Jimmy Mountaineer

my pick up mileage dropped from 17 mpg to 11 mpg.  The fuel pump had gone bad and it's output pressure dropped.  Replaced the pump and fuel economy is back to 17mpg.  

No, steam is potential energy.  It is produced by, or converted from thermal energy.

We use a Nature's Head at our off grid cabin.  I purchased it used, so I didn't spend anywhere near what they're asking for a new one.  With just the two of us we can go close to 2 weeks without emptying the solids.  The urine bucket goes to the compost pile every 2nd day or so.  We don't put paper in the "head", and use fine pine shavings from Tractor Supply as cover material.  Since we are totally off-grid, I've rigged a computer fan with a dedicated solar panel for exhaust.  There was a period where the exhaust fan wasn't operating (during the experimental engineering phase) and the gnats were a much worse problem than the smell.  All in all, we're quite happy with how it's all working out.

Looks like a Washingtonian Palm with seed pods.  Once they drop you will have TONS of little palms sprouting all around the base of the tree.  Also, rodents love taking up residence in the crown of the tree.  Good luck.

I believe the problem with separate ground rods for each load is a phenomenon known as "step potential", where the possibility of each ground rod being at a different voltage potential exists.  This is avoided by creating a "ground array" where multiple ground rods are linked together and a single ground is connection is taken to the breaker panel.  In very arid/dry climates installations such as electric utility sub-stations this is avoided by driving multiple ground rods in a grid pattern and connecting them together with bare copper conductors.  
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The poo bucket doesn't smell bad at all. The urine diverter, hose and jug stink like crazy and no amount of rinsing gets rid of the smell; it only reduces it to a less nauseating level.

We use a mild vinegar and water rinse on our urine bucket and it seems to neutralize the urine smell.

We had used www.landandfarm.com, but lately the listings there look pretty sparse.  I found this site (https://www.landwatch.com/West_Virginia_land_for_sale) and it seems to have a good variety in the counties around my neck of the woods.  Happy hunting!

Ruth,
You are right, many (most), landowners sold off their mineral rights years ago.  That was the case for a lot of the land we looked at.  At first, the thought of "free gas" seemed attractive since we wanted to be off grid but, after seeing how the gas companies disrespected the land and made such a mess we decided against that arrangement if at all possible.  We found a beautiful, mostly forested piece of land that still retained it's mineral rights.  

Terry,
I purchased land in Jackson County WVa back in 2006 and have been building/improving it since.  We have a SIPS cabin that is entirely off grid.  I have found the people to be extremely friendly with a live and let live mindset.  The most difficult thing was getting approval for our gray water system.  The health inspector was fine with our use of a composting toilet and the use of a rooftop water collection/cistern for fresh water, but required a septic tank and drain field for the gray water.  Getting a good perc test was hard.  Taxes are low.  We live in Florida and use the cabin in the summer.  Let me know if you have any questions about construction, off grid power, water or composting toilet set up.  Good Luck!

P.S.  We found our property on Landandfarm.com