I’ve been wanting to experiment with lifeways that don’t require modern infrastructure, like electricity or plumbing. Something in between tent camping and a “normal” modern house. How would I move, store, and heat water? Keep myself warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Clean my body in the absence of a shower? Light my way without electric lights? Store and cook food? I ‘know’ some of these things from reading, but there’s a difference between knowing and doing the deed day in and day out. Someday I’d like to commit to that kind of lifestyle, but it’d be nice to figure out the some of the friction points before I do so.
The trouble is, it’s not really legal to do that where I live. You can’t build shit in this state without a permit, and you can’t get a permit unless your building has all the modern conveniences and is hooked into every conceivable municipal service. But...at least in my town, permitless structures are allowed so long as they are “storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses” and the floor is less than 200 square feet.
Now I’m thinking my little .2 acre lot needs an adult playhouse. With a little wood cookstove...
Love the idea of this, definitely one of those things I fantasize about when modern life becomes too much (which is on a daily basis). At the very least I’d love to get a cabin in the woods some day, leave this suburban life behind.
Tracker's ears perk up at the conversation being had around semi-primitive living.
"That sounds like a worthwhile endeavor, ~whiskeyding. I've been living off-grid in a yurt in the forested mountains of Vermont for the past 8 years. I make all my own power on-site, haul water in and out daily for drinking, dishes, showers, and so on, and provide for all of my heat, hot water, and cooking through the cold half of the year with firewood harvested by hand off of my land. This life isn't for everyone, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Let me know if you have any questions, and I might be able to give you a few tips."
Nodding, he walks over to the bar and orders up a switchel, cool and refreshing.
Good luck! I'm super interested in certain things myself, if only to save on some bills. 😁
Go ahead and call it Smol House. I dare you! ;-)
I watched documentary about Amish community. Your post reminded me of it.