Age in place is an excellent observation . I am 69 and still plan on having a place in AK for the summer months. I work there in the summer there and love it. I have to work cannot stand doing nothing. One thing I will suggest for ageing in place is no stairs. My last home had 3 floors , 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. I now live in 800 sq feet , one floor and love it. I am with you , grew up with an out house, give me a indoor flusher any day. I will keep an eye on your progress. Enjoy your channel.
Off grid means different things to different people. There is no right or wrong off grid. We have spent the last 30+ years building our homestead off the road system. On grid or off grid, it all has a price. We are now retired, living here full time. Can’t wait to see the finished build. Hope the pour goes well.
My off grid is no paying for power, gas, and water or waste. When I was younger man I lived off the grid for 10 years living in very small house less 600 square feet in Northern Maine, I hunted for my food and grew potatoes and a lot root veggies too. I truly enjoyed living off grid but I was fresh out high school, but now being in my 50's can't do what I could do when I was 20's. I truly enjoy your channel and your wife and yourself are amazing people and Thank you for your service . An god bless you two... Moose
I think you made great points.Off grid is something serious to think about it shouldn't be taken lightly.Off Grid is hard work it's not easy.I recommend do your due diligence,learn about dangerous animals and extreme weather.Have a serious plan.
Enjoyed your video and your perspective. Seems like most Americans now have the mentality of "I am right, you are wrong." I think utilities is the technical definition of "the grid", but the movement of off-grid is more about reconnecting with nature in a more self-sustainable matter as a kickback against the disconnect between origin and end-user.
Wow, you've got your hands full! I applaud your tenacity and what you are planning to do. First of all, "Off Grid"! That to me is akin to saying something like "How much is a hamburger in New York?" Off grid can mean many different things and I, like you, feel that most people really don't have a clue as to what that can entail. And like you stated, in winter, EVERYTHING changes. Especially inland, where temps get to ungodly low temps. Most everything stops. Can't really do much of anything. Freez-up comes at what, late October or so? Then you've go winter to deal with until around breakup sometime in April?! Still have snow to deal with. When it does warm up enough for the snow to start melting, then you've got mud to deal with. Not only with snow melt-off but rain as well. It's good to have a gravel driveway and road but that only goes so far. I was curious what you were going to do for a septic system (tank, leech lines etc. Has to be far enough away to where it wont interfere with your well. And how much did they soak you for putting that in? Also, curious what method will you be using for heat in your home. Fireplace using wood? fuel oil heat? If using that, you have to figure cost and difficulty of the fuel oil truck being able to deliver your oil. Propane? Not really cost effective and propane has problems in really cold weather. I would think electrical heat would be out of the question addressing non-availability of electrical service. For electrical power - perhaps solar for power but in winter and with overcast conditions sometimes creates problems with power storage. You could use wind power if there is ample wind but as a thought to fall back on, you could use a diesel powered generator. But there is still the issue of re-plentishing fuel. There are many things to consider when living "Off Grid" and like you've stated, "Just how OFF GRID do you really want to be". A lot of issues to consider, for sure. Enough of my rant but know that you are in my prayers and your vision and endeavor to realize your dream is understood and appreciated. More power to you brother! And keep these great videos coming. They're appreciated!
Playing catch up watching with your playlists. Hi from Sunshine Coast, BC. My hubby are enjoying your episodes. Not much for regular TV but we love RUclips channels about Alaska. So much respect for the journey you are on sharing your experience. For us we like the idea of using Solar is what we mostly want to learn about. Thanks for sharing the financial side as well. Have a good night.
Good perspectives, thanks for that. Off Grid, to me means off municipal utilities: electrical power, heating fuel, water, and sewer. I agree with you as to what level of "without" a person chooses in order to live "off grid". Nice looking place you have started there for sure. I love that you and your gal are together and moving forward on it......together. That will stay the storms brother!
Excellent videos, love your content, I think your outlook on living "off grid" is on point. There are a variety of options and you have chosen the most suitable for you, your wife and family. Keep up the good work, great stuff!
I 100% agree with u and we seem to tend to watch a lot of the same Video's. I like Dutch, and Smokey mountain outpost along with Wild wonderful off grid, Good simple Living and Shawn James and his show. God bless and good hunting
Brother, I listened to you lay out your cost and you came out pretty good. Here in TN, a well will cost you 12k+ for one that deep. A 22 ton load of gravel for my 100' driveway was $900. And I still had to pay a guy with a small Kubota $500 to spread it. My buddy paid 18k for a 250' driveway build, no trees, just cut it in, loggung stone, 57's and fine's. My brother is a residential plumber and he gets $450-600 to set a fixture, rough in plumbing for 1500sqft home with 2 baths is easily a $4500 job. I'm with you in your version of a grow old in place off grid lifestyle. As far as I'm concerned, we gave Uncle Sam enough roughing it. Them days are over. Great work, yall keep it up!!!! Looking forward to spring to see the rest of your build series.
You must be in Nashville or pretty much anywhere east of Nashville, where the building boom is. I live in Memphis and have some land just half an hour east of here and our costs are about half of what you are paying. Costs have definitely gone up since the China Virus hit, because of both supply chain issues and deferred demand, but lumber cost is the big cost difference right now, almost doubling in some cases since the beginning of the year.
I agree Ryan, not to many people are "off riders". I like you want to enjoy the comforts of life as we grow older. I have selected my "home base" and expect to grow old here. I love your videos and look forward to you Moose Hunt!
I’m retired Army (46 now). Literally had our financial advisor tell us last week if we want acreage for cheap we should look at Alaska- and we can both retire in 10 years and maintain 75% of our current income. I told her that while we want acreage, I’m NOT willing to do without running water, power, and a septic. I know we could do what you’re doing $ wise. But like you said- you’re giving up something. Off grid to me is nothing- no power, no water, no toilet other than something outdoors. And when it’s-60, f**k if I’m walking to a composting toilet to go to the head. I’d love to have a conversation with you someday, brother.
Man, I wish we could be buddies! I love this video and perspective. For me, I am looking for freedom. Freedom from a lifestyle that revolves around going to a job everyday that sucks the life out of me. I want the freedom to live life. So for me, off-grid is doing whatever necessary to be able to be as free as you want to be. Don't want to spend the money to put in a septic or well? Then you are going to spend your time hauling water and caring for an outhouse. Everything in life has costs. And not just money costs. Time is the big cost for me. I feel like I'm wasting my time living this life and I want to change that. And I feel like Alaska is a great place to go be free because of all the life-sustaining resources that are there.
Nick, it’s our motto, “it’s never too late to change your life”. You just have to get past the fear of the unknown and jump. The beauty of Alaska is not just in your surroundings but in the freedoms we have. The ability to build what you want and how you want, free of over regulations is what makes Alaska ideal for getting off grid and truly living free.
One thing about doing most of it yourself. At least you are not paying someone else to muck it all up. The contractors in that area either through incompetence or wanting come back mess most places up, after charging a fortune.
If one had used the old concrete guy in that area it would have been over $30,000 for setting and pouring that wall. He used to charge five dollars a minute he was there, which was why he always wanted to chat before he started, and then $250 per yard, just to pour, not set the forms. There was always some surprise charges for things he thought he could make up.
Awesome channel just started following you guys. We live in Wasilla also. You might want to hold off on building this year until lumber prices drop. Just my 2 cents. Wife and I will keep following because we do the same stuff you guys do.
We’re starting framing next year. Hopefully prices drop because our budget certainly did not account for such a huge price jump in materials. Thanks for watching.
You guys are so informative. Also, on a personal note, You do you. How you both are building your lives/home is whats best for you and people are always going to have opinions of what you should or shouldnt do especially when its not their money being spent. Funny that alot of the You Tube channels you mention are also the ones I watch as well. You and your wife are two of my favorites.Off Grid to me is living off the govt utilities. Perhaps living more with nature.
Hello there...just found ur channel looking for moose hunting video..spent last 3hrs watching ur past videos...really enjoyed them. To me being really off grid is for mountain man or on an island by your self...nobody really goes totally off grid. Now being self sufficient much as possible would be my off grid.
off gride to me is no utilities, your own water, hydro septic on UN-organized town ship were there is no rules, like my land, and have all kinds of live stock to feed your self and people in real need as i do, off grid one can be in the city, with no hook ups at all, but mine is here with my own food and food for many that can not afford to buy good clean food, there is endless forested land avalable dirt cheap if your like me and buy in an UN-organized town ship were there are no rules, no permits, i am 59 years old and bought this land cash at 18, i will lay my head down here and die here i paid under 700$cnd an arcer and it is on very high ground, west of the largest of the great lakes..
Hi im from South Africa, and found your channel, liked your hunt, im also a sailor, of the grid is not using the supplied elec or water supplied by the muncipality, need live out of town to be off the grid.
you and I agree on Off grid living. Last thing I want to do is to have to use an outhouse at -40! It may be because of your time line and your goals for this year, but I am curious why you didn't use your loader on your tractor to dig your foundation? Ya it is smaller ans would of taken more time, but I think you could of done it. Found your channel when your moose hunt was recommended to me and now I am a sub! great work, liking your content and one day hope to move somewhat off grid one day. Maybe not Alaska but there are some magnificent spots here in my home province of Alberta.
The reason for not using our loader was exactly what you think, time. We just didn’t have the extra time to dig with a small piece of equipment. Hopefully from this point forward I can do everything myself and not have to hire out too much. I spent 4 yrs in Three Hills Alberta as a kid and really enjoyed it.
@@wildwoodoffgridalaska small world! My wife's family is from the 3 hills area. We are east of there about 30 miles from the Saskatchewan border in Wainwright, Alberta
Ryan the reason I have been thinking about this life style. !. I want to have control of my land and not have the electrical company's, water department, county services that continue to take your money like property taxes and they are constantly making new bills to take even more of your money, I have stopped a lot of wasteful spending I want my money to go further and work for me and not the other way around it has gotten to the point that society as a whole has come to be too dependent on stuff that they push a button and it is delivered and to be honest the government want's us to be that way because they think that people are sheep. I have for a number of years been preparing myself financially and mentally for this.
Check out off grid homesteading with the boss of the swamp RUclips channel he uses that bubble wrap insulation in all of his off grid building's and he gives a good explanation how it works in some of his videos
For me, off grid is without electric from a cooperative. I'm currently off grid by Clam Gulch when we are up there, but eventually we will trench in power. Are you worried about frost damage leaving your foundation open this winter? Best of luck on your moose hunt!
I'm currently living in Anchorage but am slowly working on my off-grid cabin in Petersville. It's a several yr process. My definition of off-grid is exactly the same as yours. It depends on the individual.
I think is good to take it slow and build it over time. Often times it’s about the journey not the destination. I’ll be interested to see where your journey takes you. Good luck
Off grid to me is not being connected to the grid, period. No utilities.. I appreciate your videos and as a fellow Alaskan I enjoy following you and your family. We love the Tok area as well and Delta Junction too. I do take a little offense to your comments about doing the foundation right and not a cheap post and beam foundation. Our homestead is remote and semi off the road system, so we had no choice but to use the post and beam foundation for our log cabin. We are also building it all ourselves and doing it overtime as our budget allows. I would never talk someone out of living their dreams and living remote, but all these people saying they want to live remote in Alaska need to live here first to experience our brutal winters before they jump off grid. If we didn't take a chance and buy our land from the state when we did, it would have been too expensive. As a veteran we got a discount on the land, we have only 8 acres, but we fell in love with the area we are in, we are 50 miles north of Fairbanks off the Elliott Highway. Our plan is to move out there full time within the next year and a half and still commute to work if we have too. Quick question, are you going to live in that nice travel trailer this winter?
I apologize, I did not intend to offend anyone. I totally understand that certain foundation materials are used do to necessity of being remote. I have great respect for those few that have the fortitude to make a go at living in remote bush alaska. Few people can survive here like that but many have romanticized the idea of it. To answer your question, No we will not be living in it this winter. Von is going to continue working while we build this house and she needs to be close to Anchorage for now. Take care and have a wonderful day.
$200-$300 per square foot is a good estimate of how much it’s going to cost for the home construction. It’ll cost a little less if you do the work, but you have to know your limitations.
Well, personally, I agree with you totally on "what is off grid". If people choose to live like the pioneers with no electric, drawing water from the river or stream, using the outhouse...all well and good. But if they think they are going to do this without working or having some sort of income, they have definitely got their head in the sand. A few years ago PBS did a series where 4 families were hauled out to the wilderness to live off the land. It would be well worth watching if that kind of life is your dream. Those people worked hard from sun up to sun down, just trying to prepare for winter and get the day to day living done also. I won't keep on but remember folks, time passes fast . Before you know it you are well past your prime...do you want to go the the out house when it is - 40 degrees and you can't run anymore, perhaps barely walk...think about it. Also look at food cost in Alaska and how are you going to get to a store...Good luck Ryan, y'all are on the right track. Have a Blessed day.
Thanks Margaret, I think I remember watching that show. It’s certainly possible to live that lifestyle but most people don’t realize the work that goes into it and that even a rustic lifestyle as a pioneer will cost a certain amount of money. Have a great day.
My definition of off grid is being disconnected from municipal power grid. I plan to acquire property in AK in 2022 and might be disconnected from the grid. It will be a part of the year home for us.
Good video, Ryan! I totally get your "rant" against all the armchair idiots who tell everybody else what's what. We know who they are. Of course, it's gotten worse over the last 3 years. Now, if you disagree with them, they label your point of view "misinformation." Good financial info, too. That's where I'm at: putting as much specificity and $$ to the dream so I can get a sense where or what I might be able to afford.
8400 dollars for that deep a well was actually a good deal. If one had paid the drillers who used to drill in your area it would have been at least $4000 more.
Off grid to me is like many others have said, you are your own utility company. I'd even say that if it were only partially the case, you could call yourself off grid. Some of the more rural areas in my part of the country have good access to the municipal power, but you are going to still be on a well and septic system and have to have a backup system for power because every time the wind blows or we get our yearly ice storm, your power is going to go out for days or weeks at a time. You are going to be the last person to get power turned back on because they are going to make sure the most dense populations get power first. I would call that semi-off grid. I don't think that being off grid is somehow intrinsically good as some people would try to make it seam, if you did have access to grid power that would be economical to get to your property, you'd be crazy not to. SO much more convenient to use that than to make your own and almost always cheaper.
I know what your talking about we you say its not cheep. We bought 50 ac. with a 1200 sq. foot cabin that is off grid. No power, has a well & septic. My wife can retire in 6yrs. Myself in 8yrs.Hopefully we will everything in place to move to the cabin in 8 to 9 yrs with NO bills.
Well off grid is what people make it into. 7/8 of the people can't do it because of knowledge. It's like back in the 1990ts when i use to live on my 32 feet gillnet boat in Juneau. You had a bunch of people showing up that thought they could live on a boat but relized they couldn't survive without a lot of modern things that they get in a apartment or a house like a shower or bath tub and running water. The doctors told me because of my legs being burned when i was a kid that I would have to quit living on my boat and commercial fishing. Places in Alaska are expensive and that is something a lot of people don't understand to. Like living in a small community where there is only a couple ways in and out of. Wrangle I use to know a few people who lived there and Petersburg. The mobile home I have here has hot water tank heater problems which most people couldn't do but after living in a 14 feet camper and a boat there is things you want but don't can't have. They keep trying to sell the property that my mobile home is on and if they do I got a 30 feet motor home next just needs some work. No more apartment buildings somebody's TV and somebody argument I don't want to hear. I think you know what I mean by that. Something that a bunch of people can't be convinced of is places like Alaska and Hawaii are expensive because most things have to be shipped in there and like Tok\Wasilla and Fairbanks and North pole extra shipping is required and most people can't fathom that. On your new house a couple of things I would recommend if you're not thinking about them is solar plannels and a couple of wind generators. Along with a gas or diesel generator. I remember a couple of old guys who use to live at Taku harbor just south of Juneau and a few people who lived up Taku river just south of Juneau. Most people if they tried that they couldn't do it because they wouldn't know that they had things that had to be done every day. A good laugh but is true look up the Beverly Hillbillies season 1 episode 1 and as cousin pearl is telling Jed to move away from his cabin and she says that he's 8 miles from his nearest neighbor and they cook on a wood stove summer and winter and there bathroom is 50 feet from his house and he says that a person would be fool to leave all that. Most people wouldn't have the slightest clue about living like that lol. Off grid is what people define as off grid to their own specs
I think off grid is not connected to public utilities. I'm in the same situation. Make your Homestead easier with modern technology and comfort of today. Solar for electricity, septic for sewage a well for water. Star link for entertainment. Don't go off grid with candles and digging a hole for a outhouse and hauling water.
I like the ideal of working threw the winter while doing this whole thing. And putting all of that money into the build. Actually if it was me I would do it for the next few years. Off grid is off the system. No utility bills to me anyway..
I found you yesterday just found this vidio . IM not judging but off grid to me is doing it with out anything but a small house with nothing like my great grandfather did. HE Lived in a small one room shack for thirty three years. Then after he past it was a chicken house.
I can appreciate that off grid means something different to everyone. Very cool how your grandfather lived. My grandfather was tough as nails and I respect tough lifestyle.
@@wildwoodoffgridalaska ya don't think I could live the way they have. Life then was totally different that's fosure. I thick in some ways it was easier. My grandmother new Jesse James i didn't believe her when she said he stayed at there old schools. I have respect for what your doing good luck on your build hope it works out for you and your wife. I will keep watching for all your viodos .
I mean either way your paying for it. That concrete was always only ever yours. Not like the contractor is gonna pay for your stem walls and slab right? You're doing it right though, ICF, stick frame I mean good lord. you know how many people in the lower 48s have an x j niner house (track home). You are doing good thing my friend. I'm happy for you, and super jealous.
Having the amenities and being able to live off grid is having the best of both worlds. Sometimes it makes more sense to hire work out then to try and half ass the work yourself. We’ve both lived in snow our entire lives, so shoveling snow is just a part of life. Not sure where you’re coming from with this comment. Have a great day.
Age in place is an excellent observation . I am 69 and still plan on having a place in AK for the summer months. I work there in the summer there and love it. I have to work cannot stand doing nothing. One thing I will suggest for ageing in place is no stairs. My last home had 3 floors , 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. I now live in 800 sq feet , one floor and love it. I am with you , grew up with an out house, give me a indoor flusher any day.
I will keep an eye on your progress. Enjoy your channel.
Off grid means different things to different people. There is no right or wrong off grid. We have spent the last 30+ years building our homestead off the road system. On grid or off grid, it all has a price. We are now retired, living here full time. Can’t wait to see the finished build. Hope the pour goes well.
Your doing it the right way
Thanks you.
My off grid is no paying for power, gas, and water or waste. When I was younger man I lived off the grid for 10 years living in very small house less 600 square feet in Northern Maine, I hunted for my food and grew potatoes and a lot root veggies too. I truly enjoyed living off grid but I was fresh out high school, but now being in my 50's can't do what I could do when I was 20's. I truly enjoy your channel and your wife and yourself are amazing people and Thank you for your service . An god bless you two... Moose
It sounds like an amazing time in your life. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
I think you made great points.Off grid is something serious to think about it shouldn't be taken lightly.Off Grid is hard work it's not easy.I recommend do your due diligence,learn about dangerous animals and extreme weather.Have a serious plan.
Thanks for watching. I believe the costs and hard work cannot be overstated.
you are my flavor of off grid, just found your channel ,really enjoy it, growing up in AK I really love this kind of content.
Glad you’re enjoying our content.
Enjoyed your video and your perspective. Seems like most Americans now have the mentality of "I am right, you are wrong." I think utilities is the technical definition of "the grid", but the movement of off-grid is more about reconnecting with nature in a more self-sustainable matter as a kickback against the disconnect between origin and end-user.
Hey bro great info but everybody should realize there is lots of land everywhere keep pushing do what pleases you
Wow, you've got your hands full! I applaud your tenacity and what you are planning to do. First of all, "Off Grid"! That to me is akin to saying something like "How much is a hamburger in New York?" Off grid can mean many different things and I, like you, feel that most people really don't have a clue as to what that can entail. And like you stated, in winter, EVERYTHING changes. Especially inland, where temps get to ungodly low temps. Most everything stops. Can't really do much of anything. Freez-up comes at what, late October or so? Then you've go winter to deal with until around breakup sometime in April?! Still have snow to deal with. When it does warm up enough for the snow to start melting, then you've got mud to deal with. Not only with snow melt-off but rain as well. It's good to have a gravel driveway and road but that only goes so far.
I was curious what you were going to do for a septic system (tank, leech lines etc. Has to be far enough away to where it wont interfere with your well. And how much did they soak you for putting that in? Also, curious what method will you be using for heat in your home. Fireplace using wood? fuel oil heat? If using that, you have to figure cost and difficulty of the fuel oil truck being able to deliver your oil. Propane? Not really cost effective and propane has problems in really cold weather. I would think electrical heat would be out of the question addressing non-availability of electrical service. For electrical power - perhaps solar for power but in winter and with overcast conditions sometimes creates problems with power storage. You could use wind power if there is ample wind but as a thought to fall back on, you could use a diesel powered generator. But there is still the issue of re-plentishing fuel.
There are many things to consider when living "Off Grid" and like you've stated, "Just how OFF GRID do you really want to be". A lot of issues to consider, for sure.
Enough of my rant but know that you are in my prayers and your vision and endeavor to realize your dream is understood and appreciated. More power to you brother! And keep these great videos coming. They're appreciated!
Wow! Thank you for going back and watching our story. It’s a learning experience for sure and we will tackle the problems as they inevitably come.
Playing catch up watching with your playlists. Hi from Sunshine Coast, BC. My hubby are enjoying your episodes. Not much for regular TV but we love RUclips channels about Alaska. So much respect for the journey you are on sharing your experience. For us we like the idea of using Solar is what we mostly want to learn about. Thanks for sharing the financial side as well. Have a good night.
Awesome! Thank you!
Good perspectives, thanks for that. Off Grid, to me means off municipal utilities: electrical power, heating fuel, water, and sewer. I agree with you as to what level of "without" a person chooses in order to live "off grid". Nice looking place you have started there for sure. I love that you and your gal are together and moving forward on it......together. That will stay the storms brother!
Thank you Bret. I can say without a doubt that my wife is like my right arm. Everything we do, every decision we make, is together. Have a great day.
Excellent videos, love your content, I think your outlook on living "off grid" is on point. There are a variety of options and you have chosen the most suitable for you, your wife and family. Keep up the good work, great stuff!
hi Ryan another well put over video. all the points you made are spot on. you do what you want for your family take care and be safe buddy
Thanks Nick. We’re excited about our future here in Tok.
I 100% agree with u and we seem to tend to watch a lot of the same Video's. I like Dutch, and Smokey mountain outpost along with Wild wonderful off grid, Good simple Living and Shawn James and his show. God bless and good hunting
Brother, I listened to you lay out your cost and you came out pretty good. Here in TN, a well will cost you 12k+ for one that deep. A 22 ton load of gravel for my 100' driveway was $900. And I still had to pay a guy with a small Kubota $500 to spread it. My buddy paid 18k for a 250' driveway build, no trees, just cut it in, loggung stone, 57's and fine's. My brother is a residential plumber and he gets $450-600 to set a fixture, rough in plumbing for 1500sqft home with 2 baths is easily a $4500 job.
I'm with you in your version of a grow old in place off grid lifestyle. As far as I'm concerned, we gave Uncle Sam enough roughing it. Them days are over.
Great work, yall keep it up!!!! Looking forward to spring to see the rest of your build series.
I don’t even know what to say. I can’t believe how much those costs are!! And I thought it was bad up here. Thanks for watching.
You must be in Nashville or pretty much anywhere east of Nashville, where the building boom is. I live in Memphis and have some land just half an hour east of here and our costs are about half of what you are paying. Costs have definitely gone up since the China Virus hit, because of both supply chain issues and deferred demand, but lumber cost is the big cost difference right now, almost doubling in some cases since the beginning of the year.
I agree Ryan, not to many people are "off riders". I like you want to enjoy the comforts of life as we grow older. I have selected my "home base" and expect to grow old here. I love your videos and look forward to you Moose Hunt!
Thanks for the comment. Hopefully I can harvest a moose.🤞
Excellent points about "off grid" Ryan. Most people have no clue on the drawbacks.
More I hear people talk the more I think people are looking for a way out of the craziness in the world but aren’t necessarily considering the costs.
I think to live off-grid is to live and be happy, period.
Thank you for sharing your adventure.
Thank you for watching.
I’m retired Army (46 now). Literally had our financial advisor tell us last week if we want acreage for cheap we should look at Alaska- and we can both retire in 10 years and maintain 75% of our current income. I told her that while we want acreage, I’m NOT willing to do without running water, power, and a septic. I know we could do what you’re doing $ wise. But like you said- you’re giving up something. Off grid to me is nothing- no power, no water, no toilet other than something outdoors. And when it’s-60, f**k if I’m walking to a composting toilet to go to the head. I’d love to have a conversation with you someday, brother.
Man, I wish we could be buddies! I love this video and perspective. For me, I am looking for freedom. Freedom from a lifestyle that revolves around going to a job everyday that sucks the life out of me. I want the freedom to live life. So for me, off-grid is doing whatever necessary to be able to be as free as you want to be. Don't want to spend the money to put in a septic or well? Then you are going to spend your time hauling water and caring for an outhouse. Everything in life has costs. And not just money costs. Time is the big cost for me. I feel like I'm wasting my time living this life and I want to change that. And I feel like Alaska is a great place to go be free because of all the life-sustaining resources that are there.
Nick, it’s our motto, “it’s never too late to change your life”. You just have to get past the fear of the unknown and jump. The beauty of Alaska is not just in your surroundings but in the freedoms we have. The ability to build what you want and how you want, free of over regulations is what makes Alaska ideal for getting off grid and truly living free.
Off grid means no utility bills to me. Just found the channel. Very good!
Welcome, glad you found us and I hope you enjoy the content. I agree with you about the utility bills. That’s how I define off grid also.😊
One thing about doing most of it yourself. At least you are not paying someone else to muck it all up. The contractors in that area either through incompetence or wanting come back mess most places up, after charging a fortune.
Fifteen years ago the set price to build a 40 by 40 one story generic home was $250,000 in that area. That was the cheapest contractor.
If one had used the old concrete guy in that area it would have been over $30,000 for setting and pouring that wall. He used to charge five dollars a minute he was there, which was why he always wanted to chat before he started, and then $250 per yard, just to pour, not set the forms. There was always some surprise charges for things he thought he could make up.
Well said my friend!
Awesome channel just started following you guys. We live in Wasilla also. You might want to hold off on building this year until lumber prices drop. Just my 2 cents. Wife and I will keep following because we do the same stuff you guys do.
We’re starting framing next year. Hopefully prices drop because our budget certainly did not account for such a huge price jump in materials. Thanks for watching.
You guys are so informative. Also, on a personal note, You do you. How you both are building your lives/home is whats best for you and people are always going to have opinions of what you should or shouldnt do especially when its not their money being spent. Funny that alot of the You Tube channels you mention are also the ones I watch as well. You and your wife are two of my favorites.Off Grid to me is living off the govt utilities. Perhaps living more with nature.
Aww, thank you for the kind comment. We feel very at peace with how and where life is taking us. Thank you for the support Holly.
Hello there...just found ur channel looking for moose hunting video..spent last 3hrs watching ur past videos...really enjoyed them.
To me being really off grid is for mountain man or on an island by your self...nobody really goes totally off grid. Now being self sufficient much as possible would be my off grid.
Love to hear when people just find it a an binge watch old videos. Glad you enjoyed and welcome to the channel.
off gride to me is no utilities, your own water, hydro septic on UN-organized town ship were there is no rules, like my land, and have all kinds of live stock to feed your self and people in real need as i do, off grid one can be in the city, with no hook ups at all, but mine is here with my own food and food for many that can not afford to buy good clean food, there is endless forested land avalable dirt cheap if your like me and buy in an UN-organized town ship were there are no rules, no permits, i am 59 years old and bought this land cash at 18, i will lay my head down here and die here i paid under 700$cnd an arcer and it is on very high ground, west of the largest of the great lakes..
We have just started watching Going Dutch. We live in England and find your videos very interesting.
Thanks for watching. I like Dutches channel, he seems like a real nice guy.
Yes he dies
Sorry that was a misspell should be does.
Hi im from South Africa, and found your channel, liked your hunt, im also a sailor, of the grid is not using the supplied elec or water supplied by the muncipality, need live out of town to be off the grid.
you and I agree on Off grid living. Last thing I want to do is to have to use an outhouse at -40! It may be because of your time line and your goals for this year, but I am curious why you didn't use your loader on your tractor to dig your foundation? Ya it is smaller ans would of taken more time, but I think you could of done it. Found your channel when your moose hunt was recommended to me and now I am a sub! great work, liking your content and one day hope to move somewhat off grid one day. Maybe not Alaska but there are some magnificent spots here in my home province of Alberta.
The reason for not using our loader was exactly what you think, time. We just didn’t have the extra time to dig with a small piece of equipment. Hopefully from this point forward I can do everything myself and not have to hire out too much. I spent 4 yrs in Three Hills Alberta as a kid and really enjoyed it.
@@wildwoodoffgridalaska small world! My wife's family is from the 3 hills area. We are east of there about 30 miles from the Saskatchewan border in Wainwright, Alberta
Ryan the reason I have been thinking about this life style. !. I want to have control of my land and not have the electrical company's, water department, county services that continue to take your money like property taxes and they are constantly making new bills to take even more of your money, I have stopped a lot of wasteful spending I want my money to go further and work for me and not the other way around it has gotten to the point that society as a whole has come to be too dependent on stuff that they push a button and it is delivered and to be honest the government want's us to be that way because they think that people are sheep. I have for a number of years been preparing myself financially and mentally for this.
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We love your hunting trip videos :)
Glad to hear. Thanks for watching.
Check out off grid homesteading with the boss of the swamp RUclips channel he uses that bubble wrap insulation in all of his off grid building's and he gives a good explanation how it works in some of his videos
great show today. very informative. thanks
Thanks again roadkill glad you enjoyed.
Your idea of offgrid is my kind of offgrid
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For me, off grid is without electric from a cooperative. I'm currently off grid by Clam Gulch when we are up there, but eventually we will trench in power. Are you worried about frost damage leaving your foundation open this winter? Best of luck on your moose hunt!
No, once the concrete cures it should be fine.
I'm currently living in Anchorage but am slowly working on my off-grid cabin in Petersville. It's a several yr process. My definition of off-grid is exactly the same as yours. It depends on the individual.
I think is good to take it slow and build it over time. Often times it’s about the journey not the destination. I’ll be interested to see where your journey takes you. Good luck
I recently started a RUclips channel. Same name as here. Basically doing the same as you, documenting my life at the cabin.
Off grid to me is not being connected to the grid, period. No utilities.. I appreciate your videos and as a fellow Alaskan I enjoy following you and your family. We love the Tok area as well and Delta Junction too. I do take a little offense to your comments about doing the foundation right and not a cheap post and beam foundation. Our homestead is remote and semi off the road system, so we had no choice but to use the post and beam foundation for our log cabin. We are also building it all ourselves and doing it overtime as our budget allows. I would never talk someone out of living their dreams and living remote, but all these people saying they want to live remote in Alaska need to live here first to experience our brutal winters before they jump off grid. If we didn't take a chance and buy our land from the state when we did, it would have been too expensive. As a veteran we got a discount on the land, we have only 8 acres, but we fell in love with the area we are in, we are 50 miles north of Fairbanks off the Elliott Highway. Our plan is to move out there full time within the next year and a half and still commute to work if we have too. Quick question, are you going to live in that nice travel trailer this winter?
I apologize, I did not intend to offend anyone. I totally understand that certain foundation materials are used do to necessity of being remote. I have great respect for those few that have the fortitude to make a go at living in remote bush alaska. Few people can survive here like that but many have romanticized the idea of it. To answer your question, No we will not be living in it this winter. Von is going to continue working while we build this house and she needs to be close to Anchorage for now. Take care and have a wonderful day.
@@wildwoodoffgridalaska appreciate the response. I have much respect for you as retired Coast Guard and really like following your story here!
$200-$300 per square foot is a good estimate of how much it’s going to cost for the home construction. It’ll cost a little less if you do the work, but you have to know your limitations.
Well, personally, I agree with you totally on "what is off grid". If people choose to live like the pioneers with no electric, drawing water from the river or stream, using the outhouse...all well and good. But if they think they are going to do this without working or having some sort of income, they have definitely got their head in the sand. A few years ago PBS did a series where 4 families were hauled out to the wilderness to live off the land. It would be well worth watching if that kind of life is your dream. Those people worked hard from sun up to sun down, just trying to prepare for winter and get the day to day living done also. I won't keep on but remember folks, time passes fast . Before you know it you are well past your prime...do you want to go the the out house when it is - 40 degrees and you can't run anymore, perhaps barely walk...think about it. Also look at food cost in Alaska and how are you going to get to a store...Good luck Ryan, y'all are on the right track. Have a Blessed day.
Thanks Margaret, I think I remember watching that show. It’s certainly possible to live that lifestyle but most people don’t realize the work that goes into it and that even a rustic lifestyle as a pioneer will cost a certain amount of money. Have a great day.
@@wildwoodoffgridalaskaExactly....there are things you can't grow or tools that you need...the list can be endless at times.
My definition of off grid is being disconnected from municipal power grid. I plan to acquire property in AK in 2022 and might be disconnected from the grid. It will be a part of the year home for us.
I’m with you on your definition. I hope you get a beautiful place up here it’s amazing it AK.😊
Good video, Ryan! I totally get your "rant" against all the armchair idiots who tell everybody else what's what. We know who they are. Of course, it's gotten worse over the last 3 years. Now, if you disagree with them, they label your point of view "misinformation." Good financial info, too. That's where I'm at: putting as much specificity and $$ to the dream so I can get a sense where or what I might be able to afford.
OG!
8400 dollars for that deep a well was actually a good deal. If one had paid the drillers who used to drill in your area it would have been at least $4000 more.
Off grid to me is like many others have said, you are your own utility company. I'd even say that if it were only partially the case, you could call yourself off grid. Some of the more rural areas in my part of the country have good access to the municipal power, but you are going to still be on a well and septic system and have to have a backup system for power because every time the wind blows or we get our yearly ice storm, your power is going to go out for days or weeks at a time. You are going to be the last person to get power turned back on because they are going to make sure the most dense populations get power first. I would call that semi-off grid. I don't think that being off grid is somehow intrinsically good as some people would try to make it seam, if you did have access to grid power that would be economical to get to your property, you'd be crazy not to. SO much more convenient to use that than to make your own and almost always cheaper.
I agree that municipal power makes things easier. Thanks for commenting.
I know what your talking about we you say its not cheep. We bought 50 ac. with a 1200 sq. foot cabin that is off grid. No power, has a well & septic. My wife can retire in 6yrs. Myself in 8yrs.Hopefully we will everything in place to move to the cabin in 8 to 9 yrs with NO bills.
Well off grid is what people make it into. 7/8 of the people can't do it because of knowledge. It's like back in the 1990ts when i use to live on my 32 feet gillnet boat in Juneau. You had a bunch of people showing up that thought they could live on a boat but relized they couldn't survive without a lot of modern things that they get in a apartment or a house like a shower or bath tub and running water. The doctors told me because of my legs being burned when i was a kid that I would have to quit living on my boat and commercial fishing. Places in Alaska are expensive and that is something a lot of people don't understand to. Like living in a small community where there is only a couple ways in and out of. Wrangle I use to know a few people who lived there and Petersburg. The mobile home I have here has hot water tank heater problems which most people couldn't do but after living in a 14 feet camper and a boat there is things you want but don't can't have. They keep trying to sell the property that my mobile home is on and if they do I got a 30 feet motor home next just needs some work. No more apartment buildings somebody's TV and somebody argument I don't want to hear. I think you know what I mean by that. Something that a bunch of people can't be convinced of is places like Alaska and Hawaii are expensive because most things have to be shipped in there and like Tok\Wasilla and Fairbanks and North pole extra shipping is required and most people can't fathom that. On your new house a couple of things I would recommend if you're not thinking about them is solar plannels and a couple of wind generators. Along with a gas or diesel generator. I remember a couple of old guys who use to live at Taku harbor just south of Juneau and a few people who lived up Taku river just south of Juneau. Most people if they tried that they couldn't do it because they wouldn't know that they had things that had to be done every day. A good laugh but is true look up the Beverly Hillbillies season 1 episode 1 and as cousin pearl is telling Jed to move away from his cabin and she says that he's 8 miles from his nearest neighbor and they cook on a wood stove summer and winter and there bathroom is 50 feet from his house and he says that a person would be fool to leave all that. Most people wouldn't have the slightest clue about living like that lol. Off grid is what people define as off grid to their own specs
I think off grid is not connected to public utilities. I'm in the same situation. Make your Homestead easier with modern technology and comfort of today. Solar for electricity, septic for sewage a well for water. Star link for entertainment. Don't go off grid with candles and digging a hole for a outhouse and hauling water.
I like the ideal of working threw the winter while doing this whole thing. And putting all of that money into the build. Actually if it was me I would do it for the next few years. Off grid is off the system. No utility bills to me anyway..
Off grid to me is not being attached to normal Power, Water or sewage and that is about it It is not giving up the normal conveniences of life
I found you yesterday just found this vidio . IM not judging but off grid to me is doing it with out anything but a small house with nothing like my great grandfather did. HE Lived in a small one room shack for thirty three years. Then after he past it was a chicken house.
I can appreciate that off grid means something different to everyone. Very cool how your grandfather lived. My grandfather was tough as nails and I respect tough lifestyle.
@@wildwoodoffgridalaska ya don't think I could live the way they have. Life then was totally different that's fosure. I thick in some ways it was easier. My grandmother new Jesse James i didn't believe her when she said he stayed at there old schools. I have respect for what your doing good luck on your build hope it works out for you and your wife. I will keep watching for all your viodos .
Off-Grid...Not being Dependent on the man?
Just my 2 cents but to me off grid is not being connected to city power hence "off grid" or have to follow local building codes.
I mean either way your paying for it. That concrete was always only ever yours. Not like the contractor is gonna pay for your stem walls and slab right? You're doing it right though, ICF, stick frame I mean good lord. you know how many people in the lower 48s have an x j niner house (track home). You are doing good thing my friend. I'm happy for you, and super jealous.
Only have to cry once when built right. (I hope) 😁
If you wanted all the amenities including builders, why go way out in the middle of nowhere? If you don’t want to shovel, why live in the snow?
Having the amenities and being able to live off grid is having the best of both worlds. Sometimes it makes more sense to hire work out then to try and half ass the work yourself. We’ve both lived in snow our entire lives, so shoveling snow is just a part of life. Not sure where you’re coming from with this comment. Have a great day.
Radical free Americans 🇺🇲🧢⚒️🛠️⚙️😶🌫️
Off grid means you are not connected to the power grid. So you generate your own power and probably have batteries to store it.
Agree