The Mountain
Project: The Off-Grid Ranch - A Convergence of Technology and Tradition
Project Overview
The Challenge:
To transform an acre of rugged manzanita-covered land into a sustainable living space, while embracing the rustic ranch life, learning from the land, and recovering from a major community tragedy.
The Process:
Over five years, my family and I cultivated a rich, self-sufficient lifestyle. We built infrastructure, maintained off-grid systems, and became an integral part of a working ranch, fostering resilience and ingenuity.
The Big Build;
We needed a shed and this was the perfect opportunity to pick up a new skill. Using online guides and YouTube we built a shed from scratch.
Stick by Stick;
We learned how to lay a foundation, frame a wall, and raise a roof. It may not have ended up as a perfect square, but it taught us some valuable lessons.
The Joy of Harvest;
Ender has always had a green thumb and a love for food that grows from the ground. Before we even began homeschooling, we were our kids' teachers.
New Generations;
Over the many years we lived on the ranch we saw the circle of life play out in real time. The babies we met when we arrived had babies before we left!
The Ranch Life
Sustainable Living:
We transformed raw land into a thriving homestead, complete with vegetable gardens and expansions to our living space, including sheds, cabins, and decks. This was a testament to our commitment to sustainability and self-reliance.
Animal Husbandry:
Our days were filled with caring for a variety of animals, from sheep and goats to chickens and horses. We witnessed the circle of life, contended with predators, and learned the value of each creature on the ranch.
Skilled Craftsmanship:
Traditional skills were not just preserved but lived. From processing leather to training horses and rebuilding engines, every task was an opportunity to grow and contribute to the ranch's legacy.
The Sweetness of Labor;
Daysin has always shown entrepreneurial tendencies; he loved running the booths at farmers markets or setting up lemonade stands at the park.
My favorite horse had my favorite baby;
I believe there is a connection formed with every newborn we come in contact with. It's the same for animals and humans.
Integration with Wider Goals
Technological Synergy:
My work at Google intersected with ranch life as I maintained solar arrays and water systems. This blend of high-tech skills and rustic pragmatism underscored the versatility and adaptability at the core of my ethos.
Community and Recovery:
Following the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting, we rallied to support our landlords and the ranch. We managed the honey business, navigated state and government aid for renovations, and ensured the ranch not only survived but thrived.
Hand built Happiness;
We built our little farm from scratch, expanding it and building as we went.
The Guardian of the Homestead;
Ghost, our Great Pyrenees, was born into my arms after a mass tragedy. He's been by our side ever since, and has grown to unrealistic proportions.
A hard reminder;
I helped saved this cow's life as it was being born. Many years later my son and I helped process him. It's always been a reminder to me of the cost to what we have.
The Outcome
The ranch became more than a place to live; it was a crucible for growth, a nexus for community support, and proved there is a sustainable juncture of nature and technology. The skills and bonds formed during this time have left an everlasting mark on our family and taught me a lesson in resilience and adaptability.