I agree I appreciate both of you taking us along for your journey and it's your life your choice and I look forward to whichever direction your new property and videos take us 🙂
There’s no need to feel like you have to explain anything! We’re all here watching and following because we love you and your channel. I’m 45 and and I’m in the middle of planning and thinking of doing something I never would’ve thought or dreamt of when I was 35,30,20…. You get the point. Much love from Canada down south in the heat 😉
You know you really appreciate a channel and the creators when you can just watch them talk for 45 mins about what's happening in their lives. That's awesome, congrats to you both!!! Can I be the first one to make an all cash offer on the old place?
My husband and I have been married 51 years. We have done about everything you have done except in Michigan..not Alaska. We love your videos and have so much respect in what you are doing and really can appreciate the work that goes into everything that you have done, from gardening, canning, hunting, saw mill, heating with wood (we still do), and building a cabin. We wish you all the best and blessings this life has to offer!! God bless you!!
I chuckled when I read your response. My husband and I live in Michigan as well. We have been married for 51 years. We garden, can, my husband hunts and mills wood from our property. Lots of similarities.
Sounds exciting guys. My only two suggestions are: 1) Don’t bring beetle kill firewood up with you. 2) Plant alfalfa where you plan to build a garden. Then just till it into the dirt when you’re ready to start the garden. Oh and best wishes!
Regardless of whatever it is you two decide to do, I'm sure I can speak for many people when I say we will be here watching every step of the way! I'll be really excited to see you guys take on new projects and have a different change of scenery :D I wish you guys the best!! You're an absolute power couple and you still have your entire lives ahead of you.. so why not put a little excitement into it.
I've seen zone 1 TH-camrs in Canada who have a high tunnel for their chickens for the winter. If you do a coop in the greenhouse, and a smaller shelter in the coop for them to sleep in, that equals zone 3. Look it up. Super simple.
@@jodyaarons8315 Sorry, but I didn't save the video. Here's how they did it. They had a high tunnel, then they built a lower tunnel inside, about 6 feet high, may have been with cattle panels. In that one, they basically used it as a chicken run. They had hay bale structures built in there, kind of like a maze, so the chickens would wander around, and the ones at the bottom of the pecking order had a place to "hide" to avoid the others. They kept the poly closed on the lower tunnel to create a microclimate. They had a coop in the lower tunnel where the chickens slept at night. I don't remember if it was an open coop or not. The farmers would feed and water in the lower tunnel. I don't remember if there was a water heater. Hope this helps.
Gridlessness on YT built a compost heater for their shop, and this could be done for the chickens also. Would have to be vented, I would think, but I believe it would work.
The way you two interact lovingly with each other and how you care for Bo and Bandit speaks volumes about your character. I'm looking forward to "joining" you both on this new adventure. Blessings &Peace.
I really love how and why you plan things. I live in Alberta. We get a lot of snow and the cold is bitter. I own/operate a rescue for cats and dogs. I hate how people treat and discard them like they are nothing. The one thing I love watching is how you two work together, and how much you care for your pets. They are part of your family and it shows. I can feel your excitement about your future and I hope you continue to share it because it makes me excited to watch and follow along. Hmmmmm....the dilemma for your chickens in the future...I know you will figure it out. Good luck to you both!
I just wanted to say that I appreciate you guys letting us join you on all your adventures, I feel like I really get to live vicariously through y’all. It’s absolutely the best, I hope this next adventure is everything you guys hope for 🥹
You guys are so competent, secure and adventurous!! You can do whatever you want! Having said that, I understand second guessing, being hesitant, etc .... Totally normal! As long as you have each other.....you can do anything 👍
I love you guy for how devoted you are to your dogs. You show more consideration for your dogs, in your decision making, than my parents ever did for their own children. ❤❤
When I worked at a non-profit the social worker wanted me to become a foster parent. Her rationale was: I took better care of all of my critters, than most of her clients did their children.
@@TheresaPowers Katherine you are not listening, Peppy is six, I learned his age in this posting. Arielle has shot some beautiful pics of him, my favorite so far is Snow Kitty.
I'm thrilled for you both and the animals! I have seen the decline in how active Bo & Bandit are as the years have passed, which is to be expected! It's precious that you're making changes for their elder years! Over time you all have become like family to me, and I am crazy excited to see the progression of the new property! I hope beyond hope that one day I will make the trip to Alaska, but if I never do I want you all to know that I live my dream through every video, every calendar, and every trip! Enjoy your last winter at your starter place! Ariel honey I could feel your anxiety coming through a couple of times because of the uncertainty surrounding the move. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself! I know it's easy for me to say because it's not me that is facing everything, but I've found that when I'm feeling overwhelmed, it has helped me if someone reminds me to take a deep breath and release that pressure. I know this is a long comment, so I'll shush now! Love y'all! See you next time! ❤️
Good bold plan. You guys can do anything. Consider and plan how long the 40x60 metal frame building is going to take to build and what resources (people and equipment and time) that you might need; or think that you do. You say you want a concrete slab floor. OK, consider and plan for the resources for that. Also, what size hole do you need to excavate? That is a lot of concrete and rebar and/or wire mesh to place in a remote area. What equipment do you need to assemble the metal pieces? It's going to get high and heavy. How to bolt the metal to the concrete slab? But, no worries, you can do anything and you do ask around for the local approach on these things. Do you even need a concrete slab? The ground is frozen how many months a year? consider crushed stone compacted down to get you above the wet. Just anchor the metal building down with large ground anchor screws. You might consider building the metal building first, before a shelter for the big saw machine. Consider the time you might have after spring until winter next year. That 40x60 may take up more that you would like. Better to have the metal shed for you than a structure for your saw machine this first year. For equipment rental in a remote area you may be paying for a day to haul it up and another day to haul it back. Cheaper than owning and maintaining something you might not use very much. I do love what you two are capable of doing. You have a lot of time to plan your next project. "One project at a time" I heard one of you say. Good advice. Good luck and stay safe. Don't make us worry about you. Thanks for the great videos.
Believe me, having a major flood happen in Vermont in July of 2023, and my usually small river that meanders through my property decide to reroute itself though my barn and house cellar (5 ft in my cellar), I totally get the concept of NOT having bodies of water on the property being a positive. I really love your down-to-earth approach to talking with us, your fans. You guys are my favorite TH-cam channel because you're REAL. Not to mention amazing amazing gardeners! Although I need to start over in the garden due to flooding, I know it will be a different, hopefully better year next year, and watching your gardening videos is very inspiring. Thank you!
It actually takes a lot of self-awareness and a humble approach to admit you don't know everything and are flexible. I probably struggle the most with that very thing, and I sincerely tip my hat to you both for that mature and realistic attitude. You are only hard work from your goals, and after watching you for 4 years, I know you both have that covered. Take a deep breath. Stress won't get you there. Do it on your time.
You guys can do this. Your internet family are cheering you on. You guys have such a huge caring heart when it comes to your animals, the environment and love for eachother. Can't wait to see your flourishing garden in Zone 1. Don't forget to bring along your outhouse compost.
You should watch lumnah acres. They bought land and have built a property, which will ultimately be their place of work, but, for a temporary period they’re going to live in there whilst they built their forever home. Anyways the reason for my point, is that they prepped the ground for the concrete foundation and prior to the concrete pour, they laid underfloor heating (which looked like giant Lego bricks) and then the concrete was poured over everything. They then installed and outside wood burner, which heats up this house and also other buildings. He is very very impressed with the system which you might be interested in. It could heat up a coop for the chickens, your cabin and shop. Plus he has solar power too. I think ŷou may find it a very interesting system. Everything is heated by wood, it heats his water and also all of the floors in the house too. He says that the house sits at 70-74 degrees inside the property everyday, even with the snow. Food for thought.
I really enjoyed watching you two talking about your plans with such honesty, humor and excitement. We are all lucky to have had the chance to see you accomplish so much over the past few years and I am happy knowing we will get to see even more of your ingenuity and creativity happen in your new place. You are true adventurers, and a couple of really great people!
I just re-watched this video in light of being 11 months down the road and all that you have accomplished at your new location. My wife and I will celebrate 54 years of marriage in about three weeks and one thing that we've learned for sure is that the only thing constant in life is change. Your apprehension has kind of blossomed into a new location, a new shop, a new chicken house and that wonderful shelter-logic chicken run. I love watching how you two work together to get all of these projects done and especially how you also take the time to still get away once in a while. Love your video's and look forward to watching you from here in Northeastern PA.
You have no idea how awesome it is that you guys allowed us to be part of this right here! We love you guys!! can't wait to see what this new year brings, very exciting!!! 🤗
That is so sweet and responsible (and expected) thinking of the Boys. As sad as it is they will not last forever and you two can travel long after they are gone, so proud you are slowing down to stay with them in their final years.
I love you both because you know and put it on to practice. Growing is not becoming stagnant. You must move and learn the new. This is the real reason why I admire you so much, you take in account the now. Now is the only time we have, before we know, it just finished. The least regrets the better. bless you in all your decisions and accomplishments. I am a senior, and knows or thinks she knows, what she’s talking about. ❤❤❤
Or... E's face when A said we've been together 15yrs and she doesn't know if he's like that. .. I think they were talking about how she's a planner LOL!
This will be a fun new adventure to watch! Level 3 after Oregon and Alaska pt. 1. I'm always so inspired by what yall do and know that it will be even more incredible going forward!
Elsa Rae and Barron, I watch you all on TH-cam and just watched your latest video; visit to the hot spring. It’s great that you all follow Eric and Ariel too.
Hi guys! Greetings from London England. The fact that you have put so much thought into this move, considering all the pros and cons and trying to evaluate the likely success, bodes well. You've done a lot of work at your current home, you've learned a lot and you've established its potential but have also discovered its limitations. And some of the the successes that you've had and the achievements you've realised have highlighted those limitations. Space, or lack thereof, being the major one. The new place will give you space to grow. Grow food, grow infrastructure, grow a better, more productive life for yourselves and the critters. And grow as people. Sure, it's a challenge. But life itself is a challenge. You, and your aims for your future, have outgrown your current place. So embrace the move. The things that will be the same up there you'll do bigger and better, because you'll have the space. The things that will have to be done differently you'll learn to do and you'll apply all the knowledge and experience you gained in your current place. You're young, strong, determined and smart. Go for it! You're ready to do this. You're already aware that it will be a lot of work and some of it will be tough but the rewards will be so worth it! So if you feel like taking the advice of an old English bloke, it's this - make the move, take the plunge! You already know you can do it - you've thought it all through properly and thoroughly. This is no rash, impetuous, ill-considered flight of fancy. You aleady have the vision - now go and make it a reality!
Have you thought about putting the chickens in the greenhouse during the winter. It would give them a covered run during the winter and they would be fertilizing it to. That’s what Justin Rhodes does and it works great. They do double duty by cleaning it after the garden season. Someone else said to accept help on the shop building and I agree. It would give you more time to do other things on the property. Love your videos.
I’m so grateful for you thinking of the dogs, choosing to make their elderly years as joyful for them as their youth is such a huge part of being a good owner, love to you from me and my pup
After watching your channel for three years now, I can definitely say that you appear to be motivated by adventures. I have enjoyed virtually joining you on each adventure. I can't wait to go with you on this new journey.
as your only planning the garden in your second year that gives you the oppurtunity to see how the sun travels over the new property during the year and thus makes planning so much easier
@@BakeALegAndLetsDigIt That is an excellent point. This way they can be sure where the sun is the most hours of the day before deciding the exact p place before deciding the exact place for it.
First, you're gonna be OK! Second, you picked a great place to begin "chapter two". It IS better land. I'm a farmer. I KNOW land. I have a bunch. AND with the first views of the TREES, I said to myself, "You did good, kids!" The homesite lays well. It's upland and not a "bog".🙄 YES, your growing season will be a little cooler and shorter. But a root cellar is possible at the new place. And think about this: You can build your greenhouse half way into the ground and heat it. Get going....and don't look back!👍🎆🎄💝
We love going along for the ride with you both. Yours is one of our favorite videos! The building, the fishing, the hunting, it's an adventure ❤. God bless you and we love you and your videos!
You have hundreds of thousands of people who love you and care deeply for you. Thank you for sharing your life with us! We are all extremely excited for you. 😍😍😍
Love your vlog and the fact that you brought your followers up to date with your upcoming move (the whys and wherefores ). This means a lot as I personally live vicariously through you, wonderful couple. Please post often and more, you guys are a true joy to watch. Best from Canada.
I loved this seriously! We built here in south central, and went through all of what you are are talking, don’t grow more then we can store, build it, plan it…. And was told just this week “you” could never learn from us! Because we are not “real deal” completely off grid. To be honest it stung. However even with our channels being different in style family size background……. I’m so in love that you are honest. You put into perspective that the differed is we just did things in different orders. And I love that this channel is not into bashing or comparing themselves to others. Living and building in Alaska is already hard enough thank God we are not all trying to be each other and not competing! I’m just cheering you on and truly excited to see the changes you make!
This popped up a year later after watching your vid welcoming spring and early start to gardening, and I rewatched it. Wow, what a year you’ve had! Even though building the shop took longer than expected and the solar system completion had to wait, you persevered and got through. At least you won’t be moving this year, freeing up huge amounts of time and energy. I’d say you far exceeded expectations in your first year there! Can’t wait to see you tackle this summer’s (2024) projects!
How exciting !!!! I envy your youth, I'm 73 and have made 3 life-changing moves involving 3 different countries and I loved all the adventure and change. It is thrilling to watch you two grow and expand! The future is uncertain but you will never find out what it holds if you don't walk into the change. The word you were looking for might be that you are learning to be flexible.
Whatever y’all do, just keep on with your TH-cam channel. I visited Alaska for the first time in 2019, and fell in love with it. I’m 71 years old and realize even though I’d love to move there, I’m just too old to pull up and move there. Therefore, when I found your channel, it has given me insight into living there. I feel as if your journey is also my journey. I look forward each week to new videos and watch them from beginning to end. So please, continue “our” journey. God bless.
You two kids have built an amazing channel! I'm so captivated by they way that you guys live. You always have a plan and are always doing bigger and better things. One of the top youtube channels out there, for kids, families, and anyone else who are thinking of making a move to change their lives. PS: Arielle's photography is insane
Thanks for answering the many questions we've all had! Sounds as though you have never heard of the rocket mass heater. With wood being the original solar battery, growing around you faster than you could ever cut it down, it is the solution to so many problems. It uses about 15-20% of the wood of a regular heater, but retains the heat of a 2 hour burn for many hours or days, in a mass of masonry. The technology has been used in houses, greenhouses, and would certainly solve the chilly chicken problem. I can't imagine you would be happy without your feathered friends! Look up Erica and Ernie Wisner's videos, blogs and book for RMH technology and designs. Something to ponder during the long winter nights.
When we travel, we have friends or neighbors watch our dog. Where you guys had your first cabin, there’s a VCA not far from there in Big Lake that would’ve took your dogs in boarding if you needed a break. That’s what we did. One suggestion is to get a Toyo Monitor in your cabin if you can. We order fuel from Crowley once a year or maybe twice but mainly run the wood stove. But the Toyo is a nice back-up when we get away for awhile and not worry about our place freezing up in winter. And GLAD you did not build on the marsh land, you can get “settling” issues later due to permafrost or water leaking in your crawl space or basement. I’ve seen that happen to friends and relatives in both Fairbanks and Anchorage, they have to use sump pumps in the spring cause of water issues, since their places were built in those marsh areas. Have a great summer in your new place! We’re definitely getting busier with outside chores:)
When you had to backfill the root celler, I was devastated, as you were. After the year before watching the series of building it. That was a lesson learned. And I KNOW that played a big part with your choice of land. I remember Bo and Bandit being 9 years old. Time flies. I'm sure it was little scary making a "commitment" video per say. I have faith in you two. You do what you can as time and challenges permit. Not everything goes to schedule. Always give yourselves compassion. I'll be here for it all. Can't wait!
I think we’ve seen enough of your videos to have confidence in your ability to take on this move and the changes that come with it and thrive. You two Rock!
How many acres do you have at your new home? Have fun putting that shop together, my husband and I assisted my sister with one and it was flimsy and difficult to assemble. I’m certain that you two will get it done. As a former resident of Ninilchik AK, we lived on Muskeg/swamp, so I know why you want to move north to have a root cellar and such! Loved our Connex for storage! Keep up the videos, you have Fans!❤
I am SO excited for y’all. And Bo and Bandit and the cat. Look what you discovered about yourself on 3.5 acres. No telling what you will accomplish on your new property. I never miss an episode. I need a calendar. Love Love Love to you both.
I came up to Alaska over 30 years ago and eventually ended up on the Kenai peninsula. My husband and I have done very similarly but with less land and while in the throws of raising 4 kiddos and dealing with chronic illness. You both have the Alaskan spirit also. You don't have to be from Alaska but after living up here, it makes me unsuitable to live elsewhere! I enjoy you both and just love your enthusiasm and perseverance. God bless you for many years to come!
Thank you so much to both of you for taking the time to share all of this with us, especially when you’re not completely sure about how things will happen precisely. I will of course follow all of it with great interest, as everything you did since you moved to Alaska, and I wish you all the best regarding confidence and energy on this new adventure !
Psyched for you both! How fun it is to design and plan a new homestead. My husband and I set up 5 homesteads on rental properties until we finally found the place where we wanted to live permanently. The experience of testing different coops, gardens, fencing, and building designs really let us perfect our skills and style. Eight years later, I still wake up giddy to slay the day. Looking forward to watching your creativity bloom. Cheers folks!
For heating the shop a solution could be in-floor radiant heat. A layer of insulation below the concrete floor, a glycol water mix that could be heated by a wood-fired boiler with foam insulation on the shop interior walls.
Some thoughts . Eric mentioned a tractor of machine of some kind. As much as the convenience of owning a excavator and the handiness for 12 ft water trenches. I would invest in a decent sized tractor. We have a 35hp , and it's a life saver. Bought it when we purchased our 16acres of bush. For what you guys are doing . I'd suggest a 60+hp 4x4 model with a backhoe attachment. Kubota offer a smaller machine with a 14ft reach . The benefit of a tractor over a excavator is huge in my opinion. There is way more useful attachments to be had. They work very well for snow removal, you can get mowers for grass and brush. You can get grapple buckets ( you need a 3rd function attachment) for the loader. You can add a tiller to the back for prepping the fields or garden.You guys have a bandsaw mill. The tractor could be used for loading the saw. Removing the mounds of sawdust, skidding trees from the property. We are one of those types LOL. We started with bare land and no F'n clue of what to do. 2 years later , we have a small 16x24 self built cabin . A couple acres of cleared and usable land. And the desire to continue forward . Each day and each project has been a huge life learning experience. Looking forward to what you guy do next. Very excited for the new adventures!!!
We have been married for 51 years. Moved to Oregon when we we about your age. In our retirement years we moved to Central Oregon. Great to live in different places, we have lived in the woods for over 40 years still do. Good luck on the new adventure.
I have to say much respect to you guys as always this will be an amazing journey and thank you for letting us follow along! I always could tell how exciting you guys were when you were on the way to the cabin and I always really enjoyed watching you guys doing all the things you do there! Wishing you guys the best of luck and of course many hugs to your critters ❤ 🐕 🐕 🐱
A root cellar may also work well for your bees similar to the potato cellar. I keep my bees under a carport just to keep them really dry and feed winter corn syrup patties
We have had 6-9 months of food stables stocked at all times. One chest freezer and 2 refrigerators in our little 2 bedroom apartment. We live in Orlando Florida literally next to Universal Studios. I have been teased for always having a large running pantry even when we had our 4 kids living at home. Until the pandemic than folks everywhere started doing the same. I don't can our own food but I am going to try it to flip some of my storage. Space is the problem. I am not a prepper but I grew up on 5 acres in the sticks of Louisiana where things are done differently and food storage is survival. I'm 52, I have MS and RA so being out in the volume of people in Orlando puts me in a vulnerable bracket. Therfore I am home most of the time. I enjoyed your show and have learned a lot from watching.
This is such an exciting new chapter for you guys. I can only imagine how overwhelming a lot of this is, but I always remind myself of the alternative when life gets crazy and busy; that it's better to have a never ending list of things you want to accomplish with your life than a life lived with no motivation to do anything. That I would rather be overwhelmed with projects than being bored and boring. Thanks for the great video as always 💕
Kids, we love your channel and adventures! I call you kids because I'm 74 years old and have lived a similar life -in the military. My family and I moved 31 times in 23 years of service. We experienced the uncertainty, the excitement and exhilaration of "the move". It's an unsettling time with many life changing decisions to be made. After following you two for about 2 years now. I have no doubt you'll succeed at whatever you do and wherever this new direction takes you. Congratulations on your new purchase and my wife and I will be anxiously awaiting your new videos.
I CANNOT Wait to watch the upcoming years! Also, I didn’t realize both the boys were 13! They are doing remarkable for their age. So happy that you are living the life you want and sharing other us along the way!
You guys don’t have explain anything I been a subscribe since the beginning and will follow you anywhere you go. I had a feeling that you were out growing the cabin you live in now. I wish you the best.
Keep in mind that your solar system will produce very little in winter, when you need it for heating. Consider putting a wood boiler (preferably gasification) for heating. Put radiant heating pipes in the concrete slabs (they also act as thermal mass) to keep temperatures constant. The key to having constant temperatures without being a 'slave to the stove' is thermal mass - if you have the option and space, put in a masonry fireplace in the cabin.
As an Alaskan who has spent time in the area you’re moving to you are so wrong about being close to “Alaskan” things… you’re just no longer in an area where places are perpetually talked about. Stoked for your new adventures! And thank you to you and Eric for the motivation to keep trying new things in the place I grew up 😊
Love how you two embrace life. It’s so encouraging that we get to experience this ‘move’ with you! Thanks for being so transparent. That is why we love your channel!
Heads Up! Hey guys, love your site and we are in our 2nd winter as homesteaders. Want to mention our shabin is 16'x26' with a quonset hut roof. We live in North Idaho and beware of the moisture/sweat issue. We were going to have it sprayed with foam but at $3000 we decided to use foam board supported by ridgepole has worked fairly well. Cant imagine what a 40'x60' building would cost!! We still get drips of water dependent on the outside snow pack/ice with our woodstove heat. We did extend a connected portion for a car port and a seperate wood shed and it works great for that. We will be removing it on our shabin and replacing with stick roof in the next year. Keep up the ADVENTURE!!! Im almost 70 and my wife is almost 60 and we have cruisied on a sailboat for 9 yrs then started this lifestyle, Keeping us young.... ;-j
I'm very happy for you both. Wish you nothing but the best. I know you aren't moving to the cabin for modern conveniences. My Granny & Grandpaul lived off the grid. No solar. They did have 110 line later so Grandpaul could watch the baseball games. There was an outhouse, a spring, then later came a well. They lived off the land. Raised pigs, chickens, & cows. Had a few dogs over the years. You reminded me of them. Loved seeing you open the kitchen door in bare feet last episode & seeing the steam with the cold air greeting the warmth inside the cabin. You both have set a very good example for others to follow. You have to live with the choices you make. Don't worry what others think. I want for your happiness. I look forward to seeing you both again. 👵💕🙏👍🤗
Look in to a Russian wood fireplace, we had one in Maine and it was awesome… the fireplace has a small fire box and copper tubing running in side of the stones it draws cool air in the lower basement and the rocks give off passive heat that kept our home warm all night long , three log night lol!
Great video, nice to know more about you. I feel life is like a book with many chapters and it sounds time for you to move to the next one. Yes so hard to leave behind people you’ve grown to love. The harsh reality of moving forward. I love how you’ve framed your decision making especially around your animals and just know you’re doing the right thing. We will be cheering you on from the sidelines! Best of luck with everything!
So excited for you guys and this new chapter with this move. You guys are super sweet to have taken the time to sit down and explain your plans. Can’t wait to watch all the steps along the way🥰
Ariel and Eric, for me I have always moved about every 2 years till 2012 when I stayed the longest to Nov 2020. I feel the need to keep "evolving". No moss allowed to grow under my feet! I am a gypsy and heart. I love to hunt n fish, camp etc. I get stagnant/stressed in one place.
It's always nice to accumulate knowledge and then get the opportunity to take what you've learned and build upon it on a completely new slate. I think that's what life is all about. It would be boring as heck if nothing ever changed in our lives and we didn't get to learn new things. Like my Dad always said, "the only person who knows everything... is a fool." I'm looking forward to continuing the journey with you guys as long as you will drag me along.
Well……you two are amazing!!! Can’t believe you’re leaving your comfort zone for a new adventure. I’m especially amazed at how you care for your animals. I can’t wait for more of your videos!
As they say when one door closes another opens. As you say the other place that you loved and built has in one way out grown your projects that you want to do. This place has been a learning curve over the last 4 years lets say you have cut your teeth on it. Now it is growing and now you have a new adventure. I have left one continent to go overseas to Europe and that was a very big move for me and to a country I knew nothing about and that was very challenging. Granted I did not build a homestead and I had to learnt another language and I moved with my husband and 5 children who ranged from the ages 15years the eldest to 3years being the youngest. Now they are all grown up and have moved again myself and my husband. It will be challenging for you and you will always ask yourself if it was the right thing to do etc etc but in the end home is where you make it and after watching you both I know it will work. Congratulations and just enjoy the ride and adventures and I thank you for taking us with.
So excited for you, I think this place definitely suits your lifestyle much better. Lots of usable land and room for a large green house. You two will adapt to the growing season, you already have the skills. I bet you could round up a select few to help haul some loads. I would haul my soil too. Love your compassion for your animals ❤
So excited for the two of you. You two are precious to worry so much about your babies.... Dogs, cat, chickens, bees. Wishing you wonderful times ahead ❤️ I can't wait to watch this evolve
Have the utmost respect for you. You are living a life most of us just dream of. Have a wonderful Christmas and thanks for taking us along on your journey.
You guys are risk takers. If you weren't you never would have pulled up and moved to Alaska. I wish I was more like you. If you don't take risks you can't gain the benefits. Huge respect to both of you. I also respect how smart you both are. You don't rush in stupidly. You jump in as prepared as you can be. I am excited for you and your new adventure. And I want to thank you in advance for taking us with you. God speed!
I feel like I learned who you guys are with this video, so much more so than any of the others I have watched. Self sufficiency is the best thing ever!!! Have fun with your new place. Sounds like you went way north! Be safe out there guys!
Gosh guys, I'm the same way, I don't like talking about my plans until I'm in the middle of doing them. I'm excited to see the move to the new cabin! With all the plans you both had talked about when you first moved, I knew you would definitely need more space.❤️ Can't wait for new buildings and new animals! Edit: I know I'm following the right people when they start talking about a heated chicken coop so their chickens don't freeze ❤️
Congratulations on getting that new property and cabin! You got this! If any two people can make it work, I’m guessing it’s you guys...and as a lifetime dog owner myself, I love it that you put their needs as a priority. Change can be scary but also so worthwhile. Live each precious moment. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey. Blessings and much Aloha from Oregon. 🐾🐾🙏💜🌎☮️🌎💜🙏🐾🐾
I'm about as far from your target audience as you can get (I'm Australian, living in a small apartment in the centre of Sydney) but I love you guys. I've watched you for years and love learning about something completely different to what I know. You're entertainers and the cinematography....just wow. I'm excited for this new chapter!
You may want to consider an outdoor wood boiler for heating, it can heat your house, garage, chickens, etc. with very little work after the system is installed. Your making firewood already... it will also ease the load on your electrical grid.
I am so excited for this journey! It’s funny that you mentioned bringing the garden soil / hauling dirt - that was one of my first thoughts. I have watched you both build that soil - all of your blood, sweat & tears. Here’s a thought: While you may not be prepared for a large scale garden next year, what about a small “test plot” that will provide you with produce for fresh eating & allow you to test out the growing conditions??? Love everything you guys do!
Your plans are fluid and so you continue to grow as in a spiral… your perspectives are open and your honest reflection is most admirable. Your discernment process is challenging and exciting but you continue to embody the Simple Alaska Life! Continue to have fun. Loved that you chose to share… can’t wait to watch the story of you continue to unfold! 😊
Yay for you and your new adventures! I am rooting for you and for a successful move! My husband & I took a chance on Alaska (& teaching in an Eskimo village) many years ago and would not trade our living there for anything! We loved so many of the things you guys love about living in Alaska. I love watching all the videos you share with us. Thank you for sharing.😊
The best of luck to you both!!! And thank you for taking us along with you on this adventure! The fact that your animals are such a big concern to you says mountains about you both!
I’m so happy that Bandit and Bo are such a high priority in your decision’s. 🐶🐶 Will you be gardening in a “hot house”? I’m really excited to see the choices you make to grow produce in zone one. It is always fun to see the recipes you both come up with and how mouthwatering they look. I’m so excited for you both! The possibilities are endless! Prayers to y’all from us in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge!
So admire your sense of teamwork. Together you'll accomplish what you need to, no matter the twists, turns and surprises. All good wishes as you go forward. Excited to follow your journey.
My husband and I are both in our early 70’s and we bought 2 acres next to our son and daughter-in-law and are getting ready to build a small house there. My husband is the contractor. We have had so many obstacles thrown at us and sometimes we ask ourselves “what are we doing?” or “are we doing the right thing?” But we are still going forward and dreaming of the end result….seeing our small grandkids grow…play sports, etc. Our kids said they will be there for us as we get older and when we might need their help. Currently we live 3 hours away and travel there to see the grands kids almost every 2 weeks. We are so ready for that commute to be over. Anyway, what I’m getting at is, do what is right for you and continue to dream…no matter what age you are. I love following you 2….you work so very hard and deserve to follow your dreams. Wishing you much success and happiness in all that is in front of you. When do plan to permanently move from your current cabin?
I am so touched by all the emotion I'm seeing on Ariel's face at the beginning here. Great job y'all. Like others here I've followed you for many years and you are both such an inspiration. Big change is so hard and scary, and I'm proud of you both for not shying away from a monumental decision. Of course, knowing you two you never would stay small! You're making the leap to the bigger life you want. Can't wait to come thru this process w you! It's gonna be awesome! And we're here for the content.
If plans change, they change. It's called life. You guys do you and don't worry about what the internet thinks. I'm excited for you.
Heck yeah!!! Love you guys & only good wishes for you. Y'all work so hard, you deserve what you want!!
I agree I appreciate both of you taking us along for your journey and it's your life your choice and I look forward to whichever direction your new property and videos take us 🙂
Exactly, do what you want do. :)
Very well said. I was thinking the same way as you.
There’s no need to feel like you have to explain anything! We’re all here watching and following because we love you and your channel. I’m 45 and and I’m in the middle of planning and thinking of doing something I never would’ve thought or dreamt of when I was 35,30,20…. You get the point. Much love from Canada down south in the heat 😉
My favourite 'TV show' of the week. No drama, no swearing, no mind control, no nonsense, just pure love for self sufficiency, I love it! 😁🙏
And love for each other !
To me, I can just see how they adore each other ❤❤❤
You know you really appreciate a channel and the creators when you can just watch them talk for 45 mins about what's happening in their lives. That's awesome, congrats to you both!!! Can I be the first one to make an all cash offer on the old place?
No answer?
In their latest video, they told us they sold the "old place". Did you get it?
My husband and I have been married 51 years. We have done about everything you have done except in Michigan..not Alaska. We love your videos and have so much respect in what you are doing and really can appreciate the work that goes into everything that you have done, from gardening, canning, hunting, saw mill, heating with wood (we still do), and building a cabin. We wish you all the best and blessings this life has to offer!! God bless you!!
I chuckled when I read your response. My husband and I live in Michigan as well. We have been married for 51 years. We garden, can, my husband hunts and mills wood from our property. Lots of similarities.
Sounds exciting guys. My only two suggestions are: 1) Don’t bring beetle kill firewood up with you. 2) Plant alfalfa where you plan to build a garden. Then just till it into the dirt when you’re ready to start the garden.
Oh and best wishes!
Regardless of whatever it is you two decide to do, I'm sure I can speak for many people when I say we will be here watching every step of the way! I'll be really excited to see you guys take on new projects and have a different change of scenery :D I wish you guys the best!! You're an absolute power couple and you still have your entire lives ahead of you.. so why not put a little excitement into it.
Absolutely!
I've seen zone 1 TH-camrs in Canada who have a high tunnel for their chickens for the winter. If you do a coop in the greenhouse, and a smaller shelter in the coop for them to sleep in, that equals zone 3. Look it up. Super simple.
Really great idea.
Gold Shaw Farm put in a giant hoop house for all their poultry this winter.
(Vermont maybe?)
Can I ask who the TH-camrs are please
@@jodyaarons8315 Sorry, but I didn't save the video. Here's how they did it. They had a high tunnel, then they built a lower tunnel inside, about 6 feet high, may have been with cattle panels. In that one, they basically used it as a chicken run. They had hay bale structures built in there, kind of like a maze, so the chickens would wander around, and the ones at the bottom of the pecking order had a place to "hide" to avoid the others. They kept the poly closed on the lower tunnel to create a microclimate. They had a coop in the lower tunnel where the chickens slept at night. I don't remember if it was an open coop or not. The farmers would feed and water in the lower tunnel. I don't remember if there was a water heater. Hope this helps.
Gridlessness on YT built a compost heater for their shop, and this could be done for the chickens also. Would have to be vented, I would think, but I believe it would work.
The way you two interact lovingly with each other and how you care for Bo and Bandit speaks volumes about your character. I'm looking forward to "joining" you both on this new adventure. Blessings &Peace.
I really love how and why you plan things. I live in Alberta. We get a lot of snow and the cold is bitter. I own/operate a rescue for cats and dogs. I hate how people treat and discard them like they are nothing. The one thing I love watching is how you two work together, and how much you care for your pets. They are part of your family and it shows. I can feel your excitement about your future and I hope you continue to share it because it makes me excited to watch and follow along. Hmmmmm....the dilemma for your chickens in the future...I know you will figure it out. Good luck to you both!
I just wanted to say that I appreciate you guys letting us join you on all your adventures, I feel like I really get to live vicariously through y’all. It’s absolutely the best, I hope this next adventure is everything you guys hope for 🥹
You’ve said exactly what I believe & think about this wonderful couple/channel.
Thx
@@tnwhitley
You guys are so competent, secure and adventurous!! You can do whatever you want! Having said that, I understand second guessing, being hesitant, etc .... Totally normal! As long as you have each other.....you can do anything 👍
I love you guy for how devoted you are to your dogs. You show more consideration for your dogs, in your decision making, than my parents ever did for their own children. ❤❤
When I worked at a non-profit the social worker wanted me to become a foster parent. Her rationale was: I took better care of all of my critters, than most of her clients did their children.
funny they don't ever mention their cat.
Same here, Renatta. And funny thing, my mother hates dogs! Never trust a person that hates dogs.✌
@@TheresaPowers Katherine you are not listening, Peppy is six, I learned his age in this posting. Arielle has shot some beautiful pics of him, my favorite so far is Snow Kitty.
@@TheresaPowers Funny how you didn't even watch the video, where they clearly mentioned their cat.
I'm thrilled for you both and the animals! I have seen the decline in how active Bo & Bandit are as the years have passed, which is to be expected! It's precious that you're making changes for their elder years! Over time you all have become like family to me, and I am crazy excited to see the progression of the new property! I hope beyond hope that one day I will make the trip to Alaska, but if I never do I want you all to know that I live my dream through every video, every calendar, and every trip! Enjoy your last winter at your starter place! Ariel honey I could feel your anxiety coming through a couple of times because of the uncertainty surrounding the move. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself! I know it's easy for me to say because it's not me that is facing everything, but I've found that when I'm feeling overwhelmed, it has helped me if someone reminds me to take a deep breath and release that pressure. I know this is a long comment, so I'll shush now! Love y'all! See you next time! ❤️
Good bold plan. You guys can do anything. Consider and plan how long the 40x60 metal frame building is going to take to build and what resources (people and equipment and time) that you might need; or think that you do. You say you want a concrete slab floor. OK, consider and plan for the resources for that. Also, what size hole do you need to excavate? That is a lot of concrete and rebar and/or wire mesh to place in a remote area. What equipment do you need to assemble the metal pieces? It's going to get high and heavy. How to bolt the metal to the concrete slab? But, no worries, you can do anything and you do ask around for the local approach on these things.
Do you even need a concrete slab? The ground is frozen how many months a year? consider crushed stone compacted down to get you above the wet. Just anchor the metal building down with large ground anchor screws.
You might consider building the metal building first, before a shelter for the big saw machine. Consider the time you might have after spring until winter next year. That 40x60 may take up more that you would like. Better to have the metal shed for you than a structure for your saw machine this first year.
For equipment rental in a remote area you may be paying for a day to haul it up and another day to haul it back. Cheaper than owning and maintaining something you might not use very much.
I do love what you two are capable of doing. You have a lot of time to plan your next project. "One project at a time" I heard one of you say. Good advice.
Good luck and stay safe. Don't make us worry about you.
Thanks for the great videos.
Very good advice
Believe me, having a major flood happen in Vermont in July of 2023, and my usually small river that meanders through my property decide to reroute itself though my barn and house cellar (5 ft in my cellar), I totally get the concept of NOT having bodies of water on the property being a positive. I really love your down-to-earth approach to talking with us, your fans. You guys are my favorite TH-cam channel because you're REAL. Not to mention amazing amazing gardeners! Although I need to start over in the garden due to flooding, I know it will be a different, hopefully better year next year, and watching your gardening videos is very inspiring. Thank you!
It actually takes a lot of self-awareness and a humble approach to admit you don't know everything and are flexible. I probably struggle the most with that very thing, and I sincerely tip my hat to you both for that mature and realistic attitude. You are only hard work from your goals, and after watching you for 4 years, I know you both have that covered. Take a deep breath. Stress won't get you there. Do it on your time.
You guys can do this. Your internet family are cheering you on. You guys have such a huge caring heart when it comes to your animals, the environment and love for eachother.
Can't wait to see your flourishing garden in Zone 1.
Don't forget to bring along your outhouse compost.
Haha hilarious 😂
You should watch lumnah acres. They bought land and have built a property, which will ultimately be their place of work, but, for a temporary period they’re going to live in there whilst they built their forever home. Anyways the reason for my point, is that they prepped the ground for the concrete foundation and prior to the concrete pour, they laid underfloor heating (which looked like giant Lego bricks) and then the concrete was poured over everything. They then installed and outside wood burner, which heats up this house and also other buildings. He is very very impressed with the system which you might be interested in. It could heat up a coop for the chickens, your cabin and shop. Plus he has solar power too. I think ŷou may find it a very interesting system. Everything is heated by wood, it heats his water and also all of the floors in the house too. He says that the house sits at 70-74 degrees inside the property everyday, even with the snow. Food for thought.
I really enjoyed watching you two talking about your plans with such honesty, humor and excitement. We are all lucky to have had the chance to see you accomplish so much over the past few years and I am happy knowing we will get to see even more of your ingenuity and creativity happen in your new place. You are true adventurers, and a couple of really great people!
I just re-watched this video in light of being 11 months down the road and all that you have accomplished at your new location. My wife and I will celebrate 54 years of marriage in about three weeks and one thing that we've learned for sure is that the only thing constant in life is change. Your apprehension has kind of blossomed into a new location, a new shop, a new chicken house and that wonderful shelter-logic chicken run. I love watching how you two work together to get all of these projects done and especially how you also take the time to still get away once in a while. Love your video's and look forward to watching you from here in Northeastern PA.
Every day is a new change and challenges. Take advantage of your youth and energy and enjoy your new abode.
You have no idea how awesome it is that you guys allowed us to be part of this right here! We love you guys!! can't wait to see what this new year brings, very exciting!!! 🤗
That is so sweet and responsible (and expected) thinking of the Boys. As sad as it is they will not last forever and you two can travel long after they are gone, so proud you are slowing down to stay with them in their final years.
A’s face while E is saying that indoor plumbing is no big deal is just precious.
I love you both because you know and put it on to practice. Growing is not becoming stagnant. You must move and learn the new. This is the real reason why I admire you so much, you take in account the now. Now is the only time we have, before we know, it just finished. The least regrets the better. bless you in all your decisions and accomplishments. I am a senior, and knows or thinks she knows, what she’s talking about. ❤❤❤
Or... E's face when A said we've been together 15yrs and she doesn't know if he's like that. .. I think they were talking about how she's a planner LOL!
The indoor bathroom will become a big deal as you age. Be very glad that your place has it.
So excited to see a root cellar re-realized! You deserve to spread out and have a space that’s livable.
They also have room to add on to the back of their cabin for a new bedroom. That way the current one can be used for a large pantry.
The two of you are thinkers, planners, and doer's. You enjoy learning and taking on challenges. Make the move. Live long and prosper.
You guys got this . As someone who’s dogs and others pets safety and happiness come first when making decisions . I totally agree and applaud you .
Their our pets for life 😊
This will be a fun new adventure to watch! Level 3 after Oregon and Alaska pt. 1. I'm always so inspired by what yall do and know that it will be even more incredible going forward!
Elsa Rae and Barron, I watch you all on TH-cam and just watched your latest video; visit to the hot spring. It’s great that you all follow Eric and Ariel too.
Hi guys! Greetings from London England. The fact that you have put so much thought into this move, considering all the pros and cons and trying to evaluate the likely success, bodes well. You've done a lot of work at your current home, you've learned a lot and you've established its potential but have also discovered its limitations. And some of the the successes that you've had and the achievements you've realised have highlighted those limitations. Space, or lack thereof, being the major one. The new place will give you space to grow. Grow food, grow infrastructure, grow a better, more productive life for yourselves and the critters. And grow as people. Sure, it's a challenge. But life itself is a challenge. You, and your aims for your future, have outgrown your current place. So embrace the move. The things that will be the same up there you'll do bigger and better, because you'll have the space. The things that will have to be done differently you'll learn to do and you'll apply all the knowledge and experience you gained in your current place. You're young, strong, determined and smart. Go for it! You're ready to do this. You're already aware that it will be a lot of work and some of it will be tough but the rewards will be so worth it! So if you feel like taking the advice of an old English bloke, it's this - make the move, take the plunge! You already know you can do it - you've thought it all through properly and thoroughly. This is no rash, impetuous, ill-considered flight of fancy. You aleady have the vision - now go and make it a reality!
Well said. I cannot possibly add to this.
That's what I was thinking
guys? its a man and woman, :D
Have you thought about putting the chickens in the greenhouse during the winter. It would give them a covered run during the winter and they would be fertilizing it to. That’s what Justin Rhodes does and it works great. They do double duty by cleaning it after the garden season. Someone else said to accept help on the shop building and I agree. It would give you more time to do other things on the property. Love your videos.
I’m so grateful for you thinking of the dogs, choosing to make their elderly years as joyful for them as their youth is such a huge part of being a good owner, love to you from me and my pup
After watching your channel for three years now, I can definitely say that you appear to be motivated by adventures. I have enjoyed virtually joining you on each adventure. I can't wait to go with you on this new journey.
Thank you, we are excited for this adventure 😁
as your only planning the garden in your second year that gives you the oppurtunity to see how the sun travels over the new property during the year and thus makes planning so much easier
That is a great excellent point to make 👍 Love and hugs from Pennsylvania Sincerly Melody
@@BakeALegAndLetsDigIt That is an excellent point. This way they can be sure where the sun is the most hours of the day before deciding the exact p place before deciding the exact place for it.
First, you're gonna be OK! Second, you picked a great place to begin "chapter two". It IS better land. I'm a farmer. I KNOW land. I have a bunch. AND with the first views of the TREES, I said to myself, "You did good, kids!" The homesite lays well. It's upland and not a "bog".🙄 YES, your growing season will be a little cooler and shorter. But a root cellar is possible at the new place. And think about this: You can build your greenhouse half way into the ground and heat it. Get going....and don't look back!👍🎆🎄💝
That would be awesome to have a nice sized heated greenhouse! Like Shawn James, Selfreliance!!
EXACTLY!!!
Absolutely agree!!! ❤
We love going along for the ride with you both. Yours is one of our favorite videos! The building, the fishing, the hunting, it's an adventure ❤. God bless you and we love you and your videos!
I’m excited for you! It doesn’t matter so much about the final destination, it’s more about the journey. Enjoy it guys! 😊
You have hundreds of thousands of people who love you and care deeply for you. Thank you for sharing your life with us! We are all extremely excited for you. 😍😍😍
So exciting to hear everything that is going on and keeping us up to date 😊
Love your vlog and the fact that you brought your followers up to date with your upcoming move (the whys and wherefores ). This means a lot as I personally live vicariously through you, wonderful couple. Please post often and more, you guys are a true joy to watch. Best from Canada.
I loved this seriously! We built here in south central, and went through all of what you are are talking, don’t grow more then we can store, build it, plan it…. And was told just this week “you” could never learn from us! Because we are not “real deal” completely off grid. To be honest it stung. However even with our channels being different in style family size background……. I’m so in love that you are honest. You put into perspective that the differed is we just did things in different orders. And I love that this channel is not into bashing or comparing themselves to others. Living and building in Alaska is already hard enough thank God we are not all trying to be each other and not competing! I’m just cheering you on and truly excited to see the changes you make!
This popped up a year later after watching your vid welcoming spring and early start to gardening, and I rewatched it. Wow, what a year you’ve had! Even though building the shop took longer than expected and the solar system completion had to wait, you persevered and got through. At least you won’t be moving this year, freeing up huge amounts of time and energy. I’d say you far exceeded expectations in your first year there! Can’t wait to see you tackle this summer’s (2024) projects!
How exciting !!!! I envy your youth, I'm 73 and have made 3 life-changing moves involving 3 different countries and I loved all the adventure and change. It is thrilling to watch you two grow and expand! The future is uncertain but you will never find out what it holds if you don't walk into the change. The word you were looking for might be that you are learning to be flexible.
Whatever y’all do, just keep on with your TH-cam channel. I visited Alaska for the first time in 2019, and fell in love with it. I’m 71 years old and realize even though I’d love to move there, I’m just too old to pull up and move there. Therefore, when I found your channel, it has given me insight into living there. I feel as if your journey is also my journey. I look forward each week to new videos and watch them from beginning to end. So please, continue “our” journey. God bless.
You two kids have built an amazing channel! I'm so captivated by they way that you guys live. You always have a plan and are always doing bigger and better things.
One of the top youtube channels out there, for kids, families, and anyone else who are thinking of making a move to change their lives.
PS: Arielle's photography is insane
Thanks for answering the many questions we've all had!
Sounds as though you have never heard of the rocket mass heater. With wood being the original solar battery, growing around you faster than you could ever cut it down, it is the solution to so many problems. It uses about 15-20% of the wood of a regular heater, but retains the heat of a 2 hour burn for many hours or days, in a mass of masonry. The technology has been used in houses, greenhouses, and would certainly solve the chilly chicken problem. I can't imagine you would be happy without your feathered friends!
Look up Erica and Ernie Wisner's videos, blogs and book for RMH technology and designs. Something to ponder during the long winter nights.
When we travel, we have friends or neighbors watch our dog. Where you guys had your first cabin, there’s a VCA not far from there in Big Lake that would’ve took your dogs in boarding if you needed a break. That’s what we did. One suggestion is to get a Toyo Monitor in your cabin if you can. We order fuel from Crowley once a year or maybe twice but mainly run the wood stove. But the Toyo is a nice back-up when we get away for awhile and not worry about our place freezing up in winter. And GLAD you did not build on the marsh land, you can get “settling” issues later due to permafrost or water leaking in your crawl space or basement. I’ve seen that happen to friends and relatives in both Fairbanks and Anchorage, they have to use sump pumps in the spring cause of water issues, since their places were built in those marsh areas. Have a great summer in your new place! We’re definitely getting busier with outside chores:)
When you had to backfill the root celler, I was devastated, as you were. After the year before watching the series of building it. That was a lesson learned. And I KNOW that played a big part with your choice of land. I remember Bo and Bandit being 9 years old. Time flies. I'm sure it was little scary making a "commitment" video per say. I have faith in you two. You do what you can as time and challenges permit. Not everything goes to schedule. Always give yourselves compassion. I'll be here for it all. Can't wait!
I think we’ve seen enough of your videos to have confidence in your ability to take on this move and the changes that come with it and thrive. You two Rock!
they got to watch 1883 its a fire show
How many acres do you have at your new home? Have fun putting that shop together, my husband and I assisted my sister with one and it was flimsy and difficult to assemble. I’m certain that you two will get it done. As a former resident of Ninilchik AK, we lived on Muskeg/swamp, so I know why you want to move north to have a root cellar and such! Loved our Connex for storage! Keep up the videos, you have Fans!❤
I am SO excited for y’all. And Bo and Bandit and the cat. Look what you discovered about yourself on 3.5 acres. No telling what you will accomplish on your new property. I never miss an episode. I need a calendar.
Love Love Love to you both.
I came up to Alaska over 30 years ago and eventually ended up on the Kenai peninsula. My husband and I have done very similarly but with less land and while in the throws of raising 4 kiddos and dealing with chronic illness. You both have the Alaskan spirit also. You don't have to be from Alaska but after living up here, it makes me unsuitable to live elsewhere! I enjoy you both and just love your enthusiasm and perseverance. God bless you for many years to come!
Thank you so much to both of you for taking the time to share all of this with us, especially when you’re not completely sure about how things will happen precisely.
I will of course follow all of it with great interest, as everything you did since you moved to Alaska, and I wish you all the best regarding confidence and energy on this new adventure !
Psyched for you both! How fun it is to design and plan a new homestead. My husband and I set up 5 homesteads on rental properties until we finally found the place where we wanted to live permanently. The experience of testing different coops, gardens, fencing, and building designs really let us perfect our skills and style. Eight years later, I still wake up giddy to slay the day. Looking forward to watching your creativity bloom. Cheers folks!
Giddy for a new day. Now it sounds like you are a very content happy person 😊❤
For heating the shop a solution could be in-floor radiant heat. A layer of insulation below the concrete floor, a glycol water mix that could be heated by a wood-fired boiler with foam insulation on the shop interior walls.
Sometimes you have to go to grow. You’ve had great success with that so far and I wish you more of the same in your new home🎉
"Sometimes you have to go to grow." Thank you for that sentence.
Nice.
Some thoughts . Eric mentioned a tractor of machine of some kind. As much as the convenience of owning a excavator and the handiness for 12 ft water trenches. I would invest in a decent sized tractor. We have a 35hp , and it's a life saver. Bought it when we purchased our 16acres of bush. For what you guys are doing . I'd suggest a 60+hp 4x4 model with a backhoe attachment. Kubota offer a smaller machine with a 14ft reach . The benefit of a tractor over a excavator is huge in my opinion. There is way more useful attachments to be had. They work very well for snow removal, you can get mowers for grass and brush. You can get grapple buckets ( you need a 3rd function attachment) for the loader. You can add a tiller to the back for prepping the fields or garden.You guys have a bandsaw mill. The tractor could be used for loading the saw. Removing the mounds of sawdust, skidding trees from the property. We are one of those types LOL. We started with bare land and no F'n clue of what to do. 2 years later , we have a small 16x24 self built cabin . A couple acres of cleared and usable land. And the desire to continue forward . Each day and each project has been a huge life learning experience. Looking forward to what you guy do next. Very excited for the new adventures!!!
We have been married for 51 years. Moved to Oregon when we we about your age. In our retirement years we moved to Central Oregon. Great to live in different places, we have lived in the woods for over 40 years still do. Good luck on the new adventure.
I have to say much respect to you guys as always this will be an amazing journey and thank you for letting us follow along! I always could tell how exciting you guys were when you were on the way to the cabin and I always really enjoyed watching you guys doing all the things you do there! Wishing you guys the best of luck and of course many hugs to your critters ❤ 🐕 🐕 🐱
A root cellar may also work well for your bees similar to the potato cellar. I keep my bees under a carport just to keep them really dry and feed winter corn syrup patties
Wow, that’s really interesting!
It’s like the song says “If you can make it here you can make it anywhere” And you two wonderful young people will do exactly that. And thrive to boot
We have had 6-9 months of food stables stocked at all times. One chest freezer and 2 refrigerators in our little 2 bedroom apartment. We live in Orlando Florida literally next to Universal Studios. I have been teased for always having a large running pantry even when we had our 4 kids living at home. Until the pandemic than folks everywhere started doing the same. I don't can our own food but I am going to try it to flip some of my storage. Space is the problem. I am not a prepper but I grew up on 5 acres in the sticks of Louisiana where things are done differently and food storage is survival. I'm 52, I have MS and RA so being out in the volume of people in Orlando puts me in a vulnerable bracket. Therfore I am home most of the time. I enjoyed your show and have learned a lot from watching.
This is such an exciting new chapter for you guys. I can only imagine how overwhelming a lot of this is, but I always remind myself of the alternative when life gets crazy and busy; that it's better to have a never ending list of things you want to accomplish with your life than a life lived with no motivation to do anything. That I would rather be overwhelmed with projects than being bored and boring. Thanks for the great video as always 💕
Kids, we love your channel and adventures! I call you kids because I'm 74 years old and have lived a similar life -in the military. My family and I moved 31 times in 23 years of service. We experienced the uncertainty, the excitement and exhilaration of "the move". It's an unsettling time with many life changing decisions to be made. After following you two for about 2 years now. I have no doubt you'll succeed at whatever you do and wherever this new direction takes you. Congratulations on your new purchase and my wife and I will be anxiously awaiting your new videos.
I CANNOT Wait to watch the upcoming years! Also, I didn’t realize both the boys were 13! They are doing remarkable for their age. So happy that you are living the life you want and sharing other us along the way!
You guys don’t have explain anything I been a subscribe since the beginning and will follow you anywhere you go. I had a feeling that you were out growing the cabin you live in now. I wish you the best.
Thank you 😊
Thank you both for including me on your epic journey. Riding with you I can still believe all things are possible. Blessings!
Keep in mind that your solar system will produce very little in winter, when you need it for heating. Consider putting a wood boiler (preferably gasification) for heating. Put radiant heating pipes in the concrete slabs (they also act as thermal mass) to keep temperatures constant. The key to having constant temperatures without being a 'slave to the stove' is thermal mass - if you have the option and space, put in a masonry fireplace in the cabin.
I always smile when one of your notifications comes through.
As an Alaskan who has spent time in the area you’re moving to you are so wrong about being close to “Alaskan” things… you’re just no longer in an area where places are perpetually talked about. Stoked for your new adventures! And thank you to you and Eric for the motivation to keep trying new things in the place I grew up 😊
Love how you two embrace life. It’s so encouraging that we get to experience this ‘move’ with you! Thanks for being so transparent. That is why we love your channel!
Absolutely true ! thats why i love their channel because they are transparent .
Heads Up! Hey guys, love your site and we are in our 2nd winter as homesteaders. Want to mention our shabin is 16'x26' with a quonset hut roof. We live in North Idaho and beware of the moisture/sweat issue. We were going to have it sprayed with foam but at $3000 we decided to use foam board supported by ridgepole has worked fairly well. Cant imagine what a 40'x60' building would cost!! We still get drips of water dependent on the outside snow pack/ice with our woodstove heat.
We did extend a connected portion for a car port and a seperate wood shed and it works great for that. We will be removing it on our shabin and replacing with stick roof in the next year.
Keep up the ADVENTURE!!! Im almost 70 and my wife is almost 60 and we have cruisied on a sailboat for 9 yrs then started this lifestyle, Keeping us young.... ;-j
I'm very happy for you both. Wish you nothing but the best. I know you aren't moving to the cabin for modern conveniences. My Granny & Grandpaul lived off the grid. No solar. They did have 110 line later so Grandpaul could watch the baseball games. There was an outhouse, a spring, then later came a well. They lived off the land. Raised pigs, chickens, & cows. Had a few dogs over the years. You reminded me of them. Loved seeing you open the kitchen door in bare feet last episode & seeing the steam with the cold air greeting the warmth inside the cabin. You both have set a very good example for others to follow. You have to live with the choices you make. Don't worry what others think. I want for your happiness. I look forward to seeing you both again. 👵💕🙏👍🤗
Look in to a Russian wood fireplace, we had one in Maine and it was awesome… the fireplace has a small fire box and copper tubing running in side of the stones it draws cool air in the lower basement and the rocks give off passive heat that kept our home warm all night long , three log night lol!
Great video, nice to know more about you. I feel life is like a book with many chapters and it sounds time for you to move to the next one. Yes so hard to leave behind people you’ve grown to love. The harsh reality of moving forward. I love how you’ve framed your decision making especially around your animals and just know you’re doing the right thing. We will be cheering you on from the sidelines! Best of luck with everything!
So excited for you guys and this new chapter with this move. You guys are super sweet to have taken the time to sit down and explain your plans. Can’t wait to watch all the steps along the way🥰
It's also fun to see you both smile and be enamored with each other. Hard healthy happy life!
Ariel and Eric, for me I have always moved about every 2 years till 2012 when I stayed the longest to Nov 2020. I feel the need to keep "evolving". No moss allowed to grow under my feet! I am a gypsy and heart. I love to hunt n fish, camp etc. I get stagnant/stressed in one place.
It's always nice to accumulate knowledge and then get the opportunity to take what you've learned and build upon it on a completely new slate. I think that's what life is all about. It would be boring as heck if nothing ever changed in our lives and we didn't get to learn new things. Like my Dad always said, "the only person who knows everything... is a fool." I'm looking forward to continuing the journey with you guys as long as you will drag me along.
I've been watching you guys for over 4 years. Love the content, love coming along for the journey, love the plans for your new property!
Well……you two are amazing!!! Can’t believe you’re leaving your comfort zone for a new adventure. I’m especially amazed at how you care for your animals. I can’t wait for more of your videos!
I really enjoy seeing Alaska through your eyes. Thank you for taking me on your journey.
As they say when one door closes another opens. As you say the other place that you loved and built has in one way out grown your projects that you want to do. This place has been a learning curve over the last 4 years lets say you have cut your teeth on it. Now it is growing and now you have a new adventure. I have left one continent to go overseas to Europe and that was a very big move for me and to a country I knew nothing about and that was very challenging. Granted I did not build a homestead and I had to learnt another language and I moved with my husband and 5 children who ranged from the ages 15years the eldest to 3years being the youngest. Now they are all grown up and have moved again myself and my husband. It will be challenging for you and you will always ask yourself if it was the right thing to do etc etc but in the end home is where you make it and after watching you both I know it will work. Congratulations and just enjoy the ride and adventures and I thank you for taking us with.
So excited for you, I think this place definitely suits your lifestyle much better. Lots of usable land and room for a large green house. You two will adapt to the growing season, you already have the skills. I bet you could round up a select few to help haul some loads. I would haul my soil too.
Love your compassion for your animals ❤
So excited for the two of you. You two are precious to worry so much about your babies.... Dogs, cat, chickens, bees. Wishing you wonderful times ahead ❤️ I can't wait to watch this evolve
Have the utmost respect for you. You are living a life most of us just dream of. Have a wonderful Christmas and thanks for taking us along on your journey.
You guys are risk takers. If you weren't you never would have pulled up and moved to Alaska. I wish I was more like you. If you don't take risks you can't gain the benefits.
Huge respect to both of you. I also respect how smart you both are. You don't rush in stupidly. You jump in as prepared as you can be.
I am excited for you and your new adventure. And I want to thank you in advance for taking us with you. God speed!
I feel like I learned who you guys are with this video, so much more so than any of the others I have watched. Self sufficiency is the best thing ever!!! Have fun with your new place. Sounds like you went way north! Be safe out there guys!
Gosh guys, I'm the same way, I don't like talking about my plans until I'm in the middle of doing them. I'm excited to see the move to the new cabin! With all the plans you both had talked about when you first moved, I knew you would definitely need more space.❤️ Can't wait for new buildings and new animals!
Edit: I know I'm following the right people when they start talking about a heated chicken coop so their chickens don't freeze ❤️
I felt the same about their concern for their chickens. Definitely the type of people I want to support.
Congratulations on getting that new property and cabin! You got this! If any two people can make it work, I’m guessing it’s you guys...and as a lifetime dog owner myself, I love it that you put their needs as a priority. Change can be scary but also so worthwhile. Live each precious moment. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey. Blessings and much Aloha from Oregon. 🐾🐾🙏💜🌎☮️🌎💜🙏🐾🐾
I'm about as far from your target audience as you can get (I'm Australian, living in a small apartment in the centre of Sydney) but I love you guys. I've watched you for years and love learning about something completely different to what I know. You're entertainers and the cinematography....just wow. I'm excited for this new chapter!
You may want to consider an outdoor wood boiler for heating, it can heat your house, garage, chickens, etc. with very little work after the system is installed. Your making firewood already... it will also ease the load on your electrical grid.
I admire your curiosity about the world and your daily work. I will watch your new building with joy. Good luck!
I'm really happy for you both. I'm so grateful that your will to take us along on your journey.
I am so excited for this journey! It’s funny that you mentioned bringing the garden soil / hauling dirt - that was one of my first thoughts. I have watched you both build that soil - all of your blood, sweat & tears. Here’s a thought: While you may not be prepared for a large scale garden next year, what about a small “test plot” that will provide you with produce for fresh eating & allow you to test out the growing conditions??? Love everything you guys do!
Your plans are fluid and so you continue to grow as in a spiral… your perspectives are open and your honest reflection is most admirable. Your discernment process is challenging and exciting but you continue to embody the Simple Alaska Life! Continue to have fun. Loved that you chose to share… can’t wait to watch the story of you continue to unfold! 😊
Yay for you and your new adventures! I am rooting for you and for a successful move! My husband & I took a chance on Alaska (& teaching in an Eskimo village) many years ago and would not trade our living there for anything! We loved so many of the things you guys love about living in Alaska. I love watching all the videos you share with us. Thank you for sharing.😊
The best of luck to you both!!! And thank you for taking us along with you on this adventure! The fact that your animals are such a big concern to you says mountains about you both!
You both are amazing and so accomplished! Best wishes on the new adventures ❤️
I’m so happy that Bandit and Bo are such a high priority in your decision’s. 🐶🐶
Will you be gardening in a “hot house”? I’m really excited to see the choices you make to grow produce in zone one.
It is always fun to see the recipes you both come up with and how mouthwatering they look.
I’m so excited for you both! The possibilities are endless!
Prayers to y’all from us in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge!
So admire your sense of teamwork. Together you'll accomplish what you need to, no matter the twists, turns and surprises. All good wishes as you go forward. Excited to follow your journey.
My husband and I are both in our early 70’s and we bought 2 acres next to our son and daughter-in-law and are getting ready to build a small house there. My husband is the contractor. We have had so many obstacles thrown at us and sometimes we ask ourselves “what are we doing?” or “are we doing the right thing?” But we are still going forward and dreaming of the end result….seeing our small grandkids grow…play sports, etc. Our kids said they will be there for us as we get older and when we might need their help. Currently we live 3 hours away and travel there to see the grands kids almost every 2 weeks. We are so ready for that commute to be over. Anyway, what I’m getting at is, do what is right for you and continue to dream…no matter what age you are. I love following you 2….you work so very hard and deserve to follow your dreams. Wishing you much success and happiness in all that is in front of you. When do plan to permanently move from your current cabin?
We are moving in a month or so ;)
I am so touched by all the emotion I'm seeing on Ariel's face at the beginning here. Great job y'all. Like others here I've followed you for many years and you are both such an inspiration. Big change is so hard and scary, and I'm proud of you both for not shying away from a monumental decision. Of course, knowing you two you never would stay small! You're making the leap to the bigger life you want. Can't wait to come thru this process w you! It's gonna be awesome! And we're here for the content.