Alaska Wild Tribe Update

Well, things have taken a turn for the worst. My girlfriend has learned that she has Lupus, and will need about regular medical treatment for the next year or so.

I'm thinking of offering use of my cabin to someone who wants to learn the wilderness lifestyle. Kind of a caretaker deal where they get a place to stay, and I don't have to worry as much about critters tearing-up the place while I'm in town.

I will post more details later. What do you think about this kind of deal? What would you do?

 

That royally bites man... Hope things go well for her...

Does that mean you will be getting a place in town, the job to support it and all that crap as well?

 

I'm interested in the caretaker position.
As for the Lupus, your GF is in my prayers. My mother and sister have it, and it can be a buggar.

 

I am also interested in the caretaking position

 

Interested caretakers should consider the great amount of expense involved in relocating to Alaska. My resources are going toward medical expenses, but I can help with transportation in town - planning - selecting a flying service - etc.

To live at the homestead, a person needs at least $2000 in their pocket after arriving in Alaska. Just the costs of flying out and back once will run over a $1000. Then add the cost of supplies... But remember, once at the homestead, there are no out-of-pocket expenses at all. Most of the expenses are transportation. About the only people who do this cheap already live in Alaska and have a friend with an airplane!

While the costs seem high, remember, they might be your only expenditures for a year or more. Cheap living long-term, but you need the lump sum to get started.

 

Geez that's not the main that you need....the main is an attitude that won't quit
Because once you are there it's not quite so easy to decide "enough"

And Cookie....we got your back....energy is on the Way
Blessed Be 2011

much love

Namaste

 

"Geez that's not the main that you need....the main is an attitude that won't quit
Because once you are there it's not quite so easy to decide "enough"... "

Thanks Oldwolf.

Sometimes I think words can't describe the type of internal fortitude required to live in the wilderness. Everyone who visits the homestead has "the moment." There is a feeling that is very strange when one is standing of the shore of the lake watching the plane fly away, and you know that there will be no direct contact with civilization for many months. Oh sure, there's the telephone and radio, but the remote location (about a 40 minute flight in a small plane) makes casual trips to town or to visit friends almost impossible.

 

Standing and watching as your chimney fire burns itself out... knowing that there is nobody you can call to help.... Either YOU fix the problem, or lose everything...

Reality... lol

:sunny:

 

Question
Can a caretaker bring their pets? Boy/girlfriend?

One thing I think is a BIG help for wilderness living is a dog. I filmed bears out at the homestead one summer, (I worked alone - no people or pets around) and the black bears just seem to appear out of nowhere. It makes jobs that require your full attention rather hard. There's nothing quite like working on project, and suddenly looking-up to see a bear only a couple of yards (2 meters) away. The sound of a human voice seems to make bears nervous. It doesn't matter whether I'm talking to a person or dog, I'm sure the smell of a dog around helps too. However, bears still come around. The difference is how much caution they use. A person alone will have to play, surprize, there's a bear, because the bears will use very little caution when it is just a person alone - no other people or pets.

I think a couple or someone with a dog or two would be best suited. I would not tell a caretaker no because they want to do it alone, but I would worry about them.

 

Dang Cookie, sounds like you need a Caucasian Mountain Dog. Prayers your way man, hope all goes well with the treatments. (And finding a good fit for the caretaker spot) :cheers2:

 

I have been watching this project for a couple of years now. The whole going up there to learn before we move is really attractive, and I hope that the medical treatments go good for your girlfreind. My question about kids was never answered in the last post, which I figured was just because you had to go into town to use the web. Would kids be welcome?

Anyways, It'll still be a while before we are ina position to move ANYWHERE, I was just curious, as this was something my husband and talked about at great length, but we have two small boys under three.

 

I talked to my girlfriend about the idea of kids at the homestead. She thinks it would be a lot of work to handle two boys under three out there, but then again, it's that way anywhere! The biggest challenge might be using cloth diapers. Disposables would be out of the question in a remote area.

A friend of mine (also a homesteader) has a four-year-daughter, and that little girl just loves the wilderness. She has no problem running around outside during bug season, and can keep-up fairly well hiking the trails. They do keep her close to them (never outside alone) because of bears. It would not be too big of a deal to put a fence around the front yard to give kids a safe place to play.

 

Today my better-half got news from the doctor - her meds are working! We might be able to return to the homestead next fall. arty:

 

That's great news man, wish you guys the best!

 

That is awesome! I have lupus. and I tis a struggle so I am sending you many good energy and hugs.

I hope things get better from here on out.

 

I'm still looking for a caretaker to stay out at the cabin. I know winter in Alaska is a bit scary for some people, but anyone wanting to do this should start before April 10th. At that time the lake can still be used as a runway, and all of their supplies can be hauled with the snowmachine (snowmobile). After the 10th, the lake ice will close the runway until it is all melted... about May 20th. A person could start then, but it would mean packing all of the supplies in a back-pack for the 1.5 miles uphill to the homestead.... during bug season! NOT FUN!!! But do-able.

I should be living in town until at least next fall, so this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn about living in the wilderness.

 

I grew up in Glacier Bay, Alaska. I moved when I was 16 years old. I've lived like you are most of my life:]
It's hard, but It's definately a great experience. I will go back there someday.
Good luck!

 

Woohoo! congrats on the good prognosis for the GF! That is amazing!

I do think it would be hard with young kids. They run and play and try to escape. I can't wait ot be able to relocate somewhere more remote, though, no matter where that might be!

 

Well, things have changed quite a bit. There's an old saying "Never love something that can't love you back." I have sold my homestead, and am moving to Oregon so my girlfriend can get medical care.

I'm thinking of offering classes on backwoods living - any interests? The location in Oregon should make it much easier for people to come visit.

 

Looks like she indeed has a good man in her life!

I just may take you up on that sometime! :2thumbsup: