Woodruff Charles

I was really happy when I found this thread today, but then as I read through posts I watched it peter out after several months.  Kyle’s post saved it from a full year of silence.  

It is harder being single at this age, but I think we’re also all a bit on the introvert side.  Added to that is that a lot of us are more settled, or have land.  

That’s the case for me.  I’d always hoped to have a partner to go offgrid with, but now I find myself going ahead and doing it solo.  It gives a feeling of deep satisfaction, but seems a bit lacking in joy at times.

I’m really not one to reach out to a lady first.  Especially online it just feels a bit forward to me.   If there’s anyone in the US midwest (current haunts), or Ontario (new land) that would like to break ground together, drop me a line.  It isn’t my looks that scare women away, it’s the whole offgrid, small holding, pioneering wackadoodle thing.

What has people’s experience been with permie type classes?  I’ve heard that suggested as a way to meet people, but I’m just not comfortable “making the first move” in an environment like that.  

H John

I’m just in the early learning stages.  I’d love to find a cold zone perennial grain, but so far have only found the research work in that area.

After some logging this winter, I’m wanting to plant some pasture and grain in a portion of the logged area.

How did you make out on the barley?

Cheers
Woodchuck

A few years on now since the op.  Thank you for sharing that information.  Any advice on resources for someone in zone 2b wanting to encourage a food forest on a dozen or so acres?

How did your project go?  I would love to see pictures.  I’m a year or 3 away from trying my hand at this in grow zone 3 or 2b, depending on who you ask.  2b, or not 2b…

I’m just starting out, so I will let you know.  Definitely going to watch this thread in hopes of more people sharing experiences.  

Since most building standards are common sense, I plan to follow standard codes where applicable, but hoping to be free to try some non traditional methods.  For instance I’m weighing options on using earth bags for constructing a workshop.  

I can’t do an 8 week internship, but I am interested in learning more, as I am considering such a build in Ontario.  Do you have short duration work sessions?

I am also interested in your answer to Kate’s question.  

Hi Ada,

If you feel like venturing further north, I would welcome your company in late August or possibly early September a bit west of Timmins.  The work would be very light at this, so more of just a way to do cheap vacation in a remote area.  I’m surveying land and tagging trees in preparation for logging.   Going through the woods is a rough scrabble, but beautiful.  There’s also miles of logging road for hiking or riding, and of course more fishing and canoeing than you can shake a stick at.

I had a couple teenagers lined up to go as safety buddies, but the change from Star ID drivers license to passport for border crossing caught us off guard.  Help tagging trees would certainly be nice, but just someone who notices when I don’t get back to camp at a decent hour is a good thing.

My kids and I joke that Canada will be handing them a baggy of bear poo, and saying, “Sorry, that’s all we found of your father.”  

In which case, that poor bear.

Cheers,
Woodchuck

Hi Steve.  Since it’s a few years on, I was wondering how the project has gone.  Could you give an update?

I’m considering a similar project in NE Ontario.

Hi Heather

I look forward to reading, and learning more about your food forest experiences.   I’m starting a fairly remote homestead a bit north of Sudbury.  A bit of logging will be required to get the homestead started, which is going to be a bit challenging, but then silvopasturing and food forest are my primary interests.  

If you guys are interested in networking with a neighbor further north, I’m hoping to find people that can answer questions on Ontario flora and fauna.  I’m coming from the US so I’m reading as much as I can about NE Ontario ecology.  I’m also (obviously) into foraging, and learning to mycology cultivation.

Cheers,
Woodchuck