Oldtimer got wild rocky land, started NorCal off-grid Watertopia

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  • Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
  • Dwight Streamfellow was a college junior when he bought a piece of cheap river-front land to start a homestead. He was a city boy (partly in Washington DC where his father was a senator) so he planned to learn-by-doing on how raw land in the rugged mountains of Northern California’s Six Rivers National Forest.
    The property cost him only $11,000 back in 1976, but soon he had built his own home (much of it with hand tools) and was growing his own food, pumping water from the river to irrigate his garden & orchard, and powering his homestead with photovoltaic and firewood (for heat and his hot tub/bathtub).
    In a state that is drying up, Streamfellow considers his large chunk of riverfront his true wealth: he’s on the South Fork of the Trinity River, the longest un-dammed river left in California. Forty-five years ago he tried harvesting the water by carrying 5 gallon buckets up the 150 feet from the river to his home. He then tried a pedal-powered pump, but the calories burned weren’t replaced by the calories created in the garden. He finally perfected a system - an electric pump that is powered by a photovoltaic array - which provides all the water he, and his tenants, need for large gardens, orchards and the five homes on this property.
    Starting before the Internet, Streamfellow felt he was without an instruction manual for most of his nearly 5 decades working the land, doing everything from building roads (chipping away at granite), creating garden terraces along his steep property and building up hugelkultur beds to garden on bedrock.
    Now 68 years old, Streamfellow isn’t wealthy, but he has no debt (he believes in the pay-as-you-go model) and he considers himself wealthy from what his land provides; he has four tenants (who often work the property in lieu of rent), a garden that supplies sufficient annual fruit, vegetables and potatoes, and chickens, pigs and deer for meat. "It was always my goal to be as self-sufficient as possible,” explains Streamfellow. Forty-five years after settling here he says he always has a year’s worth of food and three year’s worth of firewood: "to me that's what represents wealth- that food and the capability to heat my home".
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Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @roryaronson
    @roryaronson 2 года назад +538

    Dwight is a brilliant, kind, and generous man who has built something truly unique, inspiring, sustainable, and beautiful. He has welcomed so many people over the decades to share in the wealth of his Never Never Land and he always takes the time to articulate how his systems work. I feel lucky to know you Dwight, and I am so happy to see your knowledge and home now shared with thousands more people through the always amazing film making of Kirsten. I look forward to the next Summer I can come and visit! ❤️

    • @kirstendirksen
      @kirstendirksen  2 года назад +90

      Thank you Rory for introducing us to Dwight. He, and what he has built, really are unique. It's obvious he has spent 45 years continuing to learn and experiment. Am glad he was excited to share all that.

    • @laqueefasteinberg4981
      @laqueefasteinberg4981 2 года назад +10

      Does dwight butcher his own pigs or send them for processing elsewhere?

    • @donTeo136
      @donTeo136 2 года назад +24

      He hunts deer so he'd be used to it.
      Killing pigs is excruciating for the crying they make.
      You can hear them for a mile.
      Really unpleasant.

    • @Dparks20
      @Dparks20 2 года назад +34

      @@kirstendirksen This man may truly know what it means to be the RICHEST man in the world.

    • @yasyasamoun9960
      @yasyasamoun9960 2 года назад

      @@donTeo136 Hi! Ted Thank you to know he also hunt deer, so town has lots deer, I love to share with Him & All friends, never ever kill female or Male Deer when you got one or 10 only, Deer, Elk, Mouse has lots of difference Medicine& Magic, now let try this: We all love Gentleman Kindness love to share good to other, sorry to use We will LOBBY him & all his Ally to accept offer to Use this ZONE as General Studies. if we can get 300 to 500 {Deer, Mouse, Elk} 500 Head{ Ostrich } in the first start, & Couple Hundred fruit tree{ FIG} Both kind love to eat fig leave, Profit from 1,5 million to $3 million USD, He & Team can he[p to search { Sir Keith on RUclips {Keith on Elk& Deer Farm Channel or Deer Elk farm in [Idaho] Texas, Louisiana etc, they cry and prayer for some never been farm these wild species. All wildlife farmers are on big progress & very hot, but Sir Keith & Other farm did not plant fig or raise Ostrich& Whistling Duck like: Lesser, Black Belly Whistling Duck, I hope this friend ship for fair &better future living live not easy to understand each other till all really love to the reality share the good to other will ??.give a line of hope will see how power of news Technology am waiting, Wishing All with a wonderful life, Try little hard will understand forgiving Needed Thanks

  • @MM-sf3rl
    @MM-sf3rl 2 года назад +586

    Kirsten, you just deserve an award for all lives you encounter and show the world.

    • @truthtr33
      @truthtr33 2 года назад +11

      Agreed x 2 that notion ☺

    • @enyarec
      @enyarec 2 года назад +5

      100%

    • @mixuz91
      @mixuz91 2 года назад +8

      Meeting all these lives and seeing all this places might be an award in itself :)

    • @allon33
      @allon33 2 года назад +3

      She is a Master Communicator.

    • @myfavs253
      @myfavs253 2 года назад +5

      Is there an award caregory for these kinds of videos? If so Kirsten should win it. And to be able to travel all around the world as a family is wonderful. I've been watching for about 2 years. 👍👍

  • @yureituesday
    @yureituesday 2 года назад +117

    This is the type of man I could listen to for days. So much knowledge.

  • @OIII-IOOO
    @OIII-IOOO 2 года назад +155

    wow, that was one of your best stories. more like this, please.

    • @Rick_Sanchez_C137_
      @Rick_Sanchez_C137_ 2 года назад +4

      Yeah, and the monk in the mountaintop cabin and orchard….

  • @Satou-Akira71
    @Satou-Akira71 2 года назад +122

    This man is a living Swiss army knife, he redefines self-sustainble living.
    much respect

    • @calicoasting
      @calicoasting Год назад

      You hit the nail on the head with that one 👍

  • @joshwadley6521
    @joshwadley6521 2 года назад +116

    I have been to this slice of heaven a few times. To meet Dwight and his family and see what has become of his homestead is truly unique. From the outdoor kitchen I saw a bear crossing the river while drinking my morning coffee. First trip there I was 18 years old now I'm 46 and just as excited to go back!

    • @telemachusepiphany9668
      @telemachusepiphany9668 Год назад +2

      With all the food there in the open kitchen, the berries, grapes and those kids, what about those bears paying a surprise visit ??

    • @brunobate1721
      @brunobate1721 Год назад +1

      Any mention of wildlife issues with his open pantry in the open kitchen?

    • @russcollar5353
      @russcollar5353 Год назад +4

      @@brunobate1721 It's really quite simple. You learn to yell "Shoo bear!" loud like you really mean it and have a cook pan and metal spoon ready to back it up.

    • @radicalmama135
      @radicalmama135 Год назад +7

      @@russcollar5353 I grew up in Vancouver & whistler (before it was fancy) everyone did a version of - get out bear - MOVE ALONG! I will take a bear over a person any day of the week. My joke is always, dogs, bears, coyotes, they don't run ponzi schemes or lie - you know EXACTLY what they want - just be respectful and stay out of their way. Easy. People - uh.... no.

    • @soniadownie8749
      @soniadownie8749 Год назад +2

      You are so lucky to have visited
      What an inspirational man and property, simply adore it x

  • @thinkplanetearth2946
    @thinkplanetearth2946 2 года назад +161

    I don't know how you keep finding such interesting people. This man is truly inspirational. The knowledge he has acquired over the years, from building, to farming, to building irrigation systems, basically living off grid is truly remarkable. And the barter system he has created from low rent (to none at all) so that he can have his tenants help with the work is also pretty genius. In a throw-away comment he mentioned how he had left caretakers on the property so that he could go sailing for some time. Would've loved to have heard about that for a few minutes. My goodness, the stories he must have. If he had the time, and interest, he could easily lecture on any number of topics and make some income that way. Or he could certainly write about the things he's learned. Or start his own RUclips channel filming his daily life. It would be a great way for more income without having to leave his home by simply filming what he already does. But he may not have the time. Another great find and story told. Thank you for what you do. You open up worlds that we would never know about.

  • @stayhappylittlemermaid
    @stayhappylittlemermaid 2 года назад +10

    We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses

  • @siennastreamfellow6532
    @siennastreamfellow6532 2 года назад +100

    Amazing job on the video Kirsten! Thank you for documenting our home and my father. We are so excited to share this with the rest of the family.

    • @pambutler7095
      @pambutler7095 2 года назад +10

      This has always been my dream! What an amazing childhood you must have experienced. Is there a way to rent a place there?

    • @crystalhawkkingadventures996
      @crystalhawkkingadventures996 2 года назад +7

      Hi! What a beautiful and inspiring video, you sure are lucky to have such an amazing father. I bet he raised some awsome kids. Did you grow up there?

    • @LaLadybug2011
      @LaLadybug2011 2 года назад +16

      Sienna, you should encourage your Dad to write a book, start a RUclips channel, and you (along with any other siblings) could add your own chapters about your childhood there. It's breathtakingly beautiful. The color of the river just takes my breath away! Thanks for posting.

    • @human2726
      @human2726 2 года назад

      I, too was truly inspired by what has been done by Dwight & family & friends. I also hope the Insane WATER policies of present California are soon reversed with New People in Sacramento with coming RED WAVE ELECTIONS! It is so sad to watch the destruction of California's natural resources. I'm a Native Californian, born 1947, Pasadena, in the shadows of the San Gabriel mountains. We used to be able to park in Various spots in Altadena (just above Pasadena in foothills) & hike up many streams, with many pools, some big enough to do "cliff diving" in deep spots. Some you could drive to, park, & 2-3 minutes into a stream on a 100 degree day. Now it's all dried up. I've heard of plans to RESTORE AMERICA & California's WATER SITUATION & harassment of off-grid lifestyles needs to change. I Hope & Pray that the rivers, streams, lakes of Cal will begin to be treated with the RESPECT & some Heart-centered Intelligence in Government, if such a thing can even, or ever exist! Best video on this channel EVER! & I LOVE a LOT! Thanks!

    • @sabrinawanderer7560
      @sabrinawanderer7560 2 года назад +4

      You have an amazing role model father.. He's such an amazing man.. I wouldn't get tired listening to all that he will say regarding farming, gardening...

  • @bwuh
    @bwuh 2 года назад +79

    This man is a legend. Thank you for documenting his legacy.

  • @rjborremans4033
    @rjborremans4033 2 года назад +232

    The man is brilliant. So innovative. And to think he had to teach himself so much of what he now knows. Great presentation on his part on how it all came to fruition.

    • @homesteadgal4143
      @homesteadgal4143 2 года назад +8

      Literally, from the ground up.
      I'm honestly surprised that the State of CA hasn't regulated or taxed him off of his land in some form or two, or eight...

    • @LaLadybug2011
      @LaLadybug2011 2 года назад +9

      @@homesteadgal4143,
      When some county official sees this.......his property tax rate will probably increase. But I'm praying their eyes never see it. He doesn't deserve that at his age. He's worked hard and that's the entire point of working hard while you're young...to enjoy a debt free "retirement." Dwight will never be able to retire though. This kind of living is hard work.

    • @drew8642
      @drew8642 2 года назад +6

      @@LaLadybug2011 Maybe why homestead families for generations lived together in the old world to keep prosperous together.

  • @SurferKenTV3
    @SurferKenTV3 2 года назад +27

    I bet this guy loves watching those early vids. Looks back and smiles, proud about what his property has become and all he’s accomplished.

  • @eileenhernandez6676
    @eileenhernandez6676 2 года назад +13

    Oldtimer at 68? Isn't that the new 48? This is a wonderful story of this ingenious man & his family's life! Thank you from documenting this & to him for letting us all in to learn & see what is possible.

  • @donTeo136
    @donTeo136 2 года назад +19

    I grew up in that general area, now live in the northern Andes.
    Makes me home sick some.
    It smells so good in those mountains.
    And there's a quality sound, for reasons that i can't explain it feels ancient, timeless.
    Come winter time get ready for some cold weather.

  • @dougishere2day
    @dougishere2day 2 года назад +33

    I thinks it's great that he, his family, and friends took raw land and slowly, with the money they had, made a paradise! I also like that your family seemed to have a good time at his homestead.

  • @40ny
    @40ny 2 года назад +94

    As many others have commented already, I think this was one of your most enjoyable videos. Mind you, I say that for 75% of your videos! But seriously, Dwight has such a wealth of real-world knowledge gained from hard work and experience. It was interesting that whenever he mentioned some of the buzzwords of permaculture - no-dig and hugelkultur for example - there was no attempt to just appear smart; rather, he had actually put them into practice on that unforgiving land many years and even decades before they became commonly known. He has used his head and his creativity, tried things out and gone with what worked, and in the process what a place he has created. And as he said, debt-free. An inspiring video. Thank you all and well done.

    • @littlestbroccoli
      @littlestbroccoli 2 года назад +3

      It's great, he would have had to have found those techniques from books and from talking to others, during his era. Trips to library, talking to his solar buddies from school, mail order building guides. Though we have the internet and popular methods today, it's still easy to lose some of the old book knowledge unless people keep it alive this way. Great to see.

  • @lifebycary
    @lifebycary 2 года назад +93

    This has just become my favourite episode of the channel. Everything one needs to know about happiness is beautifully shown here. THIS is what I call a billionaires lifestyle. My respect for everything you have created and taught us in this video. This man is what I consider a leader to be. Thank you.

    • @organicthug5220
      @organicthug5220 2 года назад +1

      I AGREE!!!!! Mind blowing. This is what I’ve always imagined, he built it!!!! It’s amazing what hard work and time will get you.

    • @sabrinawanderer7560
      @sabrinawanderer7560 2 года назад

      I agree wholeheartedly with you. He's richer than the richest person who puts lots of money in the bank only..

    • @SandraBonney
      @SandraBonney Год назад

      This is how all humans should live, very sustainable

  • @jefferyhensley9800
    @jefferyhensley9800 2 года назад +9

    Few things could please me more than seeing those youngins' stuffing there faces with good wholesome blackberries and grapes. Good on you Kirsten for exposing them to such wonderful people and places.

  • @anuverun6762
    @anuverun6762 2 года назад +26

    Probably one of the best things I've ever watched on RUclips.
    What a fantastic location, and such a wise gentleman.

  • @donnamount151
    @donnamount151 2 года назад +10

    I grew up in the logging woods of the Trinity Alps...my Uncle owned the logging operation and most of my realities worked there, we were off grid, and I was the only girl in camp...and of course grew up to be a log hauler...wonderful life...I now live off grid at nearly 8000' in Co. More good life...enjoy brother....

    • @codykurschner8399
      @codykurschner8399 2 года назад

      Can I live with you? Haha. I grew up in Colorado Springs but I yearn for off grid living here in my home state of Colorado

  • @killcrazyvegan
    @killcrazyvegan 2 года назад +64

    I love how so much of California is amenable to year-round outdoor living. I often dream of returning to NorCal and building a treehouse high in the redwoods, e.g. in a secret canyon. If only the state bureaucracy was less oppressive...I’ve watched Kirsten’s series for many years and it’s very inspiring, I hope someday to build a little cottage with some unique values to share...

    • @cherylcook1942
      @cherylcook1942 2 года назад

      If you get enough land, bureaucracy has nothing to say about it.

    • @RVBadlands2015
      @RVBadlands2015 2 года назад +12

      @@cherylcook1942 yes they do. Very difficult to build in the state. And land is real expensive we had to move to Arizona to be able build our Strawbale home without all the regulation and permits.

    • @bongdonkey
      @bongdonkey 2 года назад +5

      @@RVBadlands2015 Arizona is California with shit land and weather. Expensive state now. lol!

    • @davidmurphy9151
      @davidmurphy9151 Год назад

      Without that oppression there would be no secret canyon redwoods.

    • @killcrazyvegan
      @killcrazyvegan Год назад +8

      @@davidmurphy9151 I left California because I am a member of the special class of people targeted to pay for everything the state government wants without any appreciable benefit, and thus a victim with no recourse. Your premise incorporates the assumption that people will not protect the land when left to their own devices, and only gov’t bullying and oppression is a good steward. Something belied by actual fact and recent history, e.g. the Northern California firestorms were a predictable consequence of state and federal dicta on forestry practices (incidentally wiping out many secret canyons, or perhaps on purpose because they were populated by wrong-thinking voters).

  • @Nonayabizness360
    @Nonayabizness360 2 года назад +82

    With the food shortages that are coming and the prices hikes we are seeing this should be happening in every single community. Locally sourced food and communities working together is amazing.

    • @Nonayabizness360
      @Nonayabizness360 2 года назад +2

      @@justinofboulder . Okay good because after seeing what they announced today the price hikes and global shortages are going to be here sooner than later and it’s going to take years to fix ( if we get a chance to fix ) and I find this absolutely terrifying.

    • @Nonayabizness360
      @Nonayabizness360 2 года назад +1

      @@justinofboulder . 😂 Troll account. I’ll be going over to block you.

    • @justinofboulder
      @justinofboulder 2 года назад +1

      @@Nonayabizness360 that would certainly be easier than questioning your beliefs! Best of luck!

    • @rdb4996
      @rdb4996 2 года назад

      @@Nonayabizness360 you know you don't have to sit and watch? You can actively do something about it. Take your life in your own hands

    • @Nonayabizness360
      @Nonayabizness360 2 года назад +2

      @@rdb4996 . We have tried here but most are not listening. We have been canning and growing a massive garden for years. We also barter with the very large Amish community we live around and we have gotten our neighbors ( we live in a rural area ) to join us . My comment was meant on a large long term scale, the sense of community and consideration for others that community’s like this creates is something that is badly needed now.

  • @nickauclair1477
    @nickauclair1477 2 года назад +30

    Your channel opened my eyes to possibilities I didn't know existed. Not every place is right for me, but I always learn something from each episode.

  • @EGlideKid
    @EGlideKid 2 года назад +131

    Fascinating. This man never stops thinking or working. Imagine a world with more people like this in it. This was a wonderful edition, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • @barrybr1
    @barrybr1 2 года назад +19

    Dwight is an absolute legend! I ate this episode up. What a beautiful home and property he's built and what about the view from the outside kitchen.....man oh man!

  • @mslady1521
    @mslady1521 2 года назад +30

    This was one of my favorites. Thank you. I love how he is sharing all he has learned.

  • @ciaobella8963
    @ciaobella8963 2 года назад +35

    Dwight is an amazing man. He has created such a functional living space, not just for himself and family, but for others. Thank you Kirsten for your video.

  • @tsunamisitka
    @tsunamisitka 2 года назад +23

    Thank you for this video. This homestead is the real deal! It's so wonderful to see the beautiful mountains of Northern California. I lived there many years ago and swam in the wild Trinity River when escaping the summer fog on the coast. When you showed the river as Dwight spoke about the water, I said to myself, "the Trinity". There's no mistaking it.

  • @AJTarnas
    @AJTarnas 2 года назад +11

    worth noting, to anyone who is into off-grid power details: he says he bought 10kwh of storage for $1000 with golf cart lead acids. and that lithium would have cost him $7000. his numbers are a bit off and have been for 2-3 years now. new lithium iron phosphate cells cost between $100-$200 per kwh. so 10kwh would now cost $2k or less. and they last a lot longer than lead acids. 10-20 years or more. and have other favorable properties. the cheapest decent lead-acid right now is probably the crown cr-220, and it works out to about $250/kwh of usable capacity.

  • @kylecobb1526
    @kylecobb1526 2 года назад +5

    We love you Dwight. Spent a lot of time with him and the people of the homestead.

  • @cognitivedissonancecamp6326
    @cognitivedissonancecamp6326 2 года назад +4

    When he reached in and grabbed the compost, I was like "YEA BUDDY!"

  • @ironmountain7907
    @ironmountain7907 2 года назад +92

    Absolutely Brilliant, thank you for continuing to inspire us all by showcasing what is possible; I greatly appreciate your content.

  • @FILIPPI107
    @FILIPPI107 2 года назад +3

    Kirsten's Videos showed me i am not crazy, there are people like me... I keep saying "Thank You".

  • @joecutro7318
    @joecutro7318 2 года назад +35

    What great examples of LIVED PRACTICAL sustainability. This video was SO CHOCK FULL of useful knowledge. It makes me wish and wonder how much better and abundant our lives would be if the implementation of industrialization had been tempered with more of this kind of common sense. Just think of the resources (or wealth as he aply describes it) we would still have preserved. 🤯 ♻️ The audio was problematic as many have reported, but I just lowered my volume enough to minimize the distortion and got through it just fine. The amount of precious knowledge flowing (gushing) from of this man made it well worth the effort and difficultly. THANK YOU! You videos reflect a person of great insight, integrity, humility and intelligence. 👍🙏

  • @sidilicious11
    @sidilicious11 2 года назад +54

    I loved watching this.What an industrious person! I’m glad he is passing his knowledge on. The place is wonderful how it all functions so well.I love the Octagon house. And the South Fork of the Trinity.💗

  • @Lovebeing543
    @Lovebeing543 Год назад +2

    Not only does he have an amazing homestead and family, but the hard work has paid off, and he walks like a young man.

    • @betsyj59
      @betsyj59 Год назад

      His posture and walk are completely youthful. Living outdoors and constant physical movement and work is what humans evolved from. Just look at us now! Makes me feel ill to not see one kid outside playing and riding bikes all over the place now in the small beach town I grew up in, not one! When I was a kid in the 60s and early 70s, there were little kids all over the neighborhoods, riding bikes or building forts in the vacant lots. Sitting down most of the day is now the order of the day! (I'm sure Big Pharma finds Dwight to be the wrong kind of human being!)

  • @zepidoodle
    @zepidoodle 2 года назад +16

    This is the best place I have seen in the last few years of watching off grid videos! What a spectacular home! My only fear would be people trying to come there to duplicate what he’s doing it seems that everyone wants to jump on the same wagon these days.

    • @Bitza00
      @Bitza00 2 года назад +10

      If more and more people would live their lives after his example that would be a good thing imo.

    • @homesteaderfiftywmartha603
      @homesteaderfiftywmartha603 Год назад

      That’s why there is a video- to encourage people that this can be done.

  • @Modelscoutingwd
    @Modelscoutingwd Месяц назад

    The sounds from being in the car always at the beginning get me hooked all the time.

  • @technology_pro
    @technology_pro Год назад +1

    The us government hates this man. Thanks for the video sir!!!

  • @karengiorella2690
    @karengiorella2690 2 года назад +4

    Dwight is rich beyond words. Living a life that HE created. Sharing it with others. Inspiring. Great content.

  • @lisahargrave310
    @lisahargrave310 2 года назад +5

    What an insightful and resourceful way to live. Hard work with purpose keeps a person young physically and mentally. He may be considered impoverished, but the value of money fluctuates. In the currency of knowledge and intelligence, he is extremely wealthy.

  • @SAkash-hj1jl
    @SAkash-hj1jl 2 года назад +15

    Kristen, thanks for showing what a sustainable living in a remote place in California is like. I loved the place ! I appreciate that gentleman who has committed himself to this conscious living and built a wonderful place for his family. He is living with minimal to no harm to the mother Earth. He has also sold me on the "lead acid" battery vs. Li 🙂. Can you ask him if he was ever in danger of wildfires/smoke there? How does he plan for that situation? Thanks.

  • @sandym4317
    @sandym4317 2 года назад +12

    This guy needs to teach. His Vast knowledge is priceless. Seriously, he needs a YT channel of his own. I’d subscribe.

    • @patricksymons1634
      @patricksymons1634 2 года назад

      Wasup Sandy

    • @LaLadybug2011
      @LaLadybug2011 2 года назад +2

      His would be the first channel that I would pay every month (Patreon.)
      He is a born teacher!

  • @marcelogouveia9614
    @marcelogouveia9614 2 года назад +4

    Kristen, thank you so much for finding these geniuses around the planet. That guy gives us real hope that one day we can get up leave civilization and never go back.

  • @marycoleman5239
    @marycoleman5239 2 года назад +6

    I learned more from this video than any over the last 2 years. Thank you!

  • @loreneknight9755
    @loreneknight9755 Год назад +2

    Kirsten, thank you so very much for your diligence in finding these creative, thinking outside the box, pioneers of our wonderful planet earth. You make a difference with what you're creating. Much respect.

  • @missmyoldhandle24
    @missmyoldhandle24 2 года назад +9

    I love all of your films, but this might be my favorite. Well done. You are incredibly gifted. Learned so much from this man. Thank you

  • @vikz5786
    @vikz5786 2 года назад +4

    This gentleman has a great life. 👍

  • @gails8950
    @gails8950 2 года назад +7

    I absolutely love everything he has done. Truly amazing. God bless him.

  • @josetres333
    @josetres333 2 года назад +9

    I always love your vids. This man is living proof of what a good life truly should be.

  • @southofthesticks
    @southofthesticks 2 года назад +1

    This guy REALLY NEEDS to write a book. He should be sharing all this knowledge every way possible ! WOW ⚡🌱💜

  • @ernestinasanchez5305
    @ernestinasanchez5305 2 года назад +10

    Love, love this place. Thank you for featuring something so beautiful. Sad that the river is dying. Congratulations to this "old timer" that's younger than myself. Seems that all of you had a wonderful experience. Keep up the great work. Have seen your children grow. Take care and God bless.

  • @jasonpeterson1506
    @jasonpeterson1506 2 года назад +6

    Wonderful homestead. Thank you Kirsten for sharing this story and all the hard work and systems in place!

  • @lorivondori
    @lorivondori 2 года назад +2

    Love the home videos cut-in.

  • @wayneandrews8868
    @wayneandrews8868 Год назад +1

    hard to believe that this guy's father was a US Senator, and he grew up partly in Washington, DC. his ingenuity, energy and stamina amaze me. he bought this land in CA in 1976 for $11,000.00. he built all of the buildings on the property and he is totally self sufficient and off grid. these kind of people are my heroes! he went into the service in his 30's and said that he was in so much better shape than the rest of the guys from all of his hard labor on this land (when you watch this you can understand and believe that statement)! when the rest of the world falls apart, survivors like him will still be here! started this project when he was a junior in college and he is 68 yrs. old now! so interesting and informative and he is such a likeable guy! makes me tired just to listen to people like him talk about how hard they work! LOL!

  • @wudzen
    @wudzen 2 года назад +6

    This one made my heart swell. Thank you Kirsten and your crew and thank you Dwight for you bright light shining!

  • @dear_darling
    @dear_darling 2 года назад +7

    Magical and innovative God bless him. When the sun light sets on the river and you get those pink hues it looked like heaven on earth 🌍

  • @sunangel-rivka
    @sunangel-rivka 8 дней назад

    This is amazing. This man is a master. So much knowledge in one articulate human. Thank you for letting us meet him.

  • @jeanneryan3662
    @jeanneryan3662 2 года назад +4

    He’s amazing. So dedicated. I love that early footage was included. Good for him. One of the wealthiest people I’ve seen.✨

  • @jeroberts7228
    @jeroberts7228 2 года назад +8

    I enjoyed this more than I can even say - it's got to be one of my top favorites of all of your videos. For me, that was time VERY well spent. Thank you!

  • @larsstougaard7097
    @larsstougaard7097 2 года назад +14

    A wonderful man, very inspiring and great to hear all about the details and how it functions. If only more of us could live this way 😊🙏🌎🌻🌟

  • @PeaceChanel
    @PeaceChanel 2 года назад +1

    Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste and Thank You for All your efforts to support this great cause 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮ ❤

  • @jaggoff100
    @jaggoff100 2 года назад +11

    Your channel means alot to me, episodes like this are amazing. Thanks for doing what you do!

    • @kirstendirksen
      @kirstendirksen  2 года назад +3

      Thank you! And thanks to people like Dwight for sharing their work.

  • @willsalazarramirez5139
    @willsalazarramirez5139 2 года назад +5

    GOOD JOB 👍 KRISTEN I AM FROM CHICLAYO CITY IN PERU 🇵🇪 💪

  • @samslayerr
    @samslayerr 2 года назад +3

    I admire him so much he’s so smart and hardworking.

  • @oldbear6813
    @oldbear6813 2 года назад +1

    68!! Wow he looks amazing!

  • @kimikoifish7
    @kimikoifish7 2 месяца назад

    The old home videos were so amazing

  • @jasonhildebrand1574
    @jasonhildebrand1574 2 года назад +8

    As others have already said, this is a great showcase video into how to live properly. Dwight has done a great thing here and its unfortunate that we are only just now seeing his world. Its unfortunate that his microphone was distorted and clipping the whole time as the audio quality is quite distracting.

  • @cam_DA_Hawkdriver
    @cam_DA_Hawkdriver 2 года назад +6

    So that’s where Forrest ran when he was done running 🏃‍♂️

  • @suzyq6767
    @suzyq6767 2 года назад +1

    Robinson Crusoe lives! I believe this is my favorite of your videos so far. Thank you.

  • @PumiceRaft
    @PumiceRaft 2 года назад +2

    Amazing video Kirsten!

  • @paula...sister1of12
    @paula...sister1of12 2 года назад +3

    Been watching you for years and I have to say, I think this is my favorite out all that you guy’s have done.I agree I think he is a brilliant man that believed in himself and followed his dreams.

  • @Adam-ih9yy
    @Adam-ih9yy 2 года назад +3

    Amazing this man lived a simple honest life that has a meaning in this earth, unlike most of us live a fake life for banks and self deception, Thank you or sharing this.

  • @maxa1656
    @maxa1656 8 месяцев назад

    Dwight doesn’t even look old enough to have been out there that many years! I’m so excited to start my journey as well!

  • @stilcrazychris
    @stilcrazychris 2 года назад +2

    WOW what a place! This man has a wonderful place he & his family has created. Here's the but part. But, he's worked his butt off for his fruits & he's worked the land for 45 years to get it like that.
    Now he's 68 years old, which I didn't think he was that old & more like 50 years old, & he can let it work for him now, which still is a lot of work on his behalf. Unless he runs a little of that learn & work workshop in the summer where people come & learn from him & work the land for him to teach them how to do all that kind of stuff while taking some of the load off of him. What a great place to do that kind of learning from him.
    Loved the video on him & his homestead. Great job telling his story. Have a nice day,
    Chris from Missouri

  • @jewelssylva3738
    @jewelssylva3738 2 года назад +3

    I don't know how you find these places & such interesting people but I am grateful. You take me places I can never go. This man has created a unique & beautiful rental property & fantastic gardens over a lifetime. A Life well spent.

  • @litehold1144
    @litehold1144 2 года назад +3

    Excellent video, although the audio on the builder's voice is a bit hard to listen to.

  • @AdnAwd24
    @AdnAwd24 2 года назад +1

    43 minutes is not enough to document this man's journey. Thank you so much for this Kristen!

  • @ssranch6017
    @ssranch6017 2 года назад +1

    I am 70 years old I wish I had done something like that years a go. I envy this man. He will survive these days and times. God bless him.

  • @handijobe1076
    @handijobe1076 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for your time and help

  • @zshzanTila
    @zshzanTila Год назад

    he's so full of timeless knowledge. I can listen to him talk non-stop and take pages and pages of notes

  • @TheReganLeigh
    @TheReganLeigh Год назад +1

    I really wish I could go live somewhere like this 😍 as a single mom of 3 boys it seems impossible but my hope is as they get older I can teach them to love the outdoors and be self reliant so someday we can make this dream a reality. A family homestead, I can’t think of anything better than that

  • @solomonjenkins9505
    @solomonjenkins9505 2 года назад +16

    audio really needs work, love the content tho, this guy's badasss

  • @paulsimonsson
    @paulsimonsson 2 года назад +8

    Wow, this is really inspiring a lot of ideas! Seems so harmonious living in sync with nature, not forcing things to happen but rather being creative and making use of what is happening.

  • @homesteaderfiftywmartha603
    @homesteaderfiftywmartha603 Год назад

    He is amazing- encouraging!! Even my husband was impressed!

  • @jazzridez
    @jazzridez 2 года назад +1

    CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MADE IT.

  • @ModernNeandertal
    @ModernNeandertal 2 года назад +6

    Now in my estimation, Dwight has created what civilization should really be about. Cities and cement are only the means to humanities ultimate end.

  • @StillLookingforTruth
    @StillLookingforTruth 2 года назад +20

    Brilliant work❤️....
    One question: how did he manage to buy land in a national forest- is that possible in the USA?

    • @briangarrow448
      @briangarrow448 2 года назад +15

      Many homes are considered “Grandfathered” in, so that the property owners have legal title to their plot of land with the feds owning everything around it. Or the feds also had a 50 or 100 year leases in some cases. Basically it depends on when he bought the land and what kind of restrictions there is on the particular site. I have friends who live in a cabin on a beautiful lake on the Olympic Peninsula. Their property is leased from the federal government on a 50 year lease basis. Sounds like he owns his property free and clear.

    • @larsstougaard7097
      @larsstougaard7097 2 года назад +7

      @@briangarrow448 thanks for the insight, he said he bought the land when he was in college for $ 10.000 with a $ 2000 downpayment plus $ 150 a month on the rest of the loan. He also said he is 69, so I guess he had the land for around 50 years. Amazing place and a lot of hard work, but must be satisfying to be off grit and self sustainable debt free.

    • @suzettecalleja3122
      @suzettecalleja3122 2 года назад

      @@briangarrow448 do you mean Lake Cresent?

    • @briangarrow448
      @briangarrow448 2 года назад +2

      @@suzettecalleja3122 No, although I love Lake Crescent. I was referring to Lake Quinault.

    • @StillLookingforTruth
      @StillLookingforTruth 2 года назад

      @Brian Garrow... Thank you very much indeed for your informative reply.

  • @MommaLousKitchen
    @MommaLousKitchen 2 года назад

    I love that that RIVER makes him "wealthy" ♥️

  • @WhitesOnlyPie
    @WhitesOnlyPie 2 года назад +1

    Big ass plants he's got in that garden there 😉

  • @jamesdurstine8892
    @jamesdurstine8892 2 года назад +5

    One of the best vids
    And one of the most
    Intelligent naturalist
    I've seen in a long time

  • @adrianac3258
    @adrianac3258 2 года назад +3

    This man is amazing !!

  • @RobbsHomemadeLife
    @RobbsHomemadeLife 2 года назад +2

    As soon as he said Swiss family Robinson I knew I was going to like this video, but then I always liked these videos. Thank you so much for providing such wonderful content.

  • @62Cristoforo
    @62Cristoforo Год назад +2

    A hydraulic ram pump pushes water uphill a few kilometres and over land a few kilometres without any power (muscle, solar, AC, or DC) whatsoever. It uses the flow of the river as it’s impetus, and a series of check valves and an air chamber to propel the water, all materials being common and readily attainable for a small fee at just about any hardware store.

    • @dr123hall
      @dr123hall Год назад

      Yes, immediately thought how he missed that! Lived two years packing water … uphill?!

  • @TomStedham
    @TomStedham 2 года назад +3

    This is one of my favorites, out of all the amazing places you have shown us. Wow!

  • @2Sugarbears
    @2Sugarbears 2 года назад +6

    I would very much like to see this from his wife's point of view. How does she do laundry? Doe's she have a still room for drying and processing plants and herbs to use as flavorings and or medicines?

  • @zekelucente9702
    @zekelucente9702 2 года назад

    He has a great understanding of wealth. God bless him.

  • @reginaromsey
    @reginaromsey Год назад

    What impresses me is the cleanliness. No dead cars or bits of wood and other trash or even weeds.

  • @pattygavin890
    @pattygavin890 2 года назад +4

    Kirsten love your Chanel! Is amazing all this off grid places the you show in USA and Europe. Is not only entertaining but educating too. Thanks 🙏🏻❤️

  • @sharondarby44
    @sharondarby44 2 года назад +4

    I totally enjoyed this video. Full of knowledge and life experiences. Thanks for sharing Kirsten.