Hello Mr. Wheaton. I somehow found this site (I'm very rarely on the internet) and I've been reading through it and some similar things through the night. I want to say that I respect what you're doing very much. To allow people an escape route from this absolutely insane way that most live. I like that you use the word roots, as there are some (like me) who are looking for just that. I would love to be a part of something like that. I would really like to learn more about building different types of homes, but for me the community aspect would be the reason. I already live like this, similar, in a very tiny primitive log cabin that I rebuilt, it would have been easier to build from scratch but that wasn't an option. I've lived this way or with less many times, sometimes stealth in wilderness areas, sometimes renting a small patch on private land, through a winter in an unheated rv with no functional appliances on a jobsite in north Dakota, etc. My work history and hobbies have taught me to build or fix just about anything, and I am the fixer for all that know me. I spent my life working stupid long hours in things like oil, little bering sea boats, you get the idea. I'm a mule, I never stop working weather paid or just my projects which are many. I'm skilled in many ways, I can build, work any material, run any equipment, make my own tools, work land, many more things. I'm good in the woods where I prefer to spend my time, I can swing an axe, shovel, sledge, all day long. I have the mind of an engineer and an artist, otherwise known as completely insane. But I have stopped chasing money besides enough to get by and I can live on very little. I know now that I can never live in burbs or share a wall, it was always torture but now I know can't go back. I also know and have spent time in that area in Montana and love it. My soul resides in the forests of the PNW. I have very simple wants and needs, 4 walls, a roof, solitude when I need, community when I don't, access to wilderness.
Took me too long to figure that out. I also have a very important need to be in that area, I'm currently in the forest in Washington. I'm losing my place and imagine I'll go live in my canvas tent a days hike in.
I just wanted to list a few reasons why this would be perfect for me and me for it, before I say that Unfortunately other reasons would keep me out of your place. Smoking tobacco is my last vice, and one I don't know how to go without. And I am disabled from several brain injuries. So some days I am not well and wouldn't be able to adhere to a schedule though I wish I could. Other days I'm strong as ever.
There IS a point to saying all this I promise. Through my life I've met a lot of people just like me, those jobs attract a certain breed. They are usually loners, with a lot to offer, just not built for society as it is. There are many out there, And this is why I want to thank you for what you're doing. It is my dream to create a similar place. And give these types a real home, and a place for recovery from addiction, a real option for ex cons, etc. Because I know how powerful a sense of community or family, lots of physical labor, and creating something one can be proud of are.
So, thank you. And if you know anyone in the area that would rent a spot to a salty old dog with brain damage and a serious smoking habit, to build a simple place to live in and exchange lots of hard skilled work please do let me know. We're all in this together. I'll check back later.
