My journey to living off the grid began over 30 years ago, and it’s been a winding, rewarding road. I was out cutting firewood with some friends one day when a man named Bob, who also lived off-grid, appeared out of nowhere. He shared his story with me, and little did I know that this encounter would set the course for my own off-grid life.
A few days later, while I was riding around, I stumbled across a piece of land in Northwest Pennsylvania that seemed to call out to me. As soon as I approached the property, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and knew that it was where I was meant to be. It was a feeling I couldn’t ignore, so I made it a priority to find out who owned it. Within days, I met the owner and, to my surprise, struck a deal to purchase the land. At the time, I had no clear plan, but I trusted my instincts that this was the right move for me.
On the property was an old, three-bedroom farmhouse that had seen better days. For years, I patched it up with duct tape and baling twine and used it as a camp, but the constant repairs, particularly on the second-story roof, grew tiresome. As the years passed, I realized I was too old to keep climbing that ladder to patch the roof year after year. So, with the help of Bob, my neighbor who had lived off-grid for many years, we made the decision to tear down the old house.
In 2016, I had a little Scotty camper that I placed on the old foundation. It became my temporary camp, and I thought it was the perfect solution. But I soon had an idea—why not build a picnic pavilion over the camper to protect it from the elements? That way, I could enjoy my time in the woods without worrying about the weather. However, I quickly discovered that digging post holes by hand is much harder work than it seems, and the idea didn’t quite work out as planned. So, I turned to the Amish, who helped me build a 20×14 shed on the old foundation.
The years continued to pass, and in May 2020, I retired. By December of that year, I moved up to my property permanently. I had a loft above the kitchen, but I soon realized that constantly climbing up and down a ladder, especially during the cold months, was not as convenient as I had imagined. The loft also became unbearably warm at times, which made me reconsider the layout. In 2021, I had the Amish come back to build a 14×12 bedroom, which gave me the space I needed to fully embrace off-grid living.
Over time, I’ve made many upgrades to the property. My solar system, for instance, is a recent addition that I’m especially proud of. With this new system, I now have electricity to power appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven. I also installed a composting toilet, and let me tell you, it’s incredibly convenient, especially on a cold winter night. The simple comforts of electricity and a functional toilet make a huge difference in everyday life, and I’m grateful for these upgrades.
Though my home is still a work in progress, the journey has been one of immense personal growth and fulfillment. Every improvement has brought me closer to my dream of living sustainably and independently. I’ve learned so much along the way, from the physical labor involved in building my off-grid cabin to the technical aspects of maintaining a solar power system. It’s a life that constantly challenges me, but also one that fills me with immense pride.
The experience of living off the grid has taught me patience, resourcefulness, and how to embrace a slower, more intentional way of life. There’s something profoundly rewarding about being self-sufficient and relying on nature’s resources to sustain you. Whether it’s chopping firewood for heat, collecting rainwater, or simply enjoying the beauty of the woods around me, off-grid living offers a peace and freedom that’s hard to put into words.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. From my first firewood cutting session with Bob to now enjoying the fruits of my labor in the woods of Northwest Pennsylvania, every step has been worth it. My journey to off-grid living has not always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that it’s not about having everything perfect—it’s about embracing the process and enjoying the simple pleasures that come with living close to nature.
Today, I still have plenty of work to do on the property, but I’m content with the progress I’ve made. Each season brings new challenges, but also new opportunities to grow and adapt. Whether I’m building a new structure, upgrading my systems, or just sitting back and appreciating the serenity of the land, I’m always learning and evolving.
As I continue to work on my cabin and living off the grid, I’m reminded of the journey that began over three decades ago. It wasn’t just about building a home; it was about building a life. A life that’s rooted in simplicity, independence, and a deep connection to the land. And that’s the real reward.
