My, how time flies. One year today,, Dubs and I embarked on our off grid adventure. Little did we know the adventure we were getting ourselves into.
A year later, we have come quite a distance. We started by purchasing a lovely plot of land in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. After clearing a space for our 32' camper, we immediately set about getting situated in our new austere environment.
After the first couple of nights, we quickly realized what we were up against. To start with, we had no power, save for the battery in my trusty Rav4. The purchase of two 100 watt solar panels, a deep cycle battery, charge controller and a 3,000 watt inverter soon rectified the problem.
At the same time that we were grappling with power issues, we had the minor problem of hauling and storing enough water for 29 animals, as our land was not equipped with a well. Through the acquisition of two 300 gallon water tanks, and frequent visits to the local artesian well, we were able to ensure an adequate water supply
As the summer progressed, we continued to make strides toward self sufficiency. We fenced in a nice pasture for the horses, erected a shed and a chicken coop, and slowly began to settle into the pioneer, off-grid lifestyle.
The inevitable onslaught of winter forced us to address our next major concern, that of staying warm. Thanks to Dubs' ingenuity, we were able to equip our camper with a wood burning stove that Dubs meticulously crafted out of a used propane tank. As the snow began to fly, we were very grateful for our cozy, warm abode.
As winter stretched interminably on, we were forced to rely more heavily on our generator, if for no reason other than to keep the horses' water liquid. Those stock tank de-icers use a lot more power than one realizes.
Now, with spring upon us, (yes, spring in the Rockies doesn't start til June), we have much to accomplish. Our future projects include the erection of a larger outbuilding, the placement of a tiny house on the property, and the installation of a wind generator, to name a few.
In short, it's been a wild ride, full of bumps and turns. Dubs warned me that it would be. That's cool. I'll just tighten my seatbelt and hang on, like I always do.
Blessings,
Cece
Monday, June 15, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Springing Forward
After a long and arduous winter, this pioneer girl is finally ready to start blogging again.
The grass is growing, the snow has finally ceased and the first signs of spring are finally becoming apparent.
Tonight marks the first night since October that we haven't had to build a fire in our little propane tank turned wood burning stove. Dubs likes to joke that summer here in the mountains is the third weekend in July...both days! Sometimes, I think he may be right.
At any rate, now that warmer weather and longer days are on the way, we have much to accomplish. We plan to start building our little cabin in the immediate future, as we'd like to be boxed in before winter once again rears its ugly head.
Hauling water, since we don't yet have a well, continues to be a bi-weekly occurrence. I recently purchased a clear water pump, which will pump 9,000 gallons/hour. Previously, we were using 5 gallon buckets to fill our 210 gallon portable tank, so the addition of the water pump has been warmly embraced and appreciated by our aching backs.
Life in the wilderness is not without its trials and tribulations. Two days after Christmas, we lost our prize foundation mare, Jesi's Gold, to a ruptured colon. A couple of months later, our beloved Great Pyrenees, Sweety, was struck by a truck at the end of our driveway, suffering a shattered pelvis. The Wolf Skull Ranch pet cemetery reminds me on a daily basis of how rough life can be out here, both for humans and animals. Still, we continue to press on. With 5 horses, 6 dogs, 4 cats and 9 chickens, we have plenty of grateful mouths to feed.
Our solar panels continue to provide us with a limitless supply of electricity, and I haven't paid a power bill in over a year. We're hoping to install a wind generator this summer, as we typically have sustained winds over 20 mph every day. Eventually, we hope to have a hybrid energy system, relying solely on the power of Mother Nature and the sun.
All in all, it's been a long winter, with some ups and downs, but we made it! Look for more frequent blog posts, now that I'm not so focused on just staying warm and surviving.
Happy spring, my friends.
The grass is growing, the snow has finally ceased and the first signs of spring are finally becoming apparent.
Tonight marks the first night since October that we haven't had to build a fire in our little propane tank turned wood burning stove. Dubs likes to joke that summer here in the mountains is the third weekend in July...both days! Sometimes, I think he may be right.
At any rate, now that warmer weather and longer days are on the way, we have much to accomplish. We plan to start building our little cabin in the immediate future, as we'd like to be boxed in before winter once again rears its ugly head.
Hauling water, since we don't yet have a well, continues to be a bi-weekly occurrence. I recently purchased a clear water pump, which will pump 9,000 gallons/hour. Previously, we were using 5 gallon buckets to fill our 210 gallon portable tank, so the addition of the water pump has been warmly embraced and appreciated by our aching backs.
Life in the wilderness is not without its trials and tribulations. Two days after Christmas, we lost our prize foundation mare, Jesi's Gold, to a ruptured colon. A couple of months later, our beloved Great Pyrenees, Sweety, was struck by a truck at the end of our driveway, suffering a shattered pelvis. The Wolf Skull Ranch pet cemetery reminds me on a daily basis of how rough life can be out here, both for humans and animals. Still, we continue to press on. With 5 horses, 6 dogs, 4 cats and 9 chickens, we have plenty of grateful mouths to feed.
Our solar panels continue to provide us with a limitless supply of electricity, and I haven't paid a power bill in over a year. We're hoping to install a wind generator this summer, as we typically have sustained winds over 20 mph every day. Eventually, we hope to have a hybrid energy system, relying solely on the power of Mother Nature and the sun.
All in all, it's been a long winter, with some ups and downs, but we made it! Look for more frequent blog posts, now that I'm not so focused on just staying warm and surviving.
Happy spring, my friends.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Holiday Greetings!
Merry Christmas! It's been a month since I last posted, but for good reason. Dubs and I have been busy preparing for winter, which is now in full swing. Between collecting (liquid) water, chopping wood, and stacking hay, we are beyond busy.
Our propane tank-turned wood burning stove continues to keep us toasty warm, even in the presence of negative temperatures. In addition, our solar panels and deep cycle batteries continuously provide us with (relatively) limitless, renewable energy and power.
All of our furry friends are thriving, with thick winter coats and warm places to sleep.
With snow in the immediate forecast, I must attend to the wood burning stove. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Blessings,
Cece
Our propane tank-turned wood burning stove continues to keep us toasty warm, even in the presence of negative temperatures. In addition, our solar panels and deep cycle batteries continuously provide us with (relatively) limitless, renewable energy and power.
All of our furry friends are thriving, with thick winter coats and warm places to sleep.
With snow in the immediate forecast, I must attend to the wood burning stove. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Blessings,
Cece
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Seasons Change
It's been over a month since my last post, "When October Goes", and for good reason.
In the last few weeks, we have been preparing for the inevitable onslaught of winter., spending hours chopping and stacking firewood, gathering and storing water, building sheds for the critters, etc.
Our first REAL taste of winter came a week ago, on the night of 11/13, when we were greeted with howling winds, single digit temperatures, and a blanket of white, powdery snow. Despite a morning of low of 2 degrees for three days in a row, we've managed, (through round-the-clock monitoring), to keep the temperature in the trailer hovering around 80 degrees. Dubs' little propane tank-turned wood stove has continued to impress us with its output of heat on such a relatively small amount of wood, We've been fortunate enough, thanks to a dear friend, Paul Paine, to amass a wonderful cache of oak firewood, and go through about 25 pounds in a 24 hour period. Oddly enough, I feel like I did a year ago, when we were on "foal watch", waiting for our rescued Arabian mare to deliver her "surprise" package. Though the "little stove that could" delivers a knockout punch, it is still limited by its demure dimensions, and requires nearly constant monitoring to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. Fortunately, Dubs and I have opposing sleep schedules, and have since we met. He tends the fire during the day, and I go on after midnight. Despite our fractured sleep schedules, (it's almost like having a newborn all over again), we remain in good spirits, and are pleased with the progress we have made thus far.
Our Great Pyrenees rescue, Momma Sweety, delivered 4 healthy pups on 9/24, and has turned out to be the greatest momma ever, despite her profound loss of hearing. The puppies, who started out at 1.2 pounds, now tip the scales at over 25 pounds apiece, and are only 8 weeks old. Three of the four pups; Harley, Lexi and Buttercup have been spoken for, and we plan to keep the remaining one, Nicci. On Thursday we successfully delivered Harley to her new forever home, much to the delight of Allie Marie and her four darling children. Dubs and I plan to start up a Pyrenees breeding operation, known as "Wolf Skull Ranch Pyrenees Mountain Dogs aka LGD's (Livestock Guardian Dogs)". Based upon the rave reviews our puppies seem to have drawn, and the fact that this entire part of the country is comprised of high-range cattle and sheep ranches, we expect to turn out some lovely, first-class pups, on a very small scale basis.
Our horses, (4 of which are OTTB's), are thriving in their new home, sporting coats not unlike that of a wooly mammoth, and enjoying their newfound space to gallop. Dosie, our "Quarab" filly, will be one year old on 11/25, and continues to amaze us with her correctness and laid-back attitude.
While the chickens have stopped laying, owing to the reduction of daytime light and the plunging temperatures, they all cuddle up togther in their cozy little Victorian chicken coop, and seem none the worse for wear.
Finally, as our furbabies go, the 5 kitties are quite content to live in the 3rd story of our storage shed, and have successfully kept the mouse population at bay.
All in all, we've had our first taste of winter, and are prepared to take on the worst it can dish up. Our solar array continues to keep us well-supplied with electricity, while the deep cycle batteries and charge inverter ensure its judicious usage. On cloudy days, our generator picks up the slack, and we never lack for the basic amenities.
While the off-grid lifestyle is not for most, it is certainly the most gratifying experience of my life, and I feel very blessed to be forging the path for others like me.
More posts to follow soon. Til then, horsey kisses and chardonnay dreams.
In the last few weeks, we have been preparing for the inevitable onslaught of winter., spending hours chopping and stacking firewood, gathering and storing water, building sheds for the critters, etc.
Our first REAL taste of winter came a week ago, on the night of 11/13, when we were greeted with howling winds, single digit temperatures, and a blanket of white, powdery snow. Despite a morning of low of 2 degrees for three days in a row, we've managed, (through round-the-clock monitoring), to keep the temperature in the trailer hovering around 80 degrees. Dubs' little propane tank-turned wood stove has continued to impress us with its output of heat on such a relatively small amount of wood, We've been fortunate enough, thanks to a dear friend, Paul Paine, to amass a wonderful cache of oak firewood, and go through about 25 pounds in a 24 hour period. Oddly enough, I feel like I did a year ago, when we were on "foal watch", waiting for our rescued Arabian mare to deliver her "surprise" package. Though the "little stove that could" delivers a knockout punch, it is still limited by its demure dimensions, and requires nearly constant monitoring to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. Fortunately, Dubs and I have opposing sleep schedules, and have since we met. He tends the fire during the day, and I go on after midnight. Despite our fractured sleep schedules, (it's almost like having a newborn all over again), we remain in good spirits, and are pleased with the progress we have made thus far.
Our Great Pyrenees rescue, Momma Sweety, delivered 4 healthy pups on 9/24, and has turned out to be the greatest momma ever, despite her profound loss of hearing. The puppies, who started out at 1.2 pounds, now tip the scales at over 25 pounds apiece, and are only 8 weeks old. Three of the four pups; Harley, Lexi and Buttercup have been spoken for, and we plan to keep the remaining one, Nicci. On Thursday we successfully delivered Harley to her new forever home, much to the delight of Allie Marie and her four darling children. Dubs and I plan to start up a Pyrenees breeding operation, known as "Wolf Skull Ranch Pyrenees Mountain Dogs aka LGD's (Livestock Guardian Dogs)". Based upon the rave reviews our puppies seem to have drawn, and the fact that this entire part of the country is comprised of high-range cattle and sheep ranches, we expect to turn out some lovely, first-class pups, on a very small scale basis.
Our horses, (4 of which are OTTB's), are thriving in their new home, sporting coats not unlike that of a wooly mammoth, and enjoying their newfound space to gallop. Dosie, our "Quarab" filly, will be one year old on 11/25, and continues to amaze us with her correctness and laid-back attitude.
While the chickens have stopped laying, owing to the reduction of daytime light and the plunging temperatures, they all cuddle up togther in their cozy little Victorian chicken coop, and seem none the worse for wear.
Finally, as our furbabies go, the 5 kitties are quite content to live in the 3rd story of our storage shed, and have successfully kept the mouse population at bay.
All in all, we've had our first taste of winter, and are prepared to take on the worst it can dish up. Our solar array continues to keep us well-supplied with electricity, while the deep cycle batteries and charge inverter ensure its judicious usage. On cloudy days, our generator picks up the slack, and we never lack for the basic amenities.
While the off-grid lifestyle is not for most, it is certainly the most gratifying experience of my life, and I feel very blessed to be forging the path for others like me.
More posts to follow soon. Til then, horsey kisses and chardonnay dreams.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
When October Goes
The last rays of sun are disappearng over Wolf Skull Ranch as I reflect on a busy last few days .
After spending all day Sunday working on a movie shoot, Dubs and I drove home at 9 p.m., amidst blowing snow and howling winds. We awoke Monday morning to find the ranch covered in a blanket of white.
Although the snow had melted by noon, it served to remind us that Old Man Winter is not far around the corner. In the last couple of days, we've hauled and stacked hay for the horses, gathered firewood, finished the shed, and created a firewood rack for the trailer. 
Dubs brought home a nice little stick welder this morning, and has been busy creating new inventions ever since.
Sweety, our Great Pyrenees rescue, continues to dote on her 4 little pups, who turned 3 weeks old today. They have tripled in size, weighing 5 pounds each, and are as fat as sausages. Now that their eyes have opened, they amble about curiously, wrestle with each other, and practice acting fierce, with tiny growls that resemble the mogwai from Gremlins.
Sweety, our Great Pyrenees rescue, continues to dote on her 4 little pups, who turned 3 weeks old today. They have tripled in size, weighing 5 pounds each, and are as fat as sausages. Now that their eyes have opened, they amble about curiously, wrestle with each other, and practice acting fierce, with tiny growls that resemble the mogwai from Gremlins.
Tomorrow, we're heading up to Pueblo to purchase a chain saw. Dubs and one of my friends, Paul Paine, are heading out to cut firewood on Friday, so the saw will definitely get a workout.
We continue to stay warm and toasty in the trailer, thanks to the propane tank woodburning stove that Dubs invented and installed a couple of weeks ago.
My laptop recently crashed, so I'm having to blog by phone, which is an arduous process. I'm hoping to pick up a replacement laptop tomorrow, as I'm already going into technology withdrawals. Between blogging, posting on Facebook and keeping up with the crazy news of the world, a pioneer girl can only do so much with a smartphone.
Signing off for the night, so I can call my son in South Korea and wish him a happy 18th birthday. God, I miss that boy.
With October halfway over, I wish all of you Horsey kisses and Chardonnay dreams.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Pioneer Girl Goes Hollywood (For a day)
Extra, extra: read all about it: This pioneer girl has gone Hollywood!
This morning, I was up well before dawn, beating Bucky, (our rooster), to the punch. For those of you who know me, you can appreciate the rarity of this event, as I normally prefer to sleep until noon or later (thank you, Dubs, for always covering the morning shift).
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| The initial set, near Hooper, CO. |
Today was different: Dubs and I had a mission to accomplish. About 10 days ago, Dubs was approached by the Adams State University public relations office, inquiring as to whether or not he would be interested in playing the role of a cowboy in a modern Western movie, to be filmed right here in the San Luis Valley (SLV). Having lived here for over 15 months now, Dubs has established somewhat of a reputation for himself in the local community as an OGC (off-gridder cowboy), computer guru, contractor, etc. Needless to say, within a few hours of receiving the inquiry, I was in downtown Alamosa, preparing to show pictures of Dubs to the casting agent.
Upon seeing the multiple pictures of Dubs, (some of which included me), the casting agent immediately put us in contact with the director of the proposed movie, proclaiming that Dubs would be perfect for the suggested role. As luck would have it, the casting agent saw something in me as well, and, much to my surprise, recommended me for a bit part in the movie, playing a waitress/cashier.
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| Dubs, on sound check. |
Needless to say, within a couple of hours, I received a call from New York City, from the director of the movie, asking if we would like to participate in the production of the film. Dubs and I, beside ourselves with giddiness and anticipation, agreed to sign on, with filming slated to begin 10/12.
I've kept this uber quiet for the last few days, not sure if I should post about it or keep it under wraps. Today, my questions were answered. This morning at 6:30, Dubs and I showed up at the set, which was situated adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. While I can't discount the fact that we were both nervous, we came prepared to act out our scenes (which had previously been forwarded to us by email).
Upon our arrival, in the wee hours of dawn, we were thrilled to be greeted by a large group of movie staffers. The director, his 1st Assistant Director, gaffers, grips, and a bevy of other positions were represented, as well as other actors in the movie.
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| Some of the staff "resetting" everything to prepare for another take |
Upon our arrival, in the wee hours of dawn, we were thrilled to be greeted by a large group of movie staffers. The director, his 1st Assistant Director, gaffers, grips, and a bevy of other positions were represented, as well as other actors in the movie.
Having made our respective acquaintances, we proceeded to load out to our first set site, a tiny gas station called "My Sister's Place", situated about 18 miles north of Alamosa, in a quiet, pastoral setting. Dubs was first up on the docket, playing the role of a seasoned cowboy. The script called for him to drive up in an old, faded grey Ford pickup truck, and proceed into the gas station, as if to buy cigarettes, groceries, etc. As Dubs is finalizing his purchase, "Marcus", the main character in the movie, (who had previously been chilling in the gas station), proceeds to steal his truck, burning rubber as Dubs busts through the door, trying in vain to stop the carjacker. All in all, the stolen-truck scene was shot and re-shot, from various angles, about 10 times, until the desired effect was achieved. In the meantime, I sat demurely in the background, preferring to remain low-key, until my presence was requested.
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| Between takes, ready to try again |
Suddenly, and cataclysmically, it was MY turn. I only had 3 lines to memorize...quite simple, really. Still, my stomach churned incessantly as I continued to doubt myself and my acting ability, the latter of which is virtually non-existent.
Fortunately, the crew and cast were completely understanding, and forgiving. I have no doubt that they sensed my apprehension and nervousness, (having never played a theatrical role in my life), yet they continued to urge me on, encouraging me for my efforts. In short, we had the scene nailed within 5 takes, from 2 different camera angles. After the shoot, they told me that I did a great job...by not trying to "over-act" my role, but just being myself. I guess nailing a scene in 3 takes or less is good???
At both set locations, we were beset with copious amounts of delicious food, too keep us going through the long day of shooting. We enjoyed homemade cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, salads, BBQ brisket, and a veritable buffet of desserts! They even had real Blueberry Lemonade, with real blueberries frozen into the ice cubes! It was heavenly!
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| They had some really high tech equipment |
Anyway, Dubs and I are on Cloud 9, and not just because of our mad love for each other, but that we had the opportunity to participate in a legitimate movie shoot...a once in a lifetime experience. They want me back on 10/21 to do a closing scene. Must be doing something right.
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| Dubs with one of the "slates" that they begin every scene with |
Ciao! (I hear that all the big-time stars say that...)
Horsey Dreams
and
Chardonnay Kisses!
Friday, October 10, 2014
Here Comes the Sun
Looking forward to a sunshine-y day tomorrow. After two days of grey skies and nearly constant precipitation, we are giving our solar array/deep cycle batteries their first real test.
Good news: despite a lack of sun, and the fact that we have been continuously charging cell phones and laptops, playing the stereo 24/7, (it's how we get our weather warnings), and operating the lights and fans in the trailer, the batteries are still holding at 12.2 volts. The lowest voltage that we have observed during this period was 11.8 volts. Due to the high wattage of our panels, and the judicious use of our electrical resources, we have proven that we can maintain an adequate power supply despite a lack of full sun.
Between our sustainable electricity supply and our Propane Tank Wood Stove, we are warm, safe and connected to the world.
Signing off for the night with a picture of me and Nicci, one of our Great Pyrenees pups, 16 days old. The other pup is Buttercup...one of Nicci's sisters.
Horsey dreams and Chardonnay kisses.
Cece
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