I’m about to begin a U.S. tour of prospective communities in the hopes of finding one that will be the right fit for me so I thought I’d introduce myself here to other folks who may not have a website or online presence. To be honest, I probably relate to the type of people who do not have a website for their community. I have more faith in word of mouth than in the internet, but it’s still a powerful tool so here we are.

I’ll, first, list my experience and then include a general description of what I’m hoping to find, and or, create.

Over 20 years experience in farming, building and mechanics.
Over 15 years experience in living off the grid including installing and maintaining the systems this requires (solar, hydro, catch-water, etc.).
Over 15 years experience in non-violent communication and other forms of conscious communication.

I’m not a religious person, but I believe having a daily spiritual practice of one’s own choosing is a necessary ingredient to happiness and humility. I’m drink, drug, debt and drama free.

Lately, I’ve been researching, experimenting and building different prototypes of rocket mass heater incorporating batch boxes and mason stove principles. Also, been excited about learning more about thermo-electric generators (using wood stove heat to create electricity). I nerd out on new inventive ways to replace unsustainable practices, but when it’s all said and done, a simple life with minimal needs is the best solution, to me. Although I have a lot of experience in traditional building practices, thermal mass, geothermal and natural building techniques (cob, slip-straw, timber frame, earthen, etc.) are what I am passionate about incorporating into building homes and structures. I enjoy being creative and resourceful, but my favorite type of work is physical labor. It is fun to me. If I could make a living (and I have) stacking hay or lugging bags of grain all day, I would be a happy camper. I’m just done living this lifestyle alone.

There are many different versions of communal living and the more upfront we are in the beginning with what we’re looking for the better so in the interest of saving us, both, time and energy, I’m going to be straightforward. I’ve visited many i.c.’s and farm co-ops throughout the U.S. and lived in a few over the years. It’s definitely a learning experience and I’m happy to share those specific experiences with whomever during the getting to know process. To give an indication of what end of the spectrum I lean, I’d say I relate to people who are more independent than codependent, more active than passive, less touchy-feely and more get’r done.

In a nutshell, my first priority above everything else is growing and providing my/our own food and living off the land as sustainably as possible. Once this is achieved, other ventures can be built on this foundation like hosting guests, workshops, airBnB, hipcampers, music festivals, etc. My dream is not simply to escape the madness never to be seen, again (though I have thought about it;), but to be a working model of an alternative solution for others to learn from. I believe in having some form of a social outreach element to a community, but my personal alone time and the community’s privacy is very important to me.

This all sounds fine and dandy in theory, but doing it is much more important and much less romantic. There are always sacrifices and compromises to me made. I’ve made a living primarily working on farms and as a commercial fisherman. My favorite places to live so far are Alaska, Maine and California. I’m more of a doer than a talker and this is getting long. I’m hoping to find people who have experience and are doers, too. If you think we might be a good fit, in the interest of saving us both time, please, include:
How much land you’re on
What the water supply is
How many people are living with you
How you make a living financially

I’d, also, consider situations where older people who may already have land are looking for younger people to help them keep and protect it. Open to international possibilities, as well. Fyi, I am not vaccinated. Thank you for reading. Bless all those already doing it and living how Mother Nature intended.