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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 27, 2017 - 04:48pm PT
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After living in Flagstaff for most of the last 25 years, I bought 10 acres about 20 miles outside of town. I'm curious if anyone out in the ST land has lived off the grid and suggestions they may have. There are no power lines and wells are prohibitively expensive. Many thousands of people in Coconino county and other rural areas of northern AZ end up generating their own electricity and hauling / harvesting rain water.
I have a very primitive solar set up so far, looking to expand somewhat,though my needs are little most of the time, Obviously a generator is in my future.
I'd be interested to hear of experiences harvesting rainwater off steel roofs.
This will be more of a challenge in that I am not mechanically apt and have little building experience. I'm approaching it in much the same way I did all those big wall routes of AZ we established, bit by bit, patience and persistence. In a few years the land loan will be paid off and I will be generating much of my own energy and water needs, hopefully in a small, efficient home.
Any ideas, suggestions are appreciated.
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:05pm PT
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Yer gunna die
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WBraun
climber
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:21pm PT
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the albatross -- I am not mechanically apt and have little building experience.
Then you will learn the hard way but you will enjoy it more than drooling in a stoopid city.
Having improvising skills, building skills and being mechanically inclined is so valuable.
Good luck ....
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:21pm PT
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Not me, but could be a good thread if you said that just a few miles outside of town is not very far from climbing areas like...
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Ghost
climber
A long way from where I started
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:39pm PT
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You should definitely turn this into a TR.
I think most of us will be interested in following your progress (and helping where we can).
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nah000
climber
no/w/here
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:41pm PT
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^^^^
this.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:50pm PT
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I got to many ideas. What's your present priority concern?
Here in jtree many have thier water delivered by truck 2k gals for $80. Just need a tank. Doin it yourself, you could get 55g barrels with a small trailer. Think I've seen or done it all almost, so be direct...
Cheers to good livin!
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:52pm PT
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c wilmot
climber
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:55pm PT
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Is there a spring with public access? You might be better off collecting water off site. So long as you have a truck you can get a water pump and a small tank and just haul it in when needed. I used to see people in pilar nm hauling water like that all the time
Here is how Bermuda does it
https://www.google.com/amp/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/38222271
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Feb 27, 2017 - 05:59pm PT
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^^^^^WHAT❓❓❓
Hey somebody lend me a million, I'll pay you back I swear‼️
Hey flip, you jus goin way cheap there or what?
You know 2 6volt Trojans will do more work than those 3 12volter's
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 27, 2017 - 06:02pm PT
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Thanks everyone for the encouragement.
I backed off all 3 established big wall climbs I ever tried (in Zion mid 90s). Then went on to establish probably almost half of the grade V routes in AZ (mostly because of stronger partners). After backing off Tooth Rock (obscure trash heap in nowhere) it took another 18 months, probably 8 attempts over several weeks of effort before reaching the summit. Turns out that new route is apparently quite good (if you like more sand than stone when you climb). Years later when I said goodbye to the formation I'd reached the top via 5 new routes. I'm approaching this whole earth friendly house build the same way.
WB excellent advice, I have already learned so many lessons the hard way (basic carpentry skills lacking such as wrong length cuts, crooked nails,etc). It's an awesome challenge ahead and I look forward to it just as once dreamed of those vermilion walls.
Practical suggestions on simple solar systems, water harvesting, etc are greatly appreciated.
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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Feb 27, 2017 - 06:02pm PT
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Five years Off Grid on the Sierra Westside makes me want to tell you that the 1800's aren't all they are cracked up to be.
Let's begin with basics dear Son of Maslow - do you have access to food and water?
You mention no well - not good unless you plan a life of drinking Evian from Costco. There are two likely reasons you have no well - no water or no money.
If no water - then quit the damn place and migrate somewhere else,
If no money for a well - then look into designing a place with a catchment roof that feeds your water storage systems be they bladders, cisterns, whatever you can afford. If designed correctly, a modest roof can collect hundreds of gallons from a 1/4 inch rain storm - the trick tho becomes keeping the water clean and untainted - I know some Earthies will sh#t a brick - but there is value in Clorox if used wisely,
Look, if you are serious about going off the planet and don't want to live like a lice infested bubonic plagued third world troglodyte - then spend your time learning all you can about solar, battery banks, inverters, generators, passive solar, active solar, earthhomes, dry land irrigation and water collection systems.
It can be done - but it will consume 2/3rds of your waking day to do so.
The other third is a blast tho!
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the albatross
Gym climber
Flagstaff
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 27, 2017 - 06:04pm PT
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See lots of trucks with the 250 gallon tanks around the area, my tundra could handle it, but I'm looking to collect from the sky eventually, filtering it along the way,
Thanks everyone!
Edit: I have heard the water table is 1400' below the lava.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Feb 27, 2017 - 06:15pm PT
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Water is not that tough, if you you don't need much.. Power is the crux. How much luxury do you want? Refrigerator, hot water, stove, ? These are easiest and cheapest to run on propane. Then you solar array and bank can be much, much smaller. But propane is a monthly bill.
BTW, are you out by Williams, and Paridise forks?
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Feb 27, 2017 - 06:17pm PT
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Look again, 2x 6v golf cart batteries, but yes I'm on the cheap. I got them (Duracell) online on Black Friday for $109 ea. in store pickup. Next a cheapo Cabela's genny. Then some Photovoltaics. Then double the battery bank. Then a silent 2k Honda genny. Bob's your uncle.
250 gallons x 8.36lbs is 2000+ lbs. I hope it's a short and smooth drive.
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Feb 27, 2017 - 06:20pm PT
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Oh yeah, Cool flip flop. Good job🤓
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Randall_C
climber
Flagstaff, AZ
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Feb 27, 2017 - 06:33pm PT
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Hey Albatross,
Looks like you are off Leupp Rd? I work with a few people that live off the grid. One couple about killed each other in the process, but eventually figured it out after 7+ years. They thought they were going to start the next Arcosanti, and when the Money Pit and hard work were not paying off, they almost self-imploded. Do you plan on building an earth-ship, going for the double-wide, burying a school bus underground such as the freaks in Covelo, straw bail???
Best of luck.
Randall
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