Evie McDonald

J.P. Waters wrote:Another (out of the box) idea to give some variety to life and even some $ is to be a Boondockers Welcome host.

It's basically letting RVers park on your land/driveway for 1-2 nights for free while traveling, but they pay if they use electricity/water and most everyone is looking for healthy farm fresh food to purchase.

We've met some amazing hosts during our travels and people we've stayed in touch with for years.

We've found we vibed with the Boondockers Hosts (private) more than Harvest Hosts (more commercial).

Feel free to PM me if you have questions about it.

Hope this helps or spurs other ideas for connection

Hey there,
That’s a really interesting idea thanks for throwing it out! I hadn’t thought about hosting with Boondockers Welcome before, but it actually sounds kinda perfect for where I am up on the mountain. Plenty of space in the driveway and around the property, and it’s quiet, scenic people traveling through might appreciate a peaceful spot away from the usual spots. The part about folks often wanting to buy fresh farm stuff is funny because I do have a little garden going (veggies, herbs, sometimes eggs from the chickens), so yeah, that could turn into a nice side thing without feeling too commercial.
I like that you mentioned vibing more with the Boondockers side than Harvest Hosts makes sense from what I’ve heard; the private property hosts feel more personal, like RVer-to-RVer, instead of stopping at a winery or something. And getting the membership free as a host? That’s a solid perk if you’re not traveling much yourself.
We’ve got a decent chunk of land here, no close neighbors really, so privacy wouldn’t be an issue, and I could set some ground rules like no hookups needed (or maybe just offer electric if someone’s desperate and pays a bit). The stories you shared about staying in touch with hosts for years… that’s the kind of connection I’m craving meeting real people who get the quiet life or the road life, swapping stories over coffee or whatever.
I’ll probably poke around the site (boondockerswelcome.com, right?) and see what the sign-up looks like for hosts. Any tips from your end on what makes a good listing or how picky guests are about the setup? Like, do most expect level ground, or is gravel/fairly flat okay? And how do you handle the “pay if they use utilities” part without it feeling awkward?
If it’s not too much trouble, feel free to PM me with more details maybe some of your favorite host experiences or what surprised you most when you started. I’d love to hear the real scoop before I jump in.
Thanks againthis one’s got me excited to mix things up a bit. Appreciate you sharing!
Take care,

J. Syme wrote:If you enjoy drawing, take a sketch pad or maybe a book to read to the local dog park and sit on a bench, a dog will find you and brighten your day, as a bonus they usually drag along their owner for a brief chat. 4-H has a great volunteer program in your county. Helping kids learn life skills is very rewarding. When I get the winter blues, doing physical activities helps, splitting wood, moving heavy objects, hiking, building fences.  Hang in there you just need to mix up your routine a bit to find something better for your soul. john

Hey John,
Thanks for the reply it actually got me thinking and kinda perked me up a bit. 😊
That dog park suggestion is spot on, and honestly, I laughed picturing it. I’ve got an old sketchbook gathering dust somewhere, so maybe I’ll dig it out, throw it in the truck with a thermos of coffee, and head down to the one in town this weekend. Dogs don’t judge, right? And yeah, the owners usually end up chatting for a minute or two nothing forced, just “Hey, he likes you!” or whatever. It’s been ages since I’ve done something that simple and low-stakes. Might be exactly what I need to shake off the quiet.
On 4-H, I checked the county site after you mentioned it last time turns out they’ve got a decent program going, especially with the livestock and gardening stuff. I used to help out with the fair back when my niece was little, so it feels familiar. Helping the kids with their projects could be good for me too; there’s something satisfying about seeing them figure things out and get excited. I’ll probably email the extension office this week and see what they need.
And the winter thing… ugh, you nailed it. I’ve been splitting wood like crazy lately just to stay busy nothing beats that thwack and the way your shoulders burn after a good stack. Hiking’s tougher when the trails ice over, but even a short walk up the ridge clears my head a little. Fences need fixing too; I’ve got a couple leaning bad after the last storm. It’s all stuff that keeps me moving, and yeah, it helps more than sitting inside staring at the walls.
You sound like you’ve got this mountain life figured out in a real, no-BS way. It’s nice hearing from someone who actually lives it instead of just the usual “move to the city!” advice. If you don’t mind, I’d love to hear more about your setup up there what you do to beat the long dark evenings, or if you’ve got any favorite trails/chores that keep you sane. PMs would be easier for that kinda back-and-forth without clogging the thread. Up to you, no pressure.
Appreciate the nudge, seriously. Feels good to chat with someone who gets it.
Take care,

Anne Miller wrote:Welcome to the forum!

To me, since covid, folks are not as friendly as they used to be.

There are no friendly smiles when I shop as the folks just take my money ...

I am happy where I live. I live on top of a mountain 30 miles from the nearest gas station.

If you feel companionship is important why not join a church and then maybe there will at least friendly smiles on Sunday?

Where you live are there places to volunteer like Meals on Wheels, the local hospital or other organizations?

I hope you find what you are looking for.

Hey there,
I hear you loud and clear I’ve felt the same shift since COVID hit. People just seem… distant now. I go to the grocery store or run errands in town, and it’s like everyone’s on autopilot: grab what they need, pay, and go. No chit-chat, no little smiles or “How’s your day?” like we used to have. It used to feel warmer out there, you know? Even the cashiers seem worn out or guarded. I think a lot of us are still carrying some of that isolation and caution from the pandemic years, and it’s hard to shake off completely. You’re definitely not alone in noticing it.
That said, your mountain life sounds peaceful and beautiful 30 miles from the nearest gas station? That’s real solitude! I can see why you’re content there overall. Sometimes that quiet is exactly what we need after everything we’ve been through.
On the companionship side, I agree finding a place where folks are intentionally kind and welcoming makes a huge difference. A local church could be a great spot to start, especially on Sundays when people are more relaxed and open. I’ve seen women my age (mid-40s) find real community there through coffee hours, Bible studies, or just chatting after service. It’s not always perfect, but those friendly smiles and “good to see you” moments can lift your spirits more than you’d expect.
Volunteering is another solid idea it’s low-pressure way to connect without forcing big social commitments right away. In rural-ish areas like yours (or even if you’re a bit removed), things like Meals on Wheels are perfect because they often need drivers or helpers for deliveries, and you get to meet folks one-on-one while doing something meaningful. Local hospitals, food pantries, animal shelters, or even community centers sometimes have volunteer spots too stuff like helping at events, sorting donations, or just being there to chat with people who might be feeling isolated themselves. It gives you purpose and naturally brings smiles and conversations.
Hang in there you’re already reflecting on what you need, and that’s a good step. Small connections can build up over time. What kinds of things do you enjoy doing? Maybe there’s a group or activity tied to that where you could meet some friendly faces.
Wishing you warmth

Hello everyone,
I’m newish to posting here, but I’ve been lurking for a while finally made up my mind to make an account and post something real, your stories keep me going on tough days. I’m 46, originally from Scotland (Glasgow area), and I moved to the States 13 years ago with big dreams of a simpler life. Husband at the time was American, so we packed up, landed in Missouri, and bought a small acreage to try proper homesteading. Thought it’d be all fresh air, growing our own veg, raising a few chickens, maybe even a wee goat someday. Sounded perfect, aye?
Fast forward Divorce hit 5 years in grown kids now scattered one in college, the other working far away, and here I am now in Ellisville, Mo. The homesteading part is coming along got my raised beds going strong with hugelkultur this year, composting like mad, and the solar setup finally paid off after a few expensive mistakes. But the reality? It’s harder than the books make out.
The biggest challenge isn’t the work though the heat here in summer is brutal compared to Scottish drizzle my tomatoes sulk like teenagers. It’s the quiet. Back home, even on a bad day, you’d have neighbors popping in for a cuppa, family a short drive away, or just folk chatting in the shops. Here? Everyone’s polite, waves from their trucks, but no one really stops. The isolation creeps in heavy nights especially, when the wind rattles the cabin and there’s no one to share a laugh or moan about the day with. Cultural bits still throw me I miss proper tea none of this iced nonsense, the banter, even the dreich (cold) weather sometimes. And starting over at my age? Feels like I’m always catching up finances tight after the split, doubts about whether I can keep this place going solo, wondering if I’m too set in my ways for new connections.
I’m not giving up the land’s bonnie in its own way, and growing my own food feels like a wee victory every time. But some days the loneliness hits like a ton of bricks, and I ken I’m not the only one feeling it. If you’re a homesteader who’s moved far from family, dealt with divorce or empty nest while trying to build self-sufficiency, or just feeling that empty-house ache how do you cope? Any tips for staying connected in rural USA, or beginner permie hacks for someone flying solo?
Thanks for listening. Grateful for this community it’s one of the few places that feels a bit like home.
Slàinte (cheers) from a Scottish lass still figuring it out.”

It sounds casual, but it quietly reveals a lot values, priorities, routines, energy level, relationships, work/life balance, and even temperament. Some people talk about family dinners, some about faith, some about projects, solitude, fitness, service, or adventure. You learn what actually pulls them forward, not just what they say they care about.