It appears Jim Duke read Claire Wolfe’s article, Build a trail, and sent along a photo of a bridge he built.

Nice bridge, Jim!

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Hello BWH!

I just had to drop you a line and let you know how much my hubby and I love your magazine. We have been subscibers for only a couple of years now, but have learned so much! In our plight for self sufficiency, your magazine has been so valuable to us-when we receive it…we actually flip a coin to see who gets to read it first! Cover to cover I might add! We always find a project that sounds good, so we put it on the to-do list. And we love the letters from the other folks who also are faithful readers.

Since subscribing, we have managed to put in an even larger garden than we had, and grow and can almost all of our veggies. Anything we need to supplement, it’s farmers’ markets and local farmers only.

We are surrounded by ocean so we do a lot of fishing, as we love fish…I doesnt cost us a dime and its healthy for us..and we love to go fishing!

We also built our own greenhouse from mostly recycled materials! We have a flock chickens for eggs and looking into getting a couple of cows for milk and meat and a few goats for milk for us and also to use in my soaps! Yes soaps!!!

My Hubby is looking into material to make some solar panels to use while we save up to get enough panels to go completely off grid.

We quit our jobs and are now self-employed. Not letting others profit off our labor is liberating!

We live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. I was wondering if there are any other readers around my parts. I saw BWH for the first time a few moths ago and with the self-sufficiency movement catching on…it would be a benefit and education for all who read!

We are so grateful to you for all the great info. You have been so helpful!!!!!

We look forward to many more years with you!!!

Julie & Don Goulart
Mashpee, MA

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Thank goodness there are still a few men that realize women with guns is not a “male” thing.

Being the oldest of four children, my father elected to teach me to hunt and use guns in a responsible manner. I am a petite woman that has lived in Alaska for six years, brought down moose, caribou, elk, deer and even bear that was maruading my homestead.

I carry a .270 Manlicher with custom stock using 110 to 150 gr. ammon (depending on intended targets) and a .38 police special. I can put three rounds the size of a 50 cent piece at 100 yards off hand with the .270.

Would I hesitate to use a gun to protect myself or someone else if necessary? No qualms here! And freshly killed game on the table beats beef, pork or chicken any day.

Thanks,

Linda Alexander
Gold Beach, Oregon

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Dear friends at Backwoods Home:

Kudos to Emily Chadwick (Call Me Plumber Jan/Feb.2010 issue).  I hope her toddler was smart enough to be impressed by Mom’s spunk and self reliance.

When I was a young lad, I accidentally dropped a quarter into the toilet after finishing my business, but before flushing.  Oh No!  25 cents was a lot of money to a young one in a poor family in the 1960′s.  My mom instantly transformed into a superhero and plunged her hand into the toilet bowl.  Feeling around under the brown floaters, she pulled the money from the drain of doom.  I could not have been more impressed by Wonder Woman charging into machine gun fire!  Washing her hands and my money, she explained that it’s not always pleasant, but we do what must be done.  It was one of many incidents proving her to be the strongest, bravest woman I knew.

I am now older than she was then.  When I need strength and courage in the face of adversity, I still look to her for inspiration.  I expect Mrs. Chadwick’s daughter will feel the same way.

Paul Miller
Hannibal, MO

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As I have my own business, I get to work with the public and that includes many officers of the law. I have taken a sort of poll. The concensus is hole up your weapons and buy as much ammo as you can afford. Store up food and be prepared. Something is in the air and it’s coming this way.

I am not one to say the sky is falling, but I have done what my senses have told me to do. I am also “networking” with reliable people whom I can trust and depend on and with. (That network is a very small one for obvious reasons)

I cannot comprehend that some people cannot comprehend that someday the store won’t be open and there won’t be any food on the shelves. What will they do?

I truly hope all this bypasses us and things get better but if not I’m ready.

One more thing…Love your mag!! I try not to read the whole thing when I get it in the mail and try to save some for late night reading, but dang!….I read it all again on the day I got it. Just will have to read it again…

[Name withheld by request]
Kirbyville, MO

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Claire,

It absolutely sucks that the PTB forced you out of your home, but I am glad that you have found a place of like-minded folks to start anew. You wouldn’t be our heroine if you couldn’t land anywhere and make a place for yourself.

Living here in southern Arizona, about 4000 ft lower than where you are, I read your article with even greater interest than I usually give to BHM. I both chuckled and commiserated, remembering how I felt when I moved here in 1991.

Water, of course, is the big thing. I moved here in April before it got hot but often found myself getting faint before I realized I was dehydrated. Even in winter, the lack of humidity can get to you. Sometimes more so, as you think it’s not hot so you don’t need to drink as much. Wrong. The cold and dry will suck moisture out too.

Speaking of moisture, don’t neglect your skin and not just for the typical feminine reasons. The sun and dryness take a toll on the largest organ we have, which has an effect on the other organs. If your skin is too dry, you are not drinking enough. Stock up on moisturizers. I’ve found that Bag Balm is not just for udders anymore. It’s great stuff.

Here are some signs that you have adapted to desert life:

– You automatically shake out your shoes or boots in the morning before putting them on–spiders and scorpions.

–   You have a glass of water always at hand and you actually drink from it. Frequently.

–   Whenever you are outside and not actually moving about, you will find whatever shade there is.

–   Your eyes are constantly scanning the ground for rattlesnakes and you learn what times of the day/night/year when you can relax your vigil.

–   You find tarantulas fascinating and not just big, ugly, hairy spiders and that lizards are your friends–they both eat bugs.

–   Dust is no more a big of a deal than cat or dog hair. You breathe it, you eat it–oh well.

–   You can smell water.

–   You accept monsoon storms with an equal mixture of fear, awe and joy.

You wrote very well about the metaphysical aspect of desert living. Courtesy of the US Navy, I spent a year in Antarctica which is the largest “desert” of them all. Living here is not really all that different. Nature will do what nature will do and all we can do is try to adapt. There is a stark beauty here and, yes, that sense of pure survival that folks in woody, watered areas just can’t comprehend.

That holds true even for those of use who are dependent on piped in utilities. In the back of our heads, many of us always have the thought of “what if..” The current economic woes have created a huge interest here in Tucson in rainwater harvesting and gardening and solar power.  It’s gratifying to see people ripping up their grass lawns. Some folks, at least, are seeing the light.

Thanks again for your article and I most certainly look forward to more.

From one desert rat to (soon to be) another, welcome.

Coyote

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Claire,

I’m very sorry to read that the evil ones threw you out of your house for taxes. We miss your wit at TMM, but I know it’s your choice.

Keep your chin up and don’t let the bastards get you down.

Kirk

===============

Your latest article

Hello Claire,

I really enjoyed your latest article. I’d also like to say that I’m sorry to hear about your loss of Cabin Sweet Cabin.

We sure do miss you at the MM forum.

Take care of yourself,

socalserf

===============

Hi Claire,

Just wanted to drop a line to say hello and that I am missing your posts at TMM, but enjoying reading your BHM articles just the same.

The high desert sounds, well, challenging to say the least, glad you are acclimating.

I hope this finds you well!

Bon courage!

Jeff (Laughing Bear)

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Sorry to hear about the taxman taking your place in the soggy northwest. But we’re glad to have you here.

I enjoyed your article on the high desert. It’s rare that someone “gets it” as soon as you evidently have.

Conditions here are somewhat more harsh than many other places, but that harshness has a beauty and splendor all it’s own. It’s why we like living here, why we do live here. The place has requirements that you must meet to live here, and it takes a certain kind of independent, self-sufficient character to meet them.

As for the solar power, I’ve read many who criticize solar and wind power as not feasible because they are so inefficient they will never replace the traditional power plants. They say it takes so many hundred thousand acres to make a wind farm that produces as much as a coal plant. Sadly, they miss the point. the beauty of solar and wind is precisely that it is most efficient for the individual residence, and perhaps a small neighborhood. It is technology that is perfectly suited to the self-reliant who want to avoid the centralized power companies and grid, which may be more efficient, but is no more reliable and much less accessible or controllable by, or accountable to, the individual. Solar and wind may not make much money for the big companies, but it is a godsend for the independent individual.

Well, again, welcome, and we are glad you’re here.

Ed Dowdle
Show Low, AZ

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Just moved down here (Mesa, AZ) from Seattle (rather Northeast Tacoma – but Pacific Northwest, nonetheless).  Wanted to say your article was spot on.

When I arrived here in July, I had to keep oven mitts in my car just so I could turn the ignition without buring my fingers.

Many Thanks!

Garth Stewart

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Claire:

I just finished reading your piece on moving and adapting to the desert. Absolutely fascinating, I must say.

I’ve been a southeastern dweller for most of my life, and I’m used to plentiful water, living in a rainy place and at the edge of a large river/lake. Since I live very simply, power isn’t much of an issue, except loosing a pound or two of frozen foods. I pretty much get along with one light bulb, in whatever room I happen to be.

Your thoughts on life in the dry, severe climate of the desert are, as I said, fascinating. I’m seeing the link to more of your writings, and I’m thinking I’m going to have to clear my (very vacant) social calendar for a month or so to read and appreciate your work. Some of the titles are very enticing!!!

I have to say one thing about the life-and-death issue. It happens here, in Tennessee, also. My 30+ year career as and RN is over, but I still see and hear about it. Granted, we don’t have to confront raw, and sometimes hostile, nature as you might. Maybe we should??? I can hear what I think are coyotes barking in the hills, sometimes. Would love to have one visit my front yard under a full moon someday.

Since my kids were very young, I haven’t seen a sky like the one you described. I envy you the chance to do that daily. When I ask my youngsters if they remember what the Milky Way looks like, they just cock their heads and say—”Well…Yeah…I think so”. We used to take blankets to the yard and stargaze for hours. I’m 65 now and, although in pretty good health, I worry that I won’t really see the stars again—at least from this part of the country. One of the items on my “to do before you die” list is to head far west, to the high desert, and spend a month just looking at the night sky. Maybe take a bunch of pics to share with friends who have not a clue of what a sky like that can be. Maybe use my nursing skills as a volunteer on a reservation at or near the Four Corners region.

The piece I just read sounded like your relocation was, maybe, stressful. I’ve always felt that when a door slams shut, another opens. The story of my life, at least—haha. Hope your transition has proven educational and beneficial.

Looking forward to more of your writings. Thanks!!!

Bill Byford

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Dear Claire,

A professor of economics asked what happens under certain economic and social conditions.

I said  revolution!!

He said poor people never revolt. The middle class leads revolutions.

Thus we see why, having dumbed down the last two or three generations, the powers that be are entering into the next phase of destruction–impoverishment.

A hungry and uninformed people, whose medicines and other necessities are being held hostage, cannot revolt.

Note that the necessities are very little produced in North America anymore and so are unobtainable.

Enjoy your writing.

God’s protection on you.

Sincerely,

Deborah Harvey

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Dear Editor,

In the article, With commonsense planning, you can survive hard times,  under SALT you state that iodized salt is used for canning pickles and meat preservation. NON-IODIZED salt is used. This needs to be corrected immediately before you kill somebody.

Sincerely,

Dinah M.
Certified Home Canner

Dinah,

This is a typo and should read “non-iodized salt”. However, using iodized salt will not kill anyone.

The reason you don’t use iodized salt in pickling is that when combined with certain natural occurring minerals in some water, it can darken your pickles.

Most table salt used in the US is iodized and it has been strongly recommended that consumers USE iodized salt as it combats iodine deficiency possible in some areas of the country.

Used in such minute amounts, it certainly won’t poison anyone. I use iodized salt in most of my canning and have for decades.

Jackie (and still alive!)

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I loved your article in the latest BHM. I can sympathize with your recent move.

I myself moved several years ago from Orange County, California to Moab, Utah. Though I don’t regret it all, even though I went through a good deal of culture shock and awkward acclimatization as well.

I’d love to see you write more articles on self-reliant living in the high desert. Most of the BHM staff has (understandably) a northwestern climate slant on the tips and advice they proffer.

I hope you come to love 300 plus of full sun a year. I think it makes winter more bearable even if it never gets above freezing.

Keep the Faith!

Ardell Hollobaugh

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Just wanted to thank you for giving me knowledge on post-construction cleaning. I appreciate it, and I’m sure a lot of others do too.

I used to do this for about a year, it’s a tough job. I was working my butt off. After reading your page, I now realize I was totally getting ripped off. I’d love to start my own Post-Construction Clean Up Business one day.

Thanks again!!!

Hilary Horvath

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Hey!

Me and two auto buddies used Len Torney’s info for a fleet upgrade. Gas saver idea.

Thanks, he’s a smart dude!!

If we save what he says, I guess we should send him a case of Foam.

Best,

Phi, James & Bill the (aka Fat Tire)

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Ms. Wolfe,

You’ve touched on a topic that I’ve thought about time and again. Speaking with liberty minded friends I’ve said that the only places left are Space and some area in the Antarctic! And the statists are doing their damnedest to cut off the last option. Think about it. On our planet we have nations laying claim to territory they don’t even tread upon yet they say its “theirs”. What kind of Imperialistic, cockeyed, brain damaged reasoning is that?

I also had to laugh when you used the word “criminals” in how some folks, albeit brainwashed statists, describe the odd balls who don’t fit their tiny mold. Yes, some can certainly be considered criminals by any set of standards, and yet I’m left scratching my head knowing full well that the definition itself, as used by government and its boot licking minions, is corrupt. They see every problem as a nail to be beat down with its “authoritative” hammer. Which is to say that you’re to shut the hell up and do as you’re told while forking over dough with a gun pointed to your head. That kind of “freedom” and “order” I can live without.

With regards to the last great frontier we have NASA endlessly sucking tax dollars to beat down ones hope that anything will ever be accomplished in our lifetime. This isn’t by accident but by design. When you have people being paid to “produce” nothing what incentive is there? It reminds me of that movie “The Truman Show” where the lead character, when he’s young, has this burning desire to discover the world while his controlled life (just like governments everywhere) seeks to discourage any such notions so that it can financially benefit off of his existence and share in some sick pleasure in playing the part of God while manipulating him.

I’ve also said to my friends that the only reason people in America managed to find any “freedom” at all was because it was too far away and too expensive for the powers that be to reign them in. It also didn’t hurt that they had enough weapons to reinforce that fact. Sadly these founders pulled the same stunts on their newly minted citizens that they wailed and bemoaned about their British brethren. They made it illegal to do what they just finished doing. How very hypocritically convenient!

Escaping this planet is mankind’s last chance, short of global revolution, of fleeing from these rat bastards. So lets encourage a search for alternate energy and a way to flee so that all “criminals” such as ourselves can forever be paroled from this present Earth. Time to leave the nest.

David

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Greetings..

I’m an organic farmer/homesteader in southern Louisiana and have been a fan of your magazine for a number of years. I have to admit though that I haven’t picked up a copy in quite sometime. This article reminded me of why I should.

I have been searching the web and books for an identification of what I believe to be chanterelle mushrooms that are growing in droves in the woods surrounding my farm. No image that I could find was an exact of this particular mushroom, until coming across this article by Devon Winter.

It turns out that the mushroom I have is the Cantharellus Lateritius, which has a less pronounced ridge than the other species I have come across.

Thanks for settling this issue for me. My farm could sure use the extra income in this particularly harsh season we have been having(too much rain).

Thanks to Devon Winter if you happen to speak with him.

I look forward to the next issue of Backwoods Home I pick up.

Joel A. LeLeu

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Very good exposition. I’d like to add that there is an ongoing effort to educate Americans of their perfect right to judge the law and the facts in every trial by jury.

I’m proud to say that I got the Jury Rights plank into the Libertarian Party platform at LP10, Denver, 1981, from the floor in open convention. I was a lot younger, and hot from reading Lysander Spooner’s “Trial By Jury.”

In 1987 Larry Dodge and Don Doig, then of Montana, were reading the 1982 LP platform and decided to take it out of one Party’s province and make it a public issue.

So they founded the Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA) which is still active.

I hope you choose to mention FIJA to your readers. FIJA also offers some tips on surviving voir dire with one’s principles intact.

Regards,

Jim Lorenz

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The new gardening and canning book by Jackie Clay is absolutely top-notch!

It’s practical, understandable even by newbies, and very comprehensive.

Thanks SO MUCH!!!

J Millhorn
Plano, Texas

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Dear Ms. Wolfe,

Thank you for writing your wonderful article Learning To Love The High Desert in this month’s issue of Backwoods Home Magazine (Issue #120). Good work – and welcome to the only culture on Earth that you can join simply by proving that you can join it! You are now a Desert Rat, and there really is no going back. Be warned: even if you leave physically, you will never be able to leave in spirit. You will pine in your soul for the vast, lonely spaces of the High Desert until, like an irresistible magnet, it draws you back into its depths.

There are a few things you should know, however. Perhaps you already know them. I rather think you do. If not, please allow me the presumptuousness of being the one to tell you about them, as certain concepts will be of great comfort to you in your new life as a Desert Rat.

In the desert you really can put lipstick on a pig. By which I mean a doublewide doesn’t have to stay a doublewide for very long. Mine started out as a battered castoff that I bought for $1500 in Reno, then had moved to my ranch for another $1000. I gutted it, painted it, re-floored it, and built a mudroom/ porch along the front of it. I added a wood-burning stove, a swamp cooler, spinning vents, and propane heating (well, propane everything, to be honest). Now my wife, child, and our various pets live quite comfortably inside. It’s truly ours in every way, and I love it infinitely more than the home we used to have in San Francisco.

Don’t sweat not having a “stick home.” You can always do the same.

Off-grid power is a journey, not a destination. You will go though “phases” with your off-grid power project as you experiment with various things. It’s a never-ending attempt to figure out what works for you which changes as new technology comes along or you scrape together more cash. I use a combination of solar panels, windmills, and generators myself. My inverter/battery bank setup is a pretty simple one… too simple, to be honest. So that will probably be the next stop of my journey: buying/begging/trading for a more sophisticated system. You folks will go through your own phases as well.

A practical suggestion: new tech makes old tech a lot cheaper. My three Air-X windmills are pretty lame when compared to the nifty new wind spires that are now on the market. They were also one tenth of the price, and work quite well.

The winter will tell you a lot. Actually, it will tell you whether or not you are truly a Desert Rat. A true Desert Rat takes perverse pleasure in the Siberia-like winters of the Inner Mountain West. It separates the men from the boys and the women from the girls. It makes the tourists go away. It cleanses the dusty land. It is starkly, harshly beautiful as well.

It also freezes pipes and 55-gallon drums solid. So consider moving the barrels from that picture on page 81 inside for the winter and make sure your pipes are buried as far down as possible. Or you could do what we do: use easily defrosted hoses instead of pipes. And, while we’re on the subject of water, consider a filtration system for your well instead of hauling water in. A simple but effective one can be made out a 55-gallon drum, clean sand, and crushed charcoal.

You are now truly free. The very lines that provided your old home with power were also designed to hold you down. Living in the desert can be a delightful exercise in severing the lines that tie you to The System (Any system, really. Take your pick.). Your fellow citizens can be easily controlled by their dependency on the power grid, sewer system, water lines, grocery stores, and even gun stores. Your decision to walk away from these things and to recreate the basic structures of society on your own is the only revolution that is now genuinely practical: if the collective cannot control the means of distribution to the individual, the collective cannot control the individual.

Of course, like off-grid power this is a journey, not a destination.

In conclusion, I hope you enjoy your new lifestyle. I know I enjoy mine, and do not miss my old life as a San Franciscan. If you give the desert a chance you will not miss Oregon (though you may miss friends and family, of course). And remember this always: the lower the population density, the greater the personal freedom.

Sincerely,

Jason S. Walters

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