Off-Grid Island... 400 residents.

ChristieAcres · #41 02/01/13, 04:20 AM

My grandparents were Farmers on 90 acres and more self-sustaining than most of the folks on here, and I lived with them as a child. However, one thing I do NOT DO?! Ever go after and label others who are learning, growing in their efforts, others succeeding in different ways, thinking others should conform to any sort of "framework" I think they should fit into, then call them STUPID when they don't... The folks on that island aren't starving and they seemed pretty happy with their lifestyles.

I don't judge others, Raven12, and most folks on here, some who are living very simple lifestyles and enjoy it that way, do NOT appreciate being called STUPID.

I am simply amused, because I know this does not apply to me nor does it apply to some very cool unique HTer's on this Site. You really shouldn't sling labels around, as it isn't nice...

Raven12 · #42 02/01/13, 04:27 AM

This is a free country and if I think it is silly to move to an island to feel special and not be labeled as a farmer, then I have every right to say what I think. What do you think the guys around here in the country would say if I told them I had to go without and be isolated in order to farm?

The elitists have brainwashed way too many people in the US. People need to shut off the youtube videos and start traveling the United States. FARMER is not a dirty word.

romysbaskets · #43 02/01/13, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven12

This is a free country and if I think it is silly to move to an island to feel special and not be labeled as a farmer, then I have every right to say what I think. What do you think the guys around here in the country would say if I told them I had to go without and be isolated in order to farm?

It is a free country so moving to an island can be a dream for some and a reality for others, you can think it silly but they don't. As to the whys? I did not move here to be "special"...I happen to have been raised with isolation being enjoyable. I am at peace with myself and my family. 7 years means I am staying! I did not escape from anything, I just chose to be here! I can't say for the folks on that island moving there to feel special but they looked happy.... We are quite happy with our decision to live here and feel blessed instead. It is the same type of peaceful existence our Grandparents had on their farm. I wear many hats here but do not call myself anything specific, goodness, I have gardens and I do alot of different things. If you read my posts or see the little modest offerings under barter..you will come to know me. I am not off grid but am very isolated and have thrived here. I live on an island and call myself islandgirl to be cute but no other words have I used to describe me. This site is called homesteading today right? I think it is great so many people are looking at this lifestyle again and have hopes that they like so many before them can attain it! You can call yourself a farmer or a homesteader or??? I am sure it does not matter does it?

The elitists have brainwashed way too many people in the US. People need to shut off the youtube videos and start traveling the United States. FARMER is not a dirty word.

I cherish the word FARMER and happen to think they are SPECIAL AND A TREASURE TO OUR COUNTRY~! I come from a long line of them....I have traveled around the US and love the farms, sighing as I see the great old barns, sweet country homes, horses running in open fields, huge bales of hay, white haired folks working their land like their family before them, I even love those old rusty broken down tractors. I embrace and love what Farmers do.... I have a great deal of respect for the folks who's backbones this country was built on! I didn't see anyone calling farmers dirty but my goodness even my hands get into the dirt! Yep dirty little island lady playing in the sand with her shells and grandson. LOL For someone to look at an island and appreciate a different lifestyle than their own is a wonderful thing! When we stop dreaming, those dreams we may had never come true!

ChristieAcres · #44 02/01/13, 05:09 AM

Raven12, wow, how did you get that from the people interviewed? When were "Farmers" being dissed? They wanted to get away from society, live a simpler lifestyle, in a more secluded setting. One was an Engineer who just wanted to get away from it all, never said a word about Farmers. Did I miss someone literally saying they wanted to "move to an island to feel special and not be labeled a Farmer?!"

You bet you have the right to share your opinion, but there is a line drawn at insulting others...

BTW- You have now called Romysbaskets an IDIOT! She chose to move to the island for many of the same reasons those residents did. There are only 50 full time residents, with seasonal residents. I doubt there are 400 counting all of them...

I really think you should stop at this point, while you are digging yourself deeper in flinging insults.

This thread is simply 400 folks living on an off-grid island. Good for them and for any who want to do that. And even better for those who don't, as the ones who do, would rather be away from them (hence they moved to an island...).

My grandparents were Farmers, but I can only claim to be a Homesteader, in the sense that we are living an increasingly more self-sustaining lifestyle. We also lack enough land to justify claiming the title of Farmer.

Quote:

What do you think the guys around here in the country would say if I told them I had to go without and be isolated in order to farm?

Who are you referring to who has literally said this?

Raven12 · #45 02/01/13, 05:13 AM

You have your opinion, I have mine. I know that being an individual and not part of the collective is a pretty shocking concept on HT but I am doing it anyway.

HappySevenFarm · #46 02/01/13, 06:34 AM

Interesting video. I would say the 42 dogs would be a bit much but if that's their thing good for them that they can have them. I could see myself living like that and might just happen in a few years when the kids are gone! Although my DW might have a say in the matter!

City Bound · #47 02/01/13, 07:44 AM

I think this island and it's people are cool. I would live there. Must cost a fortune to buy land there though.

mamita · #48 02/01/13, 07:48 AM

I love this video. it made me happy to see that they were living a lifestyle they love. only thing I wondered that may seem odd to most is how did the lady with all those huge dogs feed them? lol that's one heck of a lot of dog food.

idiots? hardly. just folks living how they choose.

City Bound · #49 02/01/13, 07:49 AM

Raven some people prefere to "go without" because it gives them the freedom and the joy of going without a boss, a nine to five job, a long commute, traffic, urban pollution, stress, high taxes, and excessive debt and bills, not to mention the pleasure of not having too much local gov bossing you around and binding you up in rules and red tape. Some nuts and idiots, like myself, are naturally attracted to this lifestyle.

I forgot to add: the mainstream status quo is not for everyone, some of us like to live a little funky and march to beat of our own drum even if we play it off beat and out of key.

City Bound · #50 02/01/13, 07:50 AM

mam, she breeds and sells dogs, there is decent money in that doing.

mamita · #51 02/01/13, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

mam, she breeds and sells dogs, there is decent money in that doing.

I more wondered how she bought all the food. I don't remember seeing stores on the island. I suppose anything can be transported, tho, right?

City Bound · #52 02/01/13, 08:01 AM

mam, I do not know what she feeds them but she had a peaceful smile on her face so I am going to assume that she figured out how to maintain them. I would guess that if you live on solar power and you are frugal otherwise, have two incomes (however modest they may or may not be), and you grow and hunt your own food then that would give you a little extra pocket money to buy dog food.

I am interested in the wild sheep that walk-about.

Raven12 · #53 02/01/13, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

Raven some people prefere to "go without" because it gives them the freedom and the joy of going without a boss, a nine to five job, a long commute, traffic, urban pollution, stress, high taxes, and excessive debt and bills, not to mention the pleasure of not having too much local gov bossing you around and binding you up in rules and red tape. Some nuts and idiots, like myself, are naturally attracted to this lifestyle.

I forgot to add: the mainstream status quo is not for everyone, some of us like to live a little funky and march to beat of our own drum even if we play it off beat and out of key.

You just described the average life of a farmer.

The mainstream status quo is city life. Maybe if you got out of there, then you would realize that MILLIONS of people don't live the same way you do and don't need an island to do it on.

mamita · #54 02/01/13, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

mam, I do not know what she feeds them but she had a peaceful smile on her face so I am going to assume that she figured out how to maintain them. I would guess that if you live on solar power and you are frugal otherwise, have two incomes (however modest they may or may not be), and you grow and hunt your own food then that would give you a little extra pocket money to buy dog food.

I am interested in the wild sheep that walk-about.

I know, me, too! (sheep)

again...I didn't question her financial ability to pay for dog food...more where did she buy it. are there stores on the island, or do you have to venture out and ship back in. I was just curious.

City Bound · #55 02/01/13, 08:22 AM

raven, I do not know much about farmers, but one general thing I notice about farmers is that they are business people. The people on the island did not seem like farmers to me. Modern day farmers live pretty good lives these days, they have computerized tractors, a big screen tv, cable tv, and maybe if they are successful enough they have a mc mansion on the hill over looking the farm.

What do I know about farmers though.

City life is not status quo, but it has its own status quo just like every other lifestyle forms its own status quo. I would say that a general status quo that seems to be universally accepted by the majority in "modern" places is that indoor plumping is a must, electric is a must, a conventional house is a must, and driving a car everywhere is a must.

Again though, what do I know.

raven I know millions of people do not live like I live, but millions of people do not live like the folks that live on that island. They are not harming anyone. Thank god they have the freedom to live the way they see fit to live without interference and persecution from outsiders who disagree with their desire to be independent and self actualized.

painterswife · #56 02/01/13, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven12

You just described the average life of a farmer.

The mainstream status quo is city life. Maybe if you got out of there, then you would realize that MILLIONS of people don't live the same way you do and don't need an island to do it on.

These people are not farmers. They are homesteaders. It is a big difference.

City Bound · #57 02/01/13, 08:27 AM

oh, I am sorry. I misunderstood Mam. I would venture a guess and say she buys it on the main island and boats it over, or takes it in her truck and comes over on the ferry if there is a ferry.

Those sheep where fuzzy.

painterswife · #58 02/01/13, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

oh, I am sorry. I misunderstood Mam. I would venture a guess and say she buys it on the main island and boats it over, or takes it in her truck and comes over on the ferry if there is a ferry.

Those sheep where fuzzy.

There is a ferry but it brings people not vehicles. All large goods are barged in.

mamita · #59 02/01/13, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

oh, I am sorry. I misunderstood Mam. I would venture a guess and say she buys it on the main island and boats it over, or takes it in her truck and comes over on the ferry if there is a ferry.

Those sheep where fuzzy.

those sheep were awesome!

naturelover · #60 02/01/13, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven12

You have your opinion, I have mine. I know that being an individual and not part of the collective is a pretty shocking concept on HT but I am doing it anyway.

Oh. So you are doing it anyway just like those island dwelling idiot individuals who are not part of the collective. Then you are just like them I guess.

So ..... what is your problem again with other individuals who are not part of the collective?

I'm really curious to know what state you live in.

.