Akeejaho's going off the grid!

Yup, you read it right. We are dropping out, and going out into the great unknown to that place known as, -off the grid-.

Don't tell me you are one of those tree huggers!

Well, I suppose I am, but that really has nothing to do with it. (Um, wait, that isn't entirely true either, but we can deal with that later!) The fact of the matter is that there are several reasons we have decided to radically change our life style. The least of which is a yearn to run up to a big old tree and hug it. (but I wouldn't rule it out if there may be a nearby tornado, without lightening.)

I suppose one dosen't need to listen long to the news to hear about climate change, which I think we used to call global warming. A trip to the local gas station is a slap in the face which makes us realize just how much we rely on overpriced and enviromentally unfriendly oil products, and how overpriced they are. (Especially on weekends and holidays) A drive to a land fill will remind you that for all those who take the effort to recycle, there are probably twice as many who do not. (And to those folks, I appreciate that and as usual, will explain later.) My point is, it dosen't take a rocket scientist to figure out that we just can not continue to live as we do, continuing to abuse this planet's limited resources and expect to live to tell about it.

Nor can we afford to sit and let others try to fix the problem for us. Our government can't keep track of the some 700 Billion dollars of bail out money. How can we expect answers on a slightly more technical problem such as global climate change? Really! Nor any government for that matter.

Scientists have some answers, but the problem is they have to debate, research, journalize findings and debate some more in order to figure out where to set the thermostat so less people fall asleep during the brunch briefings on three legged tadpoles.

Truth is folks, -we- is all we have. We have to figure out what each of us is willing to do to fix the problem our children, and our children's children, are presently facing. We as individuals need to do all we are willing to do too at least make a differance. (Wow, does that not sound like an activist on a soap box?)

Guess it does, and actually is one of the reasons for the title of this article. We have been environmentalists for years. That is B, and myself. We make our own compost, so all our vegetable materials and things are processed back into the ground for our gardens. We separate our recyclables and take them into the local recycling center. What goes into the trash destined for the landfill is less than three 20 gallon trash cans a year. (No applause please, really, no thank you, really, no, no more please! Let me get on with the article, now settle-down.)

But all that really makes very little difference since we seem to be the only ones on the block who do it!

That is what I seem to hear a lot from those who are still not understanding that anything we each do is enough to make a difference. Perhaps just enough to prolong the agony, but a difference all the same!

Our reason for this rather monumental decision is because we wish to lower our carbon footprint. We are moving to, Ha! Not so fast! I'll tell you, but you have to wait. In fact, if you wait, I will even tell you how we are going to do it. On top of that, I will even take you where we are going in this years epic Hub, The Bipolar snowbirds, on the road again! Maybe even let you see the properties we are looking at. (and here is a real dangler!) Maybe even let you watch as we construct our home.

In a word, yes. For over a year in fact! Finally, we have gotten to the point that we are done thinking (Take that any way you would like!) and ready to do! Camp Serenity has been a long term goal for us, and we feel it is finally time to step up and follow our dream, despite the naysayers and those who think our sanity has drained out onto our pillows while we were asleep!

Just how serious?

Well, let's put it this way. Evidently, more serious than those near us think! In fact, the house has been on the market a month or so, and has sold, with closing looming closely by! And we are scrambling!

We have to get the house emptied of all the collections, and there are a bunch, believe you me!

But, that's not all that is going on. We are also trying to locate a motor home or camper (we refer to as our escape vehicle) for us to use on our property search, and to live in as we construct our new home. And, perhaps this is the most exciting side of the project for us. The home is designed to be completely self sustaining. Let me tell you about it!

First, the home will be completely built of recycled materials which include tires, earth, plastic bottles and aluminum cans, recycled lumber and trees, for beams, and a material called Cob. (Google it! Some pretty interesting reading for you technical folks!) The roof system is designed to collect and direct rain water and melting snow into cysterns for our water supply, (and yes, of course the water is filtered as it enters the cysterns.) and the water is recycled into grey water tanks for re-use in the indoor gardens and for flushing the toilets, and even the sewage, (black water) is processed using anarobic methods of purification much like the systems of all towns and cities. As a matter of fact, the indoor gardens (The largest of which will be on the southern wall which is designed to be an oversized green house) are one of the key elements in processing grey water.)

Also on the roof are housed the solar panels for power, which are supported by wind power which will be our secondary source for power, along with a large passive solar hot water heating system.

Camp Serenity is still in the planning stages, but will include organic gardens, an orchard, a B&B and a small Bistro, aong with a few scattered guest cottages which also are designed to be self sustaining.

These amazing homes are referred to as Earth Ships, or Hybrid homes.

Still think we are crazy? Yah, well what can I say?

But, tell you what. Stick with us, and we will take you on the adventure with us. We are planning to soon be on the road traveling to the state we have been searching (On line of course) in for the perfect piece of property. We have selected the beautiful state of Oregon for our destination and future home of Camp Serenity. We would love to take you all, and will in our upcoming hubs, The Bipolar Snowbirds, On The Road Again!

We also would love to invite all to join us as we build our dream with the planned Hubs which will document the building of Camp Serenity, from start to finish. We look forward to your company and mostly to sharing our dream with all who care to follow. So watch for us!

Till then, peace love and light, and save up your recyclables cause we may need them!