Newbie would like some wisdom before embarking on journey.
 

Hello you guys. My name is Mike (or Michael) and I have always thought about going off-grid and trying out the homestead lifestyle, but I've always had a job or a woman holding me back. Up until a month ago, I've spent the previous four years living with a woman and her three children (currently 11, 13 and 14 years old). The woman is an amazing woman, she is. The kids are good kids, but they are very spoiled, lazy and have no discipline or responsibilities. I tried my hardest to humble them, teach them the value of a dollar, to look past themselves and consider others, teach them the importance of being independent and knowing the important skills in life, the ones they don't teach you in school. My efforts and methods were never fully backed up by their mother or the rest of their family, so they never really put much salt into what I said or tried to teach them. Their mother doted on them so much and never cared to put even a fraction of that energy into our relationship. I was constantly on the back burner, even though I made ---- sure I thought of her and the kids in everything I did. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time being stressed out, frustrated and resentful. Then I decided that maybe I just wasn't cut out for family life after all. Maybe if I was able to have a child of my own things would be different, but it's never happened. Trying to father another mans kids as they are going into their teen years is the toughest thing I've ever tried to do. Step-parenting is a very tough and thankless job much of the time.

I had a decent job, had full benefits, retirement, decent pay, etc, but I didn't feel happy there the past five years. I endured too much for too long and, after nine years I walked into my bosses office and gave in my notice, which no one saw coming.

I decided that I needed to get away. I have become so tense, so wound up. Stressed out, bitter and angry every day. Very depressed and, I suspect, close to being bipolar, if I'm not already. Too much time trying to force my life to be ideal in it's current circumstances, which was a losing battle. From the ages 9-32 I never had so much as a cold. I was unusually healthy and I thought I was unbreakable. Then in the last four years I feel so tired, sick, drained and jaded every day. I catch most common flu bugs every year now, due to the stress and lack of good sleep wearing on my immune system. I'm 36 years old and I had to make some changes in my life, some radical changes, tough changes.

So, I quit my job, left the woman and kids (we're still friends), bought 3 acres of undeveloped property in Klamath County Oregon, purchased a 26-ft 1986 Fleetwood Bounder motor home and have been working hard on putting together a solar system and working out strategies for water, food, etc. In a couple weeks my 2.5 year old yellow lab Chase, 6 month old pitbull Abby and I will hit the road and head to our new home. Just us. I will get our place set up for the winter months, figure out a way to generate some more income and in the Spring begin constructing a cabin. It will be a tough road ahead, I'm sure, lots of trial and error, but very rewarding and fulfilling I hope. I'll probably get lonely at times, but I'll be a half hour away from Klamath Falls if I need to see people. I'm doing this to heal, to relax, for spiritual solace and enlightenment, to learn how to view life from a broader perspective. Maybe one day I will meet another woman that I am more compatible with, that shares some of the views and values that I have. The tough part will be coaxing a woman into following me out to "cabin in the woods", haha! Well, I'll cross that bridge when it comes.

So, you know my story. I've done a ton of planning and prep work. I have lots of springs, rivers, reservoirs and lakes within a 10-mile radius of my property, I'm driving a 25-foot pitcher pump well that I will (hopefully) tap into some shallow water that will be filtered and purified. I plan to drain my septic holding tank into the ground and cover with lime to aide in the decomposition (I'm a good half mile from the nearest water source, should be safe right?). I'm starting out with a 300-watt solar system that will hopefully run my freezer of meat. Will dig a pit in the ground to keep my cooler of refrigerated items (since ground stays a constant 42 degrees or less year round). Have another smaller solar kit to charge phone and flashlights. Stocked up on thermal clothing, down comforters and will be getting a ceramic space heater for quick warmups to reduce propane consumption. I've also stocked up on lots of reference books that cover subjects like: homesteading, permaculture, gardening, hunting/fishing, wilderness survival, etc. I won't have internet, so I will need some way of getting answers along the way.

I am a person that strives to be as prepared as I can at all times. My fear is that I head out there without considering some crucial detail that can make life for my pooches and I much more difficult than it needs to be. I would greatly appreciate ANY tips, advice and wisdom from anyone that currently homesteads or has previously spent serious time living in the bush, off the grid. Thank you all! Mike

Looks to me that you're only 25' from the nearest water supply.

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"I'm driving a 25-foot pitcher pump well that I will (hopefully) tap into some shallow water that will be filtered and purified."

"I plan to drain my septic holding tank into the ground and cover with lime to aide in the decomposition (I'm a good half mile from the nearest water source, should be safe right?). "

You have so many new things that you are doing that It will be a tough first year. That, however, may be just what your life needs... to face obstacles and overcome them. There is no substitute for experience, though, so expect lots of challenges.

The most obvious thing I see is that your septic system probably isn't safe. and it certainly won't be a half mile from your water source. Filters might take out the bacteria, but they might not take care of the chemicals in everyday household products that end up one way or another going down the drain in the was water. You might be better off putting some of your savings into a septic system, I'm not so sure your plan is legal. Even an outhouse and a "grey water" pit might be better.

Water is your greatest necessity. "Hoping" that a 25' well will supply water (and continue to supply it after you start drawing on it and during low rainfal periods)
is not the greatest plan. It is something you need to be sure of unless you plan to shower at the "Y", wash clothes at the laundramat, and carry all your drinking, cooking, and cleaning water from town.

Looks like you get quite a lot of rain.. So a cistern off your cabin roof is possible, and maybe you will find water at <25'.

Get ready to sweat, and tend lots of blisters. The homesteading life style is more than worth the effort but it is a lot of plain ol work. Nothing against your homesteading library of information.... but you will find that a lot of the info may or may not be applicable to your area... I have always found locals who have lived their entire lives in a given area are absolute goldmines waiting to be harvested when it comes to knowing what works and doesnt work in the area. As to your sewage question... a half mile from the nearest water source sound pretty good.... but where were you planning drilling that well? ;)

Lime doesn't aid decomposition. It kills the bacteria that stink and are considered pathogens. Dump your black water into a pile of leaves and other available carbon sources and you'll find it disappears quickly in warm weather.

Get a tablet that has wi-fi capabilities and you can find free wi-fi a lot of places for basic web needs.

Solar electric WILL NOT do heat. A ceramic heater is ONLY good if you have grid power.

Heat and security will be your two big concerns. Consider a micro generator (1200 watts or less). Cost of running it is less than a larger one, and they can be much more quiet.

I feel like a broken record-been sharing this link alot lately :)

http://www.wikihow.com/Construct-a-Small-Septic-System

If you don't want to do that, consider an outhouse. Liquids could go into the holding tank, and the outhouse for the other. Much less smell.

Have you ever read the book, or seen the video about Dick Proenneke? I think you would find it encouraging.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Proenneke

It won't.

You actually measured that ? More like mid 50's here.

I notice you mention nothing for allowing for a 1/2 acre garden, meat, you don't sound like D Boone or D Crockett, so I doubt youll keep yourself supplied with fresh out of the wild meat. Im not either. You don't mention how your going to keep warm up there for the kind of winters they have there, I hear it can be a 3 dog night, and I think you only said you had 2 lol.
I notice you don't mention coming up with the tools. Tillers, saw, carpentry tools to build that cabin.
Your likely talking about a grand after water pump, GOOD tiller, GOOD chain saw, GOOD, C saw, GOOD drill, carpentry tools, wrenches, sockets, on and on.
3 acres. IF your house/bldgs. and garden are on an acre, then the other 2 will be needed to feed a milk cow, OR 3 goats, as they like their company. You can pen the goats, or cows, and/or pigs and chickens in a 75 sq pen, but then your buying ALL the feed and hay for them.
Theres ways of doing things, but theres usually reasons why the people around a newbe don't do them.

Rather than violate codes, I'd recommend you build an outhouse for a COMPOSTING TOILET. That solves your problem! Grey water filtration systems are legal in many areas and there are fish/plant systems to clean the water, before it is re-used to water your garden... This will be an adventure, full of challenges, but you will experience a lot of personal growth in the process!

By posting specific challenges, in the question forum, experience HTer's may head off most of the potential mistakes that can be made.

The way I see it, easier to replicate and succeed before I try to reinvent the wheel...

I would think a usable road to get in and out do you have another car or are you driving the motor home to run to town. I would think that would be a pain to pack up everything each time you needed to go some place.

Buy yourself a good pair of gloves. And send us a picture of them in six months. Only "wisdom" I can offer is: wherever you go, you always take yourself with you. Best of luck.

geo

Being broke sucks. Generating your own income is very hard.
As Geo said, even in a fresh start like you plan, you bring yourself, your strengths, your weaknesses with you.
I have seen a lot of people re-start their lives in a new place, a place of natural beauty, freedom and independence. Many come to recognize that the problems they had before had nothing to do with where they were or what they were doing. The suicide rate among these folks was high. It is emotionally crushing to give something your all and fail.
Locals are dismissive to these idealistic pioneers/homesteaders/back to the land hippies. They have seen waves of them come, struggle and leave.
Most are underfunded. With lots of time and hard work, one can build a chicken coop from scrap lumber and a blue tarp. But it doesn't last. Eventually you fill your day with upkeep, repairs, replacements. Then the fox eats the chickens, raccoon eats the garden and the porcupine quills the dogs.
A clean slate sounds so good, a new life without all the troubles of before. But there is still stress, just a different kind. You might eat better on your new property, but maybe not. You might be healthier, but that isn't a sure thing. Hopefully you will have moments of contentment and a sense of satisfaction. But you had that before. Maybe harder to see when you are in it. Most teenagers today aren't going to embrace the lifestyle you want them to follow. But the time you spend with them is valuable to you and to them. It is also normal for mom to side with her kids over her boyfriend.
I wish you luck. As I look back, I have no regrets for what I have done, but plenty of regrets for what I didn't do, opportunities I was too afraid to grab. So, go for it. If you succeed you'll be happy. If you fail, you can get back up and try something else.

it will be a learning life lesson for sure,but theres a lot of good teachers here.WELCOME!

Sounds like an adventure. Be prepared to be Discouraged and then remember why you're there. Check your winter plans, I would fear the winter most.
And Income? This could be your greatest challenge.

I just spent an hour typing up a follow up to each of your comments, but apparently this site logs you out after a period of time and I lost it all! Here goes again.

mnn2501- I have been told that my water source needs to be 100 feet from my septic, so that's my plan.

o&itw- I thought about an outhouse originally, but I figured that my idea was one in the same essentially. I will have a pit with a hatch. I will drape the hose into the pit when I need to drain my holding tank. Then I'll cover it with sawdust, wood ash or moss to mask scent, absorb liquids and aide in decomposition of the solids. The only difference I see between that and an outhouse is that I don't have a toilet sitting over the pit. Isn't it basically the same otherwise? The only flaw that I will need to address there is assuring that the pit is a safe distance from my RV, so an actual outhouse might end up being most practical anyway. As for water, I was hoping that, since I'm not far out from the base of the Cascade range that I'd be able to tap into plenty of shallow water runoff or drainage. I would have the water tested and filter/purify it if necessary. I also have a fresh water holding tank, as well as ten or so 2.5 water jugs that I plan to keep full, by way of the 3-4 nearby springs.

Yvonne'sHubby- I am hopeful that the locals will be friendly, accept me and be willing to show me the ropes.

Harry Chickpea- I figure that between my 300-watt solar, my two generators (4,000 watts each), extra deep cycle batteries, propane, kerosene and plethora of thermal clothing and blankets that I should be able to keep warm, interchanging these methods. When a I build the cabin I will be putting in a good size wood stove as well.

NorthwoodsMike- I like that idea for septic and will give it strong consideration, depending on what Klamath County will allow. I have heard of Dick Proenneke and I am actually a huge fan of his. When I first watched "Alone In The Wilderness" 6-7 years ago on PBS, is when I first became inspired to do something similar. My goal is to be as self-sufficient and hands on (as he was) as I am physically and lawfully allowed to be. I have also read his book/journal and his story has been a huge inspiration to me. When people tell me that I'm crazy for doing this, that I'll die out there or that I'll never escape the grasp of big brother I think about Dick Proenneke and what he accomplished. To me, that means more than the crap the doubters try to tell me.

tnAndy- You are mostly correct about ground temp. Below the frost line it stays a constant 50-55 degrees, but about that line it varies and does get into the 40's at times. I'll have to keep a thermometer in my unit and keep an eye on it, making adjustments as needed. Regarding my freezer, if the solar won't power it, then maybe I can just run it off the generator every 1-2 days, just enough to ensure the meat does not thaw out. Winter isn't too far off and will be easy to keep things frozen then without the need for power. Where there's a will, there's always a way.

FarmboyBill- I have 2.3 acres and my cabin will not be very big, so I will have plenty of space for gardening, which I do plan on doing come spring. I also plan on raising some chickens at the very least. I am getting a large meat pack from the local meat market to get me through winter and will take to hunting and fishing next year. I never claimed to be Davey Crockett and I won't need to be to survive. It will be tough, I know this, but it is possible. I'm not here to be told if I can or can't do this, because I know I can. I'm just here to learn HOW to do it. To learn ways that I haven't yet thought of. If I can't catch, kill or grow enough food to sustain me than I will either buy or barter for additional food, until my gardening/hunting/fishing skills are where they need to be for me to be completely sustained. I have a couple saws and all they basic carpentry, plumbing,electrical and HVAC tools. I have a fair amount of experience in carpentry, plumbing and HVAC. I'm a jack of trades, master of none.....but I'm a thinker and a planner, I'm resourceful and I'm good with my hands. If I don't know how to do something, I'm pretty good at finding the answers. That's why I'm here.

Forcast- my property is on a decent dirt road, which heads into a major HWY about 10 miles down the line, so it should be very easy to get in and out. I also have a well-cared-for 1994 Jeep Cherokee 4X4 with low miles, freshly tuned up and brand new Goodyear Wrangler tires. As long as my Jeep can plow through the snow on the dirt road I'll be ok, but I'm trying to stockpile food and supplies for the winter to minimize how often I'll need to leave when the snow does get bad.

Chinkapin- I am used to paying $1500 rent and $400 power bills every month, among many other bills and it won't take much money to support my way of life out there. My biggest bill will be my $160 land payment. I have a handyman business that I never quite got off the ground, there's a lot of services and skills I can offer the locals. I can clear out metal junk for people and scrap it for some extra change. I want to keep my mind open to various money-making opportunities, instead of just relying on punching the clock for one employer. I could get a part time job washing dishes or changing oil if I had too. It won't take much money to get me by. $600 a month will pay my bills, feed my dogs and I and still give me money to save for building materials, permits, etc.

Haypoint and Geo- these are, by far, the most heart-felt and encouraging comments that I've received so far, including my own family. I am going to print you comments and keep them handy. There will be times when I feel down and discouraged and your comments will serve me well down the line. Thank you.

My goal is to learn all I can and be as prepared as I can for all scenarios. I'm trying to maintain the proper "can-do" attitude and stay motivated. I've already reached my first major obstacle. My land is zoned for "residential only" and that the county mandates that, to reside there I must have a "legal" septic setup in place. All I have left is enough money to get me by a couple months until I get more income, so nothing set aside for this unforeseen hurdle. I'll have to research, make some phone calls and find a way to get past this. I know there will be many more hoops to jump through as well, which sucks. I just want to stay under the radar. I don't want to bug anyone and I don't want to be bugged. I'm hoping big brother won't push me around too much and will give me enough space and FREEDOM to realize my vision. Thanks everyone. Any more tips and ideas are very much welcomed!

Wishing you good luck! The locals and old timers will be a wealth of information for you. Maybe try some of the ideas from the tv shows on living in Alaska Wilderness? The old PBS series was awesome and so insightful. Keep us posted on your progress please!

To say that you are an optimist I think would be an under statement. But good luck to you and your two dogs. You said that you didn't know how you we going to get on the site once you moved but mentioned that you had a cell phone Homesteading today has an app for that. At least that is one problem solved.

The locals may be an asset to you. But you and a clunky old motorhome bight be a bur under someone's saddle. If the value of my nice house may be altered by the Gypsy Convention down the road you call a homestead, you'll better be ready to butt heads.
Underfunded before you've stepped onto the place is a warning buzzer.
Most of the folk that wrote books on homesteading, teaching you how to live off the land, supported themselves with book selling tours, paid speeches, and used the free labor of the disciples that darkened their doorstep, seeking answers.
Ever do a $100 repair on your car that cost $300? Ever do a $3000 kitchen remodel that cost $8000? Ever build a $10000 barn workshop that cost $30000? Life is often like that.
Asking a homesteader how much that egg cost is like asking an old guy what kind of mileage he gets or a motorcyclist how fast his bike is or a fisherman how big the fish was. You will always get a lie.
If you think you are going to built a safe house, barn, garden by the sweat of your brow and sell off enough surplus to pay vehicle insurance and taxes, give it a shot. But the cards are stacked seriously against you.
But if you have a steady income trickling in, no matter the weather, enough so you won't starve or freeze to death, go ahead.

Please rent or buy the Movie "Into the Wild"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Into_the_Wild_(film)

I am a stepmother and I feel your pain. I suggest that you stay in touch with those three kids. It is very hard on children to have men come into and out of their lives like that. You can take the family out for dinner, invite them to visit your new digs, whatever. You have to stop ‘fathering’ them. Keep them from danger, but realize that you aren’t being backed up and just back off. They need to know that you still like them and care for them. IMO, this is really the most important thing you are facing at this time.

In my earlier post, I recommended you build an outhouse and use a composting toilet. Here is a very inexpensive way to quickly build one:

http://humanurehandbook.com/humanure_toilet.html

You will also find plenty of information about "humanure." I know folks who have removed the toilets from their RV's and installed composting toilets instead. It sounds like building a little outhouse would be a piece of cake for you. DH could build one in a day, easily.

Since we are living in a motor home, while we build? I can tell you that I am very relieved my DH is so familiar with everything (bumper to bumper). I'd definitely learn everything I could about that motor home, so you are prepared to fix any problems. DH is skirting and insulating ours before Winter, but we won't be driving it this Winter. Since you won't have to drive it, it would be wise to skirt and insulate yours. Our outhouse was here when we bought the property. I have plans to install a composting toilet.

Something I saw at a campground a few years ago...

I had a chat with an older gruff guy, who was a real character, Since I had noticed smoke coming out of his travel trailer, I asked about it. He showed it to me and explained...

Turns out, he loves to go camping, fishing, and hunting, but his sweetie doesn't. So, he modified this trailer into a comfortable warm "man cave." He removed the dining table/chair setup, and installed a very small wood stove, a comfortable recliner, and a nice bed, too. If I was in your situation, I'd put in some type of wood stove. Here is a link to just one site:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...t-Mass-Heater/

When we go camping, funny as that is currently our lifestyle, I would always pack plenty of dehydrated fruits/jars of canned fruit/veggies/meats/nuts, etc...

What type of construction and size of cabin are you planning to build?

Don't want to rain on your parade but be sure to check codes and permits for where you want to live. Some places are very restrictive and you don't want to find that out after you've built.

I don't know if what you are planning is the thing to do - a lot of times we need to look at the big picture and not get worked up about things - sure the woman wasn't the best and the kids were a pain in the butt - but you had things a lot easier than you will have with living by yourself out in the woods - why take on such a hard life - just learn to roll with the punches - don't let anything bother you - after everything is temporary - good luck with whatever you do -

I have put some thought into your situation today. Rather than let anything that has been posted discourage you in any way? Dig in those heels, get a job, start moving forward, and pay as you go... Here is a post I put on your other thread and with a few changes...

It is expensive to just prepare a property to build on in OR and WA. That said, I feel for olywa1978, as he just wasn't aware of what would be required to legally build on property.

olywa1978, if you go look at my thread, you can see what we are doing:

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/gen...erty-week.html

We bought a property with an Approved Septic and Well. It cost us just under $900 for all the well & water tests we had done. Since we are building, we can live in our motor home here legally. In addition, since we have proper RV hook-ups for septic and water, we are fine there also.

Since I work in Real Estate, I am familiar with all the costs. So, we knew it would still be expensive. However, knowing we could save thousands with an existing Well and Septic, made our plans more realistic. We don't have to pay for a Septic Permit or a Well Permit, or the expense for each. In addition, the 2nd growth Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar are plentiful on our property. DH will be building our log home with both (structural will be Douglas Fir). Yes, we will be submitting our plans and will go through the legal process of building our log home. It is expensive, but we knew that going in and are prepared to pay the costs.

Doing everything in stages is making it possible for us to build out of pocket.

Unless you are going to camp out where you cannot be seen from the sky, you won't be under the radar. County Assessors utilize Google Earth (ask me how I know this).

Don't give up on your dreams, but take some time to do some more research.

If I was single, I would go with a tiny home on a trailer with a composting toilet and little rocket mass stove. I'd have a system for the grey water. Then, I would work to save the money needed to accomplish each requirement (Well, Septic...permitted and approved). Then, I'd go through the process to legally build a nice little cabin. I'd keep my tiny home for guest quarters and vacationing (just hook up the trailer and haul my tiny home behind my truck).

My DH is 58 years old and if you check out my thread, you will see what he is doing. It is hard work, but if my DH could build a 10X20 finished off in a month, while also working (machinist/welder self-employed at that time), I know a guy with your carpentry skills could likely also do that (or sooner). DH framed a 40ft long by 9'6" tall shipping container in just two days, also wiring it, putting in outlets, and installing multiple lights. He moved and set up his machinist/welding shop in there, also in two days.

Since we bought our property, we sold our travel trailer for $2,200 and put that against the $4,250 for our motor home. So, $2,050 out of pocket, so far. Then, we spent $2,000 on dirt work and fill dirt/gravel. Tally, $4,050... Then, we bought a shipping container, including shipping, for $3,000, now up to $7,050. There was $1,200 spent on supplies, lumber for framing, and outlets (this included insulating, wiring, and installing outlets in our carport storage room). DH dug a trench and ran pvc for the wiring to the carport. Now, we are at $8,250. I was given a refer unit truck box, but only was given a set date to get it moved. There went $927 to get it hauled (nice guy, but not a great truck driver...lacked ability to maneuver his truck/trailer). The first guy I used was very skilled. It took this guy twice as long. We had to get some work done on our VW Jetta, then tires, spent $1600. Now, we are up to $10,777. Now, since DH is building a log cabin outbuilding, we are figuring the cost will be another $3,000. I just remembered to add in that $900 for the well/water tests. Already, we will be out $14,677 and we haven't applied for a building permit for our home, yet...

I figure, you won't need all this, but will probably spend more meeting code requirements for building (legal Well and Septic). Rather than dashing your hopes or tarnishing those dreams, it only means working longer, being patient, and doing it in stages... Remember, you are already ahead of most, if your property is paid off. Ours isn't and it will take us at least 5 years to pay it off, unless I am blessed with a lot more income. I happen to be 50 years old, too.
__________________

OK, let's call this what it really is: a knee jerk reaction to a mid-life crisis. You're running away from an unacceptable situation, running headlong into the unknown with your eyes closed. Most likely you're going to crash and burn before this is over. Yes, it's negative, no, it's not encouraging, but it's most likely what is going to happen. I wouldn't be surprised if you eventually end up in jail after getting caught stealing chickens from your neighbors. That is assuming somebody doesn't shoot you before the sheriff arrives.

Let's look at all the clueless mistakes you are already making. You've just discovered now the zoning restrictions that limit what you can do. Your gonna live in this trailer over the winter. OK, how is it going to be heated? Wood? Where's the wood going to come from? Gonna chop it yourself, in September? Good wood needs a year to completely dry, and I've seen green wood actually almost put a healthy fire out in my woodstove. How much wood do you actually think you can get off of 3 acres? Will you end up stealing wood from your neighbors? What will you burn it in? Have you factored in the price of both a used woodstove, and the chimney kit to install it to code?

You say you're going to build your cabin come spring. With what exactly? Have you budgeted funds for the purchase of building materials, or are you going to build a log cabin like Dick did? Have you counted the number of trees on your property suitable for a log home? I'm guessing not.

You are budgeting 600$ per month to pay all the bills and still have some leftover to buy building materials. Ummm, just about each time I go off to Home Depot to buy the materials for a project, I end up spending that much. My bare-bones solar system I designed and installed myself cost ~800, and I haven't even planned on running a freezer on it.

I'm sorry, but I really, really don't have patience for this.

I live just north of you in rural Jackson County. Here you can live in an RV 6 months of the year on your land. If you're building concurrently there may be exclusions. Don't know about septics. Lots of people living in substandard housing, 5th wheels etc. The county zoning people swoop in from time to time, citing people, seems to be sporadic, they just really started harassing our area, probably a new person in charge.

Don't give up. This is about figuring out who you are. Step by step you can do it.

You're going through a lot of changes, all at one time. You are high on the excitement and anticipation of your new future. but at some point the reality will hit you in the face. Be ready to be flexible or else the disappointment will break you. I have found things seldom go as planned when I took on new challenges but as long as I was flexible, the outcome was most of the time better than what I had imagined. If one thing doesn't work, go to plan B or plan C - all the way to plan Z. Along the way you will learn and find what works for you and your location. Just don't burn bridges along the way. Stay in touch with your lady friend and your previous employer. At some point, you are going to need a job and he will make a great reference or a horrible one. That depends on how you left it with them.

Lori, I just researched your compost toilet idea and that is ingenius! I will certainly try that out. Do you think the county would understand and accept that concept if they came knocking on my door? As for my cabin plans, here is a link to the instructional video on youtube. I will be making little modifications to make it my own, but the whole thing should cost around $2,000 total ad can be easily added onto later, if desired. Name is Mike, by the way, or Michael, whatever you like.

Olywa1978, I DREAMED of doing what you are doing! Then I fell in love with a dyed in the wool city boy, so we compromised by moving to a stick built home out near the edge of town where DH works.

He was worth it, too!

A few thinks I did learn about the subject:

1. Most places allow an owner to live in a trailer on the property while they build. You say you are going to park your trailer on your land while you build? That sounds perfectly legal! They might want you to get a building permit within a few weeks time of moving it. Or they might not.

2. Most places have zoning requirements and building permits. Before you draw up a single plan, find out what they are in your community. Fortunately the secretaries know who you need to contact, so you can find out both by calling either city hall or (since you are probably not in a city) the county courthouse. Throw yourself on their mercy (or ask politely who to contact) to legally build a home on your property.

3. Do things legally! If you are NOT in compliance then the government can give a a fine PER DAY until you are.

4. Fortunately, the government wants you to be successful at this. They will be happy to explain things when you call them. The more homes= more taxes collected as well as stimulating the economy be bringing business to the local stores and building supply places. Governments are almost always pro-growth, and when they know you wish to build a small home on your land and move in, but that you know nothing of the local legalities, they will help you. Your taxes will go up some when your small home is completed.

I used the term "small home" instead of "cabin" on purpose. A lot of people do not live in their cabins. Using the term "small home" lets them know that you wish to reside year round, and not just have something to camp out in during the hunting season. Some places have different laws for hunting cabins.

5. Lastly make sure your well is at least 100 feet or so from your septic. And, your area probably also has regulations dealing with septic. As far as dumping the holding tank in the trailer, I would personally be just be discrete.

http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/wat...ines-page2.htm

Good luck and have a lot of fun!

Edited to add: Txanne in another forum did something similar to what you intend: you might enjoy reading about it. http://www.backwoodshome.com/forum/v...ad.php?t=29066

I too have a 1994 jeep grand, love it.
Hay do what you think is best for you. Just take the lessons learned the hard way by people trying to tell you what to watch for. I would not be making this move now I would wait till spring. Spring would give you 4-5 months to get stuff set up before very cold weather

just looking at the county building codes and cost! Is it even possible to do what you want in that state?
Required Attachments

County/City Planning Department sign-off.
A current Assessor's tax lot map.
A vicinity map with travel directions on the back.
A job site address. If you do not have a site address you can contact the Public Works Department at 541-883-4696.

The following items are required for plan review and shall be used by the jurisdiction to determine a complete set of plans and compliance with OAR 918-020-0090(3)(a)(C) and 4. For a complete check list of these items, click here.

Two (2) complete sets of legible plans drawn to scale.
Site/Plot plan drawn to scale.
Foundation plan and cross-section.
Floor plans.
Cross Sections(s) and details.
Elevation views.
Wall bracing (prescriptive path) and/or lateral analysis plans.
Floor/roof framing plans are required for all floors/roof assemblies.
Basement and retaining wall cross section.
Beam calculations.
Manufactured floor/roof truss design details.
Energy Code Compliance.
Engineer's calculations when required or provided.
If the building project will require a septic system please contact the Klamath County Community Development Department at 541-883-5121.

Pre-fabricated engineered metal buildings must be designed by an Oregon State Licensed Architect or Engineer.

Without the above information your plans may be returned to you for further information, thus delaying the permit process.

I built much like this here at the off grid cabin. 14x20 and added a 6' lean to for bath and kitchen when we were ready to move here permanently. I gathered materials, used, recycled and reused to build with. Sliding door in the front, into the living area and bedroom at the back with another 6' slider. Bath in lean to beside bathroom another small lean to for the greenhouse. Later we enclosed the porch as an airlock entry lean to, to living area for a front entry. Has worked out well, we only bought new nails and fasteners. Passive solar from the greenhouse and airlock entry heats the spaces, except on the worst long term cloudy days. We do have a wood cook stove that cooks our meals and heats our water then let go out....James

Thanks and I wish you the best, Michael! There are some very sharp HTer's on here with excellent building experience, so be sure and check out forums relating to everything you are doing. Also, Jwal10 is a great resource for information (lives in OR too). I have a lot of respect for James!

All I can add to what everyone else has said is to get a job in the closest town ASAP.
You won't have to dip into your savings so you could buy a heater, some wood and maybe some coal, and that should keep you from making the national news this winter.

You said your place is zoned residential only so that probably rules out raising any animals -even chickens. It might also mean there are building restrictions on the minimum size of homes built there.
You have a huge problem with no water at all on the property and you're only hoping you can hit some underground - ask your closest neighbours about their success in drilling for water first.

Don't get me wrong - it sounds like a good place to go to get away, but that is not enough land or the proper zoning to be self sustaining in the long run.
Maybe keep your eyes open for a better chunk of land better suited to your plans. With all the great advice on here to help you, you can't help but succeed. Good Luck !

Since he is in a different climate, you'd be surprised what he can do with that size property. Our last property was 6.68 acres, but we only had just over 2 acres cleared. Of that, just 1 acre was being used for our fruit orchard, 3,000 sq ft garden (raised beds intensively planted), 3 pigs, chickens, and had a small home nursery. We also had (2) 10' X 20' cabins for garden & utility. That property was zoned Rural Residential.

Right now, we are on 5.1 acres, rural, but still zoned Residential. We have chickens, 11 fruit trees (9 already bearing, moved from our last property), and I will be preparing close to 2,500 sq ft of garden area. I'd like to raise fish and get a few miniature goats. Yes, I can do that here! I could even get a few miniature cattle. No, we aren't farming, would need more land than that.

Have a good 4x4 vehicle.

Get wood heat, chainsaw etc

Look for work on a ranch, cash, food and milk source.

I'm not trying to be a killjoy but I do know the area you are moving to and a lil sumpin sumpin about Oregon rural life.

first off, I dont' envy you your residential zoning--you should have(sorry) looked for forest deferral. MUCH lower taxes and a quick way to know you're far enough out to be bushy like ya like.

everyone be scrappin. its dang competitive--all the easy stuff is long gone.

everyone be a handyman. though honesty and true giftedness plus a fair price gets you used. but the trick is getting in the door...be prepared to give away a few miracles.

water--you're east of the cascades, its DRY. springs are good, but a 25'well, really rare on cheap land.

half hour from town? hope you have a bicycle, that will save a lot of gas. and you will be pinching every penny.

Drive any gravel in your Jeeps gingerly--anything else and your vehicles will get beat to hell and your tires will not last as long. car parts are expensive. labor is expensive if you dont' have tools or a friend with tools.

the juniper and ponderosa pine over there burns hot and fast. with just 2 acres you're going to have to forage it far and wide. get a utility trailer at least. you'll probably get into the habit of hauling water as well for any gardening/livestock.

where I was at in Oregon a 10 by 20 "pole barn" did not need a permit. I knew people living in garden sheds.

Expect a good well to be down 150-600 feet. Expensive drilling and pumping also. I will probably have 20-35k in to my well and windmill depending on static water level.

I do like your motives and admire your courage. You're getting a lot of great information here. Even the comments that may seem discouraging to you can be helpful; so make use of all you get.

The main part of your activity that caught my attention is more in the way you chose to interact with others; and as some have already said (and certainly could be emphasized): You take yourself with you wherever you go. It is simply impossible to leave frustrating disheartening situations behind you when you are part of the equation, i.e. such situations will only be repeated where you go. Not everyone is emotionally/psychologically set up to live a life of solitude, even our dogs will fill in the parts that were left behind if those parts were important to you.

Thus, my suggestion to you is to give yourself time to understand just what part you, yourself, played in the many situations you have described in your original post; and rest assured the incentive to set up similar scenarious will raise its head again and again for you to confront or give into.

Not sure if you are north, northeast or west of kfalls, but your soil will be pumice based. Especially if north. That can be good - can. You would have to build up your soils to garden but that's not hard to do. There is an extension office in Klamath which has great information on all kinds day of things you could find useful. My water north of you averages out to 42° also and tastes wonderful. That's wonderful you have some water on site. Klamath basin is in a drought, much of the water goes south to CA and for sucker protection. How close is your land to tribal lands?

I would test your water to see about nitrates or parasites etc. It gets cold, insulate around your home. -20 or 30 isn't unheard of, Ice and snow, so have good tires. Good wildlife, firewood you will have to get permits from private or federals. If you cut on your property then find out fire restrictions and closure Times during summer. Know who provides fire protection. You might be dually protected or unprotected except for wildland. As I said in another post you are moving into a fire prone area for half the year. Be prepared.

Klamath is beAutiful. Lots of events to do. Wildlife viewing, hunting, works class fishing, recreational opportunities all year, Crater Lake National Park, museums. An abundant county to live in with some of the lowest property taxes in the state. But there is a high rate of drug and alcohol use. IMHO be nice, friendly but don't rush into anything. Klamath potatoes are some the best. You can buy big bags for pennies. I try to get a bag for winter but haven't made it down yet to do so. Watching the military fly is one of my favorite things to do even after all these years.