vovin I've also been considering buying some land....Just so you know mountain land is very cheap if you look hard! The news station up in the mountains I live at have a huggee amount of land they rent from the gov. for 1$ a month(no joke) and these mountain areas are reaaalllly nice. Tannenberg you have to have a permit to build anything and it has to be up to code. But the mountain area I live in is known to be extremely chill about what they let pass. Infact the city I live in was the first to allow Hempcrete houses

edit: read mind's post below and just thought I'd add that I'd love to help install the plumbing!

u do it, im in. im an electrician and will give all the help i can to this idea of being able to live in a community of people like you folks lol

Great idea vovin there are many places here in NM but the only problem with many of them is that they are very expensive and cater mostly to many of the wealthier out of state population with the exception of the wealthy northern folk especially around the Santa Fe area....in the future I would also love to setup something like this down here in the south of the state where the culture is rich, money is scarce, and most importantly located in a part of the world where much healing is needed...just a hop from the city of Juarez.
BTW you can't get your building permit without first getting your wastwater permit for the septic system...suggest a reconstructed wetland as it would be a beautiful way to re-use wastewater in an aesthetically pleasing manner, evaporation rate would be prime in the Appalachians.

Yes, do it! The Appalachians are full of visionary-minded people, many of whom are Scots-Irish/Cherokee/other blends; I lived there for a while myself. I'm sure you'll meet many many people there who support you, in perhaps unexpected ways. Lots of "back-to-the-landers" bought up land when it was cheap in the 1970's, and have lived out their days living out their dreams. These people will help you as well.

Glad to hear things are working out for you vovin!

you have a great vision for the elven camp.
I think it would be perfect.

Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.

I'm down! Would love to live self-sustained, off grid - grow crops, wood heat, etc.

Sign me up for a log cabin V.

This is exactly the kind of idea I dream about. I am still in school, but as soon as I am out I would love to just buy some land and leave the city. I too live in the Appalachian mountain region, the southern end to be more exact. If I am anywhere near your neck of the woods, I would love to offer my help with your vision. I think it is important to chase your dreams no matter how impossible it seems. This project actually has potential. A safe haven away from city life in some of the most beautiful land I think this country has to offer is such a nice thing to think about.

I grew up in small Towns, and I used to hate it. The older I get though; the more grateful I am of that fact and the more backwoods I want to become. I also do not dream of mansions, just a small sustainable house here in the mountains with land to spend my free time roaming in the woods, laying in my hammock, and spending time with my friends and family. Luckily I have found people at my university in my classes with the same dreams. We talk of the day when we will be able to just be in nature, rockclimbing, kayaking, hiking, trailrunning, just being outdoors in general. Our happiness lies away from the superficial and materialistic society of the city in the very grasp of Mother Nature's embrace.

I saw these solar panels that are in development that function as roadway. I will try to find them and post a link when I get home. They would be a great idea to use for the road up to the encampment. Of course trails to hike in addition to natural campsites and your cabins would be awesome. I like your ideas for the flotation tanks and sweat lodges also. Growing what you can, which around the region I live is quite a selection, should provide a large portion food once established. You can't forget the muscadine grapes... Mmmmmmmmm! Depending on your views of hunting, you could build a smokehouse for smoking your own venison jerky which is delicious. I'd like to hear more ideas you have, and details on how such things could be accomplished. I don't really know much about the legislature of these things, but will do some reading as your vision is shared regardless of it following through. It be good for me to learn it anyway.

I haven't really said anything that helpful, but I want you to know I feel this is a fantastic idea. Again, I'll offer my services to you whenever I can provided you want it. Especially during the summer months when school is out of session. I'd be perfectly happy sleeping in my hammock under the stars after a hard days work. I'll probably be sleeping under the stars the majority of my summer anyway. Haha

I think it's a wonderful idea. It's mine and my best friend's dream to have enough money saved up in a few years to be able to buy a hundred acres in Colorado and live completely green, incorporating modern green technologies to create a truly modern, sustainable commune that could actually present a path for the future. One that confronted and overcame the problems of the 60's commune and really developed into a microcosm society that could set an example for the rest of the world. I feel that everyone is waiting for someone to do something, and I also feel that if people began to see a sustainable way of living outside of society they would jump on the bandwagon. I've got the knowledge and the tools, I'm just waiting for something to happen and I think there are many others like me. If you don't try it, well hopefully I'll be able to.

Shanti

Here in rural America you may find the building permit situation to be much looser than in Europe, where the population is far more aware of the reality of finite resources. Here in the Shawnee forest in Illinois, you don't even need septic, although no bank will loan money for a property without it. When we bought our place we had to install septic before we even owned it, just to make the loan possible. But in terms of legal structures you'd be surprised. It would be a good thing to look into in advance, though.

Also: be prepared for a lot of very hard work, much of it of the shovel-and-wheelbarrow variety. This kind of work can be cleansing but you will definitely have at least one moment of, "holy crap, what have I gotten myself into?"

That said, we've been doing the bohemian artists in the woods thing since '96, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Sounds like a great idea, and close enough for me to visit.

This is an insanely awesome plan. Vovin, if you dedicate yourself to doing this, I get the vibe that you'd be able to bring it to fruition (with the hands-on help of some nexus members). Please, keep the community up to date on your plans. I think a great portion of us would absolutely love to help you. Being a part of building something with this potential is one of my greatest dreams. I wish you the best of luck, and also, kudos on the job!

Actually, random thought. Have you given idea to an actual library or some composed works building to give rise to the study of our lore? Do you forsee a push in the direction of an actual enthogenic University if it grows large enough?

Keep up the hope, its definitely an attainable dream! Or at least I hope because being able to live within a community built around sustainability, a small eco footprint, positive virtues, culture, art and the attainment of health and knowledge is an absolute dream for me. I don't know if I, however, would feel secure doing it on american soil. Actually aside from my self living in said dream community... I just wish for just communities to arise, without the need and stress for territory and resources.

Vovin, I know you are a long time member of this forum, and the same cannot be said for me, but blessed be the outcomes of your path.

I've been considering this as well. Hmmmmmmm. . . what if . . . ?

Having 'back to the land' thoughts is great, and it is encouraging to know that many people have gone before us. I have been reading about it for quite some time, and have read some memoirs of those that have attempted similar projects in the 21st century. Here are a few general ideas I've picked up from my studies (these are general principles, perhaps there are exceptions):

- Idealism is great, but abandoning the comforts and conveniences of machines is a big job and it is much more than a 'digital native' can handle alone. Many groups failed to grasp the necessity of community and commitment in this endeavor.
- Many lacked the experience that would have enabled them to assess the land they were buying, for its soil type, temperature, water sources, etc. Many that hoped to grow food found the land harsh and unforgiving and were forced to give up.
- Technology is neither good or evil, but it is certainly not 'neutral'! For more on this read Martin Heidegger's "Question Concerning Technology" or "Modern Science, Metaphysics and Mathematics" [url=http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/PhilTexts/Heidegger/ModernScienceMetaphysics.pdf]

Here are a few suggestions for those living in the concrete jungle (or anywhere) to prepare for a transition:

- Get a small garden trowel, some yogurt containers, and familiarize yourself with soil types. Some are light. Some are fluffy. Some retain their shape when you squeeze them. Some retain moisture well. Some don't retain moisture well. Some are like plasticine! Some are sandy. Some have lots of worms. It takes time, but just enjoy the process. Buy some tomato seeds (from a heritage seed company preferably, but the main this is to just start!), kale, swiss chard, beans and just watch them grow. If this is a new field to you, you might be extremely surprised at the variety within the plant world! This can help you know what to look for when assessing land.
- READ! Here are some interesting memoirs I've read. You can find many more like these on Amazon, as well as instruction manuals:
- The Moneyless Man: http://www.amazon.com/Th...id=1333335201&sr=8-1
- Better Off: Flipping the Switch On Technology: http://www.amazon.com/Be...id=1333335247&sr=1-1
- Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100-mile diet (released as '100-Mile Diet - A Year Of Eating Locally' in Canada): http://www.amazon.com/Pl...id=1333335281&sr=1-3
- While not a memoir, Kevin Kelly's "What Technology Wants" has some interesting thoughts on 'technology' ( http://www.amazon.com/Wh...id=1333336216&sr=1-1 ). It is written for the non-specialist, thinking layman (or woman!). He knew Stewart Brand and all kings of interesting people. He is one of these Silicon Valley types that was involved in the 1970's back to the land movement but then returned, founded "Wired" magazine and has basically has spent his life doing really interesting things. He views technology as essentially an out-of-control phenomena that has taken on a life of its own, which he calls the 'technium' (akin to the noosphere...). A rapidly increasing number of humans are dependent on the 'technium' for life, and humans have very little control over the direction things go, and can direct the growth or shape of the technium in minimal ways. Interesting thoughts...definitely worth the read.

- Learn to cook. Learn some basic carpentry skills. In general, attempt to broaden your low-tech skill set. This kind of thing doesn't happen overnight, and many have failed. Try to learn from the past! Approaching the task as an opportunity to learn and help build the kind of future one would like to inhabit has the capacity to sustain one's interest much more than an angry rejection of a materialistic culture.
- Learn some seed saving basics.

This advice is as much for myself as for everyone else pursuing this path.

Well There are more than a few of us thinking this. How far apart we are I do not know. My plan is on saving for a year, which will be the hard part and then when I have the money finding others who are willing to put forth the effort into this and making it happen.

For now comes the hard part working, saving, and planning. I cant get too ahead of myself and become impatient. But it is really nice to have a direction to focus on now.

Great idea, brother. Looking forward to following your progress with this.

In interest of consolidating our thoughts and discussion on this very inspiring subject I would ask all to forward their comments to this thread:

https://www.dmt-nexus.me...aspx?g=posts&t=24582

I honestly think this is where the future is headed. The world isn't going to be able to support the decaying American Dream of the placid 50s where every four person family owns a four to five bedroom house with a three car garage. Sadly that dream is still being sold to those gullible enough to buy it. Something commonthen that many people are missing now is a sense of community and responsibility to those around them. Certainly there are many challenges in setting something like this up; mainly bureaucratic and clerical obstacles, as well as the prejudices of those who equate 'commune' with 'communism' or hippies. Though, I think artist communes are fairly common, so why not create a commune for artistic, scientific, or more importantly simply humanistic; a place where people can pursue their interests together, and build off each other. BUT, be prepared adversity, especially when it comes to the IRS and the FEDS.

I do wanna add, that a live community of Nexians sounds like an amazingly productive environment. We have some real ingenuity on this forum, and even just discussing the logistics of something like this is a great opportunity to learn further cultivate from the ideas generated.

Thus the sole question arises, are there enough amongst us willing to take the risk, make the sacrifice, dedicate the limited gift of our existence to ensure such measures. After all, it only takes a few willing to take that first leap, to take that step without knowing, to sacrifice all not for great success but merely for the chance. It is easy to dream, it is hard to do.