Off Grid Challenge: Supply Run Chaos!
This off grid challenge pushed us to the limit! From wildlife encounters to super bumpy roads that dumped our stuff off our trailer, this start-of-season supply run was anything but ordinary. Navigating treacherous roads with a fully loaded trailer, we faced setbacks at every turn—yet we persevered, proving once again that resilience is key to off grid living.
Table of Contents
- Assessing the Winter Damage at the Homestead
- Why the Supply Run?
- How to Transport Trees Safely
- This is a Full Load – Again!
- A… Bear!
Assessing the Winter Damage at the Homestead
We started our day realizing that our supply run was already off to a rocky start. Our stuff had fallen off the trailer, and our new gas tanks were leaking. As we began to assess the damage from winter, we discovered that our solar racking had failed, causing our solar panels to fall to the ground. It became clear that we had used the wrong screws for the solar array structure. This day was definitely challenging for us.
Through this experience, we learned the importance of using the correct fasteners for extreme conditions. For future projects, we’ll be sure to use heavy-duty fasteners to prevent similar issues. In the meantime, I reinforced the array with metal brackets and strapping to ensure it would withstand the winds.
Why the Supply Run?
After securing the solar panels, it was time to embark on our supply run. We were excited, as this meant we would be bringing in supplies that would help transform our island into a more functional homestead. We had groceries, garden soil, and a few other essentials to haul back to our tiny cabin.
Life off the grid can be a bit unpredictable, but this off grid challenge is what we signed up for and we are looking forward to what this supply run would bring. Our little island is going to undergo some significant changes with the supplies we were about to bring in.
How to Transport Trees Safely
At the garden center, we met with some friendly staff who helped us choose the right trees for our island. They provided us with tips on how to transport them safely, ensuring they would survive the journey back. It’s always nice to encounter such helpful people in the community.
We packed the trees carefully, making sure they were secure in the trailer. The anticipation of planting them on our island was palpable, as we envisioned the growth and beauty they would bring to our homestead.
This is a Full Load – Again!
As we loaded up the trailer, we realized we had a full load once again. We had to get everything secured before heading back, which included groceries, garden supplies, and fuel. The excitement of bringing everything back to our island was mixed with the stress of ensuring nothing would fall off during the ride.
With a full trailer, we hit the road, but little did we know that our journey would be filled with unexpected turns and challenges. Our off grid challenges were about to start to piling up – and fast!
A… Bear!
While navigating the bumpy roads, we had a thrilling wildlife encounter. We spotted a bear! Seeing wildlife up close is always a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of living off the grid. However, we had to stay vigilant, as nature can be unpredictable and bears can be dangerous.
Despite the challenges of the day, including losing some supplies along the way, we managed to make it back to our island. The sight of our homestead filled us with relief and excitement for the days ahead. Even though our off grid challenges were stressful, but they did not beat us. We are ready to tackle whatever comes next.
As we settle back into our routine, we can’t help but reflect on the lessons learned during this supply run. It’s a testament to the resilience required for off grid life. If you’ve ever faced setbacks during a supply run or off grid project, we’d love to hear your stories!
To keep up with our adventures, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also check out our favorite things on our website.