| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Mar 09 2006 : 2:32:03 PM
DH and I are in the process of getting a loan for land without a house. We may end up living on the property for awhile without a finished house and are thinking of purchasing a large wall tent from Colorado Yurt. Housing is covered.
We've camped, but have never lived like this for an extended (definitely months, maybe a year) period of time. I'd really appreciate your input as I make a list of the things we'll need to provide for in that type of situation. I'm thinking along the lines of a composting toilet, cook stove, solar shower, etc. All suggestions are appreciated!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.blogspot.com/ |
| 4 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Christine in Clark Fork |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 09:35:37 AM
I am excited for you. My husband and I moved to a bare piece of land 11 years ago and love it. We have solar panels, collect rain for water, use composting toilets, have a propane fridge (which I love) and heat/cook with a wood cook stove. I also have a freezer and microwave. Our motto is "It has to be fun". When using the pitcher pump to pump 50 gallons of water to wash diapers wasn't fun anymore, we plumbed in hot water. If you don't enjoy the life, you won't last long. So keep things fun and add luxuries when you need to.
Lehman's catalog, Carla Emery's book, Countryside magazine are all good resources.
Composting toilets--need to watch the "liquid input". Make hubby go #1 outside.
Cookstoves--my amish built "Baker's Choice" is wonderful. It has a large firebox that heats our house (24x36 with upstairs). Easy to use and cook in. I got mine used but Lehman's catalog carries them.
Showers--Our first shower was a 4 gallon bucket with a hose plumbed out the bottom filled with hot water placed on a tall shelf. We have sinced plumbed our house with a RV pump, RV tubing and an on-demand propane water heater. I am looking at getting a Zodi propane camp shower for our tent and breakfast.
Fridge--I love our propane fridge. I just got it 2 years ago. Hindsight, I would have bought it ten year ago.
Water--collect rainwater in 55 gallon plastic barrels off our metal roof (only get barrels that the whole top comes off for cleaning). I stretch a queen size stockings (with legs cut off and knot tied in crotch area) over the top to keep out bugs, leaves, etc. and put the ring back on. Barrels have hose faucets coming out the bottom. In months with "r's" (SeptembeR, etc), we empty the water into a 1200 gallon cistern. For years, I used a pitcher pump by the sink to pump it out and heated water on my wood stove. We haul in our drinking/cooking water.
Hope this helped. Good luck on your adventure. And remember to have fun. |
| Libbie |
Posted - Mar 10 2006 : 10:21:39 PM
What an amazing adventure! Yes, please do keep us posted!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Mar 10 2006 : 2:41:05 PM
Thanks so much for sharing that link. I'll start reading tonight!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.blogspot.com/ |
| Debs |
Posted - Mar 10 2006 : 2:08:49 PM
Hi Patti, I'm sure you've thought of this, but make sure you have access to good clean drinking water, also - rainwater storage would be a good plan if you have anything to catch it with. Are you going to grow all your own food? Carla Emery's Encyclopedia of Country Living has lots of useful information on "back-to-basics" living.
This is a website by a couple who lived on their land while they built their house.
Treasures of Simple Living: http://www.innerexplorations.com/catsimple/2.htm
(see chapters 3 and 4)
They live in a remote area and it is quite inspiring to read how they survive out there.
Best wishes for your move, and look forward to hearing all your adventures!
Debs |
|
|
