FNG

Hello, everyone.

I'll be retiring in five years. Plan to leave the city and pursue my dream, which is to live alone in the high desert. Just me, my dogs, and my God.

I look forward to learning from you, and will contribute when I can.

Best regards.

Mark

 

Welcome to the monkey. Are you planning on gardening in the high desert? It is good to have a dream and something to work towards.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I had 40 acres in the mid '90s. Lived there a year. No water, no electricity. Problem was I was still tethered to my job. Came home from work one day and someone had stolen the title to my Harley. Came home another day and someone made off with one of my dogs. So I moved back to town and sold the land.

Been researching properties off and on for five years or so. Of late, I've been communicating with agents and scouting properties. I might close on a 40 acre piece next month, depending on how the down select plays out.

The plan is to reduce my recurring expenses to zero. My home (on an acre) is paid off. I plan to pay cash for the property. Still undecided if I need a well or not. A lot of people around where I'm looking truck water in. Apparently it isn't too expensive, and with enough storage capacity, it makes financial sense, especially since I'll probably end up north of the Coconino Aquifer.

I have several years worth of water at my house. I'm trying to convince my neighbors to stock up as well. Likewise, I have several years worth of food on hand. Been playing this game, living this mindset, for most of my adult life.

 

Welcome Aboard!

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

welcome to the tree

 

Welcome to the Monkey

 

Welcome. There is no stigma to being new here....we all were, at some time or another....new experiences and new perspectives shared, make for a richer experience for all...even if vicariously.

 

FNG? Fun new guy? or the other f work?
either way welcome!

Comment and a suggestion on wells on land
if they are hauling water there is a reason, usually depth to water is over 1000 feet in some of those high desert areas. (the well driller has a much better idea of actual water depth, the State just has well depth)

whatever state you are in suggest you look at well depts in the area. The State water resources department or the local well driller can tell you what those depths look like in your area.

in arizona you can map well depth here
Well Registry Web Map

 

Someone stole your dog? That is horrible. Who does that type of stuff? It is like stealing a child. Sorry to hear that.

 

Welcome to the tree. If at all possible, dig the freakin well. It's hard to be independent and self-sufficient when you have to depend on others for essentials like water.

 

For some, dog stealing is just a business.....

 

Thanks, Ganado. I have that link. Sounds like you know Arizona (Coconino Aquifer).

-----

I agree that drilling a well is the best solution. The three properties I'm currently looking at are a bit away from existing wells. Research over the last few years or so tells me I'll have to go very deep to hit water, assuming I can get through the rock. So the alternative is to bury several large tanks for the hauled water and supplement that with rain harvest.

Am I concerned about trucking in water? Yes. Of course. That said, I can live on less than a gallon a day. I know, because I've done it for an extended period of time in the Arizona desert. I figure several large water tanks should take care of me and my dogs for at least ten years, with the rain harvest taking care of the garden, which will be completely enclosed.

The option to drill can always be reconsidered.

There are several reasons why I'm looking at arid land. First and foremost is it takes a special type of person willing to live in that type of environment. I'd live in Death Valley if it weren't part of California. Second is it affords me the opportunity to pursue one of my passions, which is long range shooting. Third, it removes the clutter of civilization and draws me closer to God.

Everything is a trade. In this case, the trade is "owning" a water source vs. hauling water.

-----

That dog was a sweetie. She was just a few months. Half Rottie and half GSD. Paid $150 for her. Came home one day and she was gone. Tire tracks led up to the gate.

And yes, I'll be gardening. I've done it off and on for several decades. I plan to build a screened house to keep the critters out and will plant potatoes, chilies, tomatoes, okra, tree collards, etc. The hope is to supplement at least 50% of my fresh food. My weakness is I don't know how to preserve. I'll start with a dehydrator.

-----

FNG. Had you been in the military....

 

Welcome from the great State of Jefferson.

 

Welcome!!!

 

45/70, one of my most favorite cartridges, along with the .45 Colt. Yee Haw!