200+ Members

[Washkeeton]

We are now over the 200 mark. Where is every body. Dont you all have any thing to ask, say, or stories to tell? Every one is too quiet here. ;D

[Jenny]

Oh, I was going to make some sort of big tadoo about it when we hit 200, but couldn't really come up with anything exciting.

You're right, Wash, it has been terribly quiet around here. We've been busy with all sorts of other things going on, so just haven't had the time to spend on this or any other forum, for that matter. Shame on us Lots of family things with the boys. Chuck's been trying to use the last minutes of winter to haul logs in for our new house. But, still not near enough to finish, so he'll have to haul more next winter. Guess that means well have to spend another year in our little cabin. He's going to use some of the logs for lumber and do some work on this cabin to make it a little better. The boys need separate rooms. Nobody in our family is getting any sleep these days. When one wakes up, everybody wakes up

Jenny

[1withNature]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. This may not be the right place, but since you're looking for someone to say, ask, or tell something. I'm wondering if you can give me any sources of information to get started. Currently, I live in Ohio and live the common "chase the almighty dollar" lifestyle. I'm looking to make a big change to selfsufficiency, co-existing with nature, and happiness, but am having trouble getting started. My goal is a large plot of remote land to raise my family on. I've been doing a lot of reading, and am trying to make changes in my life towards this new style of living. I don't want to pay a huge amount of money for the land. Any suggestions or assistance is appreciated.

[Jenny]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you found us.

Alaska land is fairly expensive, for the most part, especially if it's on the road system. Land in or near villages often is quite expensive, too, unless it's the more remote land. A lot depends on just how remote you'd like to get. Are you going to need to work a daily job? Planning to work seasonally? Retired? There is lots of really nice land in the bush that isn't too expensive. As preparation for their move, we knew a family who bought a cabin out in the country in the area they already lived in. They lived their without electricity, running water, etc. They did have access to all the roads, and the daddy went to work each day, as usual, until they saved enough for their big move. By then, they already had lots of experience and a very good idea of what they'd really need when they finally bought their remote spot. Others just start collecting tools, reading all they can, practicing gardening, putting up food, etc. Then they sell out and move up here. Be sure you see the land before you buy it. Preferably spend a little time in the area to get a feel for what's really around to make sure it offers what you want ----- water, hunting, fishing, the kinds of people, if any, that you want for "neighbors" within several miles, etc. I think we have a few threads about this sort of thing.

When we moved out to our homestead, Chuck and I had both lived in the bush before. Chuck had been in AK about 15 years and I had been here about 6 or 7 at that time. But still, we bought and brought out lots of stuff we wish we hadn't, and stuff we never use. We sold or gave away lots of things we really wish we'd kept. Everyone does that sort of thing. I'd say that "less is more". Don't get too bogged down with tons of stuff. Bring the main things ---- chainsaws, axes, hand tools, shovels, and other things you KNOW you'll need. Bring the basics. If you're moving to raw land with tons of stuff, just getting it there and organizing it enough to use it will be exhausting. I hear some folks tell people who are moving to AK to bring and mail everything under the sun with them because they won't be able to get it once they get to AK. Well, you can get anything you want and need up here ---- either in town or by ordering.

Well, those are just a few things I was thinking. I'm sure others will have lots more advice for you. Keep reading around the forum, and if you don't find the answers you're looking for, just ask.

Again, WELCOME!

Jenny