Go Northwest: A Journal Off the Grid

I've altered my name and the names of anyone involved in this book for the purpose of protecting identity and privacy. If you think you're included in this story because your name happens to match one that's been used, rest assured, this is completely coincidental. Off-grid living is becoming more popular in print and media. What I've seen on television looks more like rural sub-contracting than real homesteading. Anything is possible if you set your mind to achieving it but making big life changes can be stressful and exhausting. This is not a happily-ever-after story. However, the only thing worse than failure is not having the courage to try something new. However much experience and preparation you think you've made, there comes a point where your best laid plans will crash into reality. College and day jobs are hard enough. Try removing the safety blanket of civilization and easily accessible amenities. True nature is big and beautiful and it's also indifferent to whether you live or die. The weather doesn't care what mood you're in or whether you're feeling well. The rain doesn't care about your flight schedule. The timber wolves are always hungry and are smart enough to approach quietly from downwind. What could possibly go wrong? Trying to start a farm from scratch involves a huge time/money paradox. It's possible, it's been done. The people who have succeeded were either born into it or took several attempts. If I can give any advice to someone trying to get off the grid, have a backup plan and don't try to do everything all at once. Exhaustion and mental health concerns are a real factor to consider. There are places in this story beyond phone coverage where calling 911 is simply not an option.