Thinking of moving to Sullivan County

[sithlord72]

Just remember there will be a casino going up off exit 107 on Route 17. We know how this is gonna play out so perhaps look in Dutchess

[Jay El Cee]

Originally Posted by Joe461

Sounds like a much better idea.




Of course it is possible. People lived without modern conveniences for thousands of years.

It is not practical as 99% of people (myself and likely you included) do not have the skill set to survive like that. There's a big difference between a vacation of a week or two and a permanent move.

If you don't need to work... If you don't care what you eat (squirrel/woodchuck)... If you don't mind not bathing for more than half the year... then it is possible.

Aside from the "creature comforts" associated with the above, there are also health risks. Can you tell a poisonous plant from an edible one? Do you know how to prepare wild game so that you don't get sick? Do you know how to prepare/maintain a permanent campsite to avoid health problems? Do you have first aid skills to avoid a minor problem becoming a major one?

There's plenty more to it. We simply take so much for granted and have lost the skills to survive in the wild. People get regularly get injured and even killed because they underestimate the power of nature.

What gives you the idea that all you can eat is squirrels and woodchucks? I look forward to eating deer, rabbit, turkey, duck, fish and the occasional squirrel here and there (I'm actually looking forward to eating a red squirrel. I also look forward to trading goods and services for a medium of exchange (money) or directly for other goods and services (barter). Why would it only be possible to bathe for half the year? All I need is a bucket of water, soap and a sponge or washcloth. I can also bathe in public restrooms or the home of a friend or blood relative. I don't intend to do much foraging for wild edibles in the beginning. I'll take baby steps with that and learn from the well seasoned. I'll learn how to prepare wild game to avoid illness before I leave. I have enough first aid skills to prevent most minor problems from becoming major problems. I'm well aware that there are risks and that life without the comforts of modern civilization can be tough, but I trust that I'll be fine with the right amount of knowledge, preparation and steadfastness.

[dad_the_inhaler]

Not much to add to what's already been said. We bought land in Sullivan County just inside the Catskills Park blue line and built a small log home on it. It's on NYC watershed so we had to follow local zoning laws and DEP laws (have to build a certain distance from the road, from streams, etc.). Between the two sets of rules we were pretty limited in terms of where we could build on our 4 acres. Believe me, people notice when something new goes up and the folks in charge of these things will let you know if you're running afoul of the rules. If your travel trailer starts looking permanent they might take issue with that, for instance. Keep in mind if you build a dwelling you will have to pay property tax so you have to budget for that. Also a year-round place will need a basement foundation AFAIK. And like somebody else said, there are wide areas with no cell service, no cable, no nuthin' except satellite ($$$) and land-line dial-up. The library has broadband if we need it.

[Joe461]

Originally Posted by Jay El Cee

What gives you the idea that all you can eat is squirrels and woodchucks?

There are the only edibles that have an open season all year long in NYS.

I look forward to eating deer, rabbit, turkey, duck, fish and the occasional squirrel here and there (I'm actually looking forward to eating a red squirrel.

The legal hunting seasons are very limited. Your ability to hunt these species will also be severely limited based on the amount of land you plan to purchase.

You will also gear and SKILLS to prepare these so they do not spoil when kept for the rest of the year.

I also look forward to trading goods and services for a medium of exchange (money) or directly for other goods and services (barter).

Possible, however...

1. Ability to do that is limited
2. You need to produce marketable goods and services of your own. With a small parcel of land and your current "country life" skill set, your options are markedly limited.
3. Sounds good, but most people - even in rural NYS - still want cash.
4. Most people who barter for services are known quantities. Unless you have a very specific and unique skill set, people may be hesitant to deal with the "hermit who lives in the woods." YMMV.

Why would it only be possible to bathe for half the year? All I need is a bucket of water, soap and a sponge or washcloth. I can also bathe in public restrooms or the home of a friend or blood relative.

You plan to live in a tent (or non-insulated toolshed). It is ill-advised to take a shower when the outside temp is zero degrees. A full bath has it's own issues, and wastes a good deal of firewood (which will be in short supply on a smaller piece of land).

Public restrooms? Not many of those in the country. Businesses generally frown upon strangers using their restrooms as a shower/bath facility.

Friends/relatives... of course. You didn't mention you had friends and relatives in the area. They would be a great source for finding the land you want.

I don't intend to do much foraging for wild edibles in the beginning.

Then what will you eat? If you make the move outside the fall hunting season, your diet will be limited to small rodents such as woodchuck. Even after season begins, you are assuming you will have a successful hunt. Do you even have a hunting license? A 100% wild meat diet is not very healthy - you need to supplement with grains/vegs/fruits. Have you already taken the necessary DEC Hunter Safety Course? You can't get a license without it. What do you plan to hunt with? Have you taken the time to become proficient with that tool? Have you ever hunted - it is NOT as easy as pointing a gun and pulling a trigger.

I'll take baby steps with that and learn from the well seasoned.

Learn from whom? Very few people go full-out Jeremiah Johnson. By definition, they aren't blogging. Not to mention that you will have no or limited access the net to Google such information. If you have a mentor, great. Bringing a book won't cut it... except to help you start a fire when you are freezing to death.

I'll learn how to prepare wild game to avoid illness before I leave. I have enough first aid skills to prevent most minor problems from becoming major problems. I'm well aware that there are risks and that life without the comforts of modern civilization can be tough, but I trust that I'll be fine with the right amount of knowledge, preparation and steadfastness.

I wish you the best. I'm not trying to be argumentative - only pointing out the other side. Reading about things and watching videos is no substitute for real world experience. I highly recommend you connect with people who do this and/or teach this kind of lifestyle. They can teach you what you need to know and give you a chance to try it out. From your comments here, I have a strong suspicion the reality is not going to be what you think it is.

...unless you are just messing with me. In that case, well done.

[VA Yankee]

Originally Posted by Joe461

Learn from whom? Very few people go full-out Jeremiah Johnson. By definition, they aren't blogging. Not to mention that you will have no or limited access the net to Google such information. If you have a mentor, great. Bringing a book won't cut it... except to help you start a fire when you are freezing to death.

Perhaps he has read this excellent reference book