How Extreme Weather Almost Destroyed Our Off-Grid Dream! Island Build Series EP5

In this episode of the Build Series, we're sharing the story of our Extreme Weather adventure - and how it almost destroyed our off-grid dream.
Cyclone Judy and Cyclone Kevin which caused grief in Vanuatu caused extreme conditions here on the island, and it almost ruined our off-grid dream. Luckily, we were able to make it through the cyclone with only minor damage, and we're now looking forward to continuing the rebuilding our off-grid paradise. Watch this episode to learn more about our amazing experience, and how we worked through the extreme weather conditions to keep on track!
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[@sheiladstarr288]

So glad you all are safe! Amazing to see Jase and the guys working through the monster storms.💖

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Incredible the hard work that went it at this time on the roofs! Less than ideal weather and somehow we remained optimistic despite how long it went on!

[@lynetteturner5610]

Oh the memories of that never ending crazy weather… not to mention the dropped egg day 😩🤪 awesome episode as always 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

it was madness!!! I think your efforts on the coffee and schnack deliveries will always be remembered fondly... there's so much that goes untold in these videos!! Love you xxxxxx

[@TheAutisticEducator]

I hope they weren't really blown down! Good that you are building them strong; those TC's are just going to get more powerful! Hey Katie, your naughty husband left the camera gear out in the rain!

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

yep building to withstand this kind of madness in the next season and beyond... would have been nice for Judy and Kevin to hold off at least until the roofs were on!!! But we do love a challenge!!! hahaha yes naughty Jase... I had to include it after seeing it in edit LOL

[@slgarrett]

When it’s done you should get a shot of the roof lines from off shore. I’m amazed by the effort to build these cabins. It makes them seem more special knowing the hard work that went into them. I’m especially impressed with watching Jase lead this group of men in spite of the weather. He’s really quite awesome.

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Yes once complete it will be amazing to look back on shore and see the new face of the island with these beautiful houses... the larger of the two we're currently building is tucked away nicely behind some huge old trees so have to get a good angle on them to even see it from the lagoon. I am also really grateful to have documented this experience because in the moment the days and weeks fly past but soooooo much love and dedication has gone in to the next decades of what is Uepi! Such a transformation we are so proud of!

[@1264bells]

Well done guys ! We related on so many things this episode
Building - the roof during 2 cyclones and a surprise low ( that actually was worse ) fun times
Looking great, great progress

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Thanks Sue!!! I know you guys have been in the thick of this bad weather with us - even more extreme - and we have been thinking of you a lot! Glad to see it pass and progress with your build too! Crazy times... who builds in cyclone season hey! haha just us crazy people!!

[@stuartsaggers4009]

Well done!!! What a mission between the storm and working on that roof pitch absolute super stars. 👏👏👏👏

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Absolutely mental time!! Reliving it while making the video brings back the sound of relentless wind and sleepless nights because of poor conditions and lost time! But we got through it :)

[@50shikingaustraliajennywoo92]

Such difficult building conditions & insanely complex situation getting your build building supplies in from Aus. WOW!

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

It sure does take a lot of planning and ingenuity... and a good dose of patience! Thanks for the comment :)

[@Lady-In-Red159]

I am also glad you all are Safe 💫🍀💖🍀💫, Many Blesses🥰

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

thanks Jenny! Me too.. it was a wild time and we're glad to be through the worst of it!

[@belindamay1528]

Great job in difficult conditions. It will be amazing when finished 👏👏👏💕

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

thanks Belinda.. conditions were possibly the worst we've experienced this time of year in a long time! Very unlucky but it will be worth the perseverance in the end!!!

[@brettwarburton1428]

Fabulous action shots interspersed with delightful moments of real life on Uepi. Gutsy building! We’re heading home today after a wonderful two weeks on Rarotonga, swam with a turtle and an eagle ray just in front of our accommodation. Just saying Uepi, bring it on!

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Yes some hairy moments worth including in this episode I thought!! Pretty insane what Jase and the guys worked through during this time... I am glad that part is done! Sounds like a fabulous time in Rarotonga - hope we can keep you happy with some incredible experiences at Uepi for sure!

[@rebeccasmedes1245]

🏠 This was a great episode!

[@paulcondon3900]

Wow. what an amazing and complex build in such difficult conditions. Love how positive you guys are in such trying times. Looks awesome. Jas love the double plugger safety boots...

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Always safety first over here! haha no really... despite the floppy gear haha

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

it really has been the toughest build project we have ever attacked!! Conditions have not been in our favour!

[@samiburston7040]

OMG powering through you legends!!! How did I miss that you guys were copping cyclones?? The progress you guys are making despite those conditions is insane. Cant wait to see the finished product!! PS did you get your shoe laces back ? hahahaha

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

I will never get those laces back! haha you know how it is... haha yeah the weather was BAD... such unlucky timing but also it is the season for it but also the only time we could close to do this amount of work so not many options for us other than to push on!

[@whiskeysk]

I just can't imagine the logistics behind a bulding effort like this in a location like Marovo lagoon. It's not like you just drive to the local hardware store in case you run out of nails or a tool breaks down. Must have been a serious planning exercise.

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

ohh the number of times we have wished... dreamt of a Bunnings visit! We did have my Mum fly over with 30kg of decking screws when the container ship got delayed... cheaper to have her fly over then send by freight! Madness right?! It is a massive logistics operation for sure and sometimes because we're human we forget stuff or things are damaged on arrival which is honestly heartbreaking!

[@jasonkelly7750]

Update.... The wind has finally stopped 🤣😂

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

I still hear it in my sleep!

[@akaMr.Boombastic]

Hola

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Hey!!

[@BradleySmellsOfBeans]

what language do the workers speak?

[@whiskeysk]

Solomons Pidgin, also sometimes called Pijin.

[@TheIslandLifeofUs]

Mostly Solomon pijin but also Marovan which is a language unique to the Marovo Lagoon - with 87 different languages (not dialects but unique languages) here in the Solomon Islands, even the pijin spoken here is somewhat accented to Marovo :)