Preparations start early
It happens every year. Sometimes more or less than others, but it always happens. It is not necessarily caused by off grid or remote living, but more by human nature. I call it the Brink of Winter (BOW). You see, I expereienced it many times and now I’m in it’s grip a little later than usual.
One of the challenges that comes to us every year is the certainty of the winter change over. I guess its just like the seasons and weather uncertainties that farmers and orchard growers go through each year. They need to have their ducks in a row every year before that first hard freeze occurs or it can be costly.
In our case the BOW starts off slow with making sure we get firewood and propane. The firewood needs to be split and stacked in the woodshed, and the propane must be delivered and paid for. If not done early enough the propane cost increases, and the driveway may deteriorate so the delivery truck can’t make it.
Hay for the llamas, sheep, and goats is similar to propane. When you can only store 3 or 4 tons, it is difficult to get delivery. Those with horses never seem to have a problem since they get 10 tons or more. You know, the expression, “he eats like a horse” has a lot of truth to it.
As we get closer to BOW, transportation issues need proper care. Cars and trucks need to be repaired and winterized. We need to pull out and inspect our snow chains before we need to use them. In our case this means making sure the mountain truck, and old Jeep J400 pickup, is running well. The truck is a critical component as we approach the BOW because it is the last vehicle to climb the driveway.
Winter also means cloudy and foggy days. The solar power output is low, so we need to put away some gas for the winter genverter operation.
Finally, we need to make sure the snowmobiles are operational. Our machines go through a lot of rough use every year from dirt patches and the Brink of Spring!
There is the financial side of preparations. I tell folks that I get to pay for all my “utilities” in one big shot every fall. It all adds up, hay, wood, propane, truck, and snowmobiles.
Winter Peace
In short, we have many preparations every fall that are mandatory and can be costly if not done before the Brink of Winter. You will have a similar set of items to do too, just know that the other side is much more peaceful. Once the snow flies, it covers everything in pristine white, the snowmobiles are faster and smoother on the driveway. The house is cozy warm. Just remember, it happens every year, so prepare early!
Do you have experiences with the Fall frenzies? Do you have any tips? Please Share! comment below. — Thanks
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Great story!
Funny how synchronicity works.
.-= Dave Doolin | Website In A Weekend´s last blog ..What’s Your Story? Tell Me Something I Don’t Know =-.
We gave up trying to keep our threequarter mile road plowed for the winter. Much easier to plow the flat 400 feet and take snowmobile the rest of the way. With a good sled to tow behind (6ft long by 15 inches deep) It handles all of the groceries and beer I can eat and drink. Plus the knowledge that I can outrun any early waking bear if needed adds a serene feel to the whole ride in. Don’t fight the snow….ride it.