It’s freedom at our off-grid property on the edge of a National Forest. It isn’t always easy thriving off-grid, but at least we have the off-grid van. Until our van broke down. It was hard to explain to the service manager why we were so desperate to get it back. We were primarily living off-grid at the moment. Our dog got run over in Tahoe. This pet tragedy is the second one in a year.
How do you explain the van is your legit only kitchen that you use functionally the most anywhere at the moment? Or that the snow pounded us before we had a chance to set up solar, and you need solar for the pumps, and the pumps for a 12v fridge and sink in an off-grid cabin? You cannot explain these things as people will not understand, and the complexities of off-grid van life abound.
The van being out of commission for a few weeks truly hits home to how much we rely on the van to survive. But I already knew we did. In our hardest times, in our practical reality, the van has carried us. We love you, vome, and can’t wait to get you back. The Spirit of all of us is in there, and its our only finished off-grid set-up to get back to the Forest.
Not All Mercedes Service Shops are Created Equal
Our van is officially out of commission longer than it’s ever been in its nearly 120,000 miles. The Medford, Oregon Mercedes decided to rig a recall item last July. (I definitely don’t recommend you go there to service your van). The rigged recall led our power steering hose to bust, fluid to completely drain, and fried our pump. Then were told by Reno Mercedes that there was not a power steering pump available in the entire United States because of supply chain issues, and that the pump may not come from Germany for many, many weeks.
After finally tracking down a $600 power steering pump in Anaheim, that could be overnighted, we were told by Mercedes Reno we had to buy it ourselves if we wanted it. An hour later, after some phone calls, they told us a power steering pump with our name on it was coming to the dealer within a few days. Bottom line, don’t let Mercedes repair shops slow your roll.
On the Edge of the National Forest
This was our adventure this fall. Building up a life that works from scratch, after everything shatters. What is real? A life filled with something more than sham relations. A life filled with more than should’s. It’s challenging, anything hard carries within it a hidden treasure. We are becoming masters of off-grid set ups. We even hauled our adventure chickens from Ashland to the edge of the National Forest. I no longer believe you choose your life, I believe life chooses you. Free will is merely how much grace you carry with all that unfolds.
Why an off-grid home on the edge of a national forest? Simple. “Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” – John Adams. We want to show our children true pioneer spirit can prevail. That we can still live a life of absolute freedom in America.
We lost a soul we loved the most, Vata Man, then almost lost our trusty German Shepard, Chandra. I’ve found the world an empty place. I watch the girls wander off into the healing white fir forest that Mount Shasta towers over like a sacred spire. I think, this is true. This place holds dreams. It echoes memories of a nature that is ancient and wise.
Someday, my wish is we will somehow experience what Thoreau did, where he “took a walk in the woods & came out taller than the trees” – Henry David Thoreau.
Next, we way find to Nevada.
