (a (a solar solar panel panel is is aa generator generator that's that's powered powered by by the the sun) sun) are are rated rated in in watts. watts. Appliances Appliances are are rated rated in in volts volts and and sometimes sometimes amps amps and and sometimes sometimes watts. watts. So, So, we we need need some some formulas formulas for for determining determining watts, watts, amps, amps, and and volts volts in in order order to to properly properly size size our our home-power home-power system. system. As As long long as as you you know know two two of of the the numbers, numbers, you you can can determine determine what what the the third third number number is. is. To To determine determine the the number number of of watts watts produced produced or or used, used, multiply multiply the the volts volts times times the the amps. amps. V V (volts) (volts) x x A A (amps) (amps) = = W W (watts). (watts). People People who who do do this this for for aa living living have have different different letters letters for for their their formulas, formulas, using using E E for for volts, volts, II for for amps, amps, and and P P for for watts watts (and (and they they have have their their reasons reasons for for doing doing so), so), but but I'm I'm trying trying to to keep just stick W. Otherwise keep this this as as simple simple as as possible, possible, so so let's let's just stick to to V, V, A, A, and and W. Otherwise I'll I'll get get confused, confused, and and II have have enough enough problems problems with with that that already. already. So, So, here here are are the the formulas formulas in in the the easiest easiest format format II can can think think of:

Volts are computed by dividing watts by amps (W / A=V) Amps are computed by dividing watts by volts (W/V =A)

Watts are computed by multiplying volts and amps (Vx A= W) We'll be using We'll be using these these equations equations throughout throughout the the rest rest of of the the chapter, chapter, so so you you might keep it might want want to to mark mark this this page page or or write write them them on on aa piece piece of of paper paper and and keep it close by. close by. Series Series vs. vs. Parallel Parallel You batteries and You have have different different options options for for connecting connecting the the wiring wiring of of batteries and solar solar panels. panels. The The first first is is called called aa parallel parallel circuit. circuit. Batteries Batteries and and solar solar panels panels have have one one positive positive and and one one negative negative post post or or wire. wire. In In aa parallel parallel circuit, circuit, you you connect connect the the positive positive outlets outlets together together and and negative negative outlets outlets together. together. Your Your voltage voltage remains remains the the same same but but the the amperage amperage increases. increases. For For example, example, if if you you connect connect two batteries together two 12-volt 12-volt batteries together in in parallel, parallel, positive positive to to positive positive and and negative negative to to negative, but your negative, your your voltage voltage remains remains at at 12 12 volts volts but your amperage amperage doubles. doubles. If If you you connect connect the the batteries batteries in in series, series, connecting connecting the the negative negative terminal terminal to to the but the the positive positive terminal, terminal, you you double double the the voltage voltage but the amperage amperage stays stays the the same. same. This This is is how how you you can can use use two two 6-volt 6-volt batteries batteries in in a a 12-volt 12-volt system, system, or or two two 12-volt 12-volt or or four four 6-volt 6-volt batteries batteries in in aa 24-volt 24-volt system. system. It It works works the the same same way way with with solar solar panels. panels. Connect Connect the the panels panels in in parallel parallel circuits circuits and and the the voltage voltage stays stays the the same same but but the the amperage amperage increases. increases. By By connecting connecting them them in in series, series, you you can can increase increase the the voltage voltage but but the the amperage amperage stays stays the the same. same. Voltage Voltage Options Options In In aa low-budget, low-budget, off-grid off-grid power power system, system, you'll you'll most most likely likely be be working working with with either either aa 1212- or or 24-volt 24-volt battery/panel/inverter battery/panel/inverter system. system. In In deciding deciding what's what's best best for for you, you, remember remember that that voltage voltage is is electrical electrical pressure. pressure. AA 24-volt 24-volt system

is is more more efficient efficient (meaning (meaning less less power power is is lost lost in in transmission) transmission) than than aa 1212- volt volt system. system. Some Some manufacturers manufacturers recommend recommend aa 2424- volt volt system system anytime anytime the the panels panels are are 50 50 feet feet or or more more from from the the charge charge controllers controllers and and batteries. batteries. Another reason for Another reason for aa 24-volt 24-volt system system is is that that while while your your voltage voltage doubles, doubles, the remain the the amps amps remain the same. same. Charge Charge controllers controllers are are rated rated in in amps, amps, so so you you can can run run twice twice as as many many panels panels (producing (producing twice twice as as many many watts watts of of power) power) through through your your charge charge controller controller if if you you go go to to aa 24-volt 24-volt system system instead instead of of aa 1212- volt volt system. system. If If you're you're opting opting for for aa large large inverter inverter (over (over 2,400 2,400 watts), watts), you'll you'll probably probably have have to to go go to to aa 24-volt 24-volt system system to to handle handle the the power power demands. demands. The The drawbacks drawbacks to to aa 24-volt 24-volt system? system? Everything Everything will will have have to to be be purchased purchased in in pairs pairs (or (or foursomes). foursomes). It It takes takes two two 12-volt 12-volt batteries batteries connected connected in in series series to to power power aa 24-volt 24-volt system. system. If If one one battery battery goes goes bad, bad, you'll you'll have have to to replace replace both both batteries. because the batteries. (You (You should should never never mix mix old old and and new new batteries batteries because the old old batteries batteries will will draw draw the the new new batteries batteries down.) down.) If If you you are are running running four four 6-volt 6-volt batteries bad, you'll batteries and and one one goes goes bad, you'll have have to to replace replace all all four four of of them. them. If If you you buy buy 12-volt 12-volt panels panels and and wire wire them them in in series, series, you'll you'll have have to to buy buy them them in in pairs. pairs. On On aa low-budget low-budget homestead homestead (or (or any any low low budget budget for for that that matter), matter), it it can can be be aa challenge challenge to to come come up up with with that that much much money. money. You'll You'll need need aa 24-volt 24-volt battery battery charger charger to to run run off off your your generator. generator. And And finally, finally, if if you you switch switch to to aa 24-volt 24-volt system beginning with buy aa new system after after beginning with aa 12-volt 12-volt system, system, you'll you'll have have to to buy new inverter because they inverter (and (and possibly possibly aa charge charge controller) controller) because they are are not not interchangeable interchangeable between between voltages. voltages. Our We began Our system system is is 12 12 volts volts for for several several reasons. reasons. We began with with one one 12-volt 12-volt panel panel and and aa used used 12-volt, 12-volt, 800-watt 800-watt Trace Trace inverter. inverter. After After that that we we added added another another panel, panel, then then three three more, more, and and then then four four more. more. To To change change to to aa 24-volt 24-volt system, system, we'd we'd have have to to buy buy aa new new inverter inverter ($1,000 ($1,000 and and up!) up!) and and at at least least one one more panel. That's more panel. That's not not going going to to happen happen anytime anytime soon! soon! My panels are My recommendation recommendation is is to to stick stick with with 12 12 volts volts unless unless your your panels are over over 50 bank and 50 feet feet from from the the battery battery bank and charge charge controller controller or or you you need need an an inverter inverter rated rated over over 2,400 2,400 watts. watts. SOLAR SOLAR POWER POWER BASICS

Off-grid power systems Off-grid solar solar power systems are are fairly fairly simple simple and and consist consist of of solar solar panels, panels, charge power needs charge controller, controller, batteries, batteries, inverter, inverter, and and wiring. wiring. If If your your power needs are are miniscule, just aa solar miniscule, you you can can get get set set up up with with just solar panel panel and and aa battery. battery. It's It's important important to to note note here here that that the the system system I'm I'm describing describing is is for for off-grid off-grid applications applications only. only. Setting Setting up up aa grid-tie grid-tie system system is is more more complicated, complicated, so so if if that's that's your your plan, plan, consult consult aa professional. professional. Solar Solar Panels Panels Solar Solar panels panels are are the the primary primary component component of of most most off-grid off-grid systems. systems. Solar Solar panels by the panels are are nothing nothing more more than than electrical electrical generators generators powered powered by the sun. sun. Like Like any any other other generator, generator, they're they're rated rated by by their their output output in in watts, watts, volts, volts, and and amps. amps. Shopping be confusing. Shopping for for solar solar panels panels can can be confusing. When When you you talk talk to to aa salesman, salesman, you're you're going going to to hear hear terms terms like like "single-crystal "single-crystal silicon," silicon," "polycrystalline "polycrystalline silicon," silicon," and and "thin "thin film." film." These These are are the the three three most most common common types types of of solar solar panel panel construction. construction. SingleSingle- crystal crystal silicon silicon and and polycrystalline polycrystalline silicon silicon are are the the old bore you old standbys standbys of of solar solar modules. modules. II could could bore you with with more more details details about about how how they're but II won't. they're made made and and how how they they work, work, but won't. There There is is lots lots of of information information on on the the Internet Internet going going into into more more detail, detail, so so if if you you want want to to know know more, more, check check out out some some of of those those websites.

These These are are the the first first five five solar solar panels panels we we purchased. purchased. II made made the the tower tower out out of of salvaged salvaged pipe pipe and and bed bed rails. rails. We We manually manually turn turn it it to to face face the the sun sun several several times times during just lock during the the day. day. If If we're we're going going to to be be gone, gone, we we just lock it it facing facing south. south. The The most most important important information information for for the the low-budget low-budget homestead homestead or or retreat retreat is is that panels manufactured that the the original original singlesingle- crystal crystal silicon silicon panels manufactured in in the the 1950s 1950s are are still still working working today, today, as as are are panels panels using using polycrystalline polycrystalline technology technology from from the the 1980s. 1980s. Their Their major major strength strength is is durability. durability. Thin-film Thin-film panels panels are are aa more more recent recent development development and and use use various various technologies technologies to to produce produce electricity. electricity. All All tend tend to to be be less less efficient efficient than than singlesinglecrystal crystal silicon silicon and and polycrystalline polycrystalline silicon silicon panels, panels, and and their their durability durability factor factor is is not not yet yet known. known. However, However, manufacturing manufacturing costs costs for for these these panels panels are are lower lower than be much than traditional traditional methods, methods, and and installation installation can can be much more more creative. creative. Some Some are be are even even transparent transparent enough enough for for use use over over windows windows and and tough tough enough enough to to be walked really careful walked over. over. (Okay, (Okay, you you have have to to be be really careful walking walking on on them, them, but but it

can be done.) can be done.) When When applied applied to to aa roof, roof, they they are are not not as as susceptible susceptible to to wind wind lift lift as as traditional traditional solar solar panels. panels. This This technology technology bears bears watching. watching. You'll You'll hear hear aa lot lot about about efficiency efficiency and and performance performance of of different different materials materials and and manufacturing manufacturing techniques. techniques. The The differences differences are are minimal. minimal. Generally, Generally, aa more more efficient efficient panel panel has has smaller smaller external external dimensions. dimensions. In In other other words, words, aa 100100watt watt panel panel with with aa higher higher efficiency efficiency rating rating isn't isn't as as large large physically physically as as aa 100100watt watt panel panel that's that's less less efficient. efficient. You'll You'll also also hear hear about about some some materials materials charging charging sooner sooner and and later later than than other other materials. materials. Again, Again, the the difference difference is is slight. slight. Compare Compare prices prices and and see see if if more more "efficient" "efficient" panels panels are are worth worth the the cost. cost. Remember, Remember, aa 100-watt 100-watt panel panel still still produces produces 100 100 watts watts of of power power no no matter matter what what it's it's made made of. of. Another regarding photovoltaic Watt Another issue issue regarding photovoltaic (PV) (PV) panels panels is is watt watt ratings. ratings. Watt ratings produce at ratings are are the the maximum maximum power power a a solar solar panel panel can can produce at its its maximum maximum voltage. voltage. It's It's very very important important that that you you understand understand this. this. Suppose Suppose you're you're considering considering aa panel panel rated rated at at 10 10 amps, amps, 20 20 volts, volts, and and 200 200 watts. watts. However, However, your your charge charge controller controller will will limit limit charging charging voltage voltage to to 15 15 volts volts to to protect protect the the batteries batteries from from being being overcharged overcharged (note: (note: voltage voltage will will vary vary according according to to battery battery type). type). To To compute compute watts, watts, you you multiply multiply volts volts times times amps. amps. At At 20 20 volts volts output, output, the the solar solar panel panel will will produce produce 200 200 watts watts of of power power (20 (20 volts volts x x 10 10 amps amps = = 200 200 watts watts total total output). output). However, However, the the charge charge controller controller will will limit limit voltage voltage to to 15 15 volts, volts, so so now now the the output output is is 150 150 watts watts (15 (15 volts volts x x 10 10 amps amps = = 150 150 watts). watts). You just lost You just lost 25 25 percent percent of of the the solar solar panel's panel's maximum maximum output output when when you you installed installed it it in in your your system. system. Now just the Now don't don't get get mad mad at at the the manufacturer manufacturer or or salesman. salesman. It's It's just the way way things things work. work. Solar Solar panel panel manufacturers manufacturers make make many many models models for for different different needs. needs. You'll You'll need need aa solar solar panel panel with with at at least least 15 15 volts volts to to have have enough enough power power to to adequately adequately recharge recharge your your batteries batteries in in aa 12-volt 12-volt system. system. (Actually, (Actually, due due to to other other losses losses in in the the system, system, you'll you'll want want aa panel panel with with an an 18-volt 18-volt or or higher higher rating.) rating.) If If you you needed needed to to produce produce 1,000 1,000 watts watts of of power power and and thought thought your your five five 200-watt job, you're 200-watt panels panels would would do do the the job, you're going going to to be be disappointed. disappointed. In In reality, reality, the the most most they they can can produce produce at at 15 15 volts volts is is 750 750 watts. watts. To To ensure ensure you you can can produce produce 1,000 1,000 watts, watts, you'll you'll need need two two more more panels. panels. Just Just remember remember to to do do the the math math when when you're you're sizing sizing your your system system and and purchasing purchasing panels.

There There is is an an exception exception to to this, this, however. however. I'll I'll cover cover that that in in more more detail detail in in the the section section on on charge charge controllers. controllers. Tracking Tracking the the Sun Sun When When aa panel panel is is "tracking "tracking the the sun," sun," it it moves moves so so that that it it faces faces the the sun sun directly produce most directly through through its its entire entire arc arc across across the the sky. sky. Solar Solar panels panels produce most efficiently efficiently with with direct direct sunlight. sunlight. In In the the northern northern hemisphere, hemisphere, solar solar panels panels are are usually begin charging usually pointed pointed south. south. They They begin charging as as soon soon as as the the sun sun rises rises but but only only hit hit peak peak output output when when the the sun sun is is shining shining more more or or less less directly directly on on them. them. Tracking by turning Tracking devices devices increase increase the the length length of of this this peak peak output output by turning the the panels keep them panels to to keep them facing facing the the sun. sun. In In some some cases cases you you can can gain gain 40 40 percent percent more more output output with with aa solar solar tracking tracking system. system. Depending Depending upon upon price price and and local local conditions, be cheaper conditions, it it might might be cheaper to to increase increase your your charging charging output output with with aa sun sun tracker tracker than than to to acquire acquire more more solar solar panels. panels.

These These are are the the lastfour lastfour panels panels we we purchased. purchased. We We have have them them temporarily temporarily mounted mounted to to aa south south facing facing wooden wooden frame.

Plans Plans are are available available over over the the Internet Internet for for making making your your own own tracking tracking system, system, or or you you can can purchase purchase one one that's that's factory factory made. made. We pivoting mount. We have have our our panels panels set set up up on on aa pivoting mount. II change change the the angle angle depending depending upon upon the the season; season; then then we we pivot pivot the the panels panels by by hand hand during during the the day day so so that that they they continually continually face face the the sun. sun. If If we we aren't aren't going going to to be be home home during during the panels in the day, day, we we lock lock the the panels in the the south-facing south-facing position. position. Batteries Batteries Batteries panels for Batteries store store the the excess excess power power from from your your solar solar panels for use use after after the the sun sun goes goes down down or or at at times times when when your your electrical electrical loads loads are are drawing drawing out out more more than than the the panels panels are are putting putting in. in. You'll batteries, You'll have have to to choose choose between between deep-cycle deep-cycle batteries, batteries, golf golf cart cart batteries, sealed sealed (or (or not) not) batteries, batteries, lead-acid lead-acid batteries, batteries, absorbed absorbed glass glass mat mat sealed sealed lead lead acid batteries, acid (AGM) (AGM) batteries, batteries, gelled gelled electrolyte electrolyte sealed sealed lead lead acid acid (GEL) (GEL) batteries, and and aa few few others others that that aren't aren't so so well well known. known. Each Each one one has has strengths strengths and and weaknesses. weaknesses. For For the the most most part part you'll you'll get get what what you you pay pay for, for, so so make make your your choice choice wisely. wisely. The The two two most most common common types types for for the the lowlow- budget budget homesteader homesteader are are the the deep-cycle batteries sold deep-cycle batteries sold to to boat boat and and RV RV owners, owners, and and similar similar (but (but larger larger and and more more durable) durable) golf golf cart cart batteries. batteries. Golf Golf cart cart batteries batteries are are usually usually 6 6 volts, volts, so so you'll you'll need need multiples multiples of of two two for for aa 12-volt 12-volt off-grid off-grid system system and and multiples multiples of of four four if if your your system system is is 24 24 volts. volts. The The big big complaint complaint about about regular regular deep-cycle deep-cycle batteries batteries is is their their short short lifespan lifespan in in off-grid off-grid applications. applications. The The big big drawback drawback to to other other types types is is the the price. price. This This is is another another area area in in which which you'll you'll need need to to do do your your own own research research before before you you make make aa purchase.

mi matinge

Zaz

This This is is aa deep-cycle deep-cycle battery battery purchased purchased at at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart. It's It's rated rated at at 125 125 ampamphours hours and and comes comes with with an an 18-month 18-month free free replacement replacement warranty. warranty. You'll You'll hear hear different different arguments arguments about about the the lifespan lifespan of of different different types types of of batteries, purposes, there's batteries, and and while while these these may may be be good good for for comparative comparative purposes, there's no no way batteries will way anyone anyone can can tell tell how how long long your your batteries will last. last. The The most most important important factors factors in in battery battery life life are are how how many many charge/discharge charge/discharge cycles cycles they they go go through, through, how how deep deep these these cycles cycles are, are, and and how how well well you you maintain maintain them. them. When When aa battery battery is is discharged discharged and and then then recharged, recharged, it's it's called called one one "cycle." "cycle." The battery is The problem problem is is that that not not all all cycles cycles are are equal. equal. The The deeper deeper your your battery is discharged, bringing the discharged, the the more more wear wear the the battery battery sustains. sustains. Additionally, Additionally, not not bringing the battery before discharging battery up up to to full full power power before discharging it it increases increases wear wear further. further. For For this this reason, battery capacity reason, it's it's recommended recommended that that you you have have enough enough battery capacity to to power power your your needs needs for for five five days days without without having having to to charge charge them. them. It It may may sound sound like like aa lot, lot, but but if if your your storage storage capacity capacity is is too too low low you'll you'll be be discharging discharging the the batteries batteries to battery life to aa deeper deeper level level in in each each cycle, cycle, which which shortens shortens battery life considerably.

Battery Battery life life is is extended extended significantly significantly if if you you discharge discharge them them no no more more than than 50 before recharging. 50 percent percent of of their their capacity capacity before recharging. Batteries Batteries are are rated rated by by how how much much energy energy is is available available from from the the full full charge charge level level down down to to the the level level where where the the battery battery is is completely completely discharged. discharged. In In order order to to ensure ensure that that the the batteries batteries are are never percent, some never discharged discharged below below 50 50 percent, some manufacturers manufacturers recommend recommend that that you you determine determine how how much much storage storage capacity capacity you you need need and and then then double double that. that. For For example, example, if if you you need need 100 100 amp-hours amp-hours (Ah) (Ah) of of storage storage capacity, capacity, it's it's recommended recommended that that you you purchase purchase the the number number or or size size of of batteries batteries required required to to achieve achieve 200 200 Ah Ah of of storage storage capacity. capacity. If If you you get get in in the the habit habit of of running running your your batteries batteries in in aa continually continually discharged discharged condition, condition, it it will will shorten shorten their their life. life. This This often often happens happens in in the the winter, winter, when when daylight daylight hours hours are are short short and and nights nights are are long. long. In In these these circumstances, circumstances, batteries batteries may may never never reach reach full full charge charge during during the the day, day, so so you're you're constantly constantly using using them them in in aa partially partially discharged discharged state. state. Batteries best in Batteries function function best in temperatures temperatures between between 60°F 60°F and and 80°F. 80°F. Temperatures over battery life Temperatures over 100°F 100°F shorten shorten battery life significantly. significantly. Colder Colder temperatures temperatures require require higher higher charging charging rates rates to to bring bring the the battery battery to to full full charge. charge. If If you you store store your your batteries batteries outside, outside, it's it's best best to to get get aa charge charge controller controller that that compensates compensates for for battery battery temperature. temperature. Batteries Batteries Are Are Rated Rated by by Voltage Voltage and and Storage Storage Capacity Capacity Voltage battery is Voltage is is the the number number of of volts volts the the battery is rated rated at. at. This This might might be be 2, 2, 6, 6, 12, 12, or or 24, 24, depending depending upon upon battery battery type. type. Most Most batteries batteries used used for for home home power power systems be either systems will will be either 6 6 or or 12 12 volt. volt. Most Most charge charge controllers controllers come come in in 12-, 12-, 24-, 24-, and and 48-volt 48-volt configuration. configuration. In In order order to to get get the the correct correct voltage, voltage, you you put put together together different different combinations. combinations. Two Two 66- volt volt batteries batteries connected connected in in series series will will equal equal 12 12 volts. volts. Four Four 6-volt 6-volt batteries batteries connected connected in in series series will will get get 24 24 volts, volts, as as will will two two 12-volt 12-volt batteries. batteries. Unless Unless you you really really know know what what you're you're doing, doing, II wouldn't wouldn't recommend recommend anything anything larger larger than than aa 24-volt 24-volt system. system. (More (More on on that that later!) later!) There There are are two two ratings ratings you'll you'll want want to to take take aa look look at. at. The The first first is is the the ampereamperehour hour (Ah) (Ah) rating. rating. The The amp-hour amp-hour rating rating is is the the maximum maximum sustained sustained amperage amperage that that can can be be drawn drawn from from aa fully fully charged charged battery battery over over aa specified specified time time period

(usually (usually 20 20 hours) hours) until until the the battery battery is is dead. dead. For For example, example, our our deepdeep- cycle cycle batteries batteries have have aa 125 125 Ah Ah rating. rating. That That means means they they can can be be discharged discharged at at aa constant constant rate rate of of 6.25 6.25 amps amps for for 20 20 hours. hours. The The second second measurement measurement is is reserve reserve capacity. capacity. Reserve Reserve capacity capacity is is the the amount amount of of minutes minutes aa battery battery can can maintain maintain aa useful useful voltage voltage under under aa constant constant 25-amp 25-amp discharge. discharge. Our Our batteries batteries have have aa 205 205 (minute) (minute) reserve reserve capacity, capacity, meaning meaning that that they they can can power power aa 25-amp 25-amp load load for for 205 205 minutes minutes without without falling falling below below 10.5 10.5 volts. volts. It's It's important important to to note note that that these these figures figures are are for for comparison comparison purposes purposes only. only. A A battery's battery's performance performance is is impacted impacted by by its its age, age, number number of of discharge/ discharge/ recharge recharge cycles, cycles, depths depths of of discharge/charge, discharge/charge, and and temperature. temperature. Even Even the the condition condition and and size size of of the the wiring wiring and and connectors connectors affect affect the the amount amount of of power power that's that's available. available. Wiring Wiring that's that's too too small small or or connections connections that that are are loose loose (a (a fire fire hazard!) hazard!) or or corroded corroded may may significantly significantly reduce reduce storage storage capacity capacity and and output. output. Remember Remember the the formula formula for for converting converting volts volts and and amps amps to to watts? watts? Multiply Multiply your your volts volts by by the the amps amps to to get get the the number number of of watts watts produced. produced. A A 12-volt 12-volt battery battery with with aa 125 125 Ah Ah rating rating will will produce produce 1,500 1,500 watts watts over over aa 20-hour 20-hour time time period. period. If If you you take take the the 1,500 1,500 and and divide divide it it by by 20 20 (total (total number number of of hours), hours), you'll you'll see see that that this this battery, battery, under under ideal ideal conditions, conditions, will will power power one one 75-watt 75-watt lightbulb lightbulb for for 20 20 hours. hours. In In theory, theory, it it will will power power aa laptop laptop computer computer (50 (50 watts) watts) for for approximately approximately 30 30 hours. hours. In In reality, reality, it it won't won't last last that that long! long! If power available If you you figure figure the the watts watts of of power available by by the the amp-hour amp-hour rating rating compared compared to to the the reserve reserve capacity capacity rating, rating, you'll you'll get get different different numbers numbers of of watts watts available available for for use. use. The The reason reason is is that that the the rate rate of of discharge discharge impacts impacts the the amount amount of of energy energy the the battery battery can can release. release. You'll You'll get get more more power power from from aa battery battery if if you you discharge rate. The rate, the discharge it it at at aa lower lower rate. The higher higher the the discharge discharge rate, the quicker quicker the the battery battery runs runs out out of of power.

aedCane t Pr FverstFREErReplatcemen= Cas. = Pays-R= BATTERY

WARRANTY

X xX Receipt required for warranty protection ria marine

Reserve

—

are 8715 pest)

Part

5 nunca

MAXX-2

,

1 WAL-MART STORES. INC., DIST. BY EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES ALPHARETTA, GA 30004-8532

The The Wal-Mart Wal-Mart deep-cycle deep-cycle battery battery viewed viewed from from the the top. top. It It has has aa reserve reserve capacity capacity rating rating of of 205 205 amps. amps. We We purchased purchased four four of of these these at at $80 $80 each. each. We've We've since replaced them since replaced them with with six six golf golf cart cart batteries. batteries. Charge Charge Controllers Controllers The The charge charge controller controller keeps keeps the the voltage voltage at at levels levels that that will will bring bring your your batteries batteries to to aa full full charge charge without without harming harming them. them. In In normal normal operating operating mode, mode, the the charge charge controller controller varies varies the the voltage voltage output output of of the the solar solar panels panels according according to to the the charge charge level level of of your your batteries. batteries. If If your your batteries batteries are are low, low, the the controller controller increases increases the the allowed allowed voltage voltage to to bring bring the the batteries batteries up up to to full full charge charge quickly quickly (bulk (bulk charge charge setting), setting), then then maintains maintains that that voltage voltage (absorption (absorption phase) phase) for for aa specific specific time time period period to to ensure ensure that that the the batteries batteries are are fully fully charged. charged. Once Once that that occurs, occurs, it it reduces reduces the the voltage voltage (float (float or or maintenance maintenance phase) phase) to to prevent prevent overcharging overcharging the the batteries. batteries. Controllers Controllers also also put put your your batteries batteries through through an an equalization equalization cycle cycle every every three three to to four four weeks. weeks. In In the the equalization equalization cycle, cycle, the the inverter inverter steps steps up up the the charge battery is charge level level in in order order to to ensure ensure that that the the battery is deeply deeply charged. charged. As As aa battery battery is is discharged, discharged, the the outside outside of of the the plates plates discharge discharge faster faster than than the the inside inside does. does. Because Because the the charge charge level level on on the the surface surface is is less less than than at at the the center, center, the the center power to center of of the the plates plates slowly slowly transfer transfer power to the the outer outer surface surface so so that that the

voltage voltage is is equal equal throughout throughout the the plate. plate. When When the the battery battery is is recharged, recharged, the the opposite opposite occurs occurs and and the the surface surface of of the the plates plates charge charge faster faster than than the the center. center. If If the the battery battery is is discharged discharged again again before before the the inside inside of of the the plates plates are are fully fully recharged, recharged, you you can can end end up up with with aa situation situation where where the the inside inside is is constantly constantly undercharged begins to undercharged and and begins to deteriorate. deteriorate. The The solution solution is is to to periodically periodically overcharge overcharge the the battery battery in in order order to to "force" "force" the the electricity electricity deeper deeper into into the the battery's battery's plates. plates. This This is is called called equalization. equalization. When When done done properly, properly, it it will will extend extend the the life life of of your your batteries batteries significantly. significantly. Charge panels are Charge controllers controllers are are rated rated in in amps amps and and your your solar solar panels are rated rated in in watts. watts. So So once once again, again, you'll you'll have have to to do do a a little little math math to to choose choose the the right right one. one. Most Most charge charge controllers controllers require require that that you you wire wire your your solar solar panels panels in in parallel parallel circuits. circuits. In In other other words, words, you you may may have have six six panels panels with with aa maximum maximum output output of of 20 20 volts volts each each hooked hooked into into aa 12-volt 12-volt system. system. That That means means the the maximum maximum voltage voltage pushing pushing the the electricity electricity to to the the charge charge controller controller is is limited limited to to 20 20 volts. volts. Remember, pressure. II said Remember, voltage voltage is is electrical electrical pressure. said earlier earlier that that some some solar solar panel panel manufacturers manufacturers recommend recommend that that you you go go to to aa 24-volt 24-volt system system if if the the panels panels are are over over 50 50 feet feet from from your your batteries batteries and and inverter inverter because because you you need need the the extra extra voltage voltage to to overcome overcome the the resistance resistance in in the the wiring. wiring. You You could could go go to to larger larger wire, but you wire, but you may may end end up up spending spending more more for for the the wire wire than than you you did did for for the the panels!

ProStar-30 SOLAR

CHARGE

CONTROLER

VERBON

4)

F520

MORNINGSTAR

This This is is one one of of our our charge charge controllers controllers (we (we have have three) three) that that limits limits the the voltage voltage from from the the solar solar panels panels to to prevent prevent the the batteries batteries from from overcharging. overcharging. There There is is aa charge charge controller controller manufactured manufactured for for off-grid off-grid use use that that alleviates alleviates the the problem. problem. It's It's manufactured manufactured by by Outback Outback and and allows allows you you to to wire wire your your panels panels in in series, series, which which increases increases the the voltage voltage going going to to your your charge charge controller. controller. The The increased increased voltage voltage from from your your panels panels to to the the inverter inverter means means you you lose lose less less power power in in transmission transmission and and you you can can get get by by with with smaller smaller size size wire. wire. It's It's aa much much more more efficient efficient system system than than conventional conventional charge charge controllers, controllers, sometimes sometimes increasing increasing output output by by 30 30 percent, percent, which which means means you you may may need need fewer fewer solar solar panels. panels. The The downside downside (there's (there's always always aa downside!) downside!) is is that that they they cost cost considerably considerably more more than than other other charge charge controllers. controllers. My My advice? advice? Do Do the the math math to to decide decide if if the the increased increased cost cost is is worth worth it. it. Inverters

The The charge charge controller controller takes takes the the power power from from the the solar solar panels panels and and charges charges the the batteries batteries with with it. it. The The inverter inverter changes changes the the 12 12 volts volts of of direct direct current current (DC) (DC) from from the the batteries batteries to to 120 120 or or 240 240 volts volts of of alternating alternating current current (AC). (AC). (If (If your your system system is is 24 24 or or 48 48 volts, volts, the the inverter inverter converts converts that that to to 120 120 or or 240 240 volts volts AC.) AC.) If If you're you're not not familiar familiar with with AC/DC AC/DC current, current, AC AC (alternating (alternating current) current) is is what what you you get get through through your your power power lines. lines. It's It's electricity electricity that that changes changes direction direction from positive to from positive to negative. negative. The The number number of of times times it it changes changes direction direction every every second second is is called called a a cycle cycle or, or, more more commonly, commonly, "hertz." "hertz." In In the the United United States, States, our our electric electric grid grid functions functions at at 60 60 hertz hertz (the (the electricity electricity changes changes direction direction 60 60 times times each each second). second). It's It's sometimes sometimes different different in in other other countries. countries. DC, DC, or or direct direct current, current, is is electricity electricity that that travels travels in in one one direction direction only. only. Your Your vehicle vehicle operates operates on on DC, DC, while while your your household household appliances appliances operate operate on on AC. AC. You You can can purchase purchase DC just buy DC appliances, appliances, but but it it makes makes more more sense sense to to just buy an an inverter inverter and and use use the the things things you've you've always always used. used. Inverters Inverters have have outputs outputs of of 120 120 and/or and/or 240 240 volts. volts. The The 240 240 volt volt will will give give you you aa little better, for little more more versatility. versatility. It It is is better, for example, example, if if you're you're going going to to run run your your well well pump pump off off your your inverter. inverter. Sine Waves Sine Waves When When looking looking at at inverters, inverters, the the first first thing thing you'll you'll probably probably hear hear about about are are "sine "sine waves" waves" Remember Remember that that in in aa 60-hertz 60-hertz (Hz) (Hz) system, system, the the direction direction of of flow flow changes changes 60 60 times times every every second. second. The The best best way way to to visualize visualize this this is is to to draw draw aa horizontal horizontal line, put aa "plus" line, then then put "plus" above above the the line line and and aa "minus" "minus" below below the the line. line. Now Now draw peaks and draw aa bunch bunch of of waves waves through through the the line line so so the the peaks and valleys valleys are are an an equal equal distance distance above above and and below below the the line. line. If If you you could could see see electricity electricity as as it it enters enters your power line, your house house from from the the power line, it it would would look look like like this this as as it it changed changed direction direction from from positive positive to to negative. negative. These These are are called called sine sine waves. waves. The The problem problem with with inverters inverters is is that that they they are are digital. digital. They They can can only only turn turn electricity electricity on on or or off. off. To To represent represent this, this, you you draw draw the the horizontal horizontal line line again again but but instead instead of of drawing drawing waves waves intersecting intersecting the the line, line, you you make make aa vertical vertical line line above above the the horizontal horizontal line, line, then then a a short short line line parallel parallel to to the the horizontal horizontal line, line, then then another another vertical vertical line line that that goes goes an an equal equal distance distance to to the the negative negative side, side, another

horizontal horizontal line, line, then then another another vertical vertical line line up up ... ... repeating repeating this this process process over over and and over over again. again. This This is is what what an an inverter inverter would would do do to to change change DC DC into into AC AC current. current.

This This is is our our 800-watt 800-watt Trace Trace inverter. inverter. It's It's currently currently dedicated dedicated to to the the refrigerator refrigerator because built-in because our our other other inverter inverter can't can't handle handle the the constant constant load. load. It It has has aa built-in battery batteries when battery charger charger that that automatically automatically recharges recharges the the batteries when we we run run the the generator. generator. The The problem problem is is that that many many electrical electrical appliances appliances cannot cannot function function with with such such abrupt abrupt changes changes of of direction, direction, so so inverter inverter manufacturers manufacturers have have what what they they call call modified modified sine sine wave wave inverters. inverters. Instead Instead of of switching switching the the current current from from positive positive to to negative negative so so abruptly, abruptly, they they do do it it in in stages. stages. Instead Instead of of having having lines lines going going straight straight up up and and down down with with horizontal horizontal "ledges" "ledges" between between them, them, the the inverter inverter does does it it more more like like aa staircase. staircase. The The smaller smaller the the steps steps on on the the staircase, staircase, the the more more "pure" "pure" the the sine sine wave. wave. Thus Thus the the difference difference between between aa pure pure sine sine wave wave inverter inverter and pure sine and aa modified modified sine sine wave wave inverter inverter is is the the size size of of the the steps. steps. A A pure sine wave wave is is like like riding riding on on the the waves waves with with aa gentle gentle rise rise and and fall fall with with the the swells. swells. A A modified modified sine sine wave wave is is more more like like riding riding on on top top of of aa piston piston in in your your vehicle's vehicle's engine. engine. You You go go straight straight up, up, hang hang for for aa split split second, second, then then go go straight straight down down again, again, hang hang for for aa split split second, second, then then get get slammed slammed upward upward again again (and (and again

and and again again and and again). again). Now, Now, which which would would be be the the gentlest gentlest on on your your body? body? It's It's the the same same with with electrical electrical gadgetry. gadgetry. Pure Pure sine sine wave wave inverters inverters lengthen lengthen the the life life expectancy expectancy of of your your electrical electrical appliances. appliances. Duty Duty Cycles Cycles or or Continuous Continuous Watt Watt Ratings Ratings Inverters Inverters have have what what are are called called "duty "duty cycles." cycles." Duty Duty cycles cycles are are the the amount amount of of time time aa device device can can work work at at aa specific specific percentage percentage of of maximum maximum output output before rest. It's between running before it it needs needs to to rest. It's the the difference difference between running and and sprinting. sprinting. A A person person running person running running aa marathon marathon goes goes at at aa slower slower pace pace than than aa person running aa hundred hundred yard yard sprint. sprint. Inverters Inverters are are the the same. same. If If you you put put aa huge huge load load on on them, them, it before they it won't won't be be long long before they must must take take aa break. break. However, However, if if you you use use aa smaller smaller load, load, they'll they'll continue continue working working for for hours hours without without stopping. stopping. Our Our Trace Trace inverter inverter is is rated rated at at 800 800 watts watts output output for for 30 30 minutes minutes before before it it overheats overheats and and shuts shuts down. down. If If the the load load is is 600 600 watts, watts, it it can can go go for for 60 60 minutes, minutes, but but if if the the load load is is 575 575 watts, watts, it it can can go go forever forever without without needing needing aa break. break.

This purchased this This is is our our 1,000-wattXantrex 1 ,000-wattXantrex inverter. inverter. We We purchased this unit unit at at Costco Costco for for $49.99 $49.99 aa fewyears fewyears ago. ago. It It replaced replaced aa similar similar model model that that was was fried fried by

lightning. lightning. This This is is one one of of the the first first places places where where you you can can tell tell aa difference difference between between aa highhigh- or or low-quality low-quality inverter. inverter. Low-quality Low-quality inverters inverters have have aa much much lower lower 100 100 percent percent duty duty cycle cycle than than better better quality quality (more (more expensive) expensive) inverters. inverters. Surge Surge Watts Watts Many Many appliances appliances need need an an extra extra boost boost to to get get started. started. Since Since these these surges surges are are short-lived, short-lived, most most inverters inverters and and generators generators have have enough enough power power available available (called (called "surge "surge watts") watts") for for aa few few seconds seconds to to get get things things started. started. As As soon soon as as the the appliance appliance or or tool tool is is running, running, its its power power needs needs diminish diminish substantially. substantially. Here's Here's another another place place you you can can tell tell the the difference difference between between aa lowlow- vs. vs. high-quality high-quality inverter. inverter. Our Our 800800- watt watt Trace Trace inverter's inverter's surge surge watt watt capacity capacity is is 2,400 2,400 watts, watts, while while our our cheaper cheaper 1,000-watt 1 ,000-watt inverter's inverter's surge surge rating rating is is ... ... 1,000 1,000 watts. watts. A A word word to to the the wise wise on on surge surge ratings ratings and and duty duty cycles. cycles. II can't can't say say that that every every cheap cheap inverter inverter is is overrated, overrated, but but II can can say say that that the the four four different different brands brands of of cheap cheap inverters inverters we've we've used used have have all all performed performed significantly significantly under under their their manufacturer's manufacturer's assertions. assertions. So, So, should should you you avoid avoid cheap cheap inverters? inverters? Not Not necessarily. be aware necessarily. Just Just be aware that that aa cheap cheap inverter inverter will will probably probably not not do do all all that that the the manufacturer manufacturer claims. claims. Again, Again, this this is is my my experience experience in in using using them. them. You You may may have have different different results. results. Battery Battery Charging Charging Inverters Inverters can can be be purchased purchased with with or or without without built-in built-in battery battery chargers. chargers. There There is is conflicting conflicting information information from from different different manufacturers manufacturers on on the the good good and and bad bad points points of of the the built-in built-in charger. charger. Naturally, Naturally, the the people people who who don't don't build build chargers chargers into into their their inverters inverters say say that that an an external external charger charger is is the the best best way way to to go, go, while while the build chargers the people people who who do do build chargers into into their their inverters inverters say say that that their their way way is is best. best. II prefer prefer inverters inverters with with built-in built-in chargers, chargers, primarily primarily because because they they are are tailored power. Your tailored to to the the specific specific needs needs of of off-grid off-grid power. Your solar solar panels' panels' charge charge controllers controllers have have different different charge charge levels, levels, depending depending upon upon the the stage stage of of charge charge your your batteries batteries are are in. in. When When the the batteries batteries are are low, low, they they increase increase the the charge

voltage bring the voltage to to around around 14.9 14.9 volts volts to to bring the batteries batteries to to full full charge charge quickly, quickly, then then maintain maintain that that higher higher voltage voltage (called (called the the "absorption" "absorption" phase) phase) for for aa time time period period to to ensure ensure that that the the battery's battery's plates plates get get aa full full charge. charge. After After that, that, they they reduce reduce the the voltage voltage to to approximately approximately 13.0 13.0 to to 13.5 13.5 volts volts for for what's what's called called the the "float" "float" or or "maintenance" "maintenance" setting setting to to keep keep from from overcharging overcharging the the battery. battery. The The charger charger built built into into the the inverter inverter changes changes voltage voltage to to accommodate accommodate each each stage. stage. Automotive-type Automotive-type battery battery chargers chargers are are limited limited to to aa compromise compromise setting setting of of approximately approximately 13.8 13.8 volts volts maximum. maximum. If If you you have have aa 24-volt 24-volt or or larger larger system, system, an an automotive automotive charger charger probably probably won't won't be be an an option option for for you. you. That That being being said, said, we we used used an an automotive automotive charger charger for for aa couple couple of of years years with with no no apparent apparent ill ill effects effects on on our our batteries. batteries. Inverters Inverters with with built-in built-in chargers chargers usually usually have have transfer transfer switches switches so so that that when when you you start start your your generator generator or or plug plug it it into into the the grid grid (with (with grid-tie grid-tie systems), systems), the batteries to the inverters inverters automatically automatically transfer transfer the the load load from from your your batteries to the the outside battery outside power power source source and and also also activate activate the the charger charger to to recharge recharge your your battery bank. bank. In In some some cases, cases, the the switch switch is is done done so so quickly quickly that that your your computer computer won't won't even even know know it it happened. happened. In In my my opinion, opinion, the the nicest nicest thing thing about about built-in built-in chargers chargers is is that that they're they're less less work. When we work. When we used used an an automotive automotive charger, charger, II had had to to start start the the generator generator and and manually bank. Now just start manually connect connect the the charger charger to to the the battery battery bank. Now I I just start the the generator generator and and the the inverter inverter makes makes the the connections. connections. Sizing Sizing the the System System Okay, power demands Okay, we've we've looked looked at at reducing reducing your your power demands and and using using your your power power wisely. wisely. We've We've looked looked at at solar solar panels, panels, batteries batteries and and inverters, inverters, and and charge charge controllers. controllers. So So what's what's next? next? Now Now we we put put it it all all together. together. Remember Remember at at the the start start of of the the chapter chapter how how we we looked looked at at the the electrical electrical appliance appliance worksheet? worksheet? Now Now it's it's time time to to put put it it to to work. work. Begin Begin going going across across the the rows rows and and adding adding things things up. up. Suppose Suppose in in line line one one you you have have aa laptop laptop computer computer that that takes takes 50 50 watts watts of of power power and and you you use use it it five five hours hours aa day day for for five five days days aa week. week. That That gives gives aa daily daily total total of of 250 250 watt/hours watt/hours per per day.

A A small, small, energy-efficient energy-efficient refrigerator refrigerator draws draws about about 200 200 watts watts of of power. power. A A refrigerator refrigerator only only runs runs about about aa third third of of the the time time on on average, average, so so the the perper- hour hour watt watt rating rating is is approximately approximately 67 67 watts. watts. It's It's on on 24 24 hours hours aa day, day, though, though, so so the the daily daily total total will will be be 1,608 1,608 watts. watts. We but II think We could could continue continue with with examples, examples, but think you you understand understand what what we're we're doing doing here, here, so so go go on on down down the the list list estimating estimating your your daily daily electrical electrical consumption. consumption. If If an an item item (such (such as as aa vacuum vacuum cleaner) cleaner) is is used used only only sporadically sporadically (like (like four four hours hours aa week), week), don't don't worry worry about about it it yet. yet. What What we're we're looking looking for for is is aa starting starting point point to to estimate estimate how how large large your your battery battery bank bank and and solar solar generating generating capabilities capabilities need need to to be. be. Once Once you've you've finished finished the the daily daily tally, tally, add add them them all all up. up. For For example, example, we'll we'll assume assume 250 250 for for the the computer, computer, 1,600 1,600 for for the the fridge, fridge, another per-day another 500 500 for for the the television, television, and and maybe maybe 400 400 for for lights. lights. The The total total per-day usage usage is is 2,750 2,750 watts. watts.

When by kerosene When we're we're low low on on power, power, you you see see us us working working by kerosene lamp lamp and and running batteries. running our our computers computers on on their their internal internal batteries.

Now Now look look at at the the occasional-use occasional-use items. items. The The vacuum vacuum cleaner cleaner used used four four hours hours aa week week at at 450 450 watts watts per per hour hour totals totals 1,800 1,800 watts watts per per week. week. The The washer washer at at four four hours hours per per week week using using 400 400 watts watts per per hour hour totals totals 1,600 1,600 watts watts per per week. week. Go Go on on down down the the list list and and total total these these up, up, then then take take that that number number and and divide divide it it by by seven. seven. This This is is the the average average use use per per day. day. It's It's important important to to include include these these items; items; otherwise be large otherwise your your system system will will not not be large enough. enough. So So we we have have 2,750 2,750 watts watts per per day day plus plus an an average average of of 486 486 watts watts per per day day for for occasional-use occasional-use items, items, which which means means that that our our total total daily daily energy energy use use estimate estimate is is 3,236 Write that 3,236 watts. watts. We'll We'll round round it it off off at at 3,250 3,250 watts. watts. Write that number number down! down! Resistance Resistance Remember Remember when when I I said said that that we'd we'd look look at at resistance resistance later? later? It's It's now now "later." "later." Resistance jargon, Resistance in in any any form form is is the the force force that that impedes impedes motion. motion. In In electrical electrical jargon, it's it's called called "ohms." "ohms." Think Think of of it it as as the the difference difference between between bicycling bicycling on on the the level level with with no no wind wind to to bicycling bicycling uphill uphill against against the the wind. wind. There There is is no no such such thing thing as as aa perpetual perpetual motion motion machine machine because because resistance resistance makes makes that that impossible. power from impossible. For For example, example, if if you you draw draw 100 100 watts watts of of power from a a battery, battery, it it takes takes 125 125 watts watts of of power power to to recharge recharge it it to to its its previous previous level level because because of of internal internal resistance resistance in in the the battery. battery. When When electricity electricity flows flows through through the the wiring wiring from from your your panel panel to to the the batteries, batteries, some some of of the the energy energy is is used used up up to to overcome overcome the the resistance resistance in in the the wiring. wiring. If If you you used used 3,250 3,250 watts watts of of electricity, electricity, you you will will have have to to generate generate approximately approximately 30 30 percent percent more more than than that that to to compensate compensate for for the the resistance resistance in in the the system. system. That That means means you'll you'll have have to to be be able able to to generate generate 4,210 4,210 (rounded (rounded up up from from 4,207) 4,207) watts watts to to replace replace the the energy energy you've you've used. used. If If you're you're using using solar solar panels, panels, they they only only charge charge when when the the sun sun is is up, up, and and they they only only charge charge at at their their maximum maximum under under direct direct sunlight. sunlight. There There are are charts charts available available online online showing showing how how many many hours hours of of direct direct sunlight sunlight you'll you'll receive receive in in the the part part of of the the country country you you live live in. in. What What you'll you'll want want to to know know is is how how many many hours hours of of direct direct sunlight sunlight you you can can expect expect on on the the shortest shortest day day of of the the year. year. Why? Why? Because Because if if you you size size your your system system for for the the most most hours hours of of sunlight sunlight you you can can get, get, you you won't won't be be able able to to generate generate enough enough electricity electricity on on the the short short days. days. If If you you size size the the system system to to be be adequate adequate on on the the short short days, days, you'll you'll (almost) (almost) always always have

adequate adequate power power all all year year long. long. If If you you don't don't want want to to look look up up the the charts, charts, use use five five hours hours as as aa default default figure. figure. This This means means that that your your solar solar panels panels need need to to generate generate 4,210 4,210 watts watts in in five five hours, hours, or or 842 842 watts watts per per hour hour (round (round up up to to 850). 850). You'll You'll need need enough enough panels panels in in the the right right combination combination to to meet meet that that number. number. So So far far we we have: have: •¢ 4,210 4,210 watts watts daily daily use use •¢ 850 850 watts watts in in solar solar panel panel output output Your Your charge charge controller controller must must be be adequate adequate for for the the solar solar panel's panel's maximum maximum output. output. You You can can use use two two or or more more charge charge controllers controllers if if necessary. necessary. (That's (That's what what we we did did when when we we added added four four more more panels panels to to our our system.) system.) Another Another thing thing you you can can do do is is go go to to aa 24-volt 24-volt system system rather rather than than aa 12-volt 12-volt system. system. With With aa 12-volt 12-volt system system you'll you'll need need one one charge charge controller controller rated rated at at about about 75 75 amps amps or or two two rated rated at at approximately approximately 40 40 amps. amps. Now Now we we have: have: •¢ 4,210 4,210 watts watts daily daily use use •¢ 850 850 watts watts in in solar solar panels panels •e 75-amp 75-amp charge charge controller controller (or (or an an equal equal combination combination of of smaller smaller controllers) controllers) Batteries Batteries should should be be able able to to power power all all your your needs needs for for aa minimum minimum of of three three days, days, with with five five days days being being preferred. preferred. So So take take 4,210 4,210 multiplied multiplied by by three three for for aa total total of of 12,630 12,630 watts. watts. Batteries Batteries are are rated rated in in amp-hours, amp-hours, so so we we divide divide 12,630 12,630 watts watts by by 12 12 volts volts to to get get 1,052.5 1,052.5 Ah Ah for for three three days. days. Round Round it it up up to to 1,055 1,055 Ah. Ah. If batteries are batteries to If your your batteries are rated rated at at 125 125 Ah Ah each, each, you'll you'll need need nine nine batteries to get get you you through through three three days. days. For For five five days days storage storage capacity, capacity, you'll you'll need need 21,050 21,050 watts watts divided divided by by 12 12 volts volts for for 1,755 1,755 Ah Ah storage storage capacity. capacity. Again, Again, using using the the 125 batteries. 125 Ah Ah number, number, you'll you'll need need 15 15 batteries. Now, Now, batteries batteries are are rated rated under under ideal ideal conditions. conditions. By By the the time time you you add add the the inverter, inverter, wiring, wiring, connections, connections, and and temperature temperature variations, variations, you're you're going going to to lose lose 25 25 to to 30 30 percent percent of of your your power power to to that that bad bad guy guy known known as as resistance resistance (and

some some other other factors), factors), so so increase increase your your battery battery estimates estimates by by 25 25 percent. percent. That That means batteries for means you'll you'll need need 11 11 batteries batteries for for three three days days reserve, reserve, or or 18 18 batteries for five five days days reserve. reserve. Now Now we we have: have: •¢ 4,210 4,210 watts watts daily daily use. use. •¢ 850 850 watts watts in in solar solar panels panels •e 75-amp 75-amp charge charge controller controller (or (or an an equal equal combination combination of of smaller smaller controllers) controllers) •¢ 11 11 batteries batteries for for three three days, days, or or 18 18 batteries batteries for for five five days days The be large The inverter inverter must must be large enough enough to to handle handle the the highest highest load load expected expected of of it, it, including including surge surge watts. watts. When When it it comes comes to to inverters, inverters, the the price price will will vary vary significantly. significantly. It It is is especially especially true true that that you you get get what what you you pay pay for for when when purchasing purchasing an an inverter. inverter. Lower-priced Lower-priced units units are are lower lower priced priced for for aa lot lot of of reasons. reasons. That That doesn't doesn't mean mean they they won't won't be be functional. functional. Just Just be be aware aware of of their their limitations. limitations. In In our our case case here, here, we've we've got got the the vacuum vacuum cleaner cleaner and and washing washing machine machine listed listed as as the the highest highest draw draw items. items. Assuming Assuming that that neither neither are are used used at at the the same same time, time, we we can can figure figure the the run run watts watts at at 450 450 and and the the surge surge watts watts at at double double that, that, or or 900 900 watts. watts. The The fridge fridge may may be be on on at at any any time, time, as as will will the the computer. computer. So So on on aa day day when when the the computer computer is is on on (50 (50 watts) watts) and and the the television television (100 (100 watts), watts), vacuum be vacuum cleaner cleaner (450 (450 watts), watts), and and fridge fridge kick kick on on (200 (200 watts), watts), you'll you'll be drawing drawing 800 800 watts watts of of power. power. You You might might have have aa few few lights lights on on as as well, well, which, which, with with LED LED lighting, lighting, may may only only be be another another 30 30 watts, watts, but but it it all all adds adds up! up! So So we we have have aa continual continual load load at at 830 830 watts watts (50+100+450+200+30=830 (50+100+450+200+30=830 watts). watts). Plus, Plus, you'll refrigerator kick you'll have have the the surge surge loads loads when when the the vacuum vacuum and and refrigerator kick in. in. These These may may add add another another 650 650 watts watts to to the the total total for for aa few few second's second's time, time, so so your your inverter inverter must must be be capable capable of of at at least least 830 830 watts watts continual continual load load and and 1,480 1,480 watts watts surge surge load. load. The The cost cost of of aa 1,500-watt, 1,500-watt, heavy-duty heavy-duty inverter inverter with with aa built-in built-in battery battery charger charger will will run run approximately approximately $750. $750. Now Now we we have:

•¢ 4,210 4,210 watts watts daily daily use use •¢ 850 850 watts watts in in solar solar panels panels •e 75-amp 75-amp charge charge controller controller (or (or an an equal equal combination combination of of smaller smaller controllers) controllers) •¢ 11 11 batteries batteries for for three three days, days, or or 18 18 batteries batteries for for five five days days •¢ 1,500-watt 1 ,500-watt inverter inverter The The estimated estimated cost cost of of these these items items will will be be approximately:

$1,913

850 watts in solar panels (a good price will be around $2.25 per watt)

250

75-amp charge controller (or an equal combination of smaller controllers)

990 1,620 750 $3,903 $4,533

11 (12-volt} batteries for three days, or’... 18 (12-volt} batteries for five days ($90 each) 1 inverter

Total cost for a three-day battery bank, Of va: Total cost for a five-day battery bank

These panels. These prices prices do do not not include include wiring wiring and and hardware hardware for for mounting mounting panels. There There are are aa couple couple of of things things to to keep keep in in mind mind here. here. First, people. First, this this is is aa very very minimal minimal system system for for the the majority majority of of people. Second, Second, it it would would have have cost cost us us over over $27,000 $27,000 to to get get hooked hooked up up to to the the grid. grid. That's been stuck That's twenty-seven twenty-seven thousand thousand dollars! dollars! And And then then we'd we'd have have been stuck with with monthly monthly utility utility payments payments and and the the periodic periodic power power outages. outages. If If you you can can cut

down down on on your your electrical electrical needs, needs, you you can can literally literally save save thousands thousands of of dollars dollars and and still still enjoy enjoy the the benefits benefits of of electricity. electricity. A A quick quick note note regarding regarding the the solar solar power power systems systems sold sold in in various various sporting sporting goods goods and and other other outlets. outlets. We've We've had had aa lot lot of of questions questions about about how how good good these these are. are. The The answer answer is is that that you you get get what what you you pay pay for. for. These These tend tend to to be be very very low low watts-generally watts-generally around around 60-with 60-with aa cheap cheap inverter inverter and and charge charge controller. controller. If If all all you you want want to to do do is is power power up up aa small small television television to to watch watch aa video video now now and and then, then, and and run run aa notebook notebook computer computer or or maybe maybe aa few few lights lights at at night, night, they'll they'll do do fine. fine. Don't bad deal Don't expect expect much much more more than than that. that. They They aren't aren't aa bad deal as as long long as as you you remember remember their their limitations. limitations. The key to The key to aa low-budget low-budget system system is is to to pare pare down down to to the the bare bare essentials. essentials. We We began began without without any any electricity electricity and and even even though though we we have have aa decent decent system system now, now, we've we've made made aa commitment commitment that that we we will will never never become become dependent dependent on on electricity electricity again. again. It's It's nice nice to to have, have, but but it's it's not not essential essential for for our our lifestyle. lifestyle. WIND WIND POWER POWER Wind Wind power power can can be be aa good good thing thing under under the the right right circumstances. circumstances. The The wind wind is blows during is not not limited limited to to daylight daylight hours hours and and often often blows during cloudy cloudy or or stormy stormy weather, weather, when when solar solar panels panels are are useless. useless. We We have have a a small, small, 400-watt 400-watt wind wind turbine turbine to to supplement supplement our our solar solar panels. panels. In In my my opinion, opinion, this this is is the the best best option option if if you you have have steady steady wind wind available. available. At At this this time, time, these these range range in in price price from from $500 $500 to to $750. $750. You'll You'll either either need need to to build build aa tower tower or or purchase purchase one one (about (about $500 $500 and and up). up). They They need need to to be be mounted mounted 30 30 feet feet above above any any obstructions obstructions (trees, (trees, tall tall buildings, buildings, etc.) etc.) within within 300 300 feet. feet. Otherwise Otherwise the the turbulence turbulence will will keep keep changing changing the the wind's wind's direction. direction. Every Every time time the the wind wind changes changes direction, direction, even body realigns even slightly, slightly, the the turbine turbine blades blades slow slow down down while while the the body realigns itself itself to to the the new new direction. direction. Those Those II have have experience experience with with have have aa slight slight vibration vibration when when working. working. You You get get used used to to it it and and even even like like it it when when you you think think of of the the power power it's it's creating. creating. Many Many of of these these small small turbines turbines have have chargecharge- controllers controllers built built in. in. Some Some are are convertible convertible from from 12 12 to to 24 24 volts. volts. If If you you have have good, good, dependable dependable wind, wind, these these are are great great as as stand-alone stand-alone systems systems with with aa battery battery backup. backup. You You can can get get up up to to 24 24 hours hours per per day day of of charging charging out out of of these these if if the the wind wind blows blows steadily. steadily. So So if if your your daily daily use use is is 6,000 6,000 watts, watts, you'll

need need enough enough solar solar panels panels to to produce produce 1,200 1,200 watts watts per per hour hour on on five five hours hours ofofdirect direct sunlight. sunlight. AA 600-watt 600-watt wind wind turbine turbine at at maximum maximum power, power, running running 24 24 hours, hours, will will produce produce 14,400 14,400 watts watts in in that that same same 24-hour 24-hour period. period. That That takes takes aa lot lot of of wind, wind, but but even even at at 50 50 percent percent of of maximum maximum output, output, it it will will produce produce over over 7,000 7,000 watts watts of of power. power. If If the the wind wind is is sporadic, sporadic, they're they're still still good good for for supplemental supplemental power power in in addition addition to to your your solar solar panels. panels. WATER WATER POWER POWER Hydropower Hydropower is is the the Cadillac Cadillac of of electricity electricity generation generation if if you you have have access access to to the but would the power power source source (flowing (flowing water). water). We We don't don't have have it it but would love love to. to. The The best best thing thing about about it it is is that that it's it's available available 24 24 hours hours aa day, day, seven seven days days aa week. week. If If you you have have aa good good volume volume of of water water available, available, it's it's aa steady steady output output as as well. well. Even Even if if you you don't don't have have aa large large volume, volume, it's it's still still aa good good deal. deal. If If you you can can count count on on generating generating electricity electricity 24/7, 24/7, you you can can use use aa smaller smaller power power plant plant to to accomplish accomplish your your goals. goals. Remember, Remember, when when you you sized sized aa solar solar panel panel generating generating system, system, you you had had to to size size it it to to produce produce all all the the power power you you needed needed on on the the shortest shortest days days of of the the year. year. That been five panels That may may have have only only been five hours hours of of actual actual power power generation. generation. The The panels had had to to do do aa full full day's day's work work in in five five hours. hours. A A hydroelectric hydroelectric generator generator has has 24 24 hours race between hours to to do do its its work. work. It's It's like like the the race between the the hare hare and and the the tortoise. tortoise. Slow Slow and and steady steady can can get get you you aa long long way way with with less less wear wear and and tear tear on on your your generating generating system. system. GENERATORS GENERATORS While While generators generators are are not not aa solution solution to to longlong- term term self-sufficiency self-sufficiency (as (as in in aa total total collapse collapse of of the the world world forever), forever), they they do do have have aa place place on on the the off-grid off-grid homestead. homestead. At At least least they they do do until until you've you've figured figured out out how how to to do do without without them. them. I've I've seen seen aa few few people people try try to to set set up up an an off-grid off-grid home home without without aa generator, generator, and and they've reliability of they've usually usually regretted regretted it. it. Even Even with with the the reliability of hydropower, hydropower, there'll there'll be be times times when when the the system system needs needs to to be be shut shut down down for for maintenance. maintenance. Therefore, Therefore, it's purchasing aa generator. it's wise wise to to make make aa good good choice choice when when purchasing generator. If If you you go go the the opposite opposite extreme extreme and and are are planning planning on on running running aa generator generator all all day day long, long, think think about about this: this: aa generator generator that that will will survive survive continuous continuous duty duty is

very purchase and very expensive expensive to to purchase and run. run. If If you you thought thought your your previous previous electric electric bills purchase gasoline, run bills were were pricey, pricey, wait wait until until you you purchase gasoline, diesel, diesel, or or propane propane to to run aa generator known generator 4,380 4,380 hours hours aa year year (12 (12 hours hours per per day day for for 365 365 days). days). We've We've known people be people who've who've tried tried it. it. Not Not only only is is it it expensive, expensive, but but the the noise noise will will not not be appreciated appreciated by by neighbors neighbors who who moved moved out out to to the the woods woods seeking seeking peace peace and and quiet. quiet. In In addition, addition, if if your your goal goal was was to to conserve conserve our our natural natural resources, resources, running running aa generator generator for for hours hours at at aa stretch stretch will will definitely definitely defeat defeat that that purpose. purpose.

This portable generator. This is is aa 7,000-watt 7,000-watt portable generator. These These are are good good for for occasional occasional use use to to charge battery bank charge aa battery bank or or run run tools tools and and equipment, equipment, but but they they are are not not the the best best option option for for continuous continuous duty. duty. Generators Generators come come in in all all sizes, sizes, and and prices prices ranging ranging from from $100 $100 for for new new 1,0001,000watt watt portable portable units units to to thousands thousands of of dollars dollars for for large large generators generators mounted mounted permanently With these permanently with with automatic automatic transfer transfer switches. switches. With these you you don't don't even even have be home have to to be home when when the the power power goes goes out. out. Everything Everything is is automatic, automatic, from from turning turning the the unit unit on on when when the the grid grid goes goes down down to to turning turning it it off off when when things things are are back back to to normal. normal. But But before before you you rush rush out out to to purchase purchase aa standby standby generator, generator, there there are are some some things things to to consider. consider. Size

Begin by reviewing purchase Begin by reviewing your your power power demands. demands. Any Any generator generator you you purchase needs needs to to be be large large enough enough to to run run essential essential appliances appliances or or tools. tools. Generators, Generators, like like inverters, inverters, have have two two watt watt ratings. ratings. The The lower lower number number is is "running "running watts" watts" This This is is what what the the generator generator can can be be expected expected to to produce produce as as long long as as it's it's running. running. The The higher higher number number will will be be the the "surge "surge watts" watts" This This is is what what the the generator generator can can produce produce for for aa short short length length of of time time (a (a few few seconds) seconds) without without overheating overheating or or damaging damaging the the unit. unit. Be Be absolutely absolutely sure sure that that your your generator generator can can handle handle the the highest highest surge surge load load you you have have listed. listed. In In my my experience, experience, it's it's better better to to have have aa generator generator that's that's larger larger than than you you think think you'll you'll need need rather rather than than one one that's that's barely barely adequate. adequate. You You may may need need extra extra power power to to overcome overcome resistance resistance in in any any extension extension cords cords you're you're using. using. Also, Also, older older appliances appliances or or tools tools may may use use more more power power than than they they did did in in their their prime. prime. Likewise, be as Likewise, as as aa generator generator ages ages it it may may not not be as powerful powerful as as it it was was in in its its youth. youth. Other Other factors factors such such as as altitude, altitude, temperature, temperature, humidity, humidity, and and fuel fuel quality quality may may keep keep your your unit unit from from reaching reaching its its maximum maximum potential. potential. I'd I'd recommend recommend aa generator generator rated rated 25 25 percent percent or or more more above above your your estimated estimated power power needs. needs. Why just buy big generator Why not not just buy aa big generator and and not not worry worry about about watt watt ratings? ratings? Big Big generators generators produce produce more more power power but but use use more more fuel. fuel. (A (A serious serious consideration consideration if if you're you're going going to to run run it it more more than than aa few few hours!) hours!) Larger Larger generators generators usually usually cost cost more more than than similarly similarly equipped equipped smaller smaller units. units. Finally, Finally, smaller smaller (portable) (portable) generators generators are are easier easier to to transport. transport. Outlets Outlets If If you're you're using using aa portable portable unit, unit, you'll you'll need need to to know know if if it it has has an an adequate adequate number number of of outlets outlets with with amp amp ratings ratings that that will will meet meet your your needs. needs. Of Of course, course, you you can can use use power power strips strips and and other other devices devices to to connect connect multiple multiple cords cords to to aa single single outlet, be sure outlet, but but be sure these these devices devices are are rated rated to to handle handle the the current current those those loads loads will rating, the will demand demand from from them. them. Generally, Generally, the the smaller smaller the the watt watt rating, the fewer fewer outlets outlets you'll you'll have. have. Outlets Outlets should should be be convenient convenient to to use use where where they they won't won't be be subjected subjected to to fuel fuel spills spills or or oil oil leakage leakage and and where where you you won't won't get get burned burned by by the the exhaust. exhaust. Noise

Noise Noise is is rated rated in in decibels. decibels. Anything Anything over over 90 90 decibels decibels (db) (db) can can damage damage hearing. hearing. Some Some typical typical sound sound levels levels include include residential residential area area without without traffic traffic (40 (40 db), db), normal normal conversation conversation (60 (60 db), db), normal normal street street noise/average noise/average radio radio (70 (70 db), db), truck truck without without aa muffler muffler (90 (90 db), db), lawn lawn mower mower (100 (100 db), db), trains trains (110 (110 db), db), and jet aircraft and jet aircraft (140 (140 db). db). If If you you plan plan on on using using aa generator generator at at aa secluded secluded retreat, retreat, noise noise is is definitely definitely aa concern. concern. The The only only thing thing that that will will advertise advertise to to the the world world that that you you have have power power and and they they don't don't faster faster than than aa loud loud generator generator is is aa brightly brightly lit lit house house at at night. night. Even Even with with temporary temporary power power outages outages in in the the suburbs, suburbs, you're you're going going to to have have neighbors neighbors calling calling to to use use your your generator. generator. Stealth Stealth reasons reasons aside, aside, there there are are other other reasons reasons you you should should be be concerned concerned about about noise. noise. It's It's difficult difficult to to concentrate concentrate on on tasks tasks when when being being bombarded bombarded with with noise, noise, and and in in already already stressful stressful situations situations it's it's even even worse. worse. Plus, Plus, hearing hearing can can be be permanently by high permanently impaired impaired by high noise noise levels. levels. Fuel Fuel Most Most portable portable generators generators use use gasoline. gasoline. Other Other fuel fuel options options include include propane, propane, natural natural gas, gas, and and diesel diesel fuel. fuel. Each Each has has good good and and bad bad points. points. Whatever Whatever fuel fuel you you need, need, be be sure sure to to have have an an adequate adequate supply supply on on hand hand for for emergency emergency use. use. Gasoline Gasoline is is the the most most common common fuel fuel choice choice for for portable portable units. units. It It is is easily easily obtained obtained now now and and can can be be stored stored in in large large or or small small containers. containers. You'll You'll have have to to take take some some precautions precautions to to store store it it long long term, term, including including finding finding aa suitably suitably safe safe location location and and using using fuel fuel stabilizer. stabilizer. Propane Propane has has aa long long shelf shelf life life and and can can be be easily easily stored stored in in small small or or large large tanks. tanks. It's It's not not as as convenient convenient to to purchase purchase as as gasoline gasoline but but is is still still easy easy to to get. get. If If you but you use use aa bulk bulk tank, tank, you'll you'll have have to to have have aa propane propane company company fill fill the the tank, tank, but you you won't won't need need to to buy buy any any for for aa while while either. either. Most Most propane propane generators generators are are permanently permanently mounted. mounted. Natural Natural gas gas is is clean clean burning burning and, and, as as long long as as the the gas gas lines lines are are functioning, functioning, you you have have an an unlimited unlimited supply supply of of fuel fuel piped piped to to your your home. home. It's It's usually

available available in in times times of of crisis. crisis. Earthquakes Earthquakes are are the the most most dangerous dangerous threat threat to to natural natural gas gas lines. lines. These These units units are are permanently permanently mounted. mounted. Note: Note: some some natural natural gas-powered gas-powered generators generators require require higher higher gas gas pressure pressure than than that that used used by by your your home's home's supplier. supplier. If If this this is is the the case, case, find find out out if if your your gas gas supplier supplier can can install install aa meter meter with with the the higher higher line line pressure. pressure. If If they they can, can, you'll you'll need need aa separate separate gas gas regulator regulator to to reduce reduce the the pressure pressure for for the the other other appliances appliances that that use use natural natural gas gas for for fuel. fuel. Diesel Diesel fuel fuel is is easily easily obtained obtained and and the the least least flammable flammable of of the the four four (making (making it it safer safer to to store). store). Bulk Bulk delivery delivery is is available available if if you you have have aa large large enough enough tank tank (talk (talk to to the the nearest nearest supplier). supplier). Diesel Diesel generators generators are are usually usually large large and and may may be be either either portable portable (usually (usually mounted mounted on on a a trailer) trailer) or or stationary. stationary. You You can can use use what's what's known known as as "red "red dye" dye" fuel fuel for for off-road off-road use use and and avoid avoid some some of of the the taxes taxes levied levied on on automotive automotive fuels. fuels. A A note note on on fuel fuel consumption: consumption: most most generator generator manufacturers manufacturers list list aa fuel fuel consumption percent load. consumption rate rate at at 50 50 percent load. Just Just remember remember that that the the higher higher the the load, load, the the more more fuel fuel it it will will consume. consume. Plan Plan your your fuel fuel reserves reserves accordingly. accordingly. Portable Portable or or Stationary Stationary Stationary pads. Permanent Stationary generators generators are are usually usually mounted mounted on on cement cement pads. Permanent installations installations are are easy easy to to use use and and can can often often be be wired wired so so that that you you can can start start and and run run them them from from the the house. house. Also, Also, most most stationary stationary units units have have bulk bulk tanks tanks so so you you don't don't have have to to refuel refuel every every few few hours. hours. The The disadvantages disadvantages include include expense expense (they're (they're usually usually large large and and pricey), pricey), and and you you can't can't take take it it with with you you if if you you need need to bug out. to bug out. Portable Portable units units are, are, well, well, portable. portable. You You can can take take them them with with you you if if you you leave leave or or take take them them where where the the power power is is needed. needed. If If the the weather's weather's extremely extremely cold, cold, you you can can bring bring them them in in the the house house to to warm warm them them up up prior prior to to trying trying to to start start them. them. (Something (Something to to think think about about when when it's it's 25 25 below below outside!) outside!) Portable Portable units units are are also also cheaper. cheaper. Some Some disadvantages disadvantages include include small small fuel fuel tanks tanks that that will will need need frequent refueling, and frequent refueling, and extension extension cords cords must must be be run run from from the the generator generator to to the the appliance(s) appliance(s) or or your your inverter/charger. inverter/charger. Make Make sure sure extension extension cords cords are

properly properly sized sized to to carry carry the the electric electric load, load, as as overloaded overloaded cords cords can can overheat overheat and and cause cause fires. fires. Small pounds) can Small units units (under (under 50 50 pounds) can be be moved moved by by carrying. carrying. Mid-size Mid-size generators generators usually usually have have wheel wheel kits kits available available to to roll roll them them to to new new locations locations by by hand. hand. Large Large generators generators can can be be mounted mounted on on trailers trailers to to pull pull behind behind aa vehicle. vehicle. Any Any generator generator used used in in an an enclosed enclosed area area may may cause cause aa buildup buildup of of carbon carbon monoxide monoxide or or other other harmful harmful gases. gases. Set Set them them up up outdoors outdoors in in aa well-ventilated well-ventilated area area away away from from living living quarters. quarters. Liquid Liquid or or Air Air Cooled Cooled Liquid-cooled Liquid-cooled generator generator engines engines run run at at aa more more consistent consistent temperature temperature for for longer better performance. longer engine engine life life and and better performance. These These are are usually usually large, large, stationary stationary (sometimes (sometimes trailer trailer mounted) mounted) generators generators designed designed to to run run nonstop nonstop for for days, days, weeks, weeks, or or months months at at aa time. time. Almost Almost all all portable portable gasoline gasoline generators generators are are air air cooled. cooled. They They function function quite quite well well for for emergency emergency or or occasional occasional use. use. Design Design Features Features Now Now that that you you have have the the basics basics down, down, it's it's time time to to look look at at some some optional optional features. features. •¢ Overhead Overhead valve valve engines engines start start easier easier and and last last longer longer than than side side valve valve engines. engines. •¢ Cast-iron Cast-iron cylinder cylinder sleeves sleeves in in aluminum aluminum engines engines reduce reduce cylinder cylinder wear wear and and extend extend engine engine life. life. •¢ Low Low oil oil shutdown shutdown switches switches shut shut down down the the engine engine if if the the oil oil level level drops drops below below aa safe safe operating operating level. level. Don't Don't rely rely on on them; them; I've I've seen seen them them fail. fail. Keep Keep aa close close watch watch on on oil oil levels. levels. •e Electric pull aa starter Electric start start enables enables easy easy starting starting without without having having to to pull starter rope. rope. If If you you want want this, this, be be sure sure your your unit unit comes comes with with aa battery! battery! (Some (Some don't!)

This This is is aa Kohler Kohler permanently permanently mounted mounted generator generator available available from from Lowes. Lowes. These powered by These are are continuous continuous duty duty units units powered by propane propane or or natural natural gas. gas. Some Some are power your are large large enough enough to to power your entire entire house. house. The The problem problem with with these these and and similar similar generators generators is is that that they they depend depend on on fossil fossil fuels, fuels, which which means means they they are are not retreat. not good good long-term long-term options options for for the the self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead or or retreat. •¢ Idle Idle control control switches switches let let the the engine engine throttle throttle down down when when no no load load is is present. present. They They save save fuel fuel and and wear wear on on the the generator generator and and cut cut down down on on noise noise levels levels while while idling. idling. •¢ Hour keep track Hour meters meters keep track of of how how long long the the motor's motor's been been running. running. (Helpful (Helpful for for maintenance purposes.) maintenance purposes.) •e External/replaceable External/replaceable oil oil filters filters extend extend engine engine life. life. •¢ Full Full power power switches switches allow allow you you to to switch switch off off the the 240-volt 240-volt output output to to get get more more power power to to your your 120120- volt volt outlets. outlets. This This is is especially especially useful useful when when powering powering air air compressors compressors and and water water pumps pumps with with aa minimally minimally sized sized generator. generator. •¢ Brushless Brushless alternators alternators require require less less maintenance maintenance and and produce produce power power that's that's more more suitable suitable for for sensitive sensitive electronic electronic equipment.

There There are are other other options options available available (mainly (mainly on on high-end, high-end, permanently permanently mounted mounted units). units). Most Most of of these these add add to to the the cost cost and and aren't aren't necessary necessary unless unless you're you're powering powering aa hospital hospital or or office office with with aa lot lot of of electronic electronic equipment. equipment. Use Use your judgment when your own own judgment when talking talking to to aa salesman. salesman.

If If you're you're looking looking at at long-term long-term survival, survival, no no power power option option mentioned mentioned is is foolproof. foolproof. In In our our case, case, we we can can continue continue to to generate generate electricity electricity for for quite quite some some time, but we time, but we ask ask ourselves ourselves why? why? Eventually, Eventually, components components will will fail fail and, and, depending brought us depending upon upon the the event event that that brought us to to that that point, point, such such as as aa massive massive solar solar flare flare or or electromagnetic electromagnetic pulse, pulse, there there may may not not be be any any functioning functioning electrical possibility is electrical devices devices left. left. The The way way we've we've dealt dealt with with this this possibility is to to find find ways power. Aside ways to to live live comfortably comfortably without without electrical electrical power. Aside from from food food preservation, preservation, the the most most important important thing thing to to consider consider is is housing. housing. That's That's the the subject subject of of the the next next chapter. chapter.

Housing and Outbuildings *eeeee?”

ff you you have have lots lots of of money, money, you you can can purchase purchase your your property property with with aa home home and and all all the the outbuildings outbuildings you'll you'll ever ever want, want, or or you you can can hire hire them them built built as as needed. needed. However, However, that that isn't isn't going going to to be be an an option option for for many many people people reading reading this just like this book. book. You'll You'll be be building building some some or or all all of of your your structures, structures, just like II did. did. Most reading and Most of of what what II know know about about construction construction was was learned learned through through reading and assisting assisting real real carpenters. carpenters. Some Some of of it it was was learned learned by by the the things things II did did wrong. wrong. Hopefully, Hopefully, the the information information below below will will help help you you avoid avoid some some of of the the mistakes mistakes II made. made. BASIC BASIC CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION METHODS METHODS One One of of the the things things that's that's vitally vitally important important on on the the low-budget low-budget self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead know enough. homestead or or retreat retreat are are construction construction skills. skills. You You can can never never know enough. At At aa minimum, be aware minimum, you you should should be aware of of such such different different construction construction methods methods as as conventional conventional frame frame construction, construction, timber timber frame, frame, pole pole buildings, buildings, log log cabin cabin building, building, slip slip form, form, stone stone work, work, adobe, adobe, cement cement block, block, straw straw bale, bale, cordwood, cordwood, earth earth shelter, shelter, the the fundamentals fundamentals of of using using cement, cement, and and aa basic basic understanding understanding of of foundations foundations in in their their various various forms forms (post, (post, cement, cement, stone, stone, wood, wood, etc.). etc.). You be proficient You don't don't have have to to be proficient in in all all of of these, these, but but you you should should have have aa general general understanding understanding of of each each in in order order to to cover cover all all your your bases. bases. By By having having multiple multiple options options in in mind, mind, you you can can take take advantage advantage of of local local windfalls. windfalls. In In our our location location there there is is lots lots of of timber timber and and rocks. rocks. That That means means we we can can harvest harvest building building materials materials suitable suitable for for stone, stone, log, log, or or cordwood cordwood construc construc tion tion methods methods and and possibly possibly save save ourselves ourselves aa lot lot of of money. money. We We can can also also cut cut timber timber on on our our own own land land and and have have it it milled milled into into dimension dimension lumber lumber for for conventional conventional frame frame construction. construction. We We can can also also cut cut trees trees for for timber timber frame frame construction construction if if that that works works best best for for us. us. For For the the same same reason, reason, if if you you can can gain gain some some knowledge knowledge of of unconventional unconventional designs-such designs-such as as using using tires tires or or sandbags, sandbags, tree tree house house construction, construction, and and other other less-known be ahead less-known methods-you'll methods-you'll also also be ahead of of the the game.

Remember, Remember, the the reason reason most most people people are are going going the the low-budget low-budget route route is is because because they they don't don't have have aa lot lot of of money. money. Housing Housing and and building building projects projects get get expensive expensive in in aa hurry, hurry, so so you you want want to to keep keep those those costs costs down down everywhere everywhere possible. possible. If If you you really really want want to to expand expand your your options, options, get get some some knowledge knowledge of of permanent permanent ancient ancient shelters shelters such such as as hogans hogans in in their their various various forms, forms, cliff cliff dwellings, dwellings, and and adobe adobe structures. structures. It's It's especially especially beneficial beneficial to to learn learn what what kind kind of of primitive primitive housing housing was was used used in in climates climates like like yours. yours. Have Wall tents Have some some temporary temporary shelter shelter ideas ideas in in mind. mind. Wall tents with with wood wood floors floors used backwoods properties used to to be be aa common common sight sight in in frontier frontier towns. towns. On On backwoods properties today, today, you'll you'll still still see see teepees teepees built built on on wooden wooden platforms platforms and and lived lived in in yearyearround. round. Get Get in in the the habit habit of of exploring exploring ghost ghost towns, towns, historical historical villages, villages, museums, museums, theme theme parks, parks, old old farmsteads, farmsteads, or or other other links links to to our our past. past. Don't Don't forget forget modernmodernday day historical historical reenactments reenactments such such as as mountain mountain man man rendezvous, rendezvous, American American Indian people lived Indian festivals, festivals, and and other other living living history history events. events. Learn Learn how how people lived in in the the days days when when they they used used local local materials materials to to construct construct their their homes homes and and outbuildings. outbuildings. Watch Watch the the news, news, paying paying special special attention attention to to living living conditions conditions in in developing developing countries. countries. If If you you get get aa chance, chance, go go on on aa short-term short-term mission mission trip trip to to aa third third world world country country with with your your church church or or some some other other sponsoring sponsoring agency. agency. If If that's that's not not an an option, option, find find aa group group that that is is going going and and send send along along aa camera. camera. Tell Tell them them to to take take lots lots of of pictures pictures of of the the houses houses and and outbuildings. outbuildings. Evaluate Evaluate the the positives positives and and negatives negatives of of their their homes homes and and shelters. shelters. As As always, always, read, read, read, read, read! read! Peruse Peruse the the Internet, Internet, especially especially YouTube, YouTube, but but don't don't forget forget websites websites focused focused on on primitive primitive living living and and skills. skills. Talk Talk to to your your elderly elderly neighbors neighbors and and relatives. relatives. Ask Ask questions questions about about their their life life and and housing housing when when they they were were kids. kids. As As you you do do your your research, research, you'll you'll want want to to be be looking looking at at some some specific specific areas. areas. First, banks and First, foundations. foundations. What's What's the the purpose purpose of of aa foundation? foundation? Why Why do do banks and mortgage permanent foundations? mortgage lenders lenders usually usually require require permanent foundations? Is Is there there anything

wrong just laying wrong with with just laying logs, logs, rocks, rocks, or or cement cement blocks blocks on on the the ground ground and and building building on on top top of of them? them? How How much much technology technology do do you you need need for for each each method? kind of required? method? What What kind of tools tools or or equipment equipment are are required? Second, What was Second, building building construction construction materials. materials. What was used used and and why? why? I've I've seen boards, rocks/stone, seen buildings buildings constructed constructed of of boards, rocks/stone, cordwood, cordwood, straw straw bales, bales, tires, tires, and and sandbags. sandbags. How How well well does does each each type type of of material material hold hold up up over over time? time? What kind of What skill skill level level is is required required to to use use the the material? material? What What kind of equipment equipment or or technology technology is is needed? needed? II know know of of African African tribes tribes that that used used dried dried cow cow dung dung for for covering covering outside outside walls. walls. Some Some primitive primitive peoples peoples lived lived in in grass grass houses, houses, some some in in sod sod houses, houses, and and others others in in earth-sheltered earth-sheltered lodges. lodges. Holes Holes dug dug into into hillsides hillsides were were often often used used as as permanent permanent shelters shelters in in pioneer pioneer times. times. (In (In modern modern times times we we do do the the same same thing, thing, only only we we line line the the walls walls with with cement cement and and add add more more windows!) windows!) Natives Natives and and pioneers pioneers generally generally used used whatever whatever materials materials were were available just looking available locally. locally. Remember, Remember, we we aren't aren't just looking at at walls walls but but also also the the roof roof and and foundation foundation materials. materials. Can Can you you name name three three roofing roofing materials materials other other than than asphalt roofing? (Be asphalt or or fiberglass fiberglass shingles shingles or or metal metal roofing? (Be creative! creative! I've I've seen seen roofing roofing materials materials made made from from tire tire sidewalls, sidewalls, old old newspaper newspaper plates, plates, and and handhandsplit just to split wood wood shingles, shingles, just to name name three.) three.) Third, Third, how how do do you you obtain obtain structural structural integrity? integrity? By By this this II mean mean how how do do you you hold hold the the structure structure together? together? Let's Let's face face it: it: gravity gravity and and wind wind are are not not aa building's building's friends. friends. How How do do you you put put everything everything together together so so it it doesn't doesn't fall fall down down around around your your head? head? Be Be familiar familiar with with things things like like "top-plate," "top-plate," "sill-plate," "sill-plate," and and "headers" "headers" as as they they apply apply to to frame frame building building construction. construction. What's What's aa "load"loadbearing bearing wall"? wall"? Where Where do do you you start start the the walls walls when when using using masonry masonry or or stone stone construction construction and and why why there? there? What What are are the the different different ways ways of of notching notching logs logs for for log log building building construction, construction, and and what're what're the the advantages/disadvantages advantages/disadvantages of of each? each? Why post- and-beam Why do do you you see see so so many many triangles triangles in in postand-beam construction? construction? Under Under primitive primitive conditions, conditions, how how do do you you set set aa ridge ridge beam beam in in place place so so that that it's it's strong strong enough enough to to bear bear an an earthen earthen covering? covering? (North (North American American Natives Natives used used forked forked posts posts set set in in the the ground.)

This This shows shows the the south south and and west west sides sides of of the the cabin cabin when when we we first first took took possession possession of of the the land. land.

One With One of of the the first first things things we we did did was was cut cut out out large large openings openings for for windows. windows. With an an off-grid off-grid home, home, large large windows windows are are needed needed to to let let in in lots lots of of light. light. AA couple couple ofyears ofyears earlier, earlier, we we had had purchased purchased the the windows windows from from Habitat Habitat for for Humanity Humanity for for $10 $10 each. each. We We put put tarps tarps over over the the roof roof until until we we could could afford afford roofing roofing materials. materials. Fourth, Fourth, how how are are the the structures structures insulated, insulated, heated, heated, or or cooled? cooled? Many Many primitive primitive cultures cultures had had chronic chronic lung lung problems problems due due to to smoke smoke inhalation. inhalation. Others Others had had chronic chronic death death problems problems due due to to being being burned burned when when their their homes homes caught caught on on fire. fire. What What -materials -materials have have the the most most insulating insulating value value for for your your climate? climate? What What terrain terrain features features help help with with heating heating and and cooling? cooling? Rows Rows of of evergreen evergreen trees trees planted planted on on the the north north side side offer offer shelter shelter from from cold cold north north winds, winds, while while large large shade shade trees trees offer offer cooling cooling shade shade in in hot hot climates. climates. Study Study so so that that you you don't don't have have to to reinvent reinvent the the wheel wheel every every time time you you build. build. Fifth, building method? Fifth, what's what's the the lifespan lifespan of of your your building method? Let's Let's face face it: it: "permanent" "permanent" means means different different things things to to different different people people or or cultures. cultures. Suppose Suppose you you can can build build aa structure structure in in two two months months for for nothing nothing except except the the labor labor involved involved that that will will be be useable useable for for 10 10 years. years. Now Now suppose suppose you you can can build build aa structure structure with with an an estimated estimated 30-year 30-year lifespan, lifespan, but but it'll it'll cost cost you you $40,000. $40,000. Which Which is is the the better better deal? deal? That That may may well well depend depend on on your your future future plans plans and and your your financial financial situation. situation. What What the the low-budget low-budget homesteader homesteader or or survivalist survivalist needs needs to to know know is is the the principles principles of of construction construction rather rather than than be be an an expert expert in in one one type type of of building building method. method. (Although (Although if if you're you're an an expert, expert, that that can can help help too!) too!) The The reason reason is is versatility. versatility. If If you you have have aa good good grasp grasp of of the the five five basics basics above, above, you you can can experiment experiment or or freelance freelance as as well. well. The The cost cost of of conventional conventional building building methods methods is is often often considerable, considerable, while while unconventional unconventional or or primitive primitive structures structures can can be be built built for for nothing nothing other other than than the the labor labor involved. involved. There's There's also also the the time time factor. factor. Suppose just moved Suppose you've you've just moved onto onto some some undeveloped undeveloped land land and and you you must must have have shelter shelter built built within within aa very very short short time time frame? frame? In In homestead homestead or or survival survival situations, situations, it it might might be be handy handy to to have have some some unconventional unconventional ideas ideas up up your your sleeve. sleeve. If If it's it's an an EOTWAWKI EOTWAWKI situation, situation, your your options options might might be be severely severely limited. limited. You'll You'll need need to to be be able able to to adapt adapt your your building building method method to to the the materials materials on on hand.

The The best best thing thing about about knowing knowing construction construction fundamentals fundamentals is is that that you you don't don't need basic understanding need to to fabricate fabricate aa bunch bunch of of structures structures to to have have some some basic understanding of of how how these these things things work. work. This This is is one one area area where where you you can can read, read, study, study, and and put put that that information information away away in in your your mind mind for for future future reference. reference. But But the the time time to to do do it it is is now. now. Shut Shut off off the the television television and and go go to to YouTube, YouTube, or or head head for for your your local local library books. Buy best books keep as library and and hit hit the the books. Buy copies copies of of the the best books to to keep as reference reference manuals practice. manuals for for the the time time when when you you have have to to put put your your knowledge knowledge into into practice. (Used (Used books books can can often often be be purchased purchased for for far far less less than than new new and and will will serve serve you you just as just as well.) well.) The The more more knowledge knowledge you you have, have, the the more more options options you'll you'll have. have. Be Be as as versatile versatile as as possible possible to to take take advantage advantage of of the the natural natural resources resources around around you. you. One remarked that One of of our our neighbors neighbors looked looked over over the the mountains mountains and and remarked that it it wasn't wasn't that that long long ago ago when when the the settlers settlers provided provided almost almost everything everything for for themselves themselves and and needed needed very very little little money money for for anything. anything. And And she she was was right! right! You You don't don't need need piles piles of of money money to to live live aa self-sufficient self-sufficient life, life, but but you you do do need need creativity, creativity, knowledge, knowledge, skill, skill, and and determination. determination. DESIGNING DESIGNING THE THE NONELECTRIC NONELECTRIC OR OR OFF-GRID OFF-GRID HOME HOME My My wife wife and and II purchased purchased our our property property with with some some clear clear goals goals in in mind mind and and years years of of experience experience living living off off the the grid. grid. Our Our goals goals were were to to simplify simplify our our lives, lives, cut be as cut expenses expenses to to aa bare bare minimum, minimum, and and be as self-sufficient self-sufficient as as possible. possible. Most Most of be set of us us have have experienced experienced power power outages outages and and their their results. results. We We wanted wanted to to be set up up so so that that if if the the power power went went out out for for aa day, day, week, week, month, month, year, year, or or forever, forever, we'd we'd still still live live in in comfort. comfort. That That doesn't doesn't mean mean we we don't don't have have anything anything electrical resolved to electrical in in our our house, house, but but we we resolved to keep keep our our electrical electrical usage usage to to aa minimum minimum and and 100 100 percent percent optional. optional. Here Here are are some some of of the the things things we we did. did. Evaluate Evaluate your your space space needs needs carefully. carefully. Our Our original original home home was was aa 16 16 x x 3232foot foot log log cabin cabin nestled nestled in in the the woods woods of of northwestern northwestern Montana. Montana. We We added added aa 12 12 xx 16-foot, 16-foot, 11/2 11/2 story story addition addition to to the the south south end. end. The The main main living living area area (kitchen, (kitchen, dining, dining, and and living living room) room) is is completely completely open. open. At At the the time time we we made made our our move move we we still still had had four four children children at at home, home, so so the the six six of of us us lived lived in in 512 512 square square feet feet of of space space that that first first winter. winter. Even Even after after the the addition, addition, we we had had only only 896 896 square square feet feet of of living living area. area. Was Was it it cramped cramped at at times? times? Absolutely, Absolutely, but but we we made made it it and and so so can can others.

Large Large homes homes are are difficult difficult to to heat heat and and cool, cool, increase increase tax tax and and insurance insurance expenses, expenses, and and are are more more costly costly (and (and more more work) work) to to maintain. maintain. If If you you have have piles piles of of money, money, these these aren't aren't important important issues. issues. However, However, if if you're you're living living on on aa tight tight budget, budget, you you can can save save aa lot lot of of money money over over the the years years by by building building small small and and using using that that space space wisely. wisely. If If it it comes comes down down to to aa longlong- term term survival survival situation by hand situation and and you you have have to to cut cut and and haul haul wood wood by hand or or purchase purchase coal coal or or oil oil out be thankful out of of home-generated home-generated income income or or trade trade goods, goods, you'll you'll be thankful for for the the small small house. house. Modern Modern houses houses are are designed designed for for forced-air forced-air heat. heat. That That means means you've you've got got to to have have aa fan fan to to blow blow (force) (force) the the warm warm air air through through metal metal ducts ducts and and into into the the individual individual rooms. rooms. As As long long as as the the electricity electricity is is working working that's that's not not aa problem, problem, but but in in aa disaster disaster or or long-term long-term survival survival situation, situation, you're you're going going to to be be mighty mighty cold be married cold in in the the winter. winter. Even Even in in normal normal times times you'll you'll be married to to the the utility utility company, company, with with sky-high sky-high heating heating bills bills all all winter winter long. long. If If you're you're living living offoffgrid, grid, you'll you'll be be looking looking at at huge huge solar solar arrays arrays and and battery battery banks banks to to handle handle the the power power needed needed by by furnace furnace fans. fans. When When heating heating with with wood wood or or any any type type of of space space heater, heater, there there are are some some things things to to think think about. about. First, First, the the heat heat kind kind of of emanates emanates from from the the stove, stove, so so it'll it'll always be warmer always be warmer near near the the stove stove and and colder colder farther farther away. away. Also, Also, it's it's easier easier to to get get warm warm air air to to flow flow up up than than it it is is to to get get it it to to flow flow through through doorways doorways or or around passive heat around corners. corners. If If you're you're designing designing your your home home for for passive heat circulation circulation (not keep everything (not forced forced air), air), keep everything open. open. We We once once viewed viewed aa cabin cabin that that had had upstairs upstairs bedroom bedroom lofts lofts on on each each end, end, with with an an open open ceiling ceiling between between them. them. The The upstairs upstairs lofts lofts stayed stayed very very warm warm in in winter winter ... ... and and summer! summer! (More (More on on cooling cooling the the house house later.) later.) Position Position your your stove stove in in aa central central location location and and locate locate bedrooms bedrooms upstairs upstairs over over the What you the main main living living area. area. What you don't don't want want is is aa single-level single-level home home with with long long hallways hallways going going to to rooms rooms far far from from the the stove. stove. Mobile Mobile homes homes are are extremely extremely difficult difficult to to heat heat evenly evenly without without forced-air forced-air furnaces. furnaces. The The long, long, narrow narrow hallways reach back hallways do do not not allow allow the the heat heat to to reach back bedrooms bedrooms and and living living quarters. quarters. Another Another thing thing you you don't don't want want is is high, high, cathedralcathedral- type type ceilings. ceilings. Remember, Remember, warm warm air air rises, rises, so so you'll you'll be be heating heating aa huge huge volume volume of of empty empty space space above above your your living living area. area. By By the the time time it's it's warm warm at at floor floor level, level, it it will will be be over over 100 100

degrees but degrees near near the the ceiling. ceiling. Ceiling Ceiling fans fans will will help help some some in in that that situation, situation, but then then you're you're depending depending on on electricity. electricity. If If you're you're on on grid, grid, this this means means one one more more monthly have to monthly bill bill to to pay; pay; if if you're you're off-grid, off-grid, it it means means you'll you'll have to generate generate electricity bad time electricity to to power power the the fan(s). fan(s). As As mentioned, mentioned, winter winter can can be be aa bad time for for solar power. The solar power. The days days are are shorter shorter and and the the nights nights are are longer, longer, which which will will tax tax your battery bank. bank. your panels panels and and battery

This This is is what what the the inside inside looked looked like like when when we we took took possession. possession. There There had had been been aa room but vandals room partitioned partitioned off off in in the the back back (south (south end) end) of of the the cabin, cabin, but vandals had had broken broken the the drywall, drywall, and and aa leaking leaking roof roof and and pack pack rats rats had had destroyed destroyed the the insulation insulation in in the the ceiling.

The The first first thing thing we we did did was was aa major major cleanup cleanup of of the the interior. interior. It It took took hours hours of of scrubbing plywood floor scrubbing to to get get the the plywood floor clean. clean. We We set set up up tents tents inside inside for for the the kids, kids, and and my my wife wife and and II slept slept in in aa double double bed bed with with mosquito mosquito netting netting over over it. it. The The original original builders builders had had stuffed stuffed fiberglass fiberglass insulation insulation between between the the logs, logs, and and aa lot lot of of it it had had fallen fallen out. out. The The mosquitoes mosquitoes came came and and went went at at their their leisure. leisure. Shielding Shielding from from cold cold north north winds winds is is always always aa good good idea. idea. Many Many older older homes homes had but no had lots lots of of southsouth- facing facing windows windows but no windows windows at at all all on on the the north north side side of

the the house. house. It's It's common common in in prairie prairie country country to to see see wind wind breaks breaks planted planted on on the the north rows with north side side of of the the homestead. homestead. These These are are usually usually east/west east/west rows with two two or or three rows of three rows of evergreen evergreen trees trees and and aa couple couple rows rows of of large large shade shade trees. trees. Their Their only only purpose purpose is is to to protect protect the the home home and and it it residents residents from from harsh harsh winter winter winds. winds. Where Where we we live, live, cooling cooling aa house house in in summer summer isn't isn't much much of of aa problem, problem, mainly mainly because because we we live live in in mountains mountains near near the the Canadian Canadian border border and and have have very very little little summer! summer! For For many many people, people, though, though, summers summers are are long, long, hot, hot, and and humid, be dealt humid, and and the the heat heat must must be dealt with. with. When airWhen you you look look at at houses houses built built before before forced-air forced-air heating heating and and_airconditioning, conditioning, you you notice notice some some design design features features that that modern modern houses, houses, with with their their artificial artificial climate climate controls, controls, don't don't possess. possess. Before Before the the forced-air forced-air era, era, houses houses had had large, large, covered covered porches porches and and lots lots of of outside outside windows windows and and doors doors for for ventilation. ventilation. To To cool cool aa nonelectric nonelectric home home in in summer, summer, two two things things were were needed: needed: shade shade and and ventilation. ventilation. Houses built in Houses built in the the southeastern southeastern United United States States often often had had large large verandas. verandas. These These were were great great places places to to relax relax in in the the shade shade after after aa hard hard day's day's work. work. Many Many had built outside had summer summer kitchens kitchens built outside so so that that the the heat heat from from the the wood-burning wood-burning cookstove cookstove didn't didn't heat heat the the house house excessively excessively during during meal meal preparation. preparation. Windows Windows were were numerous, numerous, as as were were French French doors. doors. These These let let in in lots lots of of cool cool air air to to take take full full advantage advantage of of evening evening summer summer breezes. breezes. Windows Windows had had awnings awnings to room interiors to shade shade room interiors from from direct direct summer summer sunlight. sunlight. Shade Shade trees trees were were prized practicality on prized for for their their beauty beauty and and practicality on hot hot summer summer days. days. When When II was was aa child, child, we we often often slept slept outside outside on on hot hot summer summer nights. nights. Not Not only only was was it it cooler, cooler, it it was was an an adventure! adventure! In built with bricks. In the the southwestern southwestern United United States, States, homes homes were were built with adobe adobe bricks. The The thick thick walls walls moderated moderated heat heat during during the the day day and and helped helped warm warm the the house house on on cool cool desert desert nights. nights. These These often often had had outside outside porches porches as as well well as as many many windows windows and and doors doors for for good good air air circulation. circulation. Obviously, Obviously, these these features features won't won't cool cool aa home home as as well well as as modern modern airairconditioning, conditioning, but but if if you're you're serious serious about about low-budget low-budget homesteading, homesteading, you're you're going going to to have have to to put put up up with with some some inconvenience.

WINDOWS WINDOWS ARE ARE YOUR YOUR FRIEND! FRIEND! Home Home designs designs have have changed changed over over the the years years to to take take full full advantage advantage of of forced-air kerosene lamps, forced-air heating heating and and cooling. cooling. Electric Electric lights lights replaced replaced kerosene lamps, so so less less external external light light and and fewer fewer windows windows were were needed. needed. Windows Windows also also have have less less insulating insulating value value than than walls, walls, and and since since windows windows were were no no longer longer necessary necessary to to provide provide light light and and ventilation, ventilation, they they became became smaller smaller and and fewer fewer were were installed. installed. Modern Modern houses houses and and apartments apartments with with their their artificial artificial climate climate controls controls are are designed designed more more like like aa refrigerator refrigerator than than aa home. home. All All of of that that is is okay okay if if you you live live on on the the grid grid and and like like sending sending money money to to the the utility utility companies, companies, but but if if you're you're going going to to live live aa low-budget low-budget and/or and/or off-grid off-grid life, life, windows windows are are your your friend. friend. We We got got some some criticism criticism from from neighbors neighbors when when we we remodeled remodeled our our cabin cabin for for full-time because one full-time off-grid off-grid life life because one of of the the first first things things we we did did was was cut cut huge huge holes holes in in the the walls walls and and install install lots lots of of double-pane double-pane windows. windows. We We were were warned warned that that we'd we'd never never be be able able to to keep keep the the place place warm warm in in winter. winter. They They were were wrong. wrong. The The first first really really cold cold spell spell (-25°F) (-25°F) found found us us toasty toasty warm warm while while others others struggled struggled to to keep keep their their homes homes at at 60 60 degrees degrees and and wore wore sweaters sweaters inside. inside. Did Did we we lose lose some some heat heat through through the the windows? windows? Probably, Probably, but but other other factors factors in in our our home home design design made made up up for for the the heat heat loss, loss, and and the the windows windows provided provided many many other other tangible tangible benefits. benefits. There practical reasons There are are some some very very practical reasons to to have have lots lots of of windows windows in in your your low-budget low-budget homestead. homestead. First, First, there's there's the the economic economic standpoint. standpoint. It It costs costs money money to to generate generate electricity electricity to to run run lights. lights. We We have have people people express express awe awe at at all all of of the the "free" We remind "free" electricity electricity we we have. have. We remind them them that that it it isn't isn't free. free. We We bought bought our our solar solar panels, panels, wind wind generator, generator, inverters, inverters, charge charge controllers, controllers, and and batteries. batteries. While While most most of of those those components components have have aa 20-year 20-year or or longer longer life life expectancy, expectancy, the the batteries batteries still still need need periodic periodic replacement. replacement. Do Do we we spend spend less less on on electricity electricity than than most most people? people? Yes. Yes. Is Is our our electricity electricity free? free? No! No! As As you you saw saw in in the the previous previous chapter, chapter, the the best best way way to to save save money money on on electricity electricity is is to to not not need need much Windows let much of of it. it. Windows let in in lots lots of of natural natural light, light, which which means means we we need need less less energy energy to to power power lights. lights. They They also also help help heat heat the the house house on on sunny sunny winter winter days. days. If just ask If you you don't don't believe believe me, me, just ask the the cat cat who who likes likes to to bask bask in in the the warm warm sunlight sunlight streaming streaming through through the the windows.

The The second second reason reason has has to to do do with with long-term long-term survivability. survivability. If, If, at at some some point point in reason, the in our our future, future, for for some some unknown unknown reason, the power power would would ever ever be be switched switched off off permanently, permanently, our our need need to to make make our our own own light light is is greatly greatly reduced. reduced. We We have have plans but it plans to to make make our our own own lamp lamp oil oil if if we we must, must, but it will will take take extra extra work work that that could could be be used used more more beneficially beneficially doing doing other other things. things. Because Because of of the the number number and and size size of of our our windows, windows, every every room room in in the the house house is is usable usable from from sunrise sunrise to to sunset. sunset. Others Others we we know know are are not not so so fortunate fortunate and and must must have have artificial artificial light light all all day day long. long. The prove it The third third reason, reason, even even though though we we can't can't prove it scientifically, scientifically, may may be be most most important important of of all. all. Having Having outside outside light light streaming streaming in, in, even even on on overcast overcast days, days, helps helps fight fight against against the the cabin cabin fever fever and and depression depression that that many many get get during during winter. winter. We We also also have have skylights. skylights. Visitors Visitors to to our our cabin cabin are are often often surprised surprised by by how how bright bright and and cheerful cheerful our our home home is is without without aa single single artificial artificial light light burning. burning. LIGHTS LIGHTS AND AND LIGHTING LIGHTING Despite Despite the the emphasis emphasis on on natural natural lighting, lighting, there'll there'll still still be be times times you'll you'll need need artificial artificial illumination. illumination. We We used used kerosene kerosene lamps lamps the the first first couple couple of of years years living propane lights living here. here. We We also also used used propane lights and and pressurized pressurized lanterns lanterns burning burning Coleman Coleman fuel. fuel. While While propanepropane- and and gas-powered gas-powered lights lights do do put put out out aa lot lot of of light, light, we we found found the the noise noise they they make make objectionable. objectionable. The The fuel fuel also also gets gets expensive expensive if if you you use use them them a a lot. lot. In In our our experience, experience, candles candles were were the the worst worst option. option. They They put put out out very very little little light buying kerosene light and and are are more more expensive expensive than than buying kerosene or or Coleman Coleman fuel. fuel. The The best be said best to to be said about about candles candles is is that that they they can can be be made made from from local local materials materials using using primitive primitive technology. technology. If If we we reach reach that that point, point, the the world world will will really really be be aa dark dark place. place. If If you you use use kerosene, kerosene, aa couple couple of of options options are are available. available. The The first first is is the the wick-type wick-type lamp. lamp. These These are are really really nothing nothing more more than than aa high-output high-output candle. candle. When kitchen table. When we we used used ours, ours, we we usually usually lit lit one one lamp lamp and and set set it it on on the the kitchen table. We'd knit, or We'd all all gather gather round round the the table table to to read, read, play play board board games, games, knit, or whatever whatever other other activity activity we we did did in in the the evenings. evenings. The The soft, soft, yellow yellow light light was was enjoyable,

and and having having everyone everyone gathered gathered around around the the table table brought brought us us closer closer together together as as aa family. family. Those Those were were good good times. times. Don't Don't expect expect one one lamp lamp to to illuminate illuminate an an entire entire room, room, though. though. Despite Despite what what you you see see in in movies, movies, kerosene kerosene lamps lamps are are for for close-in close-in work work only. only. Buy Buy some some extra extra wicking wicking and and chimneys. chimneys. Wicks Wicks get get used used up up and and chimneys chimneys get get broken. broken.

II measured measured and and chalk chalk lined lined the the window window openings openings and and began began cutting cutting the the holes holes with with the the chainsaw. chainsaw. The The tarp tarp in in the the background background kept kept the the sawdust sawdust confined confined to to the board at the area area where where II was was working. working. The The board at the the left left was was used used as as aa vertical vertical guide guide for for cutting.

As As aa temporary temporary fix, fix, we we shoved shoved more more fiberglass fiberglass insulation insulation between between the the logs logs to to keep keep the the mosquitoes mosquitoes and and cold cold air air out, out, which which made made the the cabin cabin insect insect and and air air tight. tight. We We put put new new flooring flooring down down and and had had new new roofing roofing installed. installed. We We installed installed another another door door on on the the south south wall. wall. Once Once the the windows windows were were all all in in and and caulked, caulked, it it began began to to feel feel more more like like aa home. home. The The cabin cabin was was almost almost ready ready for for the the first first winter. winter. The kerosene lights The second second kind kind of of kerosene lights are are the the mantle-type mantle-type Aladdin Aladdin lamps. lamps. We We have but found be too have some some experience experience with with these these but found them them to to be too much much hassle hassle and and returned put out returned to to the the wick-type wick-type lamps. lamps. They They do do put out aa lot lot of of white white light, light, and and one one will will illuminate illuminate aa small small room, room, but but in in our our experience experience they they need need constant constant adjusting prevent carbon adjusting and and readjusting readjusting to to prevent carbon buildup buildup on on the the mantle. mantle. I've I've been been told but we told it it was was because because of of our our altitude altitude and and that that may may be be correct, correct, but we sold sold ours ours at be at aa yard yard sale sale years years ago ago and and have have never never regretted regretted it. it. If If you you go go this this route, route, be sure sure to to keep keep extra extra mantles mantles on on hand. hand. Few Few stores stores carry carry them, them, so so if if you you break break one, be ordered one, its its replacement replacement will will have have to to be ordered through through the the mail. mail. If kerosene lighting If you you use use kerosene lighting of of either either variety, variety, here here are are some some things things to to watch buy the watch for. for. First, First, buy the shortest shortest lamps lamps you you can can get. get. We We cut cut aa hole hole in in the the center center of of an an aluminum aluminum pie pie plate plate and and set set it it over over the the lamp's lamp's chimney chimney for for a

shade. shade. It It keeps keeps the the light light reflected reflected down down on on the the tabletop tabletop and and out out of of your your eyes. eyes. If be above If the the lamp lamp is is tall, tall, the the reflector reflector will will be above eye eye level level and and it'll it'll be be shining shining directly directly into into your your eyes. eyes. Second, Second, yellow yellow highlighting highlighting on on books books (e.g., (e.g., Bibles) Bibles) becomes becomes invisible invisible under under kerosene kerosene lights. lights. Use Use aa dark dark color color such such as as blue blue or or pink pink if if you you highlight highlight as as you you read. read. Third, Third, we we use use number number 11 fuel fuel oil oil in in our our lamps. just as lamps. It's It's much much cheaper cheaper than than kerosene kerosene and and works works just as well. well. It's It's also also dyed dyed red, prefer scented red, so so it it looks looks nice. nice. Some Some people people prefer scented lamp lamp oil. oil. It's It's nice nice if if you you can can afford afford it, it, but but it it will will set set you you back back aa bunch bunch if if you're you're stocking stocking up up on on it it for for the the long long term. term. Now Now that that we we have have our our solar solar power power system, system, we've we've gone gone to to electric electric lights. lights. The The first first couple couple of of years years we we used used low-watt low-watt fluorescent fluorescent bulbs; bulbs; then then we we bought bought our paid around our first first LED LED (light-emitting (light-emitting diode) diode) light. light. We We paid around $30 $30 for for it. it. Thankfully Thankfully they've they've come come down down in in price price as as their their use use has has increased. increased. A bulb puts A 25-watt, 25-watt, compact compact fluorescent fluorescent bulb puts out out light light equal equal to to aa 100-watt 100-watt incandescent incandescent bulb. bulb. The The savings savings may may not not sound sound like like much much to to someone someone on on the the grid, grid, but but when when you're you're off-grid off-grid the the savings savings make make sense. sense. If If you you have have aa 100100watt watt solar solar panel panel getting getting five five hours hours of of direct direct sunlight sunlight on on aa winter winter day, day, it it will will produce produce about about 500 500 watts watts of of power. power. That's That's enough enough to to run run aa 100-watt 100-watt incandescent incandescent light light for for five five hours. hours. In In comparison, comparison, it it will will power power aa 25-watt 25-watt compact compact fluorescent fluorescent light light (CFL) (CFL) for for 20 20 hours. hours. Or Or you you can can use use the the CFL CFL for for five five hours hours and and have have enough enough power power to to run run aa laptop laptop computer computer for for eight eight hours. hours. LED bought LED lights lights use use even even less less energy. energy. The The last last pack pack of of LED LED bulbs bulbs we we bought used used 1.5 1.5 watts watts to to produce produce light light equal equal to to aa 40-watt 40-watt incandescent incandescent bulb. bulb. If If we we used used three three of of them, them, we'd we'd have have output output equal equal to to aa 120-watt 120-watt incandescent incandescent bulb bulb but but use use only only 4.5 4.5 watts watts of of electricity. electricity. We We also also use use reading reading or or desk desk lamps lamps instead instead of of overhead overhead lighting lighting most most of of the the time. time. These These are are portable portable LED LED lamps lamps that that plug plug into into wall wall outlets outlets and and direct direct their their light light down down onto onto your your book, book, computer, computer, or room if or whatever whatever activity activity you're you're doing. doing. Why Why light light an an entire entire room if you're you're sitting sitting in in your your easy easy chair chair reading reading or or sewing?

Finally, Finally, paint paint the the walls walls and and ceilings ceilings white white or or some some other other light light color color and and use reflect light. use light-colored light-colored curtains curtains or or venetian venetian blinds blinds to to reflect light. GO GO PASSIVE PASSIVE It It wasn't wasn't that that long long ago ago that that passive passive heating heating and and cooling cooling were were the the buzzwords buzzwords of of the the environmental environmental movement. movement. That That was was before before being being green green became became aa race race for for new new technology. technology. Now, Now, there's there's nothing nothing wrong wrong with with using using technological technological advances advances in in solar solar heating heating and and cooling, cooling, but but aa lot lot of of it it is is pricey pricey anddepends anddepends on on electricity electricity to to power power pumps, pumps, fans, fans, and and thermostats. thermostats. If If you you have have the the money money to to set set these these systems systems up, up, go go for for it! it! However, However, there there are are ways ways to to harness harness the the sun sun that that don't don't require require huge huge amounts amounts of of money money to to build build and and use. use. Nor Nor are are they they so so complicated complicated that that you'll you'll need need aa specialist specialist to to install install or or repair repair them. them. Passive Passive solar solar heat heat can can be be as as simple simple as as building building your your living living room room with with aa stone stone floor floor and and aa glass, glass, south-facing south-facing wall. wall. The The sun sun warms warms the the floor floor (and (and room) room) during during the the day; day; then then the the stone stone floor floor releases releases the the stored stored heat heat through through the the night. night. The The adobe adobe homes homes built built in in the the southwestern southwestern United United States States were were examples passive solar examples of of passive solar energy energy use. use. The The massive massive walls walls absorbed absorbed heat heat during during the the day day and and released released it it at at night. night. By By morning morning they they had had cooled cooled down down enough enough that that the the interior interior stayed stayed cool cool much much of of the the day day while while the the sun sun reheated reheated the the adobe adobe walls. walls. It It wasn't wasn't as as good good as as forced forced air air or or heat, heat, but but it it was was completely completely independent power needs. independent of of outside outside power needs. In In addition, addition, it it was was built built (often (often by by the the owner) owner) very very cheaply cheaply from from locally locally available available materials. materials. There passive solar There are are many many variations variations of of passive solar systems systems for for heating heating rooms rooms or or water. water. Do Do some some research. research. If If you're you're building building your your home, home, incorporate incorporate as as much much passive passive solar solar energy energy into into your your design design as as you you can. can. If If you're you're moving moving into into an an existing existing home, home, there there are are ways ways to to add add solar solar heating heating to to it it to to supplement supplement your your winter winter heating heating needs. needs. Passive Passive solar solar hot hot water water heaters heaters can can be be used used as as stand-alone stand-alone systems systems or or with with active active systems. systems. A A stand-alone stand-alone system system supplies supplies all all the the hot hot water water used used in in your your home. home. The The advantage advantage is is obvious: obvious: no no external external energy energy sources sources are are necessary. necessary. The reliable. When The drawback drawback to to these these is is that that they they are are not not always always reliable. When the the sun sun isn't isn't available, available, their their output output diminishes diminishes severely.

If If you're you're using using them them as as an an aid aid to to preheat preheat the the water water going going into into your your hot hot water water heater, heater, you you can can save save quite quite aa bit bit in in energy energy costs. costs. Regular Regular hot hot water water heaters heaters with with the the tanks tanks and and thermostats thermostats that that maintain maintain the the water water at at aa preset preset temperature temperature are are not not energy energy efficient efficient (especially (especially on on aa low-budget, low-budget, selfselfsufficient, sufficient, off-grid off-grid homestead homestead or or retreat). retreat). Face Face it: it: you you only only need need hot hot water water sporadically sporadically during during the the day, day, so so why why keep keep 40 40 or or more more gallons gallons hot hot all all day day and and all all night night long? long? If If you you use use an an on-demand on-demand hot hot water water system, system, then then preheating preheating the the water water through through aa solar solar collector collector makes makes aa lot lot of of sense. sense. By By raising raising the the temperature temperature of of the the water water going going into into the the water water heater, heater, you'll you'll need need less less energy energy to to heat heat it it up up as as it it passes passes through. through. You You can can have have the the best best of of both both worlds. worlds. By By installing installing aa valve valve and and a a little little extra extra plumbing, plumbing, you you can can route route the the hot hot water water from from the the solar solar collector collector around around the the hot hot water water heater heater on on those those days days you you have have lots lots of of sun. sun. That'll That'll save save even even more more money. money. EARTH-SHELTERED EARTH-SHELTERED HOMES HOMES My My wife wife and and II agree agree that that if if we we had had to to do do this this over over from from scratch, scratch, we'd we'd go go with with an an earth-sheltered earth-sheltered home home with with aa south-facing south-facing glass glass wall. wall. We'd We'd have have sufficient sufficient roof roof overhang overhang on on the the south south to to shade shade the the wall wall in in the the summer, summer, yet yet allow allow the the sun sun to to hit hit it it full full strength strength during during the the cold cold winter winter months. months. Earth Earth shelters shelters have have been been used used around around the the globe globe by by indigenous indigenous people people who who needed building material kept them needed aa building material that that was was low low maintenance maintenance and and kept them cool cool in in summer summer and and warm warm in in winter. winter. The The earth earth provides provides excellent excellent protection protection from from wind wind and and extremes extremes in in the the weather. weather. Unless Unless you you live live where where drainage drainage is is aa problem, problem, it's it's difficult difficult to to imagine imagine aa locale locale where where earth earth sheltering sheltering is is not not the the best best way way to to live. live. The The $50 $50 and and Up Up Underground Underground House House Book Book by by Mike Mike Oehler Oehler and and Chris Chris Royer Royer is is written written for for the the budget-minded budget-minded homesteader homesteader and and shows shows what what one one can can do do with with little little money money and and a a lot lot of of grit. grit. There There are are other other books books and and websites websites dealing dealing with with earthearth- sheltered sheltered housing housing as as well. well. Many Many earth-sheltered earth-sheltered homes homes are are as as classy classy as as any any aboveground aboveground house house you you can can imagine. imagine. Again, Again, do do some some research. research. One One thing thing you'll you'll want want to to check check is is building building codes. codes. Some Some are are written written so so stringently stringently that that it'll it'll take take some some creativity creativity to to design design an an earth-sheltered earth-sheltered home home that that meets meets all all the the requirements.

The The following following spring spring our our materials materials arrived arrived for for the the addition. addition. (Some (Some assembly assembly required!) required!) We We purchased purchased them them at at the the Home Home Depot Depot 65 65 miles miles away away and and had had them them delivered delivered to to our our cabin. cabin. It It was was cheaper cheaper to to pay pay them them than than to to make make multiple multiple trips trips in in our our own own vehicle.

The The cabin cabin with with the the 11 Y2-story Y2-story addition addition completed. completed. Only Only basic basic construction construction skills skills were were needed needed throughout throughout the the cabin cabin restoration restoration and and construction construction of of the the addition. previous houses addition. I'd I'd already already done done some some remodeling remodeling on on previous houses we'd we'd owned owned and and had had built built smaller smaller structures structures such such as as doghouses, doghouses, storage storage buildings, buildings, and and room room additions. additions. I'd I'd taken taken every every opportunity opportunity II could could find find to to help help professional professional carpenters, carpenters, so so II had had some some real-life real-life experience experience to to draw draw from from there there as as well. well. This building aa multistoried brushing up This was was my my first first time time building multistoried building, building, but but after after brushing up with with some some book book study, study, II thought thought II could could handle handle it. it. And And we we did. did. II learned learned from from the the mistakes mistakes II made made building building those those small small projects projects in in previous previous years, years, so so II was jobs when was better better prepared prepared to to handle handle the the larger larger jobs when they they came. came. It's It's not not rocket rocket science, science, but but it's it's smart smart to to gain gain experience experience in in the the little little stuff stuff before before you you tackle jobs. tackle the the big big jobs. TEMPORARY TEMPORARY AND AND LOW-BUDGET LOW-BUDGET HOUSING HOUSING These These include include campers, campers, tents, tents, teepees, teepees, yurts, yurts, dugouts, dugouts, and and other other lowlowbudget, budget, temporary, temporary, or or "replaceable" "replaceable" housing housing options. options. I'm I'm going going to to include include mobile mobile homes homes in in this this section, section, for for reasons reasons I'll I'll explain explain next. next. Mobile Mobile Homes

First First off, off, II have have nothing nothing against against living living in in mobile mobile homes. homes. When When it's it's wet wet outside, outside, they they are are dry dry inside inside and and when when it's it's cold cold outside outside they they are are warm warm inside. inside. That's That's pretty pretty much much the the basic basic requirements requirements of of any any shelter, shelter, so so there's there's nothing nothing wrong wrong with with living living in in one. one. The The reason reason I've I've put put them them here here is is that that mobile mobile homes homes are are not not designed designed for for off-grid off-grid life. life. They They are are especially especially not not designed designed for for life life without without running running water, water, if if that's that's what what you'll you'll be be doing. doing. Their Their windows windows are are small, small, so so they they are are dependent dependent on on artificial artificial light. light. They They have have long long hallways hallways and and remote remote bedrooms, bedrooms, which which make make them them difficult difficult to to heat heat without without aa forcedforced- air air furnace. furnace. The The small small windows windows and and metal metal sides sides make make them them difficult difficult to to cool cool naturally naturally during during hot hot summer summer days. days. Many Many are are woefully woefully lacking lacking in in insulation. insulation. Water Water pipes pipes are are run run alongside alongside heating heating ducts ducts to to keep keep them them from from freezing freezing in in the the winter. winter. This This means means that that if if you you are are using using radiant radiant wood wood heat, heat, the the water water in in the the pipes pipes is is more more likely likely to to freeze freeze in in cold cold weather. weather. However, However, if if you you have have aa mobile mobile home, home, there there are are things things you you can can do do to to make make it it more more efficient efficient for for offoff- grid grid life. life. You'll You'll need need to to open open it it up up aa bit bit for for heat heat to to circulate. circulate. You You might might also also need need to to install install more more or or larger larger windows windows for for air air circulation circulation in in summer. summer. New New windows windows are are expensive, expensive, but but we've we've purchased purchased used used windows windows from from places places like like Habitat Habitat for for Humanity Humanity and and clearance clearance sales sales at at building building supply supply stores, stores, and and by by stopping stopping where where people people are are remodeling remodeling their their homes homes and and replacing replacing their their old old windows. windows. Sometimes Sometimes they'll they'll even even give give them them to to you just to you just to have have you you haul haul them them off. off. In In most most cases, cases, you you can can retrofit retrofit these these housing housing windows windows into into aa mobile mobile home. home. If If it's it's an an older older model model with with thinner thinner walls, walls, it it may may take take extra extra work work to to accomplish, accomplish, but but it it can can be be done. done. You'll keep all You'll probably probably want want to to move move the the bathroom bathroom next next to to the the kitchen kitchen to to keep all your be sure kitchen is your plumbing plumbing near near your your heat heat source source and and be sure that that the the kitchen is near near the the heating heating stove. stove. In In aa homesteading, homesteading, off-grid off-grid lifestyle, lifestyle, you're you're going going to to spend spend most most of of your your time time in in the the kitchen kitchen or or living/family living/family room, room, so so you'll you'll want want to to locate locate the the stove stove in in this this area. area. Railroad Railroad Cars Cars I've railroad cars. I've seen seen good good things things done done with with different different types types of of railroad cars. If If you you begin begin with with one one designed designed for for passenger passenger use, use, you'll you'll be be ahead ahead of of the the game

because purchase it because it it takes takes less less work work to to modify. modify. Of Of course, course, you'll you'll have have to to purchase it and jack up and arrange arrange for for transportation, transportation, which which could could jack up the the price price quite quite aa bit, bit, but but if if you you can can find find creative creative solutions solutions to to these these problems, problems, aa railroad railroad car car might might be be aa good rail cars. good option. option. I've I've seen seen some some nice nice (but (but small) small) homes homes made made out out of of old old rail cars. The be remodeled The caboose caboose can can be remodeled in in aa number number of of different different ways ways to to make make it it into into aa unique unique yet yet functional functional home. home. I've I've seen seen old old coaches coaches fixed fixed up up nicely nicely as as well. well. The The best best thing thing about about rail rail cars cars is is that that they're they're constructed constructed well well and and should should last last aa lifetime. lifetime. Camp Camp Trailers Trailers You be surprised You may may be surprised that that I'd I'd rate rate mobile mobile homes homes low low on on the the list list yet yet write write favorably favorably of of camp camp trailers. trailers. The The difference difference is is that that camp camp trailers trailers are are recreational recreational vehicles vehicles and and are are designed designed for for off-grid off-grid use. use. Of Of course, course, some some models models are are more more like like mobile mobile homes, homes, so so you'll you'll have have to to be be aa little little careful careful here, here, but but if if you you can can find find one one that's that's truly truly intended intended for for camping camping rather rather than than as as aa portable portable retirement retirement home, home, you'll you'll do do okay. okay. Many Many already already have have solar solar power power installed installed and and are are equipped equipped with with both both 12-volt 12-volt DC DC and and 110-volt 110-volt AC AC power power through through an an inverter. inverter. Their Their water water systems systems are are self-contained self-contained and and have have sinks, sinks, toilets, toilets, and and holding holding tanks. tanks. Most Most also also have have three-way three-way refrigerators refrigerators powered powered by propane. If by 12-volt 12-volt DC, DC, 110-volt 110-volt AC, AC, or or propane. If you're you're going going to to use use one one in in cold cold climates, climates, you'll you'll need need to to install install an an alternate alternate heat heat source source (preferably (preferably wood wood heat). heat). Their Their furnaces furnaces go go through through a a lot lot of of propane propane trying trying to to keep keep them them warm. warm. Paladin Paladin Press Press has has an an excellent excellent book book written written by by M. M. D. D. Creedmore Creedmore titled titled Dirt Dirt Cheap Cheap Survival Survival Retreat: Retreat: One One Man's Man's Solution. Solution. He He uses uses aa camp camp trailer trailer for for his his survival survival retreat retreat and and has has some some great great information. information. If If you're you're contemplating contemplating this read his this option, option, read his book. book. Tents, Tents, Teepees, Teepees, and and Yurts Yurts While read great roomy, comfy, While I've I've read great reviews reviews on on how how roomy, comfy, and and easy easy to to heat heat these these are, are, II don't don't know know anyone anyone who who uses uses them them as as permanent permanent housing housing in in cold cold climates. building climates. II know know several several people people who've who've done done it it while while they they were were building their their house, house, but but they they all all abandoned abandoned their their tent tent dwellings dwellings as as soon soon as as the the house house was plus the was built. built. That's That's why why II class class them them as as temporary temporary shelters. shelters. That That plus the fact fact that replaced every that their their shells shells need need to to be be replaced every few few years.

If be aa viable If you you live live in in aa warm warm or or moderate moderate climate, climate, one one of of these these might might be viable long-term long-term option. option. Historically, Historically, these these home home types types have have been been the the choice choice of of nomadic nomadic people. people. Those Those living living in in the the same same place place year year after after year year usually usually opt opt for for more more permanent permanent structures. structures. Indigenous Indigenous or or Native Native Shelters Shelters Do research on Do some some research on what what indigenous indigenous people people in in your your area area lived lived in. in. They They lived lived at at aa time time when when heating heating and and cooling cooling options options were were limited. limited. Their Their housing housing reflected Was it reflected the the qualities qualities that that were were most most important important to to them. them. Was it protection protection from from wind? wind? Heat? Heat? Cold? Cold? Rain? Rain? Learn Learn from from them them before before building building your your own own home. home.

Remember, Remember, in in hot hot climates climates you're you're going going to to need need ventilation, ventilation, shade, shade, and and insulation. insulation. In In cold cold climates climates you're you're going going to to want want insulation insulation and and protection protection from from the the wind. wind. Any Any non-forced-air non-forced-air heating heating system system needs needs open open space space to to be be efficient. efficient. Heat Heat does does not not normally normally flow flow down down long long hallways hallways and and into into distant distant rooms. rooms. Many Many old old houses houses had had multiple multiple fireplaces fireplaces or or woodwood- stoves. stoves. Use Use heavy heavy drapes drapes or or curtains curtains to to keep keep heat heat in in at at night. night. If If you're you're going going off-grid, off-grid, put put in in lots lots of of windows windows to to let let in in light. light. Keep Keep interior interior colors colors bright bright to to reflect reflect light. light. Make Make use use of of passive passive solar solar energy energy wherever wherever possible. possible. If If you're you're aiming aiming for for self-reliance, self-reliance, use use heat heat sources sources that that do do not not rely rely on on electricity electricity and and that that use use fuel fuel that's that's local, local, low-tech, low-tech, and and plentiful. plentiful. If best way If you're you're generating generating your your own own electricity, electricity, the the best way to to save save money money is is to to not not need need electricity. electricity. The The second second best best way way is is to to need need very very little little electricity!

se,

°°} 460 . Seenee® “

o

“

;

ep:

Pa #.

Is play? In Is an an afternoon afternoon kayaking kayaking aa river river considered considered work work or or play? In this this case case it's it's pure pure fun! fun! Another planning ahead Another aspect aspect of of planning ahead involves involves times times when when you you need need to to run run special special equipment. equipment. For For example, example, last last summer summer II had had to to do do some some welding welding on on my my truck's truck's side side racks. racks. II also also needed needed to to weld weld some some steel steel handles handles to to several several shovels shovels and and do do some some welding welding on on one one of of the the trailers. trailers. II got got the the generator, generator, welder, welder, cutting cutting torch, torch, metal metal cutoff cutoff saw, saw, steel, steel, clamps, clamps, square, square, and and tape tape measure measure all all together. together. Then, Then, when when II had had the the truck, place, II started truck, shovels, shovels, and and trailer trailer in in place, started the the generator. generator. The The setup setup time time to to get get the the equipment equipment and and parts parts ready ready takes takes anywhere anywhere from from 15 15 to to 30 30 minutes minutes (depending (depending upon upon how much searching through the scrap metal I'll have to do). Cleaning everything how much searching through the scrap metal I'll have to do). Cleaning everything up up and and putting putting it it away away takes takes about about the the same same length length of of time, time, which which means means II use use 30 30 to to 60 minutes each time I have a welding project. By doing three at once, I save time 60 minutes each time I have a welding project. By doing three at once, I save time because because II only only get get the the equipment equipment out out one one time time instead instead of of three three times times as as II would would have have if job separately. if I'd I'd done done each each job separately. We We also also ran ran aa cord cord to to the the cabin cabin and, and, while while the the generator generator was was running, running, my my wife wife ground ground some some grain grain in in our our electric electric grain grain mill mill and and used used the the vacuum vacuum cleaner. cleaner. Keep jobs" for Keep a a list list of of "inside "inside jobs" for days days that that you you can't can't work work outside outside due due to to weather. weather. These These might might be be great great times times to to mill mill some some grain grain into into flour, flour, do do some some sewing sewing or or inside inside home repairs, or home repairs, or maybe maybe reload reload some some ammo. ammo. There's There's always always something something that that needs needs to to be be done, done, which which leads leads us us to to the the next next section.

This This was was taken taken in in camp camp while while aa friend friend and and II were were hunting hunting elk. elk. Is Is hunting hunting work work or or recreation? recreation? Yes! Yes! TIME TIME OFF, OFF, HOBBIES, HOBBIES, STRESS, STRESS, AND AND BURNOUT! BURNOUT! For junior For more more years years than than II care care to to remember, remember, II worked worked as as aa mechanic. mechanic. In In my my junior and and senior senior years years in in high high school, school, II took took three three hours hours per per day day of of auto auto mechanics mechanics at at our our local local vocational vocational technical technical school. school. II loved loved it! it! II thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed working working on on cars. cars. After After three three years years in in the the Marine Marine Corps, Corps, II continued continued to to work work as as an an auto auto mechanic. mechanic. Unfortunately, passed II grew Unfortunately, as as time time passed grew tired tired of of working working on on was gone. Many of you may have had the same experience. was gone. Many of you may have had the same experience. think think that that the the same same thing thing can can occur occur with with homestead homestead life? life?

cars. cars. The The excitement excitement Did you ever Did you ever stop stop to to

It It used used to to be be that that II couldn't couldn't wait wait for for the the week week end end to to arrive arrive so so that that we we could could go go skiing, just roaming skiing, backpacking, backpacking, hunting, hunting, fishing, fishing, or or just roaming the the woods. woods. Early Early morning morning sunrises joy to sunrises at at some some pristine, pristine, high high mountain mountain lake lake brought brought joy to my my heart. heart. II lived lived anxiously anxiously waiting waiting for for early early fall fall mornings mornings to to hit hit the the woods woods with with rifle rifle or or bow bow in in hand

while while II searched searched for for deer, deer, elk, elk, and and bear. bear. II dreamed dreamed of of owning owning a a snowmobile snowmobile for for snowy snowy winter winter explorations explorations and and having having my my own own fishing fishing boat. boat. Well, Well, we we have have two two good good snowmobiles, snowmobiles, one one fishing fishing boat boat with with motor, motor, three three canoes, canoes, and and two two kayaks. kayaks. It's It's the the middle middle of of January January and and from from my my desk desk II can can see see the the snowmobiles ready to snowmobiles parked, parked, fueled fueled up, up, and and ready to go. go. Just Just aa half half mile mile from from our our cabin cabin is is aa full full section section (640 (640 acres) acres) of of state state land land that that abuts abuts hundreds hundreds of of thousands thousands of of acres acres of of national forest. All I have to do is suit up, start my snowmobile, and take off riding. national forest. All I have to do is suit up, start my snowmobile, and take off riding. Instead, Instead, I'm I'm looking looking at at the the thermometer thermometer that that reads reads 6 6 degrees degrees above above zero zero and and thinking thinking it would be a great day to get another chapter of this book written! it would be a great day to get another chapter of this book written!

Paintball birthday. There Paintball games! games! This This is is my my fifty-seventh fifty-seventh birthday. There are are over over 20 20 people people when when we we get get together together with with our our kids, kids, their their spouses, spouses, and and the the grandkids. grandkids. In In this this case case there there were join us. were aa few few more more because because we we also also invited invited some some friends friends to to join us. Most Most have have paintball paintball markers, markers, but but we we have have extras extras to to loan loan to to those those who who don't. don't. II purchased purchased aa charging rent aa 50-lb. have loads charging station station years years ago, ago, so so we we rent 50-lb. bottle bottle of of C02 C02 and and have loads of of fun.

Hunting Hunting is is not not as as fun fun as as it it once once was. was. "Then" "Then" it it was was for for recreation; recreation; "now" "now" it's it's for for sustenance. sustenance. Gardening Gardening is is on on the the same same level level as as hunting. hunting. II used used to to enjoy enjoy coming coming home home from from work work to to my my garden, garden, where where II got got immense immense satisfaction satisfaction from from tilling, tilling, planting, planting, weeding, weeding, and and harvesting harvesting the the produce. produce. We We could could go go completely completely through through the the list list of of things restore my things that that used used to to be be recreational-things recreational-things II did did for for fun fun and and to to restore my spirit-but spirit-but are are now now part part of of the the "job." "job." There's There's an an expectancy expectancy now, now, aa pressure pressure to to succeed succeed that that wasn't wasn't there there in in my my previous previous life. life. That That can can take take the the fun fun out out of of it it ... ... ifyou ifyou let let it! it! I've keep the I've learned learned to to keep the stress stress out out of of my my hunting hunting excursions. excursions. We We always always fill fill enough tags for our meat and there's no reason to believe this year will be different, enough tags for our meat and there's no reason to believe this year will be different, so so why why get get stressed stressed over over it? it? The The same same could could be be said said of of the the garden. garden. We've We've had had years years when when one one vegetable vegetable didn't didn't do do well, well, but but in in those those years years something something else else produced produced more more than than expected expected and and it it always always balanced balanced out. out. Foraging Foraging works works the the same same way. way. The The years years that that huckleberries huckleberries produced produced poorly, poorly, the the wild wild grapes grapes were were abundant. abundant. Don't Don't let let your your fears keep you fears keep you from from enjoying enjoying today. today. Work Work steady, steady, efficient, efficient, and and smart smart and and you'll you'll do do fine. fine. But But take take time time off off too. too. All All work work and and no no play play make make Jack Jack aa dull dull boy. boy. Remember Remember II said said that that being being your your own own boss boss and and setting setting your your own own schedule schedule can can be be both both aa blessing blessing and and aa curse? curse? It's It's easy easy to to get get overwhelmed overwhelmed or or even even lost lost in in your your work work on on the the homestead. homestead. II can can tell tell you you right right now-you now-you will will never never have have everything everything finished. finished. There's There's always always something something that that needs needs to to be be done, done, so so get get used used to to it. it. Learn Learn to to handle handle it it or or it it will will destroy destroy you. you. You You need need to to set set aside aside time time for for recreation. recreation. Don't Don't forget forget to to have have some some fun fun and and enjoy enjoy life. life. Otherwise Otherwise you're become aa burned-out burned-out wreck. you're going going to to become wreck. HANDLE HANDLE STRESS, STRESS, AVOID AVOID BURNOUT BURNOUT It's It's important important to to realize realize that that stress stress and and burnout burnout are are not not the the same same thing. thing. Everyone Everyone experiences burnout is experiences stress, stress, but but burnout is avoidable. avoidable. Stress Stress is is usually usually characterized characterized by by too too much: much: too too many many demands, demands, too too much much pressure, pressure, too too many many people people wanting wanting too too much much from from you. you. With With stress stress you you still still think think you just get you can can cope cope if if you you can can just get things things under under control control again. again. Burnout by too Burnout is is characterized characterized by too little: little: there's there's nothing nothing left left to to give, give, you you feel feel empty, empty, burned burned out. out. There's There's no no motivation motivation and and no no hope hope for for change. change. Burnout Burnout is is often often the the result result of of prolonged prolonged stress, stress, so so it's it's important important to to keep keep your your stress stress level level under under control. control. These These are are some some of of the the things things you you can can do do to to deal deal with

stress. stress. Manage Manage Your Your Workload Workload This This is is tough tough to to do do on on the the homestead. homestead. Be Be realistic. realistic. II used used to to think think the the Nearing's Nearing's three-part three-part daily daily division division was was silly, silly, but but it's it's aa great great formula formula for for managing managing stress stress and and avoiding avoiding burnout. burnout. And And it it can can work work for for us us if if we we keep keep life life as as simple simple as as they they did. did. Most Most of by taking of the the problems problems I've I've seen seen are are caused caused by taking on on too too much! much! Remember Remember what what II said said about keep it about the the first-year first-year garden? garden? It's It's better better to to keep it small small and and manageable manageable than than to to start start with big garden principle to with aa big garden that that will will overwhelm overwhelm you. you. That's That's the the principle to follow follow on on your your homestead homestead life life as as well. well. Don't Don't overcommit! overcommit! Don't Don't Take Take On On Too Too Much Much Outside Outside the the Home Home Learn Learn how how to to say say no. no. We We firmly firmly believe believe that that taking taking part part in in volunteer volunteer activities activities is is important, important, but but you you must must balance balance those those undertakings undertakings with with family family and and work work obligations. obligations. It's It's easy easy to to give give too too much much of of yourself. yourself. Most Most people people outside outside your your family family are are much much better better at at showing showing appreciation appreciation than than family family members. members. After After all, all, when's when's the the last last time time your your children children said said thanks thanks for for doing doing their their laundry laundry or or driving driving them them to to social social activities? activities? How How many many times times has has your your husband husband thanked thanked you you for for doing doing the the dishes dishes or or dusting? dusting? Husbands, Husbands, how how often often does does your your wife wife thank thank you you for for the the time time spent spent at at work work providing put groceries providing an an income income to to put groceries on on the the table table or or aa roof roof over over her her head? head? Yet Yet volunteer volunteer aa few few hours hours for for the the PTA PTA or or other other association association and and you'll you'll be be showered showered with with recognition, recognition, praise, praise, and and thanks. thanks. It It can can be be addicting! addicting! But But if if it's it's causing causing problems problems at at home, is it really worth it? If you burn out, they'll just find someone else to do your home, is it really worth it? If you burn out, they'll just find someone else to do your work work and and cast cast you you aside aside like like aa dirty dirty sock. sock. It It will will be be up up to to your your family family to to restore restore you you to health. Learn to say no. to health. Learn to say no. Put Put People People In In Their Their Appropriate Appropriate Place Place Lets Lets face face it: it: Does Does it it really really matter matter if if the the neighbor neighbor doesn't doesn't like like you? you? You You got got along along just fine for X years before you knew John or Jane Doe, and you'll probably do just just fine for X years before you knew John or Jane Doe, and you'll probably do just fine fine without without them them in in the the future. future. Demanding Demanding people, people, gossips, gossips, and and similar similar types types that that leave leave your your stomach stomach feeling feeling queasy queasy are are not not worth worth losing losing sleep sleep over. over. They They are are leeches leeches who who feed feed themselves themselves by by destroying destroying others. others. Don't Don't let let them them feed feed off off of of you. you. If If they they want want more more than than you're you're willing willing to to give, give, curtail curtail the the time time you you spend spend with with them. them. Avoid Avoid gossips. gossips. They're They're everywhere, everywhere, but but they're they're especially especially obvious obvious in in small small towns towns and and rural rural areas. areas. If If they'll they'll speak speak maliciously maliciously about about others others to to you, you, be be assured assured that that they'll they'll also also speak speak spitefully spitefully about about you you to to others. others. The The best best ways ways to to handle handle gossip gossip is is first, first, don't don't take take part part in in it it (that (that includes includes listening listening to to it). it). Second, Second, should should you you become become their their target,

live live your your life life in in such such aa way way to to prove prove them them wrong. wrong. And And third, third, recognize recognize that that gossips gossips are are pitiful pitiful people people with with empty empty lives lives who who can can only only feel feel good good about about themselves themselves by by putting putting others others down. down. Set Set some some boundaries boundaries and and keep keep those those kinds kinds of of people people at at aa distance. distance. Spend Spend time time with with real real friends friends and and family family who who love love and and understand understand you. you. You'll You'll enjoy enjoy life life more. more. Stay Stay Healthy Healthy Bad Bad diet, diet, lack lack of of sleep, sleep, overwork, overwork, and and no no exercise exercise affect affect not not only only your your body body but but your your mind mind and and emotions emotions as as well. well. Preparing Preparing meals meals from from scratch scratch takes takes time, time, as as does does washing junk food washing dishes dishes by by hand. hand. It's It's surprisingly surprisingly easy easy to to fall fall into into aa junk food habit habit on on the the homestead. homestead. Homemade Homemade cookies cookies may may not not have have the the preservatives preservatives of of their their store-bought store-bought counterparts, counterparts, but but they're they're still still not not health health food. food. II like like sugar sugar and and cream cream with with my my coffee. coffee. II like like so so much much sugar sugar and and cream cream that that we we refer refer to to it it as as my my liquid liquid candy candy bar. bar. II limit limit myself per day. myself to to one one per day. Sleep Sleep on on aa remote remote homestead homestead can can be be difficult difficult at at first first because because there's there's no no background background noise noise from from things things like like traffic, traffic, forced-air forced-air furnaces, furnaces, or or air air conditioners. conditioners. You'll You'll find find the the silence silence discomforting discomforting at at first. first. Eventually Eventually the the pendulum pendulum will will swing swing the the other other way way and and you you won't won't get get much much sleep sleep when when you're you're in in town! town! The The noise noise and and fumes fumes tend tend to to overwhelm overwhelm you. you. Overwork Overwork can can be be aa problem problem if if you you let let it it get get out out of of control, control, yet yet in in the the winter winter you you may may need need to to make make an an effort effort to to get get some some exercise. exercise. Bad Bad weather weather can can sometimes sometimes keep keep you caged indoors for weeks at a time. Be sure you take care of yourself. you caged indoors for weeks at a time. Be sure you take care of

This This is is my my wife wife on on one one of of our our trips trips to to Nevada. Nevada. We We take take our our U-Haul U-Haul truck truck that that we we converted converted into into aa camper camper and and spend spend aa few few weeks weeks down down south south to to escape escape the the snow. snow. It's It's mostly but we mostly pleasure, pleasure, but we take take our our computers computers and and cameras cameras and and write write aa few few articles articles while while we're we're there, there, so so in in aa way way it's it's aa "working "working vacation"... vacation"... but but then, then, that that describes describes our our life life in in general! general! Count Count Your Your Blessings Blessings Be Be thankful thankful for for what what you you have. have. Remember Remember why why you you entered entered this this life life in in the the first first place! bad and place! There's There's aa tendency tendency to to forget forget the the bad and remember remember only only the the good good things things of of your past life. journal before your past life. Keeping Keeping aa brutally brutally honest honest journal before you you make make your your move move will will be be invaluable invaluable after after you you begin begin your your new new life. life. The The lowlow- budget, budget, make-do make-do life life has has its its ups

and just as kind of just wish and downs, downs, just as every every other other kind of life. life. There'll There'll be be aa lot lot of of times times you you just wish you you had had enough enough money money to to go go buy buy the the things things you you need need instead instead of of scrounging scrounging through through scrap scrap piles piles to to find find building building materials materials or or finding finding an an alternate alternate way way of of accomplishing accomplishing something. something. Doing Doing laundry laundry by by hand hand and and preparing preparing meals meals from from raw raw ingredients ingredients may may sound sound romantic, romantic, but but after after awhile awhile it it can can get get to to you you ... ... again, again, if if you you let let it. it. One One time time my my wife wife spent spent aa week week in in town town with with one one of of our our children children to to help help with with their their new new baby. baby. She She went went to to town town looking looking forward forward to to eating eating frozen frozen burritos, burritos, cardboard microwave pizzas, and all the other junk food we'd done without. cardboard microwave pizzas, and all the other junk food we'd done without. The The kids couldn't wait for her arrival because they were anticipating real meals prepared kids couldn't wait for her arrival because they were anticipating real meals prepared from junk food from scratch scratch instead instead of of the the junk food they they lived lived on! on! Everything Everything in in life life is is aa compromise, people tend compromise, and and people tend to to look look longingly longingly at at what what they they don't don't have have and and don't don't appreciate appreciate the the things things they they do do have. have. Cultivate Cultivate an an attitude attitude of of gratitude. gratitude. Live Live in in the the "Now" "Now" Don't Don't fall fall prey prey to to worrying worrying about about next next year's year's crop, crop, income, income, taxes, taxes, etc. etc. If If you you spend spend your your day day worrying worrying about about the the future, future, you've you've traded traded the the happiness happiness this this day day could could have have brought brought for for anxiety anxiety about about what what may may never never happen. happen. If If you're you're constantly constantly lamenting lamenting the the past, past, you you won't won't be be able able to to enjoy enjoy the the blessings blessings or or see see the the opportunities opportunities of just don't of today. today. It's It's okay okay to to plan plan for for the the future; future; just don't let let worry worry about about it it steal steal the the pleasures pleasures of of today. today. Today Today is is the the most most important important day day ofyour ofyour life. life. Treat Treat it it like like aa special special guest guest and and give give it it your your best. best. Put Put Aside Aside Unrealistic Unrealistic Expectations Expectations Wild roses Wild roses are are beautiful beautiful to to the the eyes eyes and and fragrant fragrant to to the the nose, nose, but but the the stems stems are are loaded loaded with with thorns. thorns. One One of of our our favorite favorite quips quips when when II was was in in the the Marine Marine Corps Corps was was aa line rose garden" line from from aa song: song: "I "I didn't didn't promise promise you you aa rose garden" Every Every lifestyle lifestyle has has its its challenges. challenges. This This one one does does too. too. You You will will have have times times of of discouragement discouragement in in any any life. life. Happiness Happiness does does not not come come from from your your surroundings; surroundings; it it comes comes from from within. within. Pursue Pursue aa Hobby Hobby Find Find new new things things to to do. do. Learn Learn how how to to play play aa musical musical instrument. instrument. Take Take some some classes classes on on photography photography or or writing. writing. Join Join aa quilting quilting club. club. Acquire Acquire aa bow bow and and some some arrows arrows and and hit hit the the range. range. Do Do something something that's that's different different and and interesting. interesting. Volunteer

Volunteering Volunteering gets gets your your mind mind off off of of you you and and your your problems. problems. By By helping helping others, others, you problems into you get get thanks thanks from from them, them, and and it it may may help help you you put put your your problems into perspective. perspective. I'll I'll never never forget forget one one time time we we helped helped the the food food bank bank distribute distribute Christmas Christmas baskets. baskets. There There was was aa guy guy there there who who rode rode his his bicycle bicycle to to the the food food bank bank (remember, (remember, this this was was in in mid-December mid-December in in northwestern northwestern Montana). Montana). He He was was living living in in aa rental rental storage storage unit unit with with no no heat heat or or water. water. But But the the most most remarkable remarkable thing thing was was that that he he was was happy happy and and thankful thankful for for what what he he had. had. Of Of course, course, there there was was also also the the well-dressed well-dressed single single woman woman who who threw threw a a fit fit because because she she got got aa chicken chicken instead instead of of aa turkey. turkey. (Turkeys (Turkeys were were reserved reserved for for those those who who had had families.) families.) It It wasn't wasn't hard hard to to tell tell why why she she was was single. single. Laugh Laugh and and Make Make Others Others Laugh Laugh It's It's hard hard to to feel feel sad sad when when you're you're laughing. laughing. It's It's even even more more difficult difficult to to feel feel sad sad when when you're you're making making others others laugh. laugh. Laughter Laughter is, is, in in many many cases, cases, the the best best medicine. medicine. Try Try Some Some Stress Stress Reduction Reduction Techniques Techniques Relaxation, Relaxation, meditation, meditation, and and exercise exercise are are all all great great for for relieving relieving stress. stress. Don't Don't get get freaked by meditation. freaked out out by meditation. It It doesn't doesn't have have to to be be aa mystical mystical experience. experience. Meditation Meditation can can be be an an "emptying" "emptying" of of mind mind as as in in some some spiritual spiritual disciplines, disciplines, or or simply simply the the deliberation brings peace deliberation of of the the mind mind on on something something that that brings peace or or relaxation. relaxation. It It might might be be aa calming brings calming thought thought or or concentration concentration on on aa place, place, situation, situation, or or person person that that brings emotional emotional tranquility. tranquility. Cultivate Cultivate Contentment Contentment This This is is slightly slightly different different than than counting counting your your blessings. blessings. Contentment Contentment is is the the one one word word manufacturers, manufacturers, designers, designers, and and advertisers advertisers fear fear more more than than all all other other words words combined. combined. The The purpose purpose of of advertising advertising is is to to create create aa feeling feeling of of dissatisfaction. dissatisfaction. They They want you to believe that something is missing from your life unless you purchase want you to believe that something is missing from your life unless you purchase their product or their product or service. service. Everything Everything is is designed designed to to create create aa feeling feeling of of desire. desire. Don't Don't fall for it! When I sit down with a catalogue, I quip to my wife that I'm taking fall for it! When I sit down with a catalogue, I quip to my wife that I'm taking aa break break to to feed feed my my discontent. discontent. It's It's aa humorous humorous way way to to put put things things in in perspective. perspective. Also, Also, review review the the section section on on needs needs vs. vs. wants wants in in chapter chapter 2. 2. Take Take Control Control Stress Stress is is aa consequence consequence of of feeling feeling out out of of control. control. There There will will always always be be some some stress stress in because we in our our lives, lives, because we cannot cannot control control everything everything around around us. us. However, However, there there are are some some things things we we have have power power over, over, so so take take control control of of those. those. There's There's an an old old saying saying that that you keep them you can't can't keep keep the the birds birds from from flying flying over over your your head, head, but but you you can can keep them from

building building aa nest nest in in your your hair. hair. It's It's the the same same way way in in life. life. Your Your life life is is not not totally totally out out of of control. control. There There are are things things you you can can do, do, so so take take charge charge of of those those things things that that are are within within your your power power to to change. change. BURNOUT BURNOUT People People under under stress stress often often recognize recognize it, it, but but burnout burnout tends tends to to sneak sneak in in under under the the radar. radar. A A person person who who is is burned burned out out has has nothing nothing left left to to give. give. Avoiding Avoiding burnout burnout is is aa matter but often matter of of constant constant vigilance vigilance and and regular regular maintenance. maintenance. It's It's aa serious, serious, but often preventable preventable condition. condition. Be Be aware aware of of the the symptoms. symptoms. Symptoms Symptoms of of burnout burnout include: include: •¢ Feeling Feeling lethargic, lethargic, run run down, down, or or drained drained of of emotional emotional and and physical physical energy. energy. •¢ Dissatisfaction, Dissatisfaction, or or feeling feeling negative negative toward toward your your work, work, your your life, life, or or the the people people around around you. you. •¢ Irritability Irritability with with or or lack lack of of sympathy sympathy for for the the people people around around you. you. •¢ Feeling Feeling that that you'll you'll never never be be able able to to accomplish accomplish what's what's expected expected of of you. you. •¢ Feeling Feeling isolated isolated and/or and/or withdrawing withdrawing from from responsibilities responsibilities or or those those around around you. you. •¢ Feeling Feeling hopeless; hopeless; that that you you don't don't have have time time to to think think or or plan plan for for the the future future or or find find aa way way out. out. In In addition addition to to the the above above symptoms, symptoms, aa person person suffering suffering from from burnout burnout may may experience experience depression depression and and physical physical symptoms symptoms such such as as lowered lowered immunity, immunity, muscle muscle aches, aches, headaches, headaches, and and aa change change in in appetite appetite and/or and/or sleep. sleep. Burnout Burnout occurs occurs primarily primarily because because of of aa focus focus on on what's what's important important to to others others and and completely completely neglecting neglecting your your own own needs needs and and desires. desires. I'm I'm not not advocating advocating aa hedonistic hedonistic lifestyle lifestyle but but rather rather aa balance balance between between your your needs needs and and the the needs needs of of those those around around you. you. To To combat combat burnout, burnout, focus focus on on what's what's important important to to you. you. Cut Cut back back on on whatever whatever obligations you can and take some time to rest and reflect on your life and obligations you can and take some time to rest and reflect on your life and heal. heal. If If you can do so, take a vacation or sabbatical and spend it contemplating your life and you can do so, take a vacation or sabbatical and spend it contemplating your life and what's What are what's most most important important to to you. you. What are your your hopes hopes and and dreams? dreams? Turn Turn to to your your support support network, network, because because you you need need them them to to help help you you recover. recover. In In burnout, burnout, you you often often isolate because there's isolate yourself yourself from from friends friends and and family family because there's nothing nothing left left inside inside of of you you to

give give them. them. Let Let them them carry carry some some of of the the burdens burdens you've you've been been struggling struggling with. with. Often, Often, just sharing just sharing your your heart heart is is enough enough to to begin begin your your recovery. recovery. A A person person who who is is burned burned out out often often needs needs help help from from others others because because he he has has nothing nothing left left to to help help himself. himself. He's He's like like aa burned-out burned-out house. house. There's There's nothing nothing of of use use left, left, only only aa charred charred foundation foundation and and ashes. ashes. There's There's no no more more shame shame in in asking asking for for help help to to recover recover from from burnout burnout than than there there is is in in asking asking for for help help due due to to injuries injuries from from aa vehicle vehicle accident. accident. eeeee#es

Like beginning of Like II said said at at the the beginning of this this chapter, chapter, being being your your own own boss boss and and setting setting your your own be aa curse. own schedule schedule is is great. great. But But it it can can also also be curse. Being Being aware aware of of what what to to do-or do-or not not to to do-at do-at least least lets lets you you get get started started on on the the right right foot. foot.

| The Neighbors: Getting Along with “Country Folk”

heard ruckus outside heard the the ruckus outside and and knew knew what what was was going going on. on. The The neighbor's neighbor's dog dog was was on porch again on the the porch again and and fighting fighting with with my my dog dog over over her her food. food. Grabbing Grabbing aa shotgun shotgun as as II walked walked through through the the door, door, II stepped stepped off off the the porch porch and and fired fired aa shot shot into into the the air. air. The The neighbor's neighbor's dog dog was was already already running running for for home home but but kicked kicked it it into into overdrive overdrive at at the the sound been renting, packed up sound of of the the shot. shot. Two Two days days later, later, the the neighbors, neighbors, who who had had been renting, packed up their dogs and belongings and moved away. It was one of the happiest days of our their dogs and belongings and moved away. It was one of the happiest days of our lives. lives. For For weeks weeks we'd we'd put put up up with with their their dogs dogs roaming roaming our our property, property, chasing chasing deer, deer, stealing our dog's food, and fighting with our dog. Enough was enough! stealing our dog's food, and fighting with our dog. Enough was

Lest just short-tempered, Lest you you think think I'm I'm just short-tempered, my my wife wife and and II had had both both asked asked politely politely well well over over aa dozen dozen times times that that they they keep keep their their dogs dogs off off our our place. place. Each Each time time they they apologized apologized and and said said they they would. would. The The final final straw straw came came when when they they told told us us to to come come up up with with aa solution solution for for their their three-year-old three-year-old daughter daughter getting getting up up early early and and letting letting the the dogs dogs out out of of the the house house without without their their knowledge. knowledge. Our Our response response was was that that that that wasn't wasn't our our problem. problem. The The dog dog was was theirs, theirs, and and it it was was their their responsibility responsibility to to keep keep it it from from being being aa nuisance. nuisance. A A week week later later the the incident incident cited cited in in the the paragraph paragraph above above occurred. occurred. II wouldn't wouldn't have have shot shot the the dog. dog. It It was was doing doing what what dogs dogs do, do, but but we we would would have have taken taken it to the county animal shelter and let the neighbors bail the mutt out. If the problem it to the county animal shelter and let the neighbors bail the mutt out. If the problem continued, continued, we'd we'd have have filed filed aa complaint complaint with with the the sheriff's sheriff's department. department. They They had had problems problems with with other other neighbors neighbors as as well, well, and and they, they, more more than than anyone anyone else, else, inspired inspired this this chapter. chapter. One know is One thing thing anyone anyone aspiring aspiring to to move move to to the the country country should should know is that that there there is is no no anonymity. anonymity. This This isn't isn't the the city, city, where where it's it's easy easy to to get get lost lost in in the the crowd. crowd. Here, Here, everyone everyone knows knows whose whose check check is is good good and and whose whose husband husband isn't. isn't. That That can can be be good good ... ... or or bad! bad! This relational blessings This chapter chapter is is about about the the relational blessings and and curses curses of of rural rural living. living. With With aa little little forewarning, forewarning, you you can can circumvent circumvent some some of of the the pitfalls pitfalls that that commonly commonly turn turn neighbors neighbors and and neighborhoods neighborhoods against against you you and, and, by by following following good good advice, advice, you you can can do do things things that that will will spring spring the the doors doors of of their their hearts hearts wide wide in in acceptance. acceptance. Here Here are are aa few few do's do's and and don'ts don'ts to to help help you you get get along along with with your your new new neighbors. neighbors. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER ONE: ONE: DON'T DON'T TELL TELL US US HOW HOW THINGS THINGS WERE WERE DONE DONE WHERE WHERE YOU YOU CAME CAME FROM FROM This This is is probably probably the the quickest quickest way way to to raise raise neighborhood neighborhood hackles. hackles. First, First, if if it it was was so so great great where where you you came came from, from, why why did did you you move move here? here? We We don't don't want want to to live live like like the the people people in in the the city city or or be be aa bunch bunch of of urban urban yuppies. yuppies. If If we we did, did, we'd we'd move move there! there! We We like We like like not not having having dozens dozens of of zoning zoning regulations. regulations. We like our our laid-back laid-back life, life, independence, and freedom from busybodies sticking their noses into places they independence, and freedom from busybodies sticking their noses into places they don't please, yet don't belong. belong. Too Too many many who who move move here here want want freedom freedom to to do do as as they they please, yet want want to tell their neighbors what they can or can't do. Let's look at a few examples ... to tell their neighbors what they can or can't do. Let's look at a few examples ... Junk

Some Some people people looking looking at at aa property property up up the the road road from from ours ours asked asked the the sellers sellers if if they they thought junk vehicles thought the the people people with with the the junk vehicles would would mind mind if if they they were were asked asked to to move move them. them. The The sellers sellers replied replied that that they'd they'd probably probably mind mind it it very very much. much. The The potential potential buyers buyers gave gave aa sigh sigh and and made made aa very very wise wise decision. decision. They They purchased purchased property property somewhere somewhere else. else. If junk on buy next If you you don't don't like like seeing seeing junk on the the neighbor's neighbor's property, property, then then don't don't buy next to to that that parcel parcel of of land. land. If If you you do do buy, buy, build build aa privacy privacy fence fence around around your your land land so so you you can't can't see see them. I can assure you that things are going to go downhill very fast if you try them. I can assure you that things are going to go downhill very fast if you try to to coerce them into appeasing you. If you try to get county authorities involved, things coerce them into appeasing you. If you try to get county authorities involved, things will will really really get get hostile. hostile. Show Show some some tolerance. tolerance. If If it's it's not not aa threat threat to to your your health health and and they they aren't aren't trespassing, trespassing, it's problem, it's it's not not their their problem, it's yours. yours. Get Get over over it! it! Live Live and and let let live. live. Guns Guns and and Shooting Shooting Want joke of Want to to be be the the local local cops' cops' joke of the the day? day? Complain Complain about about people people shooting shooting guns. guns. As As long long as as they they aren't aren't endangering endangering you you or or waking waking you you up up at at night night and and are are respecting respecting your join your property property rights, rights, don't don't whine. whine. Most Most likely, likely, if if the the cops cops do do show show up, up, they'll they'll join whoever whoever is is doing doing the the shooting. shooting. People People in in rural rural areas areas shoot shoot guns. guns. Sometimes Sometimes they they shoot shoot them them aa lot. lot. Give Give this this some some serious serious consideration consideration before before you you move move to to the the country. country. II can can guarantee guarantee you're you're going going to to be be mighty mighty unpopular unpopular with with the the locals locals and and law law enforcement enforcement if if you you start start complaining complaining about about people people shooting shooting guns. guns. You You may may see see people people carrying carrying guns guns openly openly or or concealed, concealed, in in stores, stores, offices, offices, and and vehicles. Western states permit and vehicles. Many Many Western states allow allow concealed concealed carry carry with with aa permit and open open carry carry without one. Be happy about it. You don't hear much about gangbangers or drive-by without one. Be happy about it. You don't hear much about gangbangers or drive-by shootings rural areas. shootings in in rural areas. They They don't don't like like environments environments where where the the average average citizen citizen can can and will shoot back. and will shoot back. Guns Guns are are aa part part of of life life in in rural rural areas. areas. If If you you can't can't handle handle that, that, stay stay away. away. Wildlife Wildlife and and Open Open Range Range Montana range" state. Montana is is an an "open "open range" state. That That means means livestock livestock is is allowed allowed to to wander wander at at will. will. That That means means you you may may awaken awaken to to the the sound sound of of cattle cattle in in your your front front yard. yard. Don't Don't call call to to complain complain to to the the local local constabulary. constabulary. It's It's perfectly perfectly legal legal for for those those cows cows to to be be there. there. (And, (And, no, no, the the rancher rancher is is not not responsible responsible for for any any damage damage they they do do to to your

landscaping!) keep coming landscaping!) If If you you don't don't want want them them there, there, run run them them off. off. If If they they keep coming back, back, put up aa fence. put up fence.

Shooting rural areas. Shooting guns guns is is aa family family affair affair in in most most rural areas. The The same same is is true true for for wildlife. wildlife. If If you you call call the the state state Department Department of of Fish, Fish, Wildlife Wildlife and Parks to complain about beaver eating your trees, they may give you a nuisance and Parks to complain about beaver eating your trees, they may give you a nuisance animal animal control control permit permit to to trap trap them them or or have have aa trapper trapper do do it it (who (who will will charge charge you you for for it). However, don't expect them to do more than that. If ground squirrels, rabbits, it). However, don't expect them to do more than that. If ground squirrels, rabbits, pack pack rats, rats, skunks, skunks, or or other other nongame nongame or or unprotected unprotected wildlife wildlife are are causing causing problems, problems, take bobcat, or bear grabs take care care of of it it yourself. yourself. If If a a wolf, wolf, coyote, coyote, mountain mountain lion, lion, bobcat, or bear grabs your your pocket pocket pooch pooch off off your your front front porch, porch, then then call call FWP. FWP. They They might might send send someone someone out out to to investigate. investigate. Living Living in in the the country country has has its its own own set set of of blessings blessings and and trials. trials. If If you're you're in in an an area area teeming teeming with with wildlife, wildlife, learn learn the the proper proper protocol protocol for for dealing dealing with with them. them. "I "I know know a a better better way way ..." ..." Please know a a better Please don't don't come come in in and and tell tell us us you you know better way way to to grow grow aa garden, garden, make make aa road, road, hunt, hunt, fish, fish, or or anything anything else. else. First, First, no no one one likes likes being being talked talked down down to, to, especially especially by by newcomers. newcomers. The The way way you you did did things things in in the the city city or or flatlands flatlands (or (or wherever wherever else else you you came have some know is came from) from) might might have some merits. merits. If If so, so, the the best best way way to to let let the the neighbors neighbors know is to to show show them them rather rather than than tell tell them. them. If If you you have have some some advice advice to to offer, offer, try try posing posing some some questions questions first. first. Instead Instead of of saying, saying, "This "This is is aa better better way way to to ... ... ;'try ;'try asking, asking, "What

happens happens if if you you do do it it like like this?" this?" At At least least that that gives gives them them the the opportunity opportunity to to tell tell you you what what might might be be wrong wrong with with your your idea idea if if it's it's bad, bad, or or it it will will open open the the door door so so that that they'll they'll listen listen to to you you and and honestly honestly evaluate evaluate what what you you tell tell them. them. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER TWO: TWO: FOLLOW FOLLOW THE THE RULES RULES OF OF THE THE ROAD ROAD My My father-in-law father-in-law told told aa story story about about driving driving across across Montana Montana in in his his younger younger years. years. He pickup truck He was was stuck stuck behind behind aa rancher rancher driving driving aa battered battered pickup truck who who obviously obviously had had no no place place he he needed needed to to be be anytime anytime soon. soon. Being Being young young and and impatient, impatient, he he was was about about to to pass pass the the old old codger codger when when he he saw saw him him stick stick aa handgun handgun out out the the window. window. He He quickly quickly pulled posts as pulled back back into into his his lane lane as as the the old old guy guy proceeded proceeded to to shoot shoot at at the the fence fence posts as he he drove past them. Being young but not entirely foolish, he decided that he had no drove past them. Being young but not entirely foolish, he decided that he had no place be anywhere just place he he needed needed to to be anywhere soon soon either. either. And And maybe maybe it it was was aa good good day day to to just drive drive aa little little slower slower and and take take some some time time to to smell smell the the roses roses along along the the way. way. 'After ‘After all,' all,’ he he said, said, "I'd "I'd rather rather be be smelling smelling roses roses than than pushing pushing up up daisies daisies any any day day of of the the week!" week!" Driving Driving on on rural rural roads roads involves involves certain certain realities realities and and etiquette etiquette that that the the reader reader will will need need to to know. know. Here Here are are some some of of them. them. Driving Driving Tips Tips Want know the Want to to get get to to know the neighbors neighbors quickly? quickly? Drive Drive fast! fast! Cause Cause aa few few accidents, accidents, beat beat the the potholes potholes out out aa little little deeper, deeper, and and stir stir up up clouds clouds of of dust. dust. After After all, all, it's it's fun fun to to see see chickens, chickens, dogs, dogs, squirrels, squirrels, deer, deer, rabbits, rabbits, small small children, children, and and other other living living things things run run for for their their lives! lives! Unless, Unless, of of course, course, they're they're your your children children or or critters. critters. In In that that case, case, reckless reckless drivers drivers are are dangerous dangerous and and will will be be dealt dealt with with the the same same as as any any other other threat. threat. And And while while we're we're on on the the subject subject of of driving, driving, make make about about 10 10 trips trips out out every every day. day. City City folk jumping in folk are are used used to to jumping in their their vehicles vehicles and and driving driving to to the the store store for for every every little little need need or or want. want. My My wife wife worked worked at at the the local local (seven (seven miles miles away) away) convenience convenience store/gas store/gas station station and and noticed noticed that that new new people people often often made made multiple multiple trips trips daily daily to to purchase pot and roads have purchase aa cup cup of of coffee! coffee! Buy Buy aa coffee coffee pot and use use it. it. Many Many rural rural roads have gravel gravel or or dirt dirt surfaces, surfaces, and and in in the the summer summer you'll you'll stir stir up up great great clouds clouds of of dust. dust. While While no no one one may may ever ever say say anything anything to to you you about about it, it, it it is is annoying. annoying. Many Many rural rural roads roads are are single single lane. lane. If If someone someone pulls pulls off off to to the the side side of of the the road road to to let let you you pass, pass, go go by by them, them, then then stop stop and and wait wait to to see see if if they they can can make make it it out out again. again. If If they they can't, by pulling can't, help help them them either either by pulling them them out out with with your your vehicle vehicle or or giving giving them them a a ride ride to to someone someone who who can. can. (You (You do do carry carry aa tow tow strap strap in in your your vehicle vehicle at at all all times, times, don't don't you?)

In In the the winter, winter, it's it's easy easy to to get get stuck stuck in in the the berm berm left left by by the the snowplow. snowplow. If If you you leave leave someone someone stranded stranded who who was was considerate considerate enough enough to to pull pull over over to to give give you you room, room, the the word word will will get get around. around. You'll You'll probably probably find find out out that that no no one one else else will will pull pull over over for for you you after after that, that, so so you'll you'll be be the the one one driving driving to to the the side. side. If If you you get get stuck, stuck, do do you you think think they'll they'll help help get get you you back back on on the the road? road? Road Road Improvements Improvements Years Years ago ago in in aa place place far, far, far far away... away... okay, okay, that that line line isn't isn't very very original, original, but but in in another another place place II lived lived there there was was aa couple couple who who moved moved into into aa rural rural area area and and decided decided that that the the private private road road to to their their home home needed needed improvements. improvements. So, So, they they began began going going to to other other homes homes along along the the road road trying trying to to solicit solicit money money to to improve improve the the road. road. When When they they met met resistance, resistance, they they began began to to threaten threaten that that they they would would get get the the county county to to take take the the road road over over and and everyone's everyone's taxes taxes would would go go up. up. That's That's when when things things went went downhill downhill very very quickly. quickly. For For one one thing, thing, the the county county hadn't hadn't taken taken over over aa private private road road in in years years unless unless the the tax tax base base was was rich rich enough enough that that the the county county wouldn't wouldn't lose lose money money maintaining maintaining the the road. road. The The county county commissioners commissioners laughed laughed at at them. them. The The locals locals shunned shunned them, them, and and when when aa title title search search was was made, made, they they found found out out that that they they had had no no legal legal access access to to the the private private road road they'd they'd tapped tapped into. into. Their Their legal legal access access was was over over an an even even worse worse road road that that was was three three times times as as long long and and crossed crossed through through national national forest forest and and timber timber company company land! land! (Neither (Neither of of which which were were open open to to improving improving the the road.) road.) They They were were the the only only residents residents using using the the road, road, and and they they didn't didn't have have the the resources resources to to fight fight aa losing losing battle battle with with those those two two titans. titans. They They moved moved back back to to California California aa couple couple of of years years later. later. Moving Moving to to aa rural rural area area is is aa lot lot like like getting getting married. married. Be Be sure sure it's it's what what you you want want before before you you say say "I "I do" do" Bad Bad roads roads are are aa way way of of life. life. Register Register Your Your Vehicles Vehicles ASAP ASAP Nothing Nothing labels labels you you as as an an outsider outsider faster faster than than driving driving aa vehicle vehicle with with out-of-state out-of-state license bumper license plates. plates. And And before before you you even even put put on on the the new new plates, plates, scrape scrape off off any any bumper stickers stickers advertising advertising favorite favorite causes causes from from your your former former life, life, for for reasons reasons explained explained in in rule rule six six below. below. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER THREE: THREE: BE BE RESPONSIBLE

Much Much of of what what I've I've written written so so far far comes comes from from personal personal experience, experience, so so II asked asked some some other other people people what what they they thought thought of of newcomers newcomers in in their their neighborhood. neighborhood. Here Here are are aa couple couple of of typical typical responses: responses:

‘Newcomers to my neck of the woods want to live a rural life. Ina year or two, they own 30 horses on their 30 acres, have

3-15 dogs, ana it is impossible to count their cats, The result is: 1) no grass on their place, 2) my livestock and other neighbors livestock isn't safe, 3) deer are chased constantly, and 4) quail and other birds disappear.

‘I think it's not really the rural life they want as much as an irresponsible One...

))

Responsibility rural people Responsibility is is aa major major issue. issue. Most Most rural people are are considerate considerate and and helpful, helpful, but but there's there's aa difference difference between between helping helping someone someone and and becoming becoming aa nursemaid nursemaid to to obnoxious, obnoxious, self-centered self-centered imbeciles. imbeciles. I've I've already already mentioned mentioned the the incident incident with with the the neighbor's neighbor's dog. dog. We We suggested suggested that that they they put put up up aa fence fence and and keep keep the the dog dog there. there. They They responded responded that that they they wanted wanted to to live live in in the the country country so so that that their their dogs dogs could could run run free. free. We We didn't didn't care care if if their their dogs dogs ran ran free free as as long long as as they they didn't didn't cause cause problems problems for for us. us. We We had had one one instance instance when when one one of of our our dogs caused problems with a neighbor. We offered to pay the vet bill for their dog dogs caused problems with a neighbor. We offered to pay the vet bill for their dog (our (our dog dog got got in in aa fight fight with with theirs theirs on on their their property), property), but but they they didn't didn't think think aa vet vet would would be be needed. needed. We We immediately immediately put put our our dog dog in in the the kennel, kennel, and and that's that's where where he he stayed stayed unless unless we we had had him him out out on on aa leash. leash. Don't Don't let let your your kids kids be be aa nuisance. nuisance. Teenagers Teenagers racing racing up up and and down down the the road road in in dad's dad's pickup pickup are are not not aa good good thing. thing. Kids Kids driving driving motorcycles motorcycles and and four-wheelers four-wheelers across across private private property property or or screaming screaming up up and and down down the the road road are are not not aa good good thing. thing. Small Small children children showing showing up up in in your your yard yard without without invitation invitation or or adult adult supervision supervision are are not not aa good good thing. thing. On On aa more more serious serious note, note, we've we've seen seen people people move move to to the the country country with with older older teens teens and and adult adult children children who who had had drug drug problems. problems. They They stole stole from from others others to to support support their their addiction. addiction. Believe Believe me, me, when when things things start start disappearing disappearing soon soon after after your your arrival, arrival, it it won't won't take take aa trained trained investigator investigator to to figure figure out out where where the the problem problem is, is, especially especially when when word word gets gets around around that that your your kid kid uses uses illegal illegal drugs. drugs. (Remember, (Remember, there there is is no no anonymity. anonymity. The The word word will will get get around.) around.) We We all all live live in in aa community community of of sorts sorts and and have have aa responsibility responsibility to to live live in in such such aa way way that that we we do do not not negatively negatively impact impact those those around around us. us. This This includes includes taking taking care care of of yourselves. yourselves. We had We had one one family family who who came came to to visit visit soon soon after after they they moved moved here. here. In In the the initial initial conversation, conversation, the the wife wife looked looked over over at at aa gas-powered gas-powered water water pump pump in in the the yard yard and and mentioned mentioned that that they they had had aa friend friend who who needed needed aa generator generator and and since since we we had had two, two, it it would would be be nice nice if if we we loaned loaned them them the the one one in in the the yard. yard. She She was was informed informed that that (a) (a) that that wasn't a generator, and (b) we didn't lend generators to other people unless we knew wasn't a generator, and (b) we didn't lend generators to other people unless we knew them be responsible. them to to be responsible. We've We've had had too too many many tools tools come come back back broken, broken, or or not not at at all. all. This same person went to a different neighbor's home and asked if she could have This same person went to a different neighbor's home and asked if she could have the the carpet carpet in in their their living living room room if if they they ever ever bought bought aa new new one.

One brought over One of of our our neighbors neighbors brought over an an excavator excavator to to dig dig aa hole hole for for one one of of our our projects. projects. Always Always volunteer volunteer to to pay pay for for fuel fuel and and any any other other expenses expenses when when someone someone offers offers their their services. services. Don't Don't move move to to the the country country with with aa commune commune or or moocher moocher mentality. mentality. No No one one owes owes you anything. Most people don't mind helping in cases of hardship, but you'll you anything. Most people don't mind helping in cases of hardship, but you'll be be expected expected to to carry carry your your own own weight. weight. Mechanical Mechanical things things wear wear out out and and need need regular regular maintenance maintenance and and eventual eventual replacement. replacement. Every Every hour hour aa generator generator (or (or tractor tractor or or rototiller rototiller or or any any other other equipment) equipment) runs runs brings brings it it an an hour hour closer closer to to needing

replacement. replacement. Someone Someone has has to to pay pay for for it. it. If If you you borrow borrow something, something, realize realize this this and and at at least least offer offer aa few few bucks bucks to to cover cover normal normal wear wear and and maintenance. maintenance. You produce from You are are not not entitled entitled to to extra extra produce from neighborhood neighborhood gardens. gardens. If If they they offer offer some but don't some it's it's okay okay to to take take it, it, but don't be be greedy. greedy. We We often often give give away away extra extra plants plants we we have raspberries), but have (usually (usually strawberries strawberries and and raspberries), but we we also also sell sell them. them. The The same same is is true true of of others others who who live live out out here. here. We We buy buy or or barter barter for be tied by aa milk for things things like like milk milk since since we we don't don't want want to to be tied down down by milk cow cow or or goat. goat. We We do do not not expect expect our our friends friends to to give give us us their their excess. excess. They They bought bought the the animal(s), animal(s), built built the the fences, fences, fed fed them, them, milked milked them, them, and and cared cared for for them. them. They They don't don't owe owe us us or or anyone anyone else else the the milk milk they they produce. produce. If If you you borrow borrow something, something, don't don't loan loan it it to to someone someone else, else, keep keep it it until until the the owner owner comes looking for it, or worse yet, break it and give them back the pieces. It is comes looking for it, or worse yet, break it and give them back the pieces. It is your your responsibility to return it in the same condition it was in when you took possession. responsibility to return it in the same condition it was in when you took possession. If If it it breaks breaks while while you're you're using using it, it, repair repair or or replace replace it. it. If If you you can't can't afford afford to to do do that, that, then then don't don't borrow borrow it it in in the the first first place. place. When When you're you're finished, finished, return return it it promptly. promptly. If If it it uses just give uses fuel, fuel, fill fill the the tank. tank. Don't Don't just give them them the the money money for for fuel fuel and and leave leave them them with with the the inconvenience inconvenience and and expense expense of of driving driving out out for for gasoline gasoline or or diesel. diesel. On but similar On a a side side but similar note: note: don't don't knock knock on on aa stranger's stranger's door door and and ask ask to to ride ride their their horses. horses. We've We've had had that that happen! happen! Horses Horses are are aa big big investment. investment. They They take take aa lot lot of of training. back training. They They are are living living animals animals and and far far more more sensitive sensitive to to the the person person on on their their back than than most most people people recognize. recognize. Novice Novice or or cruel cruel riders riders can can undo undo a a lot lot of of training, training, destroy their trust, and cause physical injuries to the horse. It isn't like borrowing destroy their trust, and cause physical injuries to the horse. It isn't like borrowing aa pickup. pickup. In In most most cases, cases, there's there's aa deep deep bond bond between between aa horse horse and and its its owner. owner. Very Very few few owners just let owners will will just let you you throw throw aa saddle saddle on on their their horse horse and and take take off off riding. riding. II shouldn't just in shouldn't need need to to mention mention this, this, but but II will will just in case case you you aren't aren't familiar familiar with with country country living. living. You'll You'll often often see see things things left left and and seemingly seemingly abandoned abandoned on on vacant vacant land. land. Don't Don't assume assume it's it's free free for for the the taking. taking. If If someone someone else else owns owns the the land, land, they they also also own own what's what's on on the the land. land. They They may may be be storing storing it it for for future future use use or or may may have have forgot forgot it it existed. existed. In In any any case, case, if if you you didn't didn't buy buy it it or or someone someone didn't didn't give give it it to to you, you, it it isn't isn't yours. Leave it there. yours. Leave it there. Our butchered one Our neighbor neighbor butchered one of of his his buffalo buffalo and and offered offered the the hide hide to to us. us. We We were were on on our just said our way way to to town town and and would would be be back back within within an an hour, hour, so so we we just said leave leave it it by by the the road. road. (They're (They're kind kind of of messy messy when when fresh, fresh, and and we we didn't didn't want want blood blood and and hair hair in in the the car.) part-time residents car.) Now, Now, there there is is only only one one full-time full-time resident resident and and two two part-time residents living

above beyond our above us. us. The The road road dead dead ends ends about about aa half half mile mile beyond our cabin. cabin. We We have have very very little little traffic, traffic, and and theft theft has has never never been been a a problem. problem. He He left left the the hide hide beside beside the the road, road, but but it it was was gone gone when when we we came came back. back. II began began asking asking around around and and looking looking over over vehicle vehicle tracks, tracks, and and there there was was one one vehicle vehicle that road in that had had come come up up our our road in the the "'tween "'tween time." time." It It was was aa different different neighbor neighbor from from another another fork fork of of our our road road who who was was aa recent recent arrival. arrival. He He was was contacted contacted and and surrendered surrendered the the hide. hide. His His story story was was that that he he thought thought the the hide hide was was abandoned abandoned and and picked picked it it up up for for himself because he believed the coyotes would just drag it off. himself because he believed the coyotes would just drag it off. It It was was aa good good story story except except for for one one thing: thing: aa couple couple of of weeks weeks later later the the owner owner of of the the buffalo buffalo was was back. back. II mentioned mentioned what what had had happened. happened. He He described described the the man man and and the the vehicle. vehicle. It It seems seems the the guy guy had had stopped stopped and and asked asked if if he he could could have have the the hide hide and and the the owner owner said said it it was was already already spoken spoken for. for. The The thief thief drove drove on on up up the the road road and and when when he he came came back back and and saw saw no no one one around, around, he he loaded loaded it it up up and and took took it it home. home. This This same same "neighbor" "neighbor" had had opened opened up up some some abandoned abandoned roads roads across across private private property property and and complained complained about about people people shooting. shooting. His His equipment equipment was was used used to to widen widen an an existing existing easement easement without without the the landowner's landowner's consent. consent. He He eventually eventually sold sold his his place place and and left. left. One of the reasons was because the people were so cold and unfriendly. Imagine One of the reasons was because the people were so cold and unfriendly. Imagine that! that! Good Good riddance. riddance. Accept by anyone Accept responsibility. responsibility. You You are are not not entitled entitled to to anything anything owned owned by anyone else. else. That That includes includes tools, tools, equipment, equipment, access access to to their their land, land, garden garden produce, produce, vehicles, vehicles, or or even even good good will. will. No No one one owes owes you you anything. anything. If If they're they're kind kind enough enough to to loan loan you you anything, anything, it's it's your your responsibility responsibility to to return return it it in in good good shape shape and and in in aa timely timely manner. manner. Your Your pets, pets, livestock, livestock, and and children children are are your your responsibility responsibility as as well. well. Keep Keep them them under under control. control. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER FOUR: FOUR: BE BE AWARE AWARE OF OF LAND LAND ISSUES ISSUES Out-of-state Out-of-state buyers buyers often often purchase purchase land land at at what what they they think think are are bargain bargain prices. prices. They be aa bargain They may may be bargain in in other other states, states, but but here here you you probably probably paid paid too too much. much. The The sellers but the sellers and and real real estate estate salesmen salesmen will will love love you, you, but the locals locals may may harbor harbor some some resentment. resentment. Out-of-state Out-of-state buyers buyers drive drive up up land land prices, prices, which which often often means means locals locals can't can't afford afford to to buy buy land. land. Local Local wages wages don't don't reflect reflect what what you you made made in in the the city, city, which which means means that that people people who who live live and and work work here here can't can't make make the the payments payments for for artificially artificially inflated prices. It just entering inflated land land prices. It especially especially affects affects their their children children who who are are just entering adult adult life life and and looking looking for for land land of of their their own.

There's but in There's no no personal personal slight slight intended, intended, but in our our area area we've we've been been inundated inundated with with Canadians, Washington state. Canadians, CaliforCalifor- nians, nians, and and people people from from Washington state. Many Many of of them them came came to to the the area area with with lots lots of of money, money, which which drove drove up up land land prices prices to to the the point point that that local local people people can't can't afford afford to to buy buy land. land. Rural Rural people people in in New New England, England, the the Southwest, Southwest, and and most most every every part part of of the the country country experience experience the the same same thing thing with with wealthier wealthier newcomers newcomers from from out out of of state. state.

‘3 Remember, Remember, some some ofyour ofyour neighbors neighbors have have fur, fur, hooves, hooves, or or paws. paws. Don't Don't let let your your dogs dogs terrorize terrorize the the local local wildlife. wildlife. Now buy land Now if if you you really really want want to to get get aa cold cold shoulder, shoulder, buy land and and subdivide subdivide it. it. (I've (I've known known several several who who thought thought they'd they'd pay pay for for their their land land that that way.) way.) That'll That'll make make the the neighbors neighbors love love you you ... ... not! not! Face Face it: it: they they aren't aren't living living here here for for the the money. money. They They like like rural rural life life without without heavy heavy traffic traffic and and crime, crime, and and they they enjoy enjoy wide wide open open spaces. spaces. Now Now you just so retire rich. you want want to to establish establish aa mini mini city city just so you you can can retire rich. Of Of course, course, land land speculation speculation has has its its own own risks. risks. Artificially Artificially inflated inflated prices prices sometimes sometimes come come crashing crashing down. down. Current Current residents residents often often band band together together to to fight fight proposed proposed subdivisions subdivisions in in the

legislature legislature and and courts courts and and will will either either stop stop you you cold cold or or drive drive up up your your legal legal costs. costs. II could could tell tell you you lots lots of of stories stories of of developers developers having having to to fight fight for for permission permission to to hook hook up up to to existing existing water water or or sewer sewer lines lines (and (and often often losing losing in in court). court). Many Many places places in in the the West West are are also also enacting enacting tougher tougher laws laws for for subdivisions, subdivisions, which which cut cut seriously seriously into into profits profits and and potential just wreck potential sales. sales. Be Be careful careful or or you you might might just wreck your your finances finances and and future. future. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER FIVE: FIVE: BEWARE BEWARE OF OF GOSSIP, GOSSIP, GOSSIPS, GOSSIPS, AND AND FAMILY FAMILY TIES TIES Watch for Watch for people people with with an an agenda. agenda. They'll They'll often often be be the the first first to to greet greet you you and and offer offer friendship. be looking join them friendship. What What they they may may be looking for for is is an an ally ally to to join them in in aa local local feud feud of of some some type. type. Don't Don't be be paranoid, paranoid, though. though. Most Most rural rural residents residents are are decent decent people. people. Just Just don't be joining any neighborhood committees or similar ventures until you've been don't be joining any neighborhood committees or similar ventures until you've been around behind the around long long enough enough to to know know what's what's going going on on behind the scenes. scenes. On On aa similar similar vein, vein, watch watch out out for for gossips. gossips. The The best best ones ones will will say say something something like, like, "They're "They're aa great great person person except except for for ..." ...". Be Be aware aware that that if if someone someone is is relating relating unflattering unflattering information information about about other other people people to to you, you, they they will will do do the the same same about about you you to to other other people. people. A A very very wise wise person person once once said, said, "What "What aa person person says says about about someone someone else else tells tells me me more more about about them them than than it it does does the the other other person" person" Be joke about Be careful careful of of what what you you say say as as well. well. Ever Ever hear hear the the joke about the the phone phone book book in in aa small be that small town town that that had had 500 500 numbers numbers but but only only four four last last names? names? It It may may not not be that bad bad at at your but be your new new residence, residence, but be aware aware that that many many rural rural areas areas are are filled filled with with people people who who are are related related to to one one another. another. Anyone Anyone you you talk talk to to about about anyone anyone else else is is probably probably related related to to the the people people you you are are talking talking to. to. Never Never say say anything anything you you wouldn't wouldn't want want repeated repeated anywhere. anywhere. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER SIX: SIX: BE BE CAREFUL CAREFUL REGARDING REGARDING POLITICS POLITICS AND AND RELIGION RELIGION Get Get to to really really know know issues issues before before you you offer offer comments, comments, criticism, criticism, or or solutions. solutions. First, First, if if you you take take aa stand stand (either (either for for or or against) against) aa person, person, religion, religion, or or political political view, view, you may be opening a can of worms you'll never be able to close. Likewise, you may be opening a can of worms you'll never be able to close. Likewise, be be cautious about volunteering for any political or religious campaigns, offices, cautious about volunteering for any political or religious campaigns, offices, projects, projects, etc. etc. Even Even though though it it might might gain gain aa quick quick circle circle of of friends, friends, it it can can also also expand expand your your list list of of enemies.

Second, knocking on Second, quite quite often often those those with with an an agenda agenda will will be be knocking on your your door door to to line line you you up up as as aa new new recruit recruit for for their their cause. cause. In In one one small small town town in in aa neighboring neighboring state, state, there there had had been been some some hard hard feelings feelings against against aa coach coach and and aa school school official. official. The The two two were were separate separate issues issues involving involving adultery adultery and and coaching coaching decisions. decisions. Some Some of of the the townspeople began working bringing aa lawsuit townspeople began working against against the the people people involved involved by by bringing lawsuit and and by by electing electing different different representatives representatives on on the the school school board. board. Another Another group group began began working both working to to retain retain certain certain board board members. members. The The point point of of bringing bringing this this up up is is that that both factions factions were were trying trying to to recruit recruit newcomers newcomers to to their their cause. cause. It It brought brought some some serious serious splits splits in in town town unity unity that that actually actually resulted resulted in in some some businesses businesses closing, closing, some some people people pulling pulling their their kids kids out out of of the the public public school, school, and and changes changes in in employment employment among among school school staff. staff. There There were were hard hard feelings feelings for for years years afterward. afterward. What many What many people people who've who've never never lived lived in in aa rural rural or or small small town town don't don't understand understand is is that that people people may may hold hold grudges grudges for for years. years. There There were were actually actually those those who who would would cross cross the people from the street street if if they they saw saw people from the the other other faction faction coming coming in in their their direction. direction. If If you you have have aa business, business, these these things things can can result result in in bankruptcy. bankruptcy. II could could list list dozens dozens of of examples examples I've I've seen seen over over the the years. years. Be Be very very cautious cautious about about running running for for any any public public office office or or openly openly supporting supporting those those who who are are running running until until you've you've lived lived there there long long enough know what enough to to know what needs needs fixing! fixing! II am am not not saying saying you you should should never never get get involved involved in in local local issues. issues. What What I'm I'm cautioning cautioning against against is is getting getting involved involved before before you you know know what's what's going going on on behind behind the the scenes. scenes. That That takes takes aa few few years. years. If If you're you're interested interested in in community community involvement, involvement, pick pick something something that's that's not not divisive. divisive. (See (See rule rule nine.) nine.) In In many many ways, ways, rural rural life life is is like like living living in in aa large, large, extended-sometimes extended-sometimes dysfunctional!-family. points and dysfunctional!-family. It It has has its its good good points and some some bad bad ones ones too! too! Tread Tread carefully carefully when when it it comes comes to to politics politics and and religion. religion. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER SEVEN: SEVEN: LISTEN LISTEN TO TO THE THE LOCALS LOCALS (SOMETIMES!) (SOMETIMES!) You're You're going going to to get get lots lots of of advice advice when when you you move move into into aa rural rural area. area. Some Some of of it it will be worthless but benign. benign. Some will be be good. good. Some Some will will be worthless but Some will will cost cost you. you. Be Be careful careful who who you you listen listen to! to! But But how how do do you you know know whose whose advice advice is is good good and and whose whose isn't? isn't? Well, Well, you you can't can't for for sure, sure, but but there there are are some some things things to to look look for for when when the the suggestions suggestions come. come. First, residents? Conditions First, are are they they local local residents? Conditions in in some some places places vary vary considerably considerably due due to to soil structure, weather patterns, and other criteria. It's not so evident on the plains, soil structure, weather patterns, and other criteria. It's not so evident on the

but place but in in mountainous mountainous country country the the differences differences can can be be astounding. astounding. II know know of of one one place where where the the amount amount of of snow snow is is three three times times as as much much as as it it is is five five miles miles to to the the west. west. The The mountains mountains have have aa pass pass there there that that acts acts as as aa gate gate to to channel channel clouds clouds through through in in winter. winter. Because Because our our weather weather moves moves from from west west to to east, east, the the mountains mountains act act as as a a dam, dam, holding holding the the clouds clouds along along their their west west slope slope and and slowly slowly routing routing them them through through the the passes. passes. All All the the time time they're they're waiting, waiting, they're they're dumping dumping snow. snow. The The point point I'm I'm trying trying to to make make is is that that advice be good. advice from from someone someone living living 20 20 miles miles away away may may or or may may not not be good. The The advice advice from from someone someone living living nearby nearby will will probably probably be be more more accurate. accurate. If If there's there's aa discrepancy, discrepancy, listen listen to to those those who who live live closest closest to to you. you. Second, Second, how how long long have have they they lived lived there? there? It It takes takes aa few few years years to to get get to to know know an an area. area. Some Some things things can't can't be be answered answered no no matter matter how how long long you you live live there. there. We've We've been been at at our our current current residence residence for for eight eight years years now now and and we we still still couldn't couldn't say say what what aa "normal" We've never "normal" winter winter is is like. like. We've never seen seen two two that that were were the the same. same. What What we we can can say say is is that that they're they're long. long. We We can can advise advise people people to to have have their their firewood firewood cut cut by by the the end end of of October October unless unless they they like like cutting cutting it it in in the the snow snow (a (a very very miserable miserable experience). experience). But But then then we've we've seen seen times times when when snow snow didn't didn't make make an an appearance appearance until until mid-December! mid-December! The The main main point point is is that that those those who who have have lived lived there there the the longest longest will will probably probably have have aa better better understanding understanding of of what what works works or or doesn't doesn't work work than than recent recent arrivals. arrivals. Third, Third, how how close close is is their their lifestyle lifestyle to to the the one one you'll you'll be be living? living? We We live live completely completely off-grid off-grid using using solar solar panels panels for for 99 99 percent percent of of our our electrical electrical power. power. Others Others in in the the neighborhood neighborhood depend depend on on generators generators of of various various types. types. Some Some use use both. both. A A couple couple have have hooked hooked up up to to grid grid power. power. The The advice advice each each gives gives will will vary vary according according to to their their lifestyle. lifestyle. Do Do they they have have children? children? Do Do they they homeschool homeschool or or use use public public or or private private schools? schools? Do Do they they work work from from home home or or depend depend on on outside outside employment? employment? Listen Listen to to those know what those who who are are living living or or have have lived lived the the way way you you plan plan to to live. live. They They know what works works and and what what doesn't. doesn't. If If you you keep keep ignoring ignoring their their guidance, guidance, they'll they'll quit quit giving giving it it and and instead just sit instead will will just sit back back and and watch watch you you struggle. struggle. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER EIGHT: EIGHT: GET GET USED USED TO TO THE THE SIGNS SIGNS OF OF POVERTY POVERTY Most Most places places aa low-budget low-budget homesteader homesteader or or survivalist survivalist are are going going to to move move to to will will probably have a high poverty rate. Face it: the people who want to make lots probably have a high poverty rate. Face it: the people who want to make lots of of money are going to be living somewhere else. That doesn't mean you must live money are going to be living somewhere else. That doesn't mean you must live in in true true poverty poverty (true (true poverty poverty is is not not having having the the essentials essentials of of food, food, shelter, shelter, water, water, and and security be surrounded security ... ... more more about about that that in in the the next next chapter), chapter), but but you you will will be surrounded by by some some of of the the effects effects of of poverty.

Most percentage of Most noticeable noticeable will will be be the the percentage of people people needing needing dental dental work. work. There There are are support programs to support networks networks and and government government programs to help help people people with with medical medical care, care, but but when when it it comes comes to to teeth, teeth, you're you're basically basically on on your your own. own. Get Get used used to to seeing seeing people people with with discolored discolored and/or and/or missing missing teeth. teeth. It's It's aa lot lot cheaper cheaper to to have have aa tooth tooth pulled pulled than than to to have have it it fixed. fixed. Vehicles just aa higher Vehicles are are older older and and shabbier. shabbier. The The price price of of owning owning aa new new car car is is not not just higher purchase purchase price. price. Taxes, Taxes, licensing, licensing, and and insurance insurance rates rates are are also also elevated. elevated. It's It's this this combination that keeps low-income people driving older vehicles. When people live combination that keeps low-income people driving older vehicles. When people live on on gravel gravel roads, roads, their their vehicles vehicles will will be be dirty. dirty. In In the the spring spring they'll they'll be be muddy, muddy, in in the the summer summer they'll they'll be be dusty, dusty, and and in in the the winter winter they'll they'll be be covered covered with with slush slush and and snow. snow. Casual Casual dress dress is is the the norm. norm. II don't don't mean mean people people are are dirty dirty or or their their clothes clothes are are worn worn out people coming out (although (although the the people coming in in after after aa day day of of work work may may be be wearing wearing their their work work clothing, jeans are clothing, so so those those people people don't don't count). count). What What you'll you'll find find is is that that blue blue jeans are prevalent, jackets, jeans, jeans, and be seen prevalent, slacks slacks are are rare. rare. Carhartt Carhartt jackets, and coveralls coveralls will will be seen much much more both men more often often than than aa suit suit and and tie. tie. In In the the winter, winter, both men and and women women wear wear insulated insulated boots. just isn't boots. It's It's aa much much more more practical practical way way to to dress. dress. Trendy Trendy clothing clothing just isn't deemed deemed important. important. The The most most important important thing thing to to remember remember is is that that externals externals (what (what we we wear wear or or drive drive or or how how we we look) look) does does not not reflect reflect who who the the person person is is on on the the inside. inside. Forget Forget all all the the slogans slogans advertisers advertisers use use like like "the "the clothes clothes make make the the man" man" and and other other nonsense. nonsense. Some Some of of the the nicest, people I've nicest, smartest, smartest, most most honest honest and and hardworking hardworking people I've known known would would scare scare small small children just by children just by the the way way they they looked. looked. Appearances Appearances are are deceiving, deceiving, especially especially in in rural rural America. America. We know petite, middle-aged We know a a very very petite, middle-aged woman woman who who spent spent the the first first 20 20 years years of of her her adult know has adult life life working working on on aa fishing fishing boat boat in in Alaska. Alaska. An An older older woman woman we we know has aa slicked slicked up, up, mid-50s mid-50s Chevy Chevy pickup pickup in in her her garage. garage. In In her her younger younger years years she she used used it it to to make make a a little little money money drag drag racing. racing. (And (And she she has has the the trophies trophies to to prove prove it!) it!) Some Some of of the the most most interesting interesting people people we we know know are are Dumpster Dumpster divers. divers. One One man man repairs repairs and and sells sells what what he he finds finds in in Dumpsters Dumpsters during during the the summer, summer, picks picks and and sells sells wild wild mushrooms mushrooms in in the the spring, spring, picks picks and and sells sells huckleberries huckleberries in in late late summer summer and and early early fall, fall, cuts cuts and and sells sells Christmas Christmas trees trees in in the the fall fall and and winter, winter, and and takes takes life life easy easy from from January January through through March. March. We We have have dozens dozens of of stories stories like like this. this. Every Every one one of of these these people people would would drop drop what what they're they're doing doing to to give give you you aa hand hand when when you you need need it. it. None None of of them them would would ever ever steal steal from from you.

Despite poverty does Despite what what you you may may have have learned learned in in college, college, poverty does not not make make people people thieves, judge aa person thieves, lazy, lazy, or or stupid. stupid. Never Never judge person by by the the way way they they look, look, dress, dress, speak, speak, or or spell. know people. spell. Get Get to to know people. RULE RULE NUMBER NUMBER NINE: NINE: SUPPORT SUPPORT YOUR YOUR LOCAL LOCAL COMMUNITY COMMUNITY This religion. There This does does not not contradict contradict rule rule six six regarding regarding politics politics and and religion. There are are dozens dozens of of organizations organizations that that could could use use your your help. help. Habitat Habitat for for Humanity, Humanity, the the Salvation Salvation Army, Army, Big Big Brothers Brothers Big Big Sisters, Sisters, Girl Girl Scouts, Scouts, Boy Boy Scouts, Scouts, and and 4-H 4-H (just (just to to name name a a few) few) are are nationwide nationwide organizations organizations that that depend depend heavily heavily on on volunteers volunteers for for the the work work that that they they do. do. If If you you have have aa volunteer volunteer fire fire department, department, see see if if they they could could use use some some help. help. The The same same goes goes for for search search and and rescue. rescue. They'll They'll provide provide some some valuable valuable training training for for the the homestead homestead life life as as well. well. We We have have several several nonprofit nonprofit thrift thrift stores stores in in aa nearby nearby town town that that usually usually need need help. help. The proceeds from their profits go to support other charitable organizations in town. The proceeds from their profits go to support other charitable organizations in town. Schools Schools often often use use outside outside fundraisers fundraisers to to support support their their programs programs and and need need people people to to help that way. help that

My My wife wife helping helping at at the the local local food food bank. bank. We've We've taken taken part part in in filling filling their their holiday holiday food food baskets and transporting and splitting firewood for their woodstove in the past. baskets and transporting and splitting firewood for their woodstove in the past. Organizations Organizations like like these these are are almost almost always always needing needing volunteers. volunteers. Churches rely on Churches usually usually rely on their their own own members members for for benevolent benevolent work, work, but but if if you you have have aa skill skill they they can can use use in in areas areas such such as as vehicle vehicle repair, repair, taxes, taxes, legal legal issues, issues, construction construction projects, plumbing or projects, plumbing or electrical electrical repairs, repairs, etc., etc., they they could could probably probably put put you you to to work work helping helping others. others. The The main main thing thing is is to to stay stay away away from from controversial controversial issues, issues, at at least least until until you you understand understand all all the the forces forces working working behind behind the the scenes. scenes. Support buy local Support your your local local community community with with your your dollars dollars as as well. well. We We try try to to buy local whenever whenever it's it's possible possible or or practical. practical. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, the the two two nearest nearest towns towns are are lacking lacking in but we in some some services, services, but we do do support support those those businesses businesses offering offering products products we we need. need. If If you you don't, don't, who who will? will? Local Local merchants merchants pay pay aa heavy heavy share share of of the the taxes taxes that that support support schools schools and and other other necessary necessary services. services. If If you you lose lose that that tax tax base, base, those those services services may may be be cut and your taxes raised as well. Additionally, getting to know merchants on cut and your taxes raised as well. Additionally, getting to know merchants on aa personal personal level level helps helps you you too. too. It It doesn't doesn't happen happen everywhere, everywhere, but but we've we've had had times times when we forgot to bring money with us when we went to our local convenience when we forgot to bring money with us when we went to our local

store. store. It It takes takes aa half-hour half-hour to to drive drive each each way, way, so so the the manager manager told told us us to to take take the the merchandise pay when merchandise home home and and pay when we we came came out out next next time. time. Try Try that that at at Wal-Mart Wal-Mart next next time just names time you you shop shop there. there. These These people people are are more more than than just names on on aa storefront; storefront; they they are are friends friends and and neighbors. neighbors. Support Support them them when when you you can. can.

We've bell ringing ringing for We We've also also done done some some bell for the the Salvation Salvation Army Army at at Christmastime. Christmastime. We have have aa lot lot of of fun fun with with the the little little kids kids who who stop stop to to talk talk to to "Santa." "Santa."

There's There's obviously obviously more more to to getting getting along along with with your your neighbors neighbors than than what what I've I've written bring up written here, here, and and someone someone else else might might bring up issues issues that that are are com com pletely pletely different different than than those those I've I've listed. listed. Acceptance Acceptance takes takes time time and and _ positive positive involvement kind of involvement in in the the lives lives of of those those around around you. you. Work Work hard hard at at being being the the kind of neighbor you'd want living next door and you'll probably do just fine. neighbor you'd want living next door and you'll probably do just fine.

11 11 things things come come to to an an end end eventually, eventually, and and in in this this final final chapter chapter I'm I'm taking taking the the opportunity points already bring up opportunity to to review review some some important important points already made made and and bring up aa few few new new ones. So, as I look over the nearly finished manuscript, I want to conclude it with ones. So, as I look over the nearly finished manuscript, I want to conclude it with seven break. seven things things you you really really need need to to consider consider before before you you make make the the break. FIRST: FIRST: BE BE REALISTIC REALISTIC Don't Don't expect expect to to cure cure all all of of your your ills ills by by changing changing your your location location or or lifestyle. lifestyle. If If your your son or daughter had a drug problem where you are, they'll most likely have a son or daughter had a drug problem where you are, they'll most likely have a drug drug problem where you move. Drugs are everywhere, and if it's drugs they want, they'll problem where you move. Drugs are everywhere, and if it's drugs they want, they'll find find them. them. The The same same is is true true of of alcohol alcohol abuse. abuse. The The stress stress involved involved in in changing changing your your lifestyle lifestyle might might even even make make substance substance abuse abuse worse worse rather rather than than better. better. Likewise relationship problems. Likewise with with marriage marriage or or other other relationship problems. Every Every lifestyle lifestyle has has its its challenges. challenges. If If you you have have no no experience experience at at growing growing and and preserving preserving your your own own food, food, animal animal husbandry, husbandry, or or the the countless countless other other aspects aspects of of the the self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead life, life, you're you're going going to to add add aa lot lot of of stress stress to to your your marriage marriage and and other other relationships. relationships. Unless Unless you're you're single, single, don't don't think think you you can can do do it it alone. alone. Your Your family family must must be be onboard, onboard, because because it it will will affect affect all all of of you you to to some some extent. extent. If If they're they're resistant resistant to to this this new new lifestyle, lifestyle, it's it's going going to to cause cause major major problems.

If job (as If you you work work aa full-time full-time job (as II did did the the first first couple couple of of years) years) and and think think you'll you'll still still be be able able to to do do everything everything that that needs needs doing doing on on aa fully fully functioning, functioning, low-budget low-budget homestead, back off homestead, back off and and take take another another look. look. You'll You'll be be burned burned out out in in aa year year or or less. less. You're You're going going to to have have to to make make some some allowances. allowances. In In those those early early years, years, my my wife wife and and children children built built aa lot lot of of the the outbuildings outbuildings and and sheds sheds while while II was was at at work. work. The The kids kids helped helped dig dig the the hole hole for for the the root root cellar. cellar. II did did what what they they couldn't couldn't do do to to remodel remodel the the cabin cabin on on days days off off while while my my wife wife and and the the kids kids handled handled tasks tasks like like cleanup, cleanup, chinking, chinking, and and staining staining while while II was was at at work. work. Reexamine Reexamine your your plans, plans, and and expect expect to to take take a a little little longer longer to to reach reach your your goals. goals. SECOND: SECOND: MONEY MONEY IS IS IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! It but having bad idea. It may may not not be be necessary necessary to to have have lots lots of of it, it, but having none none is is aa bad idea. We We had had aa cabin cabin shell shell as as aa basis basis for for our our housing. housing. We We had had windows windows and and doors doors we'd we'd bought bought used used and and scavenged scavenged at at remodeling remodeling and and dump dump sites. sites. We We still still had had to to purchase purchase flooring flooring and and roofing roofing materials, materials, plus plus paint paint and and cement. cement. Our Our outbuildings outbuildings were were put put together together from from locally roofing. All locally cut cut poles poles and and scrounged scrounged metal metal roofing. All of of the the digging digging was was done done by by hand, hand, including including making making our our driveway. driveway. Gravel Gravel was was free free at at the the local local dump dump site, site, but but we we used used our truck (and gasoline) to haul it home. We needed cash for our phone service. our truck (and gasoline) to haul it home. We needed cash for our phone service. We We acquired our first solar panel through barter but purchased the rest as we had acquired our first solar panel through barter but purchased the rest as we had the the cash available. If we'd moved onto raw land without the cabin shell and hadn't been cash available. If we'd moved onto raw land without the cabin shell and hadn't been stockpiling stockpiling building building materials materials for for aa year year prior prior to to our our move, move, we'd we'd have have needed needed aa considerable considerable amount amount of of cash cash for for building building supplies. supplies. We recently We recently had had aa daughter daughter and and her her husband husband move move onto onto our our property. property. They They had had to to purchase purchase all all the the building building materials, materials, plus plus some some of of the the construction construction tools tools to to build build their their modest but modest cabin. cabin. Most Most of of the the larger larger items items like like the the cement cement mixer mixer (not (not aa necessity necessity but still still nice nice to to have), have), ladders, ladders, and and levels levels were were borrowed borrowed from from us. us. We We furnished furnished the the windows windows and and door door for for their their cabin. cabin. They They purchased purchased four four solar solar panels, panels, batteries, batteries, inverter, charge controller, and the wiring and bought a generator for backup. inverter, charge controller, and the wiring and bought a generator for backup. Even Even without the cost of the solar power systems, it cost a couple thousand dollars just without the cost of the solar power systems, it cost a couple thousand dollars just to to put a roof over their heads. put a roof over their heads. Don't Don't forget forget about about repairing repairing or or replacing replacing things things that that break break and and wear wear out. out. If If your your chainsaw chainsaw is is going going to to quit, quit, II can can guarantee guarantee it it will will be be when when cutting cutting firewood firewood for for the the winter job after winter rather rather than than when when doing doing that that cleanup cleanup job after aa spring spring storm. storm. The The stock stock on on my my hunting hunting rifle rifle cracked cracked when when II checked checked the the sights sights the the week week before before the the season season began. began. A A new new stock stock set set us us back back almost almost $100. $100. II threw threw aa rod rod in in the the engine engine of of my my pickup just buy pickup on on the the way way to to get get hay hay for for our our horse. horse. It It was was cheaper cheaper to to just buy another another truck. truck. II have four chainsaws, and there've been times when all four have needed repairs have four chainsaws, and there've been times when all four have needed repairs at

the the same same time. time. Never Never underestimate underestimate Murphy's Murphy's Law-if Law-if it it can can go go wrong, wrong, it it will will go go wrong! wrong! Even Even things things like like shovels, shovels, rakes, rakes, mattocks, mattocks, and and hoes hoes break break at at times, times, and and they they always always do do it it when when you you need need them them most. most. Do Do your your best best to to keep keep an an emergency emergency fund fund on on hand hand for for unforeseen unforeseen expenses. expenses. THIRD: THIRD: KEEP KEEP "POVERTY" "POVERTY" IN IN PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE There There are are at at least least two two types types of of poverty. poverty. True True poverty poverty is is not not having having enough enough money money or basic needs or resources resources to to provide provide such such basic needs as as food, food, water, water, clothing, clothing, and and housing. housing. Relative Relative poverty poverty is is defined defined in in aa social social context context using using different different formulas. formulas. One One way way is is to to declare declare that that everyone everyone below below aa percentage percentage of of the the median median income income is is living living in in poverty. poverty. Another Another method method is is to to add add up up what what it it would would cost cost to to acquire acquire the the basic basic necessities necessities of of life life and and use use that that amount. amount. The The issue issue here here is is that that not not everyone everyone agrees agrees what personal care what constitutes constitutes aa necessity. necessity. Some Some items items deemed deemed essential essential include include personal care items, items, furniture, furniture, transportation, transportation, and and home home and and medical medical insurance. insurance. Some Some would would even even add add in in entertainment entertainment expenses expenses such such as as cable cable television, television, newspapers, newspapers, and and tickets tickets to to movies movies or or sporting sporting events. events. Obviously, Obviously, any any definition definition of of poverty poverty is is lacking. lacking. AA subsistence subsistence farmer farmer may may grow grow all paid for, all the the food food he he needs, needs, have have aa home home that's that's paid for, and and make make his his own own clothing clothing yet yet have have aa low low income. income. It It doesn't doesn't matter matter that that his his needs needs are are met met and and his his income income is is discretional. discretional. He He isn't isn't starving, starving, homeless, homeless, or or naked, naked, yet yet he he is is still still considered considered to to be be living living in in poverty. poverty. Furthermore, Furthermore, the the person's person's lifestyle lifestyle who who falls falls $10 $10 below below an an established poverty level established poverty level is is little little different different from from one one whose whose income income is is $10 $10 above above the the same same level, level, yet yet one one is is classified classified as as living living in in poverty poverty and and one one isn't. isn't.

This purchased by This is is aa stack stack of of steel steel purchased by aa friend friend for for construction construction of of aa tower tower very very similar similar to to ours ours to to mount mount their their solar solar panels panels on. on. It It cost cost almost almost aa thousand thousand dollars. dollars. By By scrounging scrounging materials materials ahead ahead of of time, time, we we built built ours ours for for free. free.

This This is is their their tower tower after after completion. completion. While we While we may may agree agree that that any any definition definition is is lacking, lacking, we we still still need need someone someone in in officialdom poverty. officialdom to to draw draw aa line line in in the the sand sand and and define define who who is is or or isn't isn't living living in in poverty.

The of Human Services published the the following following The U.S. US. Department depart of Health feelin and ome Services published guideline levels. guideline for for establishing “tablishing poverty pov

2012 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Persons in family/ household

Poverty guideline

1 2 3 4 5 6 / :

$11,170 $15,130 $19,090 $23,050 $27,010 $30,970 $34,930 $38,890

For families/households with more than 8 persons, acid $3,960 tor each additional person. Source:

http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/12poverty.shtml http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/12poverty.shtml The The goal goal of of aa low-budget, low-budget, self-sufficient self-sufficient life life is is to to produce produce almost almost everything everything needed retreat. Consequently, needed on on the the homestead homestead or or retreat. Consequently, we we require require very very little little cash cash to to meet meet our our needs. needs. (Which (Which is is aa good good thing, thing, because because making making money money is is the the most most difficult difficult aspect below aspect of of this this lifestyle!) lifestyle!) Even Even though though we we live live well, well, our our income income is is considerably considerably below the the poverty poverty line. line. There There will will be be organizations organizations and and people people who who apply apply pressure pressure to to get get you you signed signed up up for for everything everything the the government government has has to to offer. offer. The The vast vast majority majority of of them them have have good good intentions just want intentions and and just want to to help help you you out. out. You'll You'll have have to to decide decide for for yourselves yourselves if if you you want want to to participate participate in in government government programs. programs. Just Just remember remember that that the the money money isn't isn't free. free. It It was was taken taken from from those those who who work work for for aa living, living, and and in in my my opinion opinion it it should should only only go go to to those those who who sincerely sincerely need need it. it. Because Because we we chose chose this this way way of of life, life, we we have have not not signed signed up up for for food food stamps, stamps, Medicaid, Medicaid, WIC, WIC, or or other other government government entitlements. entitlements. We've We've been been called called foolish foolish for for not not taking taking advantage advantage of of these these programs. programs. "After "After all," all," we're we're told, told, "someone "someone is is going going to to get get that that money. money. It It might might as as well well be be you" you" The The thing thing is, is, life life is is good good on on our our meager meager income. income. We We have have no no need need or or desire desire for for government government help. help. FOURTH: FOURTH: HAVE HAVE A A PLAN PLAN I've but it I've touched touched on on this this before, before, but it bears bears repeating. repeating. When When we we moved moved here, here, we we had had some some very very distinct distinct priorities priorities which which gave gave us us aa clear clear focus focus on on what what we we needed needed to to do do and and when. when. Your Your primary primary needs needs are are always always going going to to be be food, food, water, water, and and shelter. shelter. If If you're you're starting starting on on raw raw land, land, make make these these your your first first priority. priority. When When we we moved moved here, here, we we had had aa timeline timeline where where we we had had to to have have the the necessities necessities ready ready by by the the end end of of October. October. Our Our priorities priorities were were to to remodel remodel the the cabin, cabin, set set up up the the outhouse, outhouse, build build a a root root cellar, cellar, and and cut projects. We We cut our our firewood. firewood. All All of of our our efforts efforts went went to to completing completing these these four four projects. cooked cooked and and ate ate outside outside and and showered showered outside outside by by the the rear rear corner corner of of the the cabin. cabin. Until Until the the cabin cabin was was completed, completed, the the kids kids slept slept in in backpacking backpacking tents tents inside inside the the cabin cabin shell. shell. My My wife wife and and II had had aa bed bed with with mosquito mosquito netting netting draped draped over over it. it. The The cabin cabin walls walls still still needed needed chinking chinking and and the the mosquitoes mosquitoes came came and and left left at at will. will. It It was was truly truly aa great great day day when the windows and doors were in and the cabin walls chinked. when the windows and doors were in and the cabin walls chinked. Your Your situation situation may may be be different. different. You You may may have have aa livable livable home home on on the the place. place. If If so, so, you be sure you can can concentrate concentrate your your efforts efforts elsewhere. elsewhere. Just Just be sure the the basics basics are are covered covered first; first; then then move move on on to to other other projects. projects. Our Our daughter daughter and and son-in-law son-in-law bought bought aa small small motor motor home home and and lived lived in in it it while while building building their their cabin.

The The important important thing thing is is to to have have aa well-thoughtwell-thought- out out plan plan before before you you arrive. arrive. Then Then stick stick with with it. it. Having progress. That's Having aa plan plan also also lets lets you you evaluate evaluate your your progress. That's important important for for several several reasons. reasons. When When you're you're working working on on several several projects projects at at once, once, it it can can be be difficult difficult to to feel feel as as if if you're you're making making any any headway. headway. Discouragement Discouragement sets sets in, in, and and then then it's it's even even more more difficult difficult to to motivate motivate yourself. yourself. If If you you can can look look at at your your master master plan, plan, you'll you'll see see how how much much you've you've accomplished accomplished toward toward meeting meeting your your goals, goals, and and it it will will (hopefully!) (hopefully!) inspire you to continue in your quest. inspire you to continue in your quest. Being Being able able to to see see the the end end will will help help keep keep you you motivated. motivated. People People often often find find new new reserves because they reserves of of energy energy when when they they see see the the finish finish line, line, because they know know their their work work is is almost rest (at almost over over and and they they can can rest (at least least for for aa little little while!). while!). A A plan plan keeps keeps you you on on track track and and going going in in the the right right direction. direction. There's There's so so much much that that needs doing that it's easy to get distracted. You can end up spending so much time needs doing that it's easy to get distracted. You can end up spending so much time on on side side issues issues that that the the most most critical critical things things get get neglected. neglected. It's It's like like time time management. management. There There are are always always things things that that are are important important and and urgent. urgent. "Urgent" "Urgent" means means you're you're in in aa time time crunch crunch and and must must drop drop what what you're you're doing doing and and take take care care of of the the matter matter now. now. In In well-managed well-managed situations, situations, these these will will be be things things that that happen happen unexpectedly, unexpectedly, such such as as an an equipment equipment or or vehicle vehicle breakdown. breakdown. "Important" "Important" matters matters are are those those that that must must be be done, done, but but you you have have some some flexibility flexibility as as to to when when they they must must be be done. done. The The third third category category covers covers those those things things that that are are neither neither urgent urgent nor nor important important at at the the time. If you spend too much time in this third category and neglect doing those time. If you spend too much time in this third category and neglect doing those things projects have things that that are are important, important, you'll you'll soon soon find find the the important important projects have become become urgent urgent projects. Now your pile of urgent tasks has grown until you spend all of your time projects. Now your pile of urgent tasks has grown until you spend all of your time in in crises crises management. management. You'll You'll be be under under constant constant high high levels levels of of stress stress and and on on the the fast fast track track to to burning burning out. out. Always Always do do the the most most important important things things on on your your plan plan first. first. Then Then when when emergencies emergencies arise, arise, you you can can handle handle them them without without getting getting behind behind or or stressed stressed out. out. If If you you get get sidetracked, sidetracked, get get back back to to your your plan plan ASAP! ASAP! A plan helps A plan helps you you organize. organize. If If II can can see see that that I'm I'm going going to to need need lumber lumber for for aa specific specific project project coming coming up up next next week, week, II can can pick pick it it up up when when II go go to to town town for for other other things things this this week. week. By By consolidating consolidating my my trips, trips, II save save time time and and money. money. II haven't haven't lost lost time time by by needing to make a special trip to town, which in our case saves about two hours. I've needing to make a special trip to town, which in our case saves about two hours. I've saved saved money money on on gasoline gasoline (about (about $10 $10 per per trip trip for for us) us) and and vehicle vehicle maintenance. maintenance. Plus, Plus, II have have two two hours hours extra extra to to devote devote to to the the project, project, which which means means II can can knock knock off off early early or or get get an an advanced advanced start start on on the the next next project.

FIFTH: FIFTH: KEEP KEEP LIFE LIFE SIMPLE SIMPLE (KLS) (KLS) One One problem problem we we see see is is people people continually continually upgrading upgrading stuff. stuff. What What II mean mean is is that that they they start start small small and and simple, simple, then then keep keep adding adding to to it. it. II call call this this the the "it's "it's only" only" disorder. disorder. For by hand but eventually For example, example, they they may may begin begin washing washing clothes clothes by hand but eventually upgrade upgrade to to aa wringer wringer washer. washer. "It's "It's only" only" aa small small step step up, up, but but they've they've gone gone from from aa completely completely independent independent method method (no (no need need of of electricity electricity or or outside outside resources) resources) of of washing washing clothes clothes to to aa machine machine that that requires requires electricity electricity in in order order to to operate. operate. Again, Again, it's it's only only aa small small step step up. just run up. They'll They'll just run the the generator generator aa few few hours hours when when it's it's time time to to wash wash clothes. clothes. (If (If they've they've got got aa big big enough enough inverter, inverter, it it might might run run the the washing washing machine machine on on solar, solar, but but will they need more solar panels or batteries to handle the new load?) will they need more solar panels or batteries to handle the new load?) The The next next step step up up is is an an automatic automatic washer. washer. Hey, Hey, they they already already have have the the generator generator going, going, so so why why not not go go with with an an automatic automatic washer? washer? It It won't won't use use any any more more power power than than the the wringer wringer washer washer does. does. It's It's only only aa small small step step up up from from the the wringer wringer washer, washer, isn't isn't it? it? Of best with Of course, course, an an automatic automatic washer washer works works best with aa good good well well and and pump pump system. system. So, you'll need a good pressurized water supply system and a generator (and fuel So, you'll need a good pressurized water supply system and a generator (and fuel for for the genny, or a larger inverter and/or more solar panels and batteries) to do the the genny, or a larger inverter and/or more solar panels and batteries) to do the laundry laundry now. now. But But you you see see that's that's not not the the end end of of it. it. The The new new machinery machinery is is more more complicated, complicated, meaning meaning it it uses uses more more parts, parts, and and those those parts parts will will wear wear out out faster faster than than the the hand-cranked hand-cranked wringer. wringer. Plus, Plus, you you may may need need to to hire hire someone someone to to fix fix them them when when they they break. break. Now Now you you have have more more money money going going out out to to upkeep upkeep and and repair, repair, and and since since they they don't don't last last as as long, long, you'll you'll have have to to figure figure in in replacement replacement costs costs as as well. well. Now, purchase, Now, there's there's nothing nothing wrong wrong with with new new stuff stuff if if you you have have the the money money to to purchase, maintain, keep doing maintain, and and replace replace those those things, things, but but it it all all adds adds up. up. If If you you keep doing this this in in every every area of your life, you'll find yourself back in the same boat you came here to escape. area of your life, you'll find yourself back in the same boat you came here to escape. You'll job to You'll need need aa full-time full-time job to pay pay for for all all the the laborsaving laborsaving stuff stuff you you purchased purchased to to make make your your life life easier easier or or more more convenient. convenient. Now Now you you have have to to work work elsewhere elsewhere to to support support your your new new lifestyle, lifestyle, but but you you purchased purchased aa home home and and acreage acreage way way out out in in the the country country and job, so and you you can't can't find find aa decent decent local local job, so you're you're commuting commuting aa hundred hundred miles miles aa day day to to your your workplace. workplace. (Don't (Don't laugh. laugh. I've I've seen seen it it happen!) happen!) What What happened happened to to your your dream dream of of self-sufficiency? self-sufficiency? Think Think about about this this when when you're you're eyeing eyeing that that new new truck truck or or backhoe backhoe or or rototiller rototiller or or power power log log splitter splitter or or anything anything else else that that will will make make your your life life easier. easier. Review Review chapter chapter 3 3 of this book. Many times it's better to rent the equipment or hire the job done. That of this book. Many times it's better to rent the equipment or hire the job done.

way purchasing, maintaining, way the the other other person person can can enslave enslave themselves themselves to to the the task task of of purchasing, maintaining, and and replacing replacing the the expensive expensive stuff. stuff. Animals probably Animals or or livestock livestock can can be be almost almost as as bad. bad. We've We've had had horses horses before before and and probably will will again. again. They're They're so so cheap cheap right right now now that that it's it's hard hard to to resist resist getting getting aa couple. couple. We We can rationalize that can rationalize that horses horses are are good good investments. investments. They're They're aa lot lot of of fun fun to to ride, ride, they they replace replace themselves, themselves, they they can can be be quite quite affectionate, affectionate, and and they they provide provide tons tons (literally!) (literally!) of of excellent excellent garden garden fertilizer. fertilizer. They They can can be be used used for for work, work, replacing replacing vehicles vehicles that that need gasoline, oil, etc., and they can help produce and harvest their own food. need gasoline, oil, etc., and they can help produce and harvest their own food. What's What's the the problem problem then? then? First First off, off, even even though though they they can can help help produce produce and and harvest harvest their their own own food, food, they they don't don't do do it it alone. alone. You're You're going going to to spend spend a a lot lot of of time time laboring keep them laboring to to keep them fed fed and and watered. watered. You'll You'll need need fences, fences, corrals, corrals, and and shelters, shelters, and and it'll it'll be be your your responsibility responsibility to to protect protect them them from from predators. predators. (I (I should should tell tell you you about about the the night night aa California California couple couple sat sat in in their their house, house, shaking shaking in in fear fear with with their their pocket pocket pooch, killed two pooch, while while aa mountain mountain lion lion killed two of of their their horses horses that that were were trapped trapped in in the the barn. barn. They They didn't didn't believe believe in in owning owning firearms.) firearms.) At At some some point point they'll they'll need need trips trips to to the the vet. vet. Even Even though though they they can can replace replace themselves, themselves, aa colt colt will will cost cost as as much much to to raise raise to to maturity as the purchase price to buy an adult horse; plus you'll need to train the colt maturity as the purchase price to buy an adult horse; plus you'll need to train the colt to to make make it it useful. useful. Unless Unless you you can can make make other other arrangements, arrangements, you'll you'll be be tied tied down down caring for it all year long. They can hurt you a lot if you aren't careful (and lucky). caring for it all year long. They can hurt you a lot if you aren't careful (and lucky). I've I've seen seen some some serious serious injuries injuries caused caused by by horses. horses. Oh, Oh, one one other other thing: thing: you you can can walk walk out out of of your your door door some some morning morning and and find find them them inexplicably inexplicably dead dead in in your your corral. corral. That That can be aa huge can be huge financial financial loss loss in in some some cases cases ... ... and and aa big big relief relief in in others! others! There ride (pun There is is no no free free ride (pun intended!). intended!). Everything Everything has has aa good good side side and and aa bad bad side. side. That That includes includes animate animate and and inanimate inanimate objects. objects. Carefully Carefully consider consider the the total total cost cost of of any any "improvements" "improvements" to to your your lifestyle. lifestyle. SIXTH: SIXTH: EMBRACE EMBRACE THE THE HOMESTEAD HOMESTEAD WAREHOUSE WAREHOUSE Every retreat needs parts storage Every low-budget, low-budget, homestead homestead or or survival survival retreat needs aa parts storage area. area. Okay, Okay, it junk yard probably is, it may may look look like like aa junk yard and and it it probably is, but but the the truth truth remains remains that that unless unless you you have have lots lots of of money money and and aa city city that that has has everything everything you you need need close close by, by, you're you're going place or places to going to to do do aa lot lot of of scrounging, scrounging, and and you'll you'll need need aa place or places to store store the the stuff stuff you you accumulate. accumulate. Additionally, Additionally, if if you're you're concerned concerned about about the the S S hitting hitting TF, TF, you you aren't aren't going going to to be be able able to to go go to to your your local local hardware hardware store store forever, forever, so so you'll you'll want want aa good good supply just in supply of of "stuff" "stuff" stored stored on on your your property property ... ... just in case! case! If If you're you're organized, organized, you'll you'll have have your your "parts "parts department" department" sorted sorted in in categories. categories. It'll It'll look look aa little little better better that that way,

and and it'll it'll be be easier easier to to find find what what you you need. need. You You can can even even hide hide it it in in the the back back corner corner of of your your land land and and build build aa fence fence around around it it if if you you want. want. This This can can also also be be your your staging staging area area where where you you store store materials materials for for future future building building projects. projects. We We have have one one area area loaded loaded with with windows, windows, doors, doors, siding, siding, and and other other building building supplies. supplies. If If we we have have aa construction construction project project on on our our mind, mind, we we take take inventory inventory to to see see what what we we still still need need to to acquire. acquire. If If we we already already have have everything everything we we need, need, we we get get started started building building it. it. If If not, not, we we make make aa list list of of what what we're we're missing missing and and begin begin actively actively searching searching for those items. This might mean trips to the dump, perusing yard sales or for those items. This might mean trips to the dump, perusing yard sales or auctions, auctions, bartering, or even paying cash if all other options fail. bartering, or even paying cash if all other options fail. We also We use We also have have aa couple couple of of old old vehicles vehicles on on the the place. place. We use them them for for parts parts for for our our running running vehicles, vehicles, and and we we sell sell parts parts off off of of them. them. Old Old vehicles vehicles are are aa source source of of batteries, batteries, starters, starters, alternators, alternators, fuses, fuses, lights, lights, mirrors, mirrors, radios, radios, speakers, speakers, and and other other parts parts that that frequently frequently need need replacement, replacement, along along with with miles miles of of low-voltage low-voltage wire. wire. We've We've sold, sold, traded, traded, or or given given away away used used windows, windows, bumpers, bumpers, hitches, hitches, tires, tires, rims, rims, gas gas tanks, tanks, and and other other parts parts off off our our worn-out worn-out vehicles. vehicles. Junk Junk vehicles vehicles can can also also be be used used for for weatherproof weatherproof storage. storage. We We have have assorted assorted piles piles of of pipe pipe and and tubing, tubing, tires, tires, heavy heavy metal, metal, sheet sheet metal metal and and metal metal siding, siding, old old bicycles, bicycles, and and other other items items we we can can use use for for homestead homestead projects. projects. Our Our solar solar panel panel tower tower was was made made with with salvaged salvaged metal metal pipe pipe and and steel steel from from bed bed frames. frames. II constructed constructed aa similar similar one one for for aa friend friend who who paid paid almost almost $1,000 $1,000 for for the the same same amount amount of of steel steel from from aa supplier. supplier. The The key key to to salvaging salvaging materials materials is is to to get get what what you you can can when when you you can can get get it. it. Do Do not not wait until you need it to start looking. wait until you need it to start looking. II know know that piles of junk that for for many many people, people, the the sight sight of of (or (or even even thought thought of!) of!) piles of junk makes makes them them want want to to scream. scream. If If you're you're one one of of them, them, you you might might want want to to consider consider aa different different type type of of life. life. If If you you have have enough enough money money to to buy buy what what you you need need anytime anytime you you need plan on need it, it, you're you're not not going going to to be be living living like like this this anyway. anyway. If If you you plan on the the low-budget low-budget life, life, then then the the homestead homestead warehouse warehouse will will be be your your reality. reality. If If you're you're reading reading this this book book because because you're you're building building aa post post SHTF SHTF life, life, then then you're you're already already planning planning for for aa time time when be very when parts, parts, materials, materials, and and cash cash might might be very hard hard to to acquire. acquire. You You too too will will see see the the value of stockpiling materials for future use. value of stockpiling materials for future

This piles of This is is one one of of our our piles of scrap scrap lumber.

Scrap Scrap iron iron is is sorted sorted into into different different piles. piles. This This is is the the "heavy "heavy metal" metal" pile pile made made up up of of angle pipe. II have angle iron, iron, automotive automotive springs, springs, and and steel steel pipe. have other other piles piles of of rain rain gutters, gutters, light light tubular tubular steel, steel, old old 20-lb. 20-lb. propane propane bottles, bottles, and and other other miscellaneous miscellaneous scrap scrap metal.

This section contains doors and windows.

A A 300-gallon 300-gallon water water tank tank we we keep keep filled filled during during the the summer summer in in case case of of fire fire and and aa stack stack of bridge planks be using raised beds beds in of old old bridge planks that that we'll we'll be using to to make make raised in the the garden.

.

-

One One of of our our stacks stacks of of sheet-metal sheet-metal siding. siding. SEVENTH: SEVENTH: BE BE AS AS PREPARED PREPARED AS AS YOU YOU CAN CAN BE BE BEFORE BEFORE YOU YOU MAKE MAKE YOUR YOUR MOVE MOVE That knowledge, tools, That means means knowledge, tools, and and materials. materials. If If you're you're doing doing this this on on aa low low budget, budget, the purchase at the more more you you learn learn and and the the more more you you purchase at yard yard sales, sales, scrounge, scrounge, or or barter barter for for and better off and bring bring with with you, you, the the better off you'll you'll be. be. At At least least aa year year before before your your move, move, start start scrounging scrounging for for building building materials materials (lumber, (lumber, doors, doors, windows, windows, etc.). etc.). If If you you have have to, to, rent rent a a storage storage unit unit to to put put them them in. in. If If there's there's a a Habitat Habitat for for Humanity Humanity outlet outlet nearby, nearby, shop shop there. there. They They often often have have used used doors, doors, windows, windows, cabinets, cabinets, sinks, sinks, showers, showers, and and other other materials materials for for dirt-cheap dirt-cheap prices. prices. Know Know what those items go for new before you make any purchases. We've found most what those items go for new before you make any purchases. We've found most of of their prices reasonable except for things like electrical outlets and switches, which their prices reasonable except for things like electrical outlets and switches, which we we can can get get cheaper cheaper new new at at Home Home Depot. Depot. The The more more of of this this you you have have on on hand hand before before you better off you make make your your move, move, the the better off you'll you'll be. be. Put be surprised Put away away extra extra food food also. also. You'll You'll be surprised at at how how much much food food it it takes takes to to live live on on for remote, you for aa year year once once you're you're actually actually doing doing it. it. If If your your homestead homestead or or retreat retreat is is remote, you aren't aren't going going to to want want to to drive drive to to town town for for the the evening evening meal meal or or to to get get an an ingredient ingredient for for whatever whatever you're you're preparing preparing for for dinner. dinner. Try Try to to have have your your pantry pantry stuffed stuffed with with anything

and and everything everything you'll you'll need need before before you you move. move. Purchase Purchase cookbooks cookbooks that that tell tell you you how how to to use use the the basics basics for for preparing preparing meals. meals. After After you you get get settled settled in in and and organized, organized, prepare prepare all all the the fancy fancy meals meals you you want, want, but but in in the the beginning beginning stick stick to to the the easy easy stuff. stuff. The The same same is is true true of of tools. tools. Be Be sure sure you you have have the the tools tools on on hand hand before before you you move. move. The The tool tool list list in in chapter chapter 13 13 is is the the minimum minimum recommended recommended for for homestead homestead life. life. It It helps helps to to have have extras extras if if you you can can afford afford them. them. We We buy buy nails nails by by the the box box (30 (30 to to 50 50 pounds) pounds) because because they're they're aa lot lot cheaper cheaper per per pound pound that that way way and and we we want want to to have have plenty plenty on on hand. Kitchen tools are the same. We have four pressure canners and have had them hand. Kitchen tools are the same. We have four pressure canners and have had them all We never jars (we all in in operation operation at at the the same same time. time. We never have have enough enough canning canning jars (we have have well well over over aa thousand thousand already). already). You You don't don't need need four four canners canners to to live live the the homestead but we homestead life, life, but we got got them them cheap cheap over over the the years, years, and and having having four four sure sure makes makes large large canning canning sessions sessions go go faster. faster. Begin Begin working working on on your your skills skills now! now! You You can can never never know know enough, enough, but but the the more more you you know know before before you you move, move, the the easier easier it it will will be. be. You'll You'll have have aa lot lot more more opportunities opportunities to to learn learn important important skills skills while while in in town town than than you you will will after after your your move. move. Plus, roofing skills Plus, the the time time to to learn learn roofing skills is is before, before, not not after, after, the the wind wind blows blows the the shingles shingles off off your your house. house. Clothing Clothing is is another another item item to to have have stocked stocked up. up. Homestead Homestead life life is is hard hard on on clothes. clothes. Shirts Shirts and and pants pants tear tear or or wear wear out out and and need need to to be be patched patched or or replaced. replaced. You'll You'll want want footwear footwear for for all all seasons. seasons. We We keep keep "mud "mud boots" boots" next next to to the the door door for for wet, wet, sloppy sloppy days. These are rubber, slip-on, knee-high boots we use for doing outdoor days. These are rubber, slip-on, knee-high boots we use for doing outdoor chores chores when it's sloppy outside. Have some good winter boots. We prefer rubber-bottom when it's sloppy outside. Have some good winter boots. We prefer rub- ber-bottom boots boots with with felt felt liners. liners. The The uppers uppers can can be be either either leather leather or or nylon. nylon. They'll They'll keep keep your your feet feet warm warm and and dry dry on on cold, cold, snowy snowy days. days. II use use leather leather boots boots with with nine-inch nine-inch tops tops when when cutting cutting firewood. firewood. Anything Anything shorter shorter will will fill fill with with sawdust sawdust and and wood wood chips. chips. Hats Hats and people don't and sunglasses sunglasses are are another another item item people don't think think about. about. A A lot lot of of your your work work will will be be outdoors. outdoors. Your Your eyes eyes and and skin skin need need shielding shielding unless unless you you enjoy enjoy the the thought thought of of entering been entering your your senior senior years years with with alligator alligator skin skin and and cataracts. cataracts. Gloves Gloves have have been mentioned but they're mentioned elsewhere, elsewhere, but they're worth worth aa reminder. reminder. They They wear wear out out quickly. quickly. We We purchase purchase ours ours in in boxes boxes of of 12 12 dozen.

The The betteryou're betteryou're prepared prepared before before your your move, move, the the smoother smoother things things will will go. go. We We came came with with aa year's year's supply supply of of food food on on hand, hand, along along with with most most of of the the tools tools and and skills skills we'd we'd need. need. Even Even ifyou ifyou can't can't buy buy aa place place now, now, you you can can start start preparing preparing in in both both supplies supplies and and skills. skills. Don't Don't underestimate underestimate the the need need for for preparation. preparation. The The full-time, full-time, self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead homestead life life demands demands aa certain certain amount amount of of skills skills to to live. live. If If you're you're preparing preparing aa lowlowbudget, budget, self-sufficient self-sufficient retreat, retreat, it's it's even even more more critical critical that that you you acquire acquire the the skills skills and and knowledge knowledge you'll you'll need need to to survive survive on on your your own. own. Face Face it: it: few few people people would would have have any any respect respect for for an an EMT EMT who who didn't didn't prepare prepare himself himself before before he he ever ever set set foot foot in in an

ambulance. ambulance. Nor Nor would would you you trust trust your your money money with with aa stockbroker stockbroker who'd who'd never never studied studied the the market. market. We We expect expect aa minimum minimum level level of of skill skill or or knowledge knowledge of of every every profession, Why should profession, from from taxi taxi drivers drivers to to brain brain surgeons. surgeons. Why should homesteading homesteading be be any any different? different?

My My grandfather grandfather (who (who was was embarrassed embarrassed by by his his lack lack of of formal formal education, education, although although he knew more he knew more than than most most high-school high-school graduates graduates know know today) today) used used to to say say he he was was too too dumb dumb to to be be anything anything except except aa farmer. farmer. If If II had had half half of of his his knowledge, knowledge, my my life life would would have been much have been much easier. easier. He He grew grew up up in in an an age age of of transition. transition. He He began began farming farming with with horses horses and and mules, mules, and and when when he he retired retired he he was was using using tractors. tractors. My My grandparents grandparents met met 90 90 percent percent of of their their own own needs needs and and those those of of their their four four children children from from what what they they produced produced on on the the family family farm. farm. They They had had beef beef cattle cattle and and milk milk cows, cows, chickens, chickens, and and pigs; pigs; they they grew grew corn, corn, oats, oats, wheat, wheat, milo, milo, and and soybeans; soybeans; and and they they harvested harvested their their own own hay. hay. Their Their garden garden was was nothing nothing short short of of phenomenal. phenomenal. Their Their farms farms were were diverse diverse because because in in that that era era you you needed needed to to cover cover all all your your bases bases to to stay stay afloat. afloat. They They worked worked hard hard and and spent spent money money wisely. wisely. Self-sufficiency Self-sufficiency wasn't wasn't something something people people sought sought back back then; then; it it was was aa way way of of life. life. It It was was like like breathing. breathing. They They didn't didn't have have to to think think about about it. it. Most Most farm farm families families of of those those days days lived lived the the same same way. way. Skip Skip aa couple couple of of generations generations and and look look at at how how things things have have changed. changed. Those Those small small independent independent farms farms are are nearly nearly gone gone in in favor favor of of large large farms farms using using mechanized mechanized equipment equipment and and chemical chemical fertilizers. fertilizers. Even Even the the family family farm farm is is different. different. Most Most concentrate concentrate on on one one or or two two crops crops or or products. products. Gardens Gardens are are rare. rare. They They can can make make more more money money growing growing crops crops than than they they save save by by growing growing their their own own food. food. They They may may raise raise cattle cattle for for market market or or grow grow wheat wheat or or corn corn for for market, market, but but few few do do both. both. They, They, like like most most of of us, us, are are now now specialists. specialists. What just how What my my grandparents grandparents knew knew was was more more than than just how to to grow grow crops. crops. They They knew knew how how to to care care for for and and use use horses horses and and mules. mules. They They knew knew what what it it took took to to raise raise cattle cattle for for milk, milk, food, food, or or market. market. They They raised raised chickens chickens and and pigs pigs for for their their own own use use and and for for sale. sale. They butchered and They butchered and preserved preserved their their own own animals. animals. II still still remember remember days days butchering butchering chickens chickens and and the the time time they they had had pork pork curing curing in in the the milk milk house. house. They They had had handhandpowered powered cream cream separators separators and and corncorn- shelling shelling equipment. equipment. My My grandpa grandpa built built outbuildings, outbuildings, sheds, sheds, and and fences fences and and cut cut firewood firewood to to heat heat their their home. home. My My grandmother jars of grandmother sewed sewed clothes, clothes, canned canned thousands thousands of of jars of food, food, and and cooked cooked everything raw materials. everything from from raw materials. Both Both of of them them could could drive drive horses horses or or tractors tractors to to work work the the fields. fields. My My grandmother grandmother told told stories stories of of plowing plowing with with aa horse-drawn horse-drawn walking walking plow plow with with aa five-gallon five-gallon bucket bucket hanging hanging on on each each handle. handle. Each Each bucket bucket held held one one of of their their twin be left twin girls girls who who were were too too young young to to be left in in the the house house alone.

They bring this They were were knowledgeable, knowledgeable, tough, tough, and and resilient. resilient. The The reason reason II bring this up up now now is is to to caution caution anyone anyone reading reading this this book book that that there there is is aa learning learning curve curve involved. involved. Don't Don't be be overwhelmed, overwhelmed, but but do do prepare! prepare! It's It's going going to to take take years years to to become become proficient proficient at at homesteading. homesteading. This This doesn't doesn't mean mean you you shouldn't shouldn't make make your your move move unless unless you you have have or or know prepared will know everything everything you'll you'll ever ever need. need. But But being being prepared will increase increase your your chances chances of of success. success. Start Start now now to to acquire acquire the the skills skills and and materials materials you'll you'll need need for for the the low-budget, low-budget, self-sufficient self-sufficient life life you you desire. desire.

§ About the Author

teven teven D. D. Gregersen Gregersen is is uniquely uniquely qualified qualified to to write write about about how how to to succeed succeed on on aa low-budget, low-budget, self-sufficient self-sufficient homestead. homestead. He He learned learned such such skills skills as as crop crop and and animal animal husbandry while working on the farms of various relatives; hunting and fishing husbandry while working on the farms of various relatives; hunting and fishing from from his father; camping and outdoor skills from the Boy Scouts; discipline, his father; camping and outdoor skills from the Boy Scouts; discipline, marksmanship, marksmanship, and and first first aid aid from from the the U.S. U.S. Marine Marine Corps; Corps; auto auto mechanics mechanics from from vocational vocational school; school; and and business business administration administration as as aa small small business business owner. owner. Through Through diligent diligent study study and and hands-on hands-on experience, experience, he he has has taught taught himself himself gardening, gardening, trapping, trapping, construction, preservation, heating construction, solar solar power, power, food food preservation, heating with with wood, wood, and and a a host host of of other other skills skills essential essential to to an an off-grid, off-grid, rural rural lifestyle. lifestyle. He, He, his his wife, wife, Susan, Susan, and and four four of of their their seven seven children children established established their their 20-acre 20-acre homestead homestead in in northwestern northwestern Montana Montana in in 2004. 2004. For For an an instructive, instructive, ongoing ongoing look look at at their their daily daily life, life, visit visit his his "Homesteading "Homesteading for for Real" Real" blog blog at at www.dirttimeforum.com.

Table Table of of Contents Contents Introduction Introduction Chapter Chapter 11 Defining Defining Goals Goals Chapter Chapter 2 2 Setting Setting Priorities Priorities Chapter Chapter 3 3 Money Money. Chapter Chapter 4 4 Location Location Chapter Chapter 5 5 Skills Skills and and Knowledge Knowledge Chapter Chapter 6 6 Pets Pets and and Livestock Livestock Chapter Water Chapter 7 7 Water Chapter Chapter 8 8 Food Food Chapter Chapter 9 9 Sanitation Sanitation Chapter Chapter 10 10 Heating Heating and and Cooling Cooling Chapter Chapter 11 11 Power Power Chapter Chapter 12 12 Housing Housing and and Outbuildings Outbuildings Chapter Chapter 13 13 Tools Tools Chapter Chapter 14 14 Transportation Transportation Chapter Chapter 15 15 Entertainment Entertainment Chapter 16 Work Habits, Time Off, Hobbies, and Burnout Chapter Chapter 17 17 The The Neighbors: Neighbors: Getting Getting Along Along with with "Country "Country Folk" Folk" Chapter Chapter 18 18 Some Some Final Final Friendly Friendly Advice Advice