We
have been warned by many who have experienced a self sustaining
lifestyle - you will not be able to just pick up and leave for days at a
time. We have been educated. Animals require daily care and your
'friends' are not going to come over twice a day to milk your goats or
feed your chickens. This is what we are being told and are in no
position to be argumentative. But we don't have animals, yet. In fact we
have not even begun our build so this past weekend we took off. A last
ditch get away and an educational one to boot.
As
we had mentioned on the Northern Dirtbags Facebook page we had arranged a consultation with Cam and Michelle Mather. If you have
not yet checked out their blog, we highly recommend you do so. There is a wealth of information available there at your fingertips and
hopefully you will see the enormous educational opportunities offered by
partaking in a consultation or one of the bi-annual workshops offered.
If distance is an issue be sure to check out their books and DVDs.
The
Mathers live about 3 1/2 hours away from our current location and the
route to them takes us right through Toronto traffic. We've lived with
that reality for most of our lives so we know, just leave early. That
meant a 4:30 am alarm. An early start is a wonderful beginning to a day
and this was no exception. We had good weather for the drive.
Arriving
at Sunflower Farm we were welcomed by Jasper, the wonder dog, and Cam,
offered our choice of hot beverage and Michelle's homemade muffins. We
chatted, Cam asked us a few questions and then took us outside to go
through his solar system. Cam can explain his system in a language that
is easily understood and always had a good response to our questions. We
were shown their hot water system which as explained has been an
evolution. The gardens also have evolved with the start of their CSA a
few years ago which they now share with 40-50 members. We had a
wonderful lunch provided and then chatted more about their journey as
well as what we believe ours will look like. The gorgeous weather allowed us to go outside without coats and soak up the sunshine ever if there was still snow on the ground. We talked about such a
variety of topics, from appliances through to raising chickens. The 15
years worth of experience means there are no stupid questions. The Mathers have
gone through the learning curve and openly share that experience.
We ended the day after another 4 1/2 hour drive to Bala and the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen (if you were in Ontario on April 10th I am sure you remember the amazing shades of purple and pink). We spent a couple of days with dear friends that we do not get to see often enough. Ed was able to go over the plans with our friend who is a builder by trade. We left confident that we are building a sound structure.
We may not again have this kind of freedom to come and go but we will have so much more joy in staying put.
PS This blog post was delayed as we awaited the birth of our first grandchild. Welcome Daniel Robert James born during the lunar eclipse this morning to Kristina and James. All are doing well.
