FReeper advice needed (Vanity) Time to go?

[WhirlwindAttack]

I've been here a while now, put a hundred into the kitty to keep the site up so I'm posting a vanity asking for some advice. My family are all liberals I don't dare ask them their opinion. So here goes.

My bride and I both see bad things coming. We are buying 5 acres in rural south central Tennessee on contract from a friend. No house, just partially wooded land. We've been saving our money and investing in heirloom seeds, long term food supply that we eat and rotate, and camping gear.

I weld and am a jack of all trades. My wife has only ever worked as a retail bookseller. We're healthy but a little overfed.

We are considering leaving our apartment in Indiana when our lease is up in May. It's in a college town of over 100K. and very liberal. The plan is to store what we don't need immediately ( we have storage available until July of next year.). Go down south, pitch a camp and dig a privy then go forth to find work. We will be planting a garden and trying to get a small cabin weathered in before winter. I want to build a home as we earn the cash money to buy materials and do this without a mortgage.

I would rather get out while I can and keep her safe than stay here and she feels the same way.

So here's the crux of the matter, I'm 48 former USAF and don't like to take rash jumps into the unknown. I have however been in the third world, started over with nothing twice and am with the love of my life. She is 30, brilliant, sews, weaves, throws pottery, and has the ability to build her own kiln.
She's a former LDS and fell right in line with my food storage quirks not to mention she's a dead shot with everything I've put in her hands.
She thinks that pioneering will be an adventure. I know it will be hard work. Her parents have told us they admire our courage and want to know when to expect grandchildren. ( Sorry gonna have to wait Mom )

FRiends I'm worried I'm missing something. I like the benefits of civilization like hot showers and flush toilets. But being out of the cities when they do go wonky holds more appeal.

I welcome your comments.

[WhirlwindAttack]

Except for the land at $250.00 a month we're debt free. We have enough food for about six months and a little bit of cash for more staples and two vehicles paid for and in excellent repair. Ok the plan is to:

Simplify and get rid of excess stuff. (maybe make a few bucks)

Head south and set up camp. (got tents and plenty of gear)

Get water and electric running. (now at edge of lot line.)

Find work. (I really don't think this will be a problem, we work hard and have skills)

Plant a garden

Build a small cabin. (with money we don't have yet before snow falls)

Build a house for ourselves, do metalwork, pottery and weaving for sale and trade with work on the side.

I think it can work but I might be missing something. I could use some advice. Thanks.

[WhirlwindAttack]

Any opinions?

[fieldmarshaldj]

Our summers down here in TN have been brutal lately... and the mosquitoes... D’oh !

[WhirlwindAttack]

So we better get some deet for the mosquitoes then.

[mysterio]

If you're doing it because it's your dream (which I would understand, I am in Indiana also and would love to move out to the country), go for it. If you're doing it because you think society is going to collapse into chaos and you want to get off the grid, I think it's unlikely. Possible, but unlikely. And if everything collapses, do you really think you can get far enough out that two people can defend a cabin fortress? Not unless you're considering Alaska as the destination.

If you want to move and have the means, now is the time. but do it because you'd enjoy the simple country life, not because you think we're heading towards Mad Max. Remove the Mad Max scenario, and make your decision.

[SolidWood]

My humble thought on this... I would get the money and material for building a proper house first. You don't want to live in a tent/camp for more than a few weeks.

Before moving out of your current home, I'd think you ought to have a proper roof over your head ready at your new destination.

[Red_Devil 232]

Garden - needs advice ping

[stockpirate]

Buy firearms and ammo.

[posterchild]

You can often find cheap used building supplies at Habitat for Humanity Restore locations.
http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore_detail.aspx?place=83

[RegulatorCountry]

Sounds like you’re both OK with it, and actually might enjoy it, so no problems there.

Setting yourself up for WTSHTF but being dependent upon electricity is a weak spot.

You may want to investigate what the jurisdiction over this property might have to say about your plans and living arrangements, too. Digging a privvy isn’t going to fly in many places.

Other than that, it might be a good idea to have employment there before you make the leap.

[lookout88]

You are smart. I think you have a little time to build a house there before you move, though. Maybe a year. Don’t stress yourself out getting everything ready at once.

[WhirlwindAttack]

I do feel inspired by events, but not driven by them. Our dream is to be somewhere we can do things with our skills and simplify. And make a safe place to raise kids.

If it comes to Mad Max we're all stuffed. I'm looking at it like a phase that has to pass. Or until the big guy upstairs relieves me and has me quit my post.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

Initial thoughts:

I think your ability to work and earn in your remote location could well be hampered by a lack of living quarters. I think you should be considering trailer or mfd home, lots of which are available used, cheap, etc;

I would investigate what it will REALLY cost to get power & sewer or septic to your homesite [eg; center of your lot] Power: Can be an astronomical number. Just investigate.

I would not shun taking on medium grade debt the way you seem to be talking about it. OTOH, you seem to be talking about moving to an area where there might be none, zero work.

I can understand your distaste for where you are now. I am not sure jumping into the reality you are contemplating will make life better for you and yours. Nobody’s forcing you to interact with hordes of liberals. In your rural paradise, starting with nothing, you’ll be forced to deal with all the things you’ll be forced to deal with.

[Gatún(CraigIsaMangoTreeLawyer)]

You are jumping the gun.

Why live in such third world conditions in the U.S. when you can move to a third world country and live in much better conditions compared to how you plan to live in the U.S.?

[stockpirate]

Did anyone mention to buy firearms?

[spetznaz]

I don’t have any advice, just to wish you and your lovely lady the very best of the Lord’s blessings. Take care and stay blessed.

[md2576]

Look into a windmill. They are expensive but you will no longer have to be on the grid and have to pay or depend on others for electricity.

[LucyT]

Any opinions?

FReeper advice needed.

[WhirlwindAttack]

got it covered.

[Capn Nickerson]

Better to stay where you are, arm yourselves, and WTSHTF take what you need from all those liberal college types, who’ll be running around waving their little spaghetti arms begging you for protection.