You know as I sit beside a creek in the bush somewhere, fishing line in waiting for a bite, open fire going, enjoying a nice coffee (or cold beer after 5pm), perhaps chatting with the caravanners who might be parked 100 metres away, and contemplating seeing the most beautiful display at sunset and then the chandelier of stars that follows, I also wonder WTF are these people doing with their lives.
I had lunch with some friends recently , who were minding their pre teen grandchildren, part from saying hello, the kids never uttered a word for the whole two hours and even had to be interrupted from whatever game or social media they were on to actually eat their hamburger.
I really do wonder where the world is headed.
It's amazing isn't it? The way different people view the world. Some love technology and all the shiny gizmos that come along with it. Some simply must have the latest iphone, newest model car, smart tv, keep up with fashion and be right into all the latest pop culture trends.
I've never really fit in with this mob. I'm way too bushy I guess. I love the outdoors, the fresh air, the quiet, the ease of life at your own pace and the overall relaxation that only being self reliant can deliver. We were raised to be independant and asking for help or handouts was something to be looked down on. These days it seems to be the norm for people.
The city Australian.... I learned how to assimilate with them growing up...but always felt somewhat different to them. To me...they always struck me as, well....soft. Kind of like suburban sheep. One jumps in the air, most times for no real reason, and the rest automatically do the same. But it's not my place to judge them I suppose. Each to his own...
As for me, I've been working on an escape plan that kind of has me taking the best of both worlds. I've got my eye on 80 acres, not too far off the beaten track out west. Permanent water source from springs and mountain country. The plan...off grid living! Well, not totally off grid. I want the things we have these days...tv, internet, refrigeration, elcetric lighting, aircon etc.
So...I'm planning to buy this block and get to work living, not working my arse off to pay bills! I'm going with a 2 level straw bale house, 15m x 9m with the top level mostly open to catch the breezes and insect proof, with an observation type deck for an overall view of the place, and somewhere to kick back and enjoy the stars and the sounds of the night time bush. Unless the footy is on of course! lol. Solar and wind power with a bio diesel generator for back up. Huge fully fenced vege and eventually fruit gardens. Soil improvement will be through extensive diy biochar placement and mulching. I've spent years coming to arrangements with local tree loppers (source of mulch), cafes (source of old cooking oil for bio diesel) and all manner of other people that can help get this off the ground.
With a bit of luck and a fair breeze...I'll be taking a slice of country and turning it into a kind of paradise. Established trees, lawns, daybeds strategically placed around a large pool modelled on the pools built by Anthony Archer Wills.
I reckon the time is almost right to make a move. My boys are ready to fly the coop with one finishing year 12 this year (looks like he's going straight into acting with the Queensland Theatre Company already offering him work based on his school performances and interviews. They want him fulltime, but he already has his eye on the Australian movie scene. The other one is heading into year 11 next year and has no real idea what he wants to do. He takes after his mum LOL! That gives me a year or two. Despite comments I make on here in the interest of what I call comedy...I'm 46 years old and in pretty good shape again, so I'm looking forward to the challenge of becoming a high tech, bush loving, footy mad bloke...living truly on my own terms.