[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by kuan

See what I wanna do is buy some land up north and put a shack on it. My problem is I want to eat well also. Other problem is money of course.

Ah. The question is more clear.

I would still start thinking about fuels.

The following reflects my opinions; there are surely lots of "right" answers.

For starters, a fireplace (because they are pretty and take the chill off) or wood stove (a little less lovely, but lots better at heating). Wood warms over and over: when you cut it, when you split it, when you stack it, when you carry it inside, and when you burn it.

For cooking my first choice would be propane, followed by kerosene, followed by diesel. Propane will be more convenient if you can get it delivered to large external tanks. There are safety issues associated with propane installation and use so read up. Propane-fired refrigerators are also available, so you can solve both problems at once. There are lots of quite good cooktops and ovens available that run on propane. Kerosene, diesel, and even wood-fired stoves are available although pricey and will take some getting used to.

I'd start out with paraffin lamps for lighting until you get a handle on your actual usage of the place before sinking a lot of money into solar or wind alternative energy sources along with the expensive battery banks and invertors that make up off-the-grid power systems.

Compare prices between the self-sufficiency supply outlets (like Lehmans), RV stores, and marine vendors for the best prices and values.

When are we invited up for house-warming?

[kuan]

Originally Posted by Auspicious

When are we invited up for house-warming?

Haha! Oh man I'm just in the fact finding stage right now. I suppose I first have to find a way to build the cabin.

[Waltwill6]

If you buy near a road, there may well be conventional electric power available at reasonable cost. If not, you have to build the road too!

[durangojo]

if money wasn't a hinderance, i would go 'off grid' and definately put in solar panels..then you could have anything and everything your heart desires..i live in the colorado rockies and our house(cabin really) was built in the late 70's,so at that time there were not alot of options except juice from the power company..have friends who built a cabin 21 miles from the nearest neighbor and put in solar panels, propane refrigerator and stove and hot water 'on demand', which i would highly recommend to anyone.they cook alot on the grill and big dutch ovens over wood burning firepits(summer only)..i use to cook on private yachts for about 15 years and learned how truly self sufficient you can be i.e. from making your own water (reverse osmosis) to making electicity(generator)..check out some rv suppliers..you may be surprised just how many great new things technology has brought our way! do you have a good water source..well? i think that as long as you have good water, everything else is doable, adjusted for time and money considerations. its a good, good way to live...good luck!
joey