Everything has a beginning and our adventures on the mountain began with a “vacation” property and shelter (cabin). Here’s the story of how we located and purchased the property. Little did we realize we’d be moving there a year later, but it started our off grid life. I’m sure glad we didn’t wait too long.
We started our move in an indirect way. When we got started, we already lived in the farthest suburb from the larger city in our area. Of course, this made home feel more like a get away from the hustle and bustle and traffic in the city. After about 10 years there, we saw the growth, crowding, and traffic build in our area. It was time to start looking again.
Looking Around
We began looking for some vacation property to take the kids to, to camp, have room, and escape the growing city at home. As we looked at several parcels of 20-30 acres of land we learned that water and wells are an enormous consideration in getting property to build someday on.
Finally, one day a Realtor called about a great parcel that just became available. As I asked for details, it became clear that his raving about the view was make up for the fact that it was not flat at all. Only half an acre of the twenty was flat and the rest dropped sharply down to the lake! We wanted something more, and as I explained he had another parcel just on the market as well. This one was on the edge of the “burn area” from a large forest fire 5 years earlier.
view from "edge" of burn area
The price was at the top of our budget, but this parcel 40 miles closer, had a well, and what he called a small cabin. We went to look and followed his truck up a very long 4 mile dirt road. I kept telling Jackie not to expect anything for the cabin, other than a dilapidated shack with a dirt floor and broken windows. (This way we wouldn’t be disappointed when we saw it.)
The First Glimpse
We started to see more and more “black poles” the second half of the road. This wasn’t on the “edge” but more accurately, in the middle of the old fire. Amazingly, we rounded the last turn and found a nice little tan cabin with scattered burnt poles, but 2 trees next to it. Apparently the fire mysteriously went around this cabin and the 2 trees next to it!
Inside cabin, note porcelain pig on top of cabinet.
We were surprised with the little 12×16′ cabin that had a floor, insulation, and no broken windows. In fact it looked like someone left dishes, slippers, housecoat and even a porcelain pig cookie jar(empty)!
And so began the first and only year that we had a “vacation” cabin. A year later we were packing up and moving out to begin our off grid adventure without any more delays !
What was it like when you were looking for your property? Or, are you still looking? How is that going? Share your experience with us in the comments below!!
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