Slab wood cabin? Suggestions? Advice?

I lived in a 20ft. camper for 4yrs. with no well or septic. I "borrowed" power from my car to operate a small light and a car stereo to break the boredom at night. I built a small lean-to on the door side to give me a little more room. I put a small wood burner in the lean-to for heat and to heat my shower water which I hauled from my sisters house in the city. The floor of the addition was built from railroad ties with short pieces set in the middle for support. I filled the space inside with sand and laid 3/4" treated plywood for the floor. Never had any critters under it. (I built the floor then the walls and stuff) After a while I started to be creative and caught rain water off the roof and used that instead of hauling water. Still had to haul in the winter for I live in Ohio but it was worth the fun. Built a small battery charger to charge 2 marine batterys so I didn't have to "bump-start" my car every day. Bought a gas grill at a garage sale with an extra propane tank. Found a camper that was in an accident and bartered for the fridge. (which you already have) Now I'm cookin' (and chillin') with gas!

My point is, if you really want to make the move, it will happen. You will have a lot of rough times but in the end, it will be well worth it. I never gave up my dream. Now I live in 960ft. of heaven that I built myself with many memories to go with it. Glad you decided to keep the camper. It reminded me of my frugal beginings. I started in '89 and I still don't have a septic or a well or electricity. Keep the faith and if I can help in any way, contact me...

__________________
Diogenes' Philosophy..
"The gods gave man an easy life, but man has complicated it by itching for luxuries."

Keep the trailer. Regardless of the cost of getting it to MO, it will be worth every penny.

Remember these lessons we have learned:

In building, it takes twice as long and twice as much money as you ever planned.

After a long day of building, there is nothing like a good meal and a shower.

A tent is no place to stay through rain, wind and hail.

You need a place for the tools that is safe and dry.

The less electrical power a tool requires, the more body power the tool requires and you have only so much body power to give.

Thanks for the info and feedback.
!2volt--i have read other post of yours and would like to chat with you and pick your brain for awhile. I have alot of different questions that i think you could help sort out for me.

As for the stone house, i have thought of that myself, and i know where we lived in missouri before several people had those type of houses. I know nothinging about stone masonry. But i know alot about cordwood masonry. I want to build a small log cabin get it all ready for winter and such and move in. I then want to build another one and attach the two with a "dog-trot" I will eventually build my cordwood castle but it will be in a couple years from now. I always thought it would be cool to have a house built one room or section at a time using different kinds of building methods.

Tent, wigwam living really stinks, we lived in a wigwam for a few months on our last expedition. I want to build a log cabin pioneer style. With a puncheon(sp) floor, log rafters etc... I lived in a log cabin that was built this way when i worked at a living history farm called Robbins Crossing. I worked as a blacksmith apprentice.
well thats all my mind can think of for now.

What about the stawbale roof thing??

What about a stone house without mortar, like they built in scotland i think ireland too. This would be a cool way for me to reach back and touch some of my ancestors, from my moms side of the family.

Jagger

I just came across this site.

http://www.northcoast.com/~tms/stone.html


If you decide to take the "promotion" and get a bit more cash in the bank you may want to check out these books to keep you inspired. One called the "Dirt Cheap Builder" I haven't read it. I'm going to go back to this site and look further. Looks interesting.

Glad you started a diary! I can imagine your great, great, grandkids reading it and feeling so proud!

Digital cameras are coming down in price. I got one a few years ago so that I could sell on ebay. It's paid for itself just in saved film developing costs. $20 to develop a roll of film (double prints to send to family) and maybe half of them don't come out as well as you had hoped. With the digital you see the picture immediately and if it's not good just delete it and take it again. Then you could set up a "blog". An online diary with pictures for all to see.

This is a nice one I came across:



http://www.fragmentsfromfloyd.com/

rambling again,
P.

Hey Jagger,

Best of luck whatever you decide to do. A primitive skills school is a great idea, as one would be welcomed in the midwest I am sure.
As far as a shelter, from personal experience, make sure the roofing you install is durable and will last. Wish I could share pics of my 10x20 with the first roof after the first(and second and third) hail storm. Blue tarps, DOH!

Friends and family were astounded at my decision and threw themselves in front of me and begged me to stay in the city. Many still refuse to visit, and sadly, that goes both ways. One finds the true friends this way.

Anyhow, I say if you're feelin' froggy, JUMP! :yeeha:

And as an aside to anyone in the city reading this awesome thread: Don't wait for the 'perfect time' to make the move, for it does not exist.

regards from TX

mc

bump

Jagger, here's the link to the Turtle Island Preserve web site we talked about. I'm posting it here incase others might find it useful.

http://www.turtleislandpreserve.com/index2.htm

They offer programs in many areas of homesteading. It would be great if you could eventually have a school like this of your own!

Start with one thing at a time I guess.