Queen of the Sun

QuickTrip

  We just got back from an all-too-quick-trip out to Republic last weekend. Tom had work in Spokane, being that close we figured might as well take the opportunity to go check out the trailer site situation in advance. Looks all in order.   ;)

  This was the earliest in spring we'd been out there. Not too much in bloom or budding out yet, but pretty much all the snow is gone, except for spots of deep shade and of course the mountain tops. It was also the first time to drive up through Colville and Kettle Falls, and through Sherman Pass... the highest in the state. What a beautiful drive! We so look forward to exploring the region!

  We enjoyed a brief visit with a couple neighbors. And the dogs sure loved exploring while we checked things out! Eoin dug a huge hole in pursuit of some underground critter! I was thrilled to discover a pine tree oozing fragrant pitch (resin)!!! I collected some to make a healing salve. The bounty of Nature for a family herbalist is a treasure indeed!

  Next week is the trailer deep cleaning and then I begin packing it. Time is flying by!

Simple Solar Homesteading

  
  The following is a press release from a guy who is inspiring people everywhere to live more simple and sustainable lives they build with their own hands. A version of his tiny cabin is what we plan to build ourselves! For anyone interested, his book is chock-a-block full of incredible ideas easily implemented. We highly recommend it!

  "LaMar Alexander is a long time homesteader and author that lives off-grid in the 14x14 solar cabin he built for under $2000. His cabin power comes from a small 570 watt solar and wind system that runs his lights, water pump, TV, laptop, and other gadgets. The cabin includes a rain water and gray water harvesting system and he hand drilled his own water well. He uses a solar composting toilet of his own design for handling waste. Propane is used for a small 20,000 BTU heater, fridge, and on-demand water heater.

  LaMar also uses many passive solar features in his cabin including solar air heaters, a solar water heater, solarium porch, and passive cooling. With no house payments and no monthly utility bills LaMar has been able to leave the 9-5 rat race and now runs a small part time business and spends most of his time pursuing his hobbies of fishing, gardening, and writing books.

  If you are interested in a simple solar homesteading life LaMar has a new book titled "Off the Grid" that is 355 pages full of his designs and detailed step-by-step plans for building a solar cabin, solar composting toilet, solar air and water heaters, and teaches you how to hand drill a water well and make your life and homestead sustainable.

  Visit his website for more information: http://www.simplesolarhomesteading.com."

LaMar's simple solar cabin

Simple Solar Homesteading Lamar Alexander is a long time Homesteader and author that lives off-grid in the 14x14 solar cabin he built for under $2000. His cabin power comes from a small 570 watt solar and wind system which runs his lights, water pump, TV, laptop, and other gadgets. The cabin includes a rain water and gray water harvesting system and he hand drilled his own water well. He uses a solar composting toilet of his own design for handling waste. Propane is used for a small 20,000 BTU heater, fridge and on-demand water heater.

LaMar also uses many passive solar features in his cabin including solar air heaters, a solar water heater, solarium porch, and passive cooling.  With no house payments and no monthly utility bills LaMar h