ABCs Of Mountain Homesteading, Part 2: Back to Basics

Reader Contribution by Bruce Mcelmurray
Published on January 22, 2014
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B – Basics

Part 1 of the ABC’s of homesteading listed considerations regarding Ability: physical, mental, financial, attitude and emergencies and this part deals with the Basics of homesteading. Sometimes people tend to make remote homesteading far more complicated than it really is. Or they set their expectations too high and end up disappointed. If you are the type of person who prefers all the amenities that many cities and suburbs provide then perhaps remote mountain homesteading is not for you. There usually aren’t shopping malls, hair salons and restaurants etc available without a long drive. As previously mentioned the attitude of both or more partners in a relationship should be compatible to make this type of lifestyle change and be happy.

Heating Basics

When I refer to basics it is intended to mean a more simple lifestyle but shouldn’t be confused with lack of hard work. Living in the mountains is not totally austere living but the basics are much different than living in a more populated area. Having thermostatically controlled heat for some (like us) would be a luxury while others consider it necessity. We choose to be even more basic and heat with a wood stove. The carbon foot print is less and the particulates emitted from burning wood equals the oxygen created during the growing process leaving a zero impact. Our thermostat is the living room window. Actually quite simple, if it gets too hot inside you open the window a little, too cold inside, make sure the window is closed and add firewood. Not as easy as setting a thermostat but much more basic and totally efficient.

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