Sea of Green Life

Why is the mini snowmobile in the middle of the parking area? It's out of gas. We have quickly learned that gas is king. Everything needs it and we haul it about equal with laundry.  No gas, means no generator, which means no showers, limited water, and no ☕ coffee maker. This part has been a win. I learned how to use a French press and it is faster than the current coffee pot. The current fail is learning how to use the espresso and steamer side of said coffee pot.  Besides the generator, we also need the gas to get in and out with the snowmobiles. Last night we left one on the trail again, this time because it ran out of gas on me and kid 2.   The big generator uses propane and that is mostly hooked up now. We've got one 1,000 lb tank, so at least we won't have to worry about hauling that for awhile!  Our house in town went through about 1,000 gallons a year using propane as the sole heat source and hot water heater. Everything else was electric. 

 Off road means four miles of rough trail (road is too sophisticated) in summer and snowmobile trail in winter. We are learning the best way to haul stuff in and out. The only lesson I've learned is that unless the mechanic is traveling with us, it's best to take two sleds so you can leave one behind when it stops and put kids on the sleigh.  That's not true I guess, I can now successfully operate a ratchet strap in the snow, at night.  Step one, play Jenga to make things fit. Tip, keep laundry and gas on separate ends just in case.  Step two, use new rachet strap skills to secure load. An extra one is a good idea so things are safe for those "U-turn" corners as E calls them. Tip, don't put the rachety part on the top of the gas can, it makes it real hard to get it undone.  Step three, drive 4 miles while checking to see if things are still there. Especially the gas can. Showers and coffee makers require the generator which needs gasoli

video version Why would we do such a thing? About us: we are a family of five with two teenagers and an elementary age. We found our dream house but it is in the middle of nowhere. So we packed us all up and moved with all of us excited and onboard. We moved off grid and off road.  Why:  1. We needed some upgrades to our existing house and we just didn't love our house. It was what we needed 15 years ago, but never the place we loved. Time to look at what was out there.  2. The new house had to be what we loved. Wow factor (yes I want to wake up here everyday). We found it and fell in love.  3. COVID highlighted several things. If your going to be stuck at home for 9 months or more, you should really enjoy your space.  4. Time. COVID highlighted that time is an unknown. Waiting to get to a "dream house" or place we really wanted seemed silly. What if it never happened because of death, injury, or our steady work changed? Now was a time we could do it.  5. Youn