The Wandering Interest

The Wandering InterestThe Wandering InterestThe Wandering Interest

The Wandering Interest

The Wandering InterestThe Wandering InterestThe Wandering Interest
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The mountain

Project: The Mountain

The Off-Grid Ranch: A Convergence of Technology and Tradition

Foundations of Growth; Every plank and nail was a lesson in sustainability, as my sons and I built structures that grounded us to this land.

Crafting Shelter; Crafting shelter from scratch—each beam raised was a celebration of our capability and the rugged beauty of off-grid living.

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 Joy of Harvest; My youngest, bursting with pride over a bountiful carrot harvest. This was the essence of our life here—joyful self-sufficiency.

A New Generation; Guiding the next generation: here, I introduce my sons to the delicate art of horse care and the responsibility that comes with it.

The Ranch Life

Sustainable Living:

Skilled Craftsmanship:

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:

Skilled Craftsmanship:

Sustainable Living:

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:

Skilled Craftsmanship:

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; Harvesting the fruits of our labor and learning the intricacies of beekeeping, an endeavor that sweetened our toil.

Companionship and Care; Building bonds with the gentle giants of the ranch. Each animal taught us lessons of empathy and the rhythms of nature.

Integration with Wider Goals

Technological Synergy:

Community and Recovery:

Community and Recovery:

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:

Community and Recovery:

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 not just a pet but a stalwart protector, embodying the spirit of the ranch.

New Beginnings; Moments like these, with new life on the ranch, were a poignant reminder of why we cherish this land and its creatures.

The Outcome

The ranch became more than a place to live; it was a crucible for growth, a nexus for community support, and a testament to the sustainable confluence of tradition and technology. The skills and bonds formed during this time have left an indelible mark on our family and stand as a testament to our resilience and adaptability.

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