BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE OTHER PROJECTS
May 2021 THE MAIN PROJECT STARTS
I purchased a 1 acre parcel in against the Cerbat mountain range in Northern Arizona totally off grid. It's 7 miles from the highway and because of the roughness of the road takes almost 20 min to drive to the property.
I have BLM land on two sides of me. I purchased this one acre parcel at a County Tax Property Sale for $900 dollars cash! The best part is taxes on the land is only $15 dollars a year! It has what appears two different digging sites one is a pit 7' feet deep...don't know what minerals they were trying to get but there is a huge amount of Quartz.
10/13/2021
Security you got the think people will go on your land if you don't got a gate and put up No Trespassing signs and fencing.. I will be installing fencing in the coming month. Had to get the gate up which will keep people from going on the property and leaving trash and shooting up the place. Since I have the gate up I have seen several ATV tracks go up to the gate and turn around. I wrapped the top rail in barb wire will be doing a second strand the opposite direction and will attach garden fencing at the bottom as well to make scaling the fence more difficult.
This is why I put up the gate I counted close to 50 or so 9mm shells scattered at the front of my gate like they stopped at the gate and started popping off rounds.
a shooting gallery from the road about 50 feet from my front gate. I guess these people before me used to ride up on their off road vehicles and go shooting on my property before I came... I removed their homemade shooting gallery... Turns out where the property is located is littered with all kinds of shells everywhere so people been coming up this mountain and shooting for god knows how long... makes sense why there has been a steady stream of traffic.
10/16/2021
Got the foundation cleared and the post blocks leveled now can start put in the post beams for the frame
My View from the front of the cabin overlooking the valley and my back against the mountains the sunsets are absolutely amazing
10-21-2021
I was able to get a bolder that was one of the roughest ones and cover it up making it more easier to travel down the road I will put down gravel later but used initially 3/8 inch minus. Was able to get a ton for 20 bucks at the local landscape store. This is not a county maintained road and is if I got to haul water and or supplies up the road then I got to fill in the road will be putting crushed road gravel on top of this minus.
10/28/2021
Got My 330 gallon tote on the property. I still got to spray-paint it but this is what I will be using my water supply. I still need to get a trailer I can pull a second tote to be able to transfer water. I will be building a platform to put the water tote on to give it some elevation so it can run water lines to the house
I was able to snag 4 55 gallon plastic drums and 2 metal rusted 55 gallon drums (most likely burn barrels) This will allow me to have a off grid septic system or various other ideas I wanted to post a couple of websites ( no affiliation ) that might help with some ideas.
40 Genus Uses for a 55 gallon Barrel
18 Genius Homestead Uses for 55 Gallon Plastic Barrels
91 Ideas Fun With Plastic Barrels (Pinterest)
The uses are just endless when it comes to that but the main reason I got that was to potentially use as a septic system I want to give credit to YouTube Boss of the Swamp for this cool idea to have a greywater system for the sink and shower off grid. I now have 6 of these that I have collected all free or next to free.
10/31/2021
Happy Halloween... I enjoyed a relaxing weekend at the Ranch.. I was able to get some posts in the ground and start on the fence (everything is so expensive) I recommend everyone camp on your property stay out there as much as you can... There is always something to do and something to build. Going to get my Generator so I can start cutting up this wood and making things
The most peaceful in the distance the town
Was able to get the very first wooden posts in the ground... gonna get the property fenced and barb wired. This fence is priority it will consist a strand of barb wire at the top and garden type fencing down below. To top it off I will put a solar powered hot wire at the very top. (yea the fence post pounder at the bottom of the pic that was eventually stolen.)
I have been scraping the truck coming in and out so had to trim back the bushes...
I added a good luck horseshoe to the property
someone said "Hey you got it upside down... your supposed to catch the good luck."
11/03/2021
Found a bunch of off road tracks going up to the property. Did not know how popular it was to go up through this piece of land. Did I mention how I hate trespasser's??? I do, it's almost like they can smell when someone is coming around and trying to build something. Sad to say the town nearby is notorious for a drug problem. I get quite a few off road tracks coming up to the property they stop at the gate and turn around... I got trail cameras that I am going to put up and capture who ever comes to the gate I will be able to see. In addition to the fence that is going up there will be signage (lots of signage) I feel that it will be a good deterrent.
11/07/2021
Got another ton of rock moved and the people that I got the rock from for free have a bunch more to give so I will be able to put gravel down my driveway no problem. I found all my rock for free looking through Facebook marketplace.
I am eventually going to shovel back the sides more to allow the school bus and equipment ample room to be able to come through the gate... I am going to clear room enough to do a 3 point turn at the gate so people can maneuver instead of backing out of the driveway I have to be up and living on the property by December 25th... it's going to be a hard push but this move needs to happen.
11/13/2021
It's cool to be driving down the road and see a family of cows just walking around together out for
Setting the corner posts and stringing the line for all the rest
Started on putting the fence East / West down the South Side of the property.
Started down East /West side on the South side hoping to connect in the middle
Had to fill in a low spot directly across where the water flows
Was able to put gravel down in the low spots on the driveway it's 100 times better I cannot wait one day to get a tractor and do some serious road improvement.
I have the site laid out that I intend on using for the tarp rain water harvesting project that will collect rainwater and divert it to a second tote down below it using good ol gravity. (as of November 2024 have not started this project)
11/20/2021
Got some rock installed 5 t posts put gravel down in some low spots and put up the trail camera today.
I would shovel a ton of rock twice and this is like my 5th trip. This is very tiering but necessary to make the property habitable.
Before
After
Sometimes you got to go over around or through..
(thieves stole that nice yellow post hole digger)
You can see the difference with a little hand held branch trimmer can do
(thieves stole that green clippers too)
Before
After
I will always stop whatever I am doing to apricate the last bit of sunlight before it leaves my sight.
The lights are up at the very nice beginnings of the front entrance
(All the lights were stolen as well)
The Moon rises are always from the East and they are just as spectacular as the sunrises
Having a hot cup of coffee in front of the fire watching the day come to a close.
11/23/2021
Picked up some concrete curbing free... do some landscaping on the property couldn't turn it down..
11/28/2021
So Irate... I happen to visit the property only to find that I have had multiple visitors to the gate. I don't mind the occasional 4 wheeler or sand rail that is curious but I had no idea this parcel was so popular. There is no access beyond my property. Putting up the fence as the top priority above all else. This happened within 1 week I had 3 different vehicles and even one on a bicycle. I happen to spot a SUV scouting the surrounding roads while I was working that day also. I managed to install 6 solar lights a quarter ton of gravel and of course more wood.
I sent a suspicious person report to the local sheriff department. I will put road ends signs closer to the property where they will be seen by others that's a start. I have added more solar lights to the property as well.
Looks like potential new neighbors in the area scouting out land. I am a live and let live kind of guy. My theory is if you leave and never come back you are lost if you leave and come back uninvited you are looking for trouble... I did get a call from a deputy after putting in the suspicious report of 2 guys and they basically said if you don't live on your property full time don't leave anything of value on it... they have groups of people that go around and scope out places and basically. There is a group of guys and all they do is go around looking for stuff to steal from property's that look abandoned or nobody is home.. Just Great...
12/05/2021
I managed to go out to the property with another load of lumber. I added a Reolink camera (dummy) as it is non functional. There is limited cell service out where I am at.
Yea later on in the year thieves stole the entire pole... lesson learned put everything in concrete!
On a side note had a two gate crashers come on the property all the more reason to get the wire up and secure the property... I will be adding a electric fence to the top. I am so sick of people not having any respect for clearly marked signage even after they stare directly
at it. Had two gate crashers. The one wearing the boots went up to the cabin site walked around and then they left. They stayed for around 30 minutes before leaving. I clearly have my name and number on the posted sign as well.
NO TRESSPASSING ASSHOLE!
Nice six shooter you had to get before going on the property there Tex
After contacting the County Sheriff is that you have to literally catch them on your property! They wont do a damn thing not with video or pictures...So it's more for the proof that when I find someone on the property. I filed a report and you know what they are going to do about it.... nothing 😡gonna get that fence pronto! I have since put a live video feed with cameras that I can talk through (done since 2023) . I have a automated message that I can trigger that says "Hey asshole I am armed and responding and the sheriff is on the way, now get the F**k off my property." Hopefully I am 7 minutes away in town be sure to meet them on the on lane dirt road. I got neighbors that can respond as well...
Got the last load of lumber on my way back through I noticed that they pretty much saw the gate and turned around
I did something I would never do I went and reached out to my network to help build my cabin exposing my self to everyone. It's a humbling experience when you say "I need help" This is not a hand out but a hand up... time is running out and I got to get this place up and running to have a stable environment so I can seek visitations for my kids... It's not ideal but it will be a safe place for them... I have nothing to loose by asking here is the link
12/10/2021
Two and a half days working at the Ranch. I was able to get the front of the barbwire fence I have signage on the way for the people to understand there is a dead end road at least a mile back and I was able to finish the back wall of the shed. A huge deal call it the cornerstone of the entire Ranch I got the sign done.. I started building the shed yesterday its
going to be a 5 1/2 foot by 5 1/2 foot shed that I intend on having a very stout lock on. I utilized old reclaimed fencing and free wood I got off Facebook marketplace to create the back wall
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Back wall to the shed complete |
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Got the sign installed and all lit up at dusk ( yep the thieves even stole this solar light ) |
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Makes a statement to anyone coming to the gate |
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Notice the barb wire wrapped around the top of the gate 😁 |
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Its not pretty but it's functional. |
12-15-2021
I was so happy that I was able to finish the gate with the signage here is the before picture.
The sign on the right post was "Posted" was plastic and fell apart as soon as I tried to take it off. All signs now are metal. (Thieves stole the dead end yellow sign in the picture)
The previous plastic sign broke apart as soon as I pulled on it.
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This is the new sign I added to the camera (they took the whole post out of the ground and stole it.) |
(eventually stolen)
Mounting the the trail cameras was easy enough on camera mounts that are drilled into limbs. Before I had simple tire wire them to limbs. (this was eventually stolen too)
Added a new DEAD END sign so they can not be mistaken that the road really has ended ( yep. They stole that sign too and the post in the background. )
Front gate signage
The only sign they did not steal (sign is faded and needs to be redone after being mounted for almost 4 years in the sun)
12-25-2021
Merry Christmas to all. I am currently in California enjoying the holiday season. I am sad to say I had to by order of my current ex wife attorney to take down my Go Fund Me Page that I had posted on social media. All I am trying to do is move on with my life and be happy and I keep getting pulled down into her personal vengeance against me. I wont go into detail but my advice is listen to the advice from people that have gone through divorce they know what they are talking about... (wish I did) I will start work on the property again after New Year
12/27/2021
A Christmas gift to the homestead...by someone I feel madly in love with and lost (that's another story for another time) I got 2 100 watt Renogy Solar Panels both for under $80 dollars. for my off grid property and will be mounting them to the shed that I am currently building.
(Those panels did not get stolen but confiscated by my x wife who does not use them but wont give them to me either)
01/02/2022
I was able to get the foundation of the 14 x 14 cabin it was a pain in the butt to get the wood to the site. I had a 5' foot bed and the wood was 14' feet total. I had it lashed down and surprised I strapped it down.
I got the wood needed to do the floor of the cabin now I need to put down a radon barrier namely some plastic and rock to over the area. If you are going to do a project make sure you do it right from the beginning and take your time if you can.
01/05/2022
Started working on the shed almost got the frame completed
01/06/2022
Yesterday started putting on the sides need more screws lol a lot more (update 10/11/2024 this structure never got finished it collapsed in the wind and was dismantled)
On the way to the property
First sign on the way to the gate (stolen early 2025)
You can see the second sign is attached to fence on the post its reflective sign hopefully they see it and turn around but they normally don't. (People can't read shit these days)
01/09/2022
Swear I saw this cow in town just use the crosswalk
Got the wire strung across the front now i have got to hack and cut a path through all this brush
Putting in the posts for the barb wire fence going in put 6 more in the ground
Found what was a bowling ball on the property with buckshot embedded in it previous shooting target.
you just never know what your going to come across in the desert.
A large load *6 oversized pallets that I got for free that will be part of the next project whatever it is.
Moved the blocks to accommodate for the footprint of the cabin this is bigger then I thought
01/19/2021
Just wanted to do a quick check on the property. Holy Cow! Caught this one on the trail cam. I saw hoof prints and thought naaa no way would there be cows up around my property... sure enough they came to visit all the more reason why I want to have a pond or water source for all the wildlife in the area.
02/04/2022
Went out to the property to check on it... put another 5 T posts in the ground getting ready to string another line of barb wire... slow progress due to divorce money being tight and the cold.
(this post hole digger was eventually stolen a few months later along with all the other hand tools)
02/11/2022
Just a quick visit wanted to make sure the place was still there lol no issues or problems...saw some ATV tracks but they turned around at the gate...
02/27/2022
Checking the trail camera had a family come visit, a man with two dogs but the alarming thing is at night there was a pack of 3 wild dogs that came to visit very dangerous. This is why I am armed at all times while on the property.
This was the angle of the hidden trail camera they stole ☝
03/09/2022
I put up another sign about a 1/2 mile from the property today. This was to let people know that the trailhead was not through the access to my gate and that it was 3/4 of a mile down to the East. Hopefully this will stop some people coming to my gate for whatever reason.
03/19/2022
Went up and did another 6 t posts on the property while it does not look like much its a big step in the whole process... progression at this point is measured in inches. The days are getting warmer and longer and weather is becoming optimal to stay out at the property all day.
06/03/2024
HOLY SHIT!
Been a hell of a ride.. Well I got divorced since the previous post a long time ago fell madly for a ex-girlfriend and tried to re kindle that relationship didn't work out and failed horribly, so here I am living out of my truck while I am FINALLY building the cabin.. only a two year setback...
I need to build... like yesterday... mind you life throws a curveball at you and then you have to deal with the fallout.. It was extremely painful to come back to the Ranch, after all I was sharing it with my special person at the time.. all good things... The fact my determination has never been so focused before.
The ex-wife decided to keep most of my tools so I have to start from ground zero... again.. I need to build a tool shed... it is going to be extremely hard to get into. I will have signage my SimpliSafe / Reolink system will be hooked up to the wi-fi hotspot inside the shed... Cameras will be on all 4 corners monitoring the property. The instant motion is detected alarm will go off to my phone and Sherriff will be called with me in route... armed...
STOLEN:
At about the time of the last post... Every single tool I had on the property including picks, rakes, and shovels... they stole anything of value propane tanks ( empty ) they even took all the f***ing solar lights, fake security cameras and the damn post it was mounted to. All the trail cameras I had in plain sight. I hate f****ing thieves! My first instinct is to shoot on site. Believe me if I see a weapon and you are on my property you are a threat until you are neutralized AKA you are on your way to meet your maker... I don't eff around! My property is the perfect spot for thieves to come and get what they want, it is so isolated and remote... so I got to make it as hard a possible for a would be thief to break in and get anything of value.
This is called hardening the target.. Plan on having with fences a outer and a inner perimeter, cellular cameras / trail cams and signage.
06/08/2024
Built a new fire pit for those large fires... eventually moved this firepit in 2024.
all the lumber that I have in stock luckily none of that was stolen.
Got the cabin site prepped and ready to put in the ground. (nope changed my mind on location... maybe)
Got some new signs to put up along the front of the property.
Pretty self explanatory... mind you, the mentality out here in the middle of nowhere you best have defense measures in play. I am pro 2nd amendment and am never walking around my property without protection. I have Reolink cameras that send a alert to my phone immediately if there is movement detected on the property or even coming to the front gate.
06-15-2024
Got the front of the property T-Posts starting to go in. I am going to clear 3' feet of brush on the inside my property line so I can see all along the front. I am also trimming up and clearing up about 3' feet on the opposite side of the fence in total making a 6 foot fire break around the property.
6/29/2024
Made a hell of a awesome project a while back I will have to do a video on that build. Its a rocket stove. Sometimes It is easier to cook outside without making a campfire... just throw some twigs scrap wood down through the top and light it burns hot and direct flame cooks up anything up fast.
Love the wildlife out here spring you see tons of Jackrabbits, cottontails and chipmunks running around. Eventually gonna live capture me a couple of them and create a nice enclosed pen for breeding and have a sustainable meat source.
7/04/2024
Picked up a pack of led solar lights to light up under the brush and bushes at night... had all the ones on the property stolen before.
07/05/2024
Haven't really done much on the property life gets in the way. I created this post that has 4 off road lights however I have it connected to 2 motorcycle batteries and a charging solar panel and a light sensor. I am working out the bugs only a matter of time before I get it to work. The post is in concrete last time I put a post in the ground someone came along and took it out of the ground.
07/06/2024
Got a bunch of solar lights (replacing the ones that got stolen). so I can light up the area around here it is dark as heck at night. Mostly I put them under the large bushes and yuccas and it makes it so you can walk around without a flashlight (not during snake season)
07/09/2024
The closest call I have had to getting bit on the property! Normally I park a ways away from the truck and walk in the dark to the campfire. I heard a rattle and jumped 3 feet backward and saw a diamondback coiled. So I did what you do with most snakes I unloaded rounds into it. I felt bad because I didn't have a way to preserve it as I had already had 2 that I previously ate... (learned how to skin and cook on YouTube)
you can see how hard it is to see the snake I have since cleaned up this area and grubbed the area so its much easier on bare ground.
Yep she was a mamma saw tiny snakes inside squirming around. When one of the rounds went through the stomach area and it started falling out... On average Rattlesnakes can have 8-10 babies. I left the body there and within 24 hours it was completely gone. I beheaded the snake and even that was taken.
07/11/2024
another beautiful damn sunset...
07/14/2024
got anther load of 50 posts to do more fencing. I got a guy at the local swap meet and pick them up for about 5 dollars a post.
07/20/2024
I have a part time visitor a desert tortoise I named "Turbo" I consider him my friend and don't bother him he roams around from here to there.
07/28/2024
TURBO!! So glad to see my buddy run around
I gave him a pan of water he was really shy at first but he came out he didn't drink, but I offered.
08/04/2024
I got myself a bird bath and windchime... I also have a bird feeder out there as well.
My first visitor, I have bees around this property. I definitely want to look into getting a hive and some honey would be awesome!
Lifted up a piece of wood off the ground and saw this guy he was about the size of a business card one of the many species out here... I watched him scurry away into a nearby hole.
I found a dog later that night looking for food a stray... felt so bad. The tiny town in the county that I live in is a hotspot for people dropping off their pets. I wish I could keep the dog but not right now. I also have packs of feral dogs that I normally chase them away if they come around. I gave it some much wanted water and then it went on its way.
08/28/2024
Been a while since I posted and a lot has happened personally. I was on the way to work early and stop at the truck stop on the way to Las Vegas and saw a coyote that was not really afraid. People call him "While" like Whil E. Coyote from the cartoons... yep got them around my property yipping at night.
TURBO!!! Saw my buddy today coming out of his house I waved to him on my way to town.
09/02/2024
I am making the front gate more robust and making a personal statement. I had simple T posts and barb wire... this is way more heavy duty. I put the posts in the ground with a coating on the bottom that goes in the ground posts ( used motor oil ) The posts are like $20 dollars a piece at Tractor Supply. ( I later had to take the posts out and put them in concrete. ) Everything in the ground gets put in concrete!
09/02/2024
Time to put in the main access to the property this will be two 8' gate on either side posts will be heavy 6" inch and in the ground in concrete.
Here is where the main gate is going to go
The brush is really outta control. I still have this posted sign in the same spot haven't moved it yet after I have long built the main gate around it.
The other side of the soon to be main gate 09/03/2024
Getting the boards put up you can see the old barb wire fence it was cut and that is where the thieves went through back in the day.09/05/2024
Front is almost complete I have the sensor light and signage in place
Before was just to keep the vehicles out
After - Now it's a little more intimidating
Here is the where I am putting a stabilizing post for the fence it will be in concrete
First Corner post in the front for the fence is in
09/11/2024
GOD BLESS AMERICA... today was a solemn, moment of the twin tower attacks. I was able to put in 2 more corner posts and take in a beautiful sunset.
09/12/2024
Corner post on the front complete
Looking toward the backside of the property...Damn. I got to go 300' feet or so feet toward that hill due East. This goes through a desert jungle. You can see the red arrow marking the other corner I have to go to... ugggghhh.
The holes are like collapsing on themselves. Its like digging into a sandbox.
Hate this fucking hole The holes from hell this hole turned out to be almost as wide as it was deep. The sand kept pouring in while I kept digging deeper.
09/14/2024
A little more intimidating put some galvanized nails in the board at the front gate. I chopped off the heads of the nails but I need to get a angle grinder and file it to a point so people get the point.
09/15/2024
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FINISHED... Got the support finished now got to string up the barb wire
09/24/2024
Got some really pretty butterflies that are in the spring and summer
I offered some Gatorade which the little guy hung out for a while flying and landing all around me. You can see the butterfly's proboscis dipped in the liquid.
Trimming the trees along the front fence... trying to get that fire break without completely taking down all the foliage.
09/30/2024
Saw this little guy crawling on the ground it is a Arizona bark scorpion the only species that is considered deadly. Seen them as big as a business card. There are so many different things in the desert are venomous. Wanna see a sting and how bad it hurts check out Coyote Peterson clip on YouTube... we also got Tarantula Hawks and Velvet Ants as well out here and yes he gets bit by them too...🤣
10/03/2024
Here it is the first post put in at the front gate to the property
10/06/2024
Had to take out a creosote bush in order to put in the main gate then of course...
10/09/2024
09/20/2024
09/21/2024
FINISHED WITH THE POSTS! All are in concrete and solid as a rock!
11/03/2024
Caught on camera
Had 2 German Shepard's come up to my gate got within 100' feet of it and fired a couple of rounds off at the ground they took off running.
11/05/2024
11/10/2024
Caught on camera
I still get a couple of side by sides that come up to the gate stop and then peel out leaving huge rooster tails and a few on bikes. I remember one motorcyclist that cruised up to the gate he sat there for like 5 min I fired a couple of rounds at the ground while sitting in my camp chair in front of my campfire and he sped away. If it isn't damn thieves, off-roaders it's packs of feral dogs.
11/11/2024
Chipmunk antics... this is what happens when you leave anything in pots laying around they are mini cleaners getting every scrap. I never knew this but they are omnivores. Seen them take eaten chicken legs and run off with them (very funny)
Cleared out the land by the front gate and put up the barb wire.Got to have a good fire break around the property.
11/19/2024
Got a official farm truck. First vehicle I have personally owned in 4 years! I have a company truck its a Ford F-150 4x4 about 20 or so years old lol. It's still solid! It's had a hard life but it will do what its intended being a work truck around the property even got a roof rack and toolbox.
11/20/2024
The first two corner posts are in! Want to have a secure backyard ready to go for the first day of move in. Its a pretty decent size backyard by most standards. Going to build a pallet fence made from reclaimed wood. The fence will be almost 8 feet high with some anti-climb measures in place.
Dug this 2' foot hole by hand in 20 min! Poured concrete yep its done!
11/23/2024
Wow, what a great weekend... Was able to string all remaining corners of the property. Widened the entrance and cut the brush back along the side. was able to put 2 more posts for the main gate.
Had two 4 wheelers come to the top of the hill once they realized there was a gate they stopped and backed down. I got no problem with that just don't do burnouts in front of my gate! LOL Guess I got to put better dead end signs.
11/24/2024
Was able to make a nice little cooking tripod out of some T - Posts some tie wire and now I can really bake Dutch oven style!
11/28/2024
Happy Thanksgiving !
What a great thanksgiving it was got multiple projects started and continuing others.
Got the fist fence in to show my what the rest is going to look like I am going to put slats in-between the open parts to create a complete privacy fence. This fence is at minimum 6' feet high.
11/30/2024
ITS OFFICIAL... got my logos on my truck
Got the kitchen up and running to do dishes... a couple pieces of scrap lumber and a couple of pallets and a old sink I picked up for $5 bucks at the local swap meet.
Had two quads pay a visit they rode up to the gate I was about 50 yards behind the fence hand on my hip watching them through my sunglasses. Always suspicious of people coming up to the gate.
Yep, I did it I built a toilet it was a easy build some wood cost about 20 dollars screws a couple of hinges and some water sealant...
My bucket composting has officially started! I will put a link here when I get the video up. Lift up the lid of the box and it has the shavings and a cup. FANCY!!!
12/1/2024
CAMERAS INSTALLED!
Can you spot the real camera?? Good its hidden and sees you...
If you are standing by this post I have already got the alert to my phone that you are on my property!
A couple of fake camera has a blinking red light on a post cost like $10 bucks on Amazon (Two AAA battery powered). The real cameras are by a company called Reolink. They have a multi-cellular provider sim card in it. Totally running on solar panels. It detects motion, sets off a alarm and sends a alert to my phone and starts recording. I take my security seriously and so I have trail cameras on the way to the property and covering the main gate and a few inside the property. I have a post on the blog devoted to this in home security.
As soon as I get a intruder I call the sheriff have them started and let them know I am armed and en-route to the property via the speaker on the camera. I hope I come upon the intruder first.
Can you spot the camera yet? ...Yep, that's the point.
Like I said before I have multiple cameras both video and trail cameras you can see I put a post in the middle of bush that has tons on spikes on it... I will camo the post and make it more difficult to notice This is one of the camera posts covering the gate it.
Got the signs up says:
FUCK OFF
Violators will be sniped
A.R.S 13 - 408 (Arizona Revised Statutes Trespassing Code)
Trail and Cellular Cameras In Use. Sheriff and armed owner responding
Your Move Asshole.
Been waiting a while to mount these signs. ☝
Got another 3 strands of barb wire up cleared back the brush 3' feet from the fence. It's very important for security reasons that you can look down your entire fence line without any obstructions. Also I want enough room to ride my quad down the interior perimeter of the fence. (when I get one)
12/4/2024
So effing happy...I got the main gate covered with video! There just so happens to be a bush just right across a barb wire fence on BLM land that will never be messed with unless a wildfire takes it out. I put a 8' foot post 2 feet in concrete then I camo painted it. I then took old tree limbs from the same type of tree and attached them to the post to give it more of a natural look. If anyone comes within 25' feet of the gate I will get the notification on my phone and and can stream / record the footage. I even went so far to make it harder to get to the camera by putting a sign on the post and putting barb wire around halfway up the post (in case they wanna get creative and cut down the post.) I also threw a bunch of cut branches from satin's bush with thorns around the bottom of the post...anyone that wants to mess with the camera is going to get cut up / tangled up at best. It would be fun to watch as I have another camera watching this camera. I pay on average 10 dollars per month for the data per camera this is a bargain price for security systems these days.
BEFORE
You can clearly see the red post sticking up like a sore thumb. This is right after it was in concrete.
AFTER
Its amazing what some old tree limbs screwed into the post and a camo paint scheme can do to disguise the camera.
The sign on the backside of the post supporting the camera. Yea, I use colorful language, so sue me. It gets the point across.
12/7/2024
I have always believed to put a strong defense in place. if I can make it harder for someone to jump a fence or a sign that makes them think that it might not be worth it then I will do it. Well I believe I took that step.
I have wood beam posts and rails at the front gate. I added spikes to the rails. Just took 3 inch galvanized nails pounded them in about a inch and cut off the top then grind them it to a point. I then took banding wire a 1/2 wide and made 45 degree cuts all the way down then bent the cut pieces with needle nose pliers making rows of sharp points. Hopefully made it a little more difficult to grab the backside of the posts or beams to vault over. GET THE POINT?
12/08/2024
This is what happens when you leave a tote outside that contains bird seed. No they didn't get through before I discovered it but they sure as hell did try. What exactly did it? I think it was the cute little chipmunks... 🐹
Baby its cold outside... Yea winter is here in full effect below freezing on the property.
Ok... Got the solar powered cameras up on the site...(works great) they are motion activated. I can have a siren go off or even talk to the person on the camera. A little piece of mind. If I see someone attempt to trespass the sheriff will be called and I will let them know I am armed and responding. I had their vehicle description and knew they were coming long before they arrived at the gate.
PAST WEEK
Critters abound! Birds, Cows, and coyotes. Yea I got 3 and 1/2 sides fenced and need to be secured completely. After I put up the barb wire then I can put up the second fence with smaller squares so I can let the chickens run.
12/14/2024
A beautiful moonrise over the property. So bright you don't need a flashlight to walk around in the dark
12/15/2024
Managed to get 3 posts in the ground in concrete ready to put the boards across the other side of the gate.
HERES YOUR SIGN... I got two other signs on the way to the property that says Dead End 1500 feet
Dead End 500 feet
This is the final one on the gate
12/16/2024
Got 3 more boards up on the front
12/17/2024
Got 3 more boards up with only 22 min left of sunlight. Hard day at work was not able to get home in time.
Happened to see a lonely cow not more then 500 feet from the main gate.
12/19/2024
Got a pair of visitors that keep coming up to the homestead. I saw they jumped between the barb wire fence so I am going to have to put up 6 feet of wire in front. This wire has to be small squares to keep the free range chickens in.
12/21/2024
How much things change over time...
2021
2024
Got it completely done! Posts all set in concrete and boards are up! This was by no means a easy feat as the soil was poor and rocky and some stones had to be broken up with a large heavy bar. Now starts the process of planting some cactus and prickly things out front.
12/22/2024
Got the post mounted on the opposite side for the cellular wireless security camera. (4) 5"inch lag bolts and washers made it very secure. Will be mounting a security solar light underneath the camera on top.
So proud of myself! I actually completed a online video course it was 3 hours of HD Videos and 45 plus self sufficiency secrets! I got to say the Amish know how to live off the grid! I learned a absolute ton of information. I especially loved the herbal remedies and medicine that they show you how to make elixirs and tinctures. I have a new found appreciation and understand why I need to have chickens, a garden and a root cellar.
Christmas came and went getting ready for the new year...
When I am running low on funds or got to save for a large project I just do clean up and other smaller odds and ends always progressing toward the overall goal of the project... I cleared the entire run of the front 3 to 4 feet clearing brush is not easy everything here you touch will try to draw blood. Check that box.
at the corner of the front looking toward the main gate. Best bang for the buck got a solar light for the main gate they are good for lighting up the area can stay on for 5 hours continuous and shut off after 2 min with no motion. They have over 2000 lumens going to have 3 more on posts going down the front. I got the arm for the camera ready to be mounted when it arrives. It was a extremely dark night look how that sucker lights up the front.
12/31/2024
Camera is up at the main gate! Great field of view and everything I have come to expect from Reolink they do not disappoint for their quality and off-grid application!
I have put up Danger signs up because there are ninja chipmunks they seem harmless but don't underestimate them!
Let there be light... when you live off grid it is important... no vital you know what the heck is on your property so you can shoot it if need be. I added 4 more lights to the homestead... Yea they are from CHINA but they will do the job. Found some wrap around lights I added to the front entrance.
Might not be pretty to look at now but wait till it gets the attention it deserves.
01/11/2025
Windy and cold A.F. it drops to 37 with winds 15 - 25 mph. Raised the flagpole up today it was a proud moment as it is the first completed project and now I have literally planted my flag. Was supposed to do the spray floor insulation but that will have to wait till next weekend.
I also put up a post and attached it to the fence for the solar security light on the corner.
01/19/2025
Have been a busy bee over the last weekend. That shit in a can is expensive ($20 dollars per can x 12 cans so far). One can does barely cover in one row in between the floor joists. I got some touch up to do but wear GLOVES!!! OMG the stuff attracts dirt and stays on your hands until the first layer of skin wears off. Its not pretty but practical.
It was a nice day no wind to use spray foam so of course the off road people were out. I shake my head in disbelief I have three signs on the way to the property that say dead end and they still drive all the way to the front gate and turn around. LOL ones even in Spanish 🤣.
01/19/2025
Got a lone coyote that was headed toward the front gate in the early morning hours this time of year is mating season so I hear them yipping at night. Its dropping to just below freezing at night.
01/27/2025
So living out in the rural life down a road less traveled I still got people that think people that cant read signs so one day I went down the street and magically one day appeared signs to identify the road and to help those poor lost folks.
02 / 21 - 23 /2025
It appears when the weather warms up I have a bunch more people coming out... I put up signs on the way to the property that says dead end but that does not stop people from going right up to the gate and turn around right in front of it. Did it stop three cars from coming to the gate over the weekend... NOPE! Now if you come down the road and get lost that's one thing but if you come down a second time... what exactly is your intentions? This is all a digital record of the interactions I have with others.
02 / 23 /2025
Well things have changed... I need more barb wire... The tops of the fence posts (green) will have a hot wire (electric fence) then I plan on stringing 2 more barb wires above that. I then after I do that will have a snake fence 3 feet from the bottom and finally a cow fence (metal squares) layered on top I am making it very difficult to breach. The posts are treated with oil and put in concrete.
02/24/2025
BEFORE
AFTER
"Hey Asshole" someone lives here... that's the message... the camera is working and I receive notifications to my phone whenever it picks up movement. The arrow shows the post I put in over the weekend now it's even and there are 4 posts on each side. My OCD kicked in and I had to make it even!
02/28/2025 - 03/22/2025
Had a set back. Had to deal with court 💩... I got off better then some and am rebuilding my life through this too... I am not able to build the tiny home or do any work on the ranch for the next 2 1/2 weeks. It's ok I will rise above this and come out ok in the end.
03/29/2025
Nice day to be out... had 3 side by sides come up to the gate in one day! One cranky old man got out and said that he has been running cattle up here for 20 years and there is a road up through there... nope I am at the end of the property. Now given maybe 20 years ago there might have been there was a road, not anymore. Rocks piles are too high even for a off road vehicle. He grumbled about not going down the road any further got in his buggy and took off. I give the same response to everyone that comes to the gate. I walk partly up the drive rest my hand on my hip 🔫 and wait. dead end... people just don't believe the road dead ends, care or are just stupid.
04/29/2025
I have been working on the tiny home if you want to see the progress head over to that project. I have the outside skinned and am putting on the second story and interior. For such a tiny home there is a lot going into this project. I am filling in my time with side projects ( I have a ton) and keep working everyday on something. Yea I work a full 8 to 10 hours at work but this is my life.
I wanted to be able to look down the whole property line so I can look from end post to end post. Going to extend the fire break to 6' feet.
You can see I got two posts in over the last two days set in concrete. Got about 12 post in the front and another 6 feet along the side. I am getting the posts in place for the heavy duty 6 foot cattle fence I am going to put up. (Yea I am going to leave up the barb wire fence)
05/02/2025
Got the second story framing / braces done with room for a ladder of staircase (off to the right). Wanted to make the second story lower, still got a 6 foot plus clearance overhead.
Standing up on my second story is a hell of an accomplishment for myself.
05/03/2025
Sealed about 10 posts with used motor oil and put them in concrete along the fence line. Going to put up 6 foot high cattle fencing keep out the critters two foot and 4 foot!
The point is to be able to ride a 4 wheeler all along the edge of the property line.
05/05/2025
Just finished this course! These are the skills our ancestors used to live and thrive in the wilderness. From building an invisible shelter to making water out of thin air and identifying wild plants for food and medicine, this online 5 hour video course with over 200 skills showed how to live off the land. Use these skills anytime to seek refuge in the wilderness during a crisis or simply to recharge your batteries in nature! The person teaching the course was the longest woman to make it on the show Alone and survive for 57 days by Dr. Nicole Apelian who has MS!
05/10/2025
Was able to create a stand with the help of my very good friend to create a solar mount that adjusts the height with the seasons change. This is a game changer for solar in the motorhome as a 435 Watt panel charges the Eco Flow full power during the day! ( I later gave it to the roommate when she left.)
05/10/2025
Court 💩 got me for back child support. Yea I fell behind after the divorce when I was finically ruined. Well she wants her money that she is entitled too. Half my check for the next year has just been cut... work is going to slow to a crawl for the next year.
05/17/2025
I got two walls up for the second story it was a heck of a time and felt sketchy in between the wind gusts but managed to secure them.
05/17/2025
Wanna see the build?? (click here) Just imagine a nice step stone walking path up to the shower. Got the spot picked out for the outdoor shower it will have a pan at the bottom that will recapture the water used to be put on the multiple fruit trees that we will be planted shortly. Its going to be next to the water tank and also the hot / cool tub. It's a simple / practical design, and I will disguise the tank above.
(Here is a example of what this will look like) I ended up changing the total design and making something totally different.
Just got to level the area run the pipe from the pad and you can see this entire build here.
05/30/2025
Super happy to see the the fruits of my labor (literally). The first sprouts of corn are coming up and got watermelon on the way. looking forward to planting that in the ground. Some Peas and Watermelon.
06/03/2025
I finished up the 1st planter box with help from a friend for the back yard so I have a place to put the new sprouts. Got rocks for the bottom so we don't have any unwanted buggers digging in from underneath. Figure I will build about 2 more of these to kick off the backyard garden! Got to get the netting for the 😠 chipmunks!
Plenty of rock laying around so just put them in the bottom of the box to keep the little critters from burrowing up and makes great for drainage.
Corn is in and growing fast like a weed!
06/03/2025
Got some 💩! Facebook Marketplace had a local guy that had aged manure from horses and cows. Loaded up a truck full said I can come back and get more when I want for free! We now got soil to put in our first crops. One problem we got more growing now then beds so got to make more planter beds...
Caught her getting ready to clobber me over the head from putting up with all of my 💩 🤣🤣🤣.
Checked up on our growth progress in a little more the a week we now have Watermelons, cucumbers, onions, green onion, sunflowers and of course corn. The Peas never grew...
06/09/2025
We got a bunch of scrap wood so building them was simple just fighting the summer sun 😰early morning or late afternoon is the only building times.
finishing up on bed # 2. So glad we got all this growth! Need now 2 more beds! When done will have two 27" by 48" inch and one 27 by 95 inch bed.
06/14/2025
The garden beds we got are doing good. The problem is that we have several projects going on at the same time and trying to pick which ones are going to get done and the ones that wait is hard. Got a limited amount of time now its summer got maybe 3 hours in the morning and about 3 to 4 hours at night. Temps are over 100 daily.
got to find ways to beat the heat!
Filled up the Gorilla Cart with water and sat and chilled. Cooling towels around the neck and plenty of water! Saw our third rattler on the property for the year! Wanted to save the head well Brandy hit it on the first shot (I took two and missed) damn headshot blew it away. It was her first time trying rattlesnake too...😊 I was so proud of her!
🌟WE NOW HAVE A SOLAR POWERED FREEZER / FRIDGE! Picked the Aspen Pro 50 on Amazon, it holds three bags of ice and only pulls 60 watts!!! Less then a dang lightbulb! Now we got something to keep ice cold and all the food for a week! This was a pricey investment but worth it, got a good 3 year warranty on it! Its even quieter then our solar battery converter! Total game changer no more daily ice bags to get on the way home!
(I later gave it to my roommate when she left)
06/18/2025
Wow, somebody or the county widened and graded the road! I live down a 4 mile road and they improved a extra mile toward my house. I now only have a mile of rough road now! Used to be a rough single lane road ever since I came out to the property. Make way for improvements I suppose.
06/21/2025
Moved the soon to be hot tub tank to its final resting spot. I will eventually cut it in half and hook it up to the water tank behind it that will also supply water to the shower.
This was a containment tank for the 500 gallon tank I will be using for the hot tub. It used to hold pool chemicals.
Had to take off the existing pipes that were attached as part of the original water tank
I will be cutting this tank in half ad adding the piping for the drain
I have a hell of a view can only imagine having a drink while relaxing at sunset.
07/20/2025
STOLEN !!! Don't know when or how but someone decided to take my solar cellular game camera... F***ERS!😡 I had let the service lapse so I was totally don't know when it came missing. (figure about 2 to 3 weeks) I had it inside a old cow pen next to the road about 300 yards from the front gate so I could keep track of who was coming down the dead end road to my gate.
Enter Plan B... putting additional camera and light on my friends property farther up. Its high up enough to where you cant just reach up and grab it. Of course I will paint and camo the camera attaching dead limbs to the post to disguise it. Just set it in concrete today and will be attaching the post to the base of the tree with additional posts.
You can see the new post is away from the front gate so I can mount cameras or lights facing any direction.
you can see from the picture below I put camo paint on the outside of the post. I found dead limbs and attached it to the post. You will not know there is a camera watching you until you literally pass it. I have also attached a motion sensor solar spotlight also painted camo. I have at least 2 separate cameras on the main gate.
07/26/2025
The plan is to plant a tree once a week until the end of this year...
Thats 22 left to go! I will be yanking out the Creosote bushes on the property around the house and replacing them all different kinds of desert friendly plants and trees.
08/05/2025
I managed to add a pair of Mesquite trees over the weekend. The goal is still a tree a weekend. I am getting shade that will cover my place in about 10 years 😊.
09/07/2025
Guy on a quad drove up to the front gate sat for about a minute looked around then took off
09/17/2025
I WANT FRUIT TREES
Made my initial clearing of the land. I want to have about 10 to 20 various fruit trees next to my tiny home. What I am growing? I have no freaking idea...
- Tropical Fruit Trees
- The Best Hot Climate Fruit Trees
- Apple Trees For Warm Climates
- Apricot Trees
- Cherry Trees
- Fig Trees
- Peach and Nectarine Trees
- Pear Trees
- Persimmon Trees
- Plum Trees
- Pomegranate Trees
I want things that I will eat and will store them in my root cellar. Had to take out like 5 creosote bushes...
09/20/2025
Put another tree in the ground a mesquite
09/27/2025
Had a side by side visit over the weekend. They did not hang around for very long... as like all the others they didn't see the signs along the road.
10/07/2025
Got 2 more plants for the homestead some Palo Verde shade trees
10/07/2025
Had a visitor in the early hours barking at the gate...
10/11/2025
Planted 2 Palo Verde trees planted and a couple more cactus for the garden so far I am meeting my tree a weekend 12 more trees to go!
10/10/2025
Got another load of wood for the property this is turning out to be a weekly ritual.
Relocating a couple of cactus to the cactus garden area.
Trimming and cutting back. This was crazy the tree wrapped around and was gowning out of the ground and connected from the tree
10/12/2025
Working on the second story happen to see a side by side coming up the road he stopped at the top of the hill and started backing down. They mostly come down on the weekends when the weather is nice.
10/13/2025
Caught glimpses of two dogs or coyotes roaming around the front gate. 10/13/2025
FBI anyone?? WTF 😧? I saw on the camera a large black surveillance van appear and they turned around (lucky they didn't get stuck... weird.
10/14/2025
FBI anyone?? Four dogs or hybrids on camera and they went around the tiny home. Going to put up the fence this weekend in the front!
11/1/2025
Started on the chicken coop run will be working on the coop foundation this next weekend
I relocated the cactus (by the red concrete bag in the picture) It's much happier out front by the road protecting the fence
11/9/2025
Had not one but 2 vehicles follow each other and turned right in front of my gate...they were not lost they parked about a quarter mile down the road probably looking for cactus to dig up and resell at the swap meet.
11/20/2025
Had a vehicle stop and take out there phone out and do some surveillance. How common it is for people to drive up and take pictures where you live. I know of 2 people in the vehicle. I am going to have to start a separate page at this point to catalog all the random come out 3 miles on a very bumpy dirt road.
11/20/2025
Busy weekend... Friday rained out and part of Saturday... Sunday was go time.
Got a beautiful Bells of Fire (Trumpet bush)Relocated a couple more of my cactus buddies from the property to stand guard out front ( left of the gate )
And the right side of the gate too...
11/24/2025
Getting the fence done on the south side. 25 T posts and 20 wooden posts for this side of the fence. I found out I can drive in the ground about 9 T posts in a 3 hours from the time I get off work. You can see the red arrow where I got to go to the end of the property.
11/27/2025
Got the screen wanted my water tank not in plain sight so I put up a wooden screen...
Finished up the fence posts had to build rock forms. Could not place the t posts in the ground only a couple of inches before hitting solid rock! Now just got to string the barb wire.
12/10/2025
Got Wood? Yup people would be surprised how I manage to build most my projects (free wood). 2x6x8 mostly... and scraps great for cooking outside.
01/11/2026
Happy New Year! Wow, am I one sore guy I wanted a ranch threshold for my driveway something I could be proud and make a statement. After all I have seen pictures of ranches with the tall beams and the wood stretching across the top... So I simply added a foot or three to each post to make it even. It's definitely built solid. I drilled a hole in both posts and put 6" inches of rebar in the top and receiving post. Cutting the slots for the beam to slide into (killed two sawzall blades) and then marrying a post together with a lot of screws I might add. Finally burning the wood with a torch (Thank you Brandy). I killed like three saw blades on this project courtesy of Harbor Freight.
DAMNIT!!!!
01/11/2026
I have been helping a close friend secure and get her property setup... cameras, signage she has two acres but 3/4 of the property is usable at the moment as she has multiple washes running through it. Eventually will make it so it runs into one wash and she can reclaim her property, at least 2/3 rds and make it usable. She is living the off grid life and I couldn't build my homestead without her... Thanks Brandy!
01/12/2026
I went and got a sign made for the threshold. The place where I work has a welding / fabrication shop so I just simply had them do a cutout of the words I wanted to hang. I am so excited to get this done this would of cost hundreds of dollars.
01/18/2026
Pulling out creosote bushes (and replanting them). Putting in cactus in the front gate area. I put in a Mendel Pine the first one of many
Truck 1 plants 0
you can see the creosote bushes that will help obscure the home
tiny
look at all the planted cactuses.
01/16/2026
Got myself 3 lanterns had to strip them down best I could going to get a nice coat of flat black and got them hung from my ranch threshold.
01/25/2026
Had a side by side come up and say hi on Sunday I saw them instantly as they came up. They stopped pointed and then left.
01/30/2026
Doggies out for a 2 AM for a walk... Got packs of former pets that get dropped off from Vegas 😪. These are the ones up the road and the neighbors don't care if they get out.
Got some more plants planted hit my quota for last year with a astonishing 22 planted! Now I am working on 52 more this year. You can see my tiny Christmas tree cant wait to decorate it this year!
02/3/2026
Had a strange black dog visit the property.
02/7/2026
Same truck just happen to be lost again...😣sus.
Last time was on 11/20/2025.
02/7/2026
Not one or two but 6 dogs come through... these dogs are the feral packs that roam the desert... cute puppy...
O yea I added some spikes on my saddles on my fence just in case someone decided to want to climb the fence on em... good luck...
Got a custom metal sign that is about 1/4 inch raw steel that was plasma cut to hang on my ranch threshold! 02/13/2026
Had the pleasure of informally meeting Mr. Robert Long through my camera. I asked a couple of locals who they identified him. Never met the man, apparently he goes around the desert looking for things to steal. I was told " Don't call the cops, just bury him in the desert somewhere." I didn't like how he was taking his time turning around. I continue to monitor and beef up my outer fence. You cant miss the dead end signs leading up to my property.
02/14/2026
Got 4 trees so far planted along the side driveway ripping out the creosote bushes... so far its been on tree per week this year... That is 8 trees or shrubs I have planted!
pulling out the creosote bushes along the fence and planting pine trees.
03/02/2026
Just because I have not posted does not mean I have not been working on the ranch. I am building my Microbarndo my cabin I am building and working my full time job... had a visitor come and check out the project.
03/08/2026
The homestead threshold is complete. Found a metal cow skull and mounted it with a few strands of barb wire... with my sign hanging proudly... Now got to start working on the gates that are going to go in.
That skull makes it so much better!
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