Off-Grid Living: The Ultimate Freedom or a Total Nightmare?

[@GipperGGipper]

Norm, our driveway is almost a mile long. We've lived here for over 30 years. I plowed for 28 of them. I've experienced exactly what you are now. I kept widening and widening until I finally got it wide enough to make it through the winter. My next issue was tearing up my driveway and my yard. I consistently got better but in the spring I always had to repair. Two years ago, I purchased a self contained snowblower that attaches to the front of my UTV. I've been using it ever since. I love it!!! It throws the snow deep into my woods and gone forever. The driveway and my yard have never looked better in the spring! Getting one for the front of your Yandmar may be worth looking into. Good luck and being of the same age, the wife and I look forward to your videos ❤

[@MountainBeaches]

Great input. I’ve actually already started investigating snow blowers for the tractor or possible future UTV. Thanks.

[@jim-kalliedunn-md4bz]

Love your place keep up the good work. It’s great to have friends that I help you in the need.😊

[@MountainBeaches]

Thanks so much

[@Lala-up3ib]

Snow stakes to mark your driveway is a must going forward. Glad youre safe and sound

[@MountainBeaches]

Agreed

[@ClintNelson1]

I see people asking about your tractor chains, if you haven't used them yet take them back for a refund! You have a 4 wheel drive tractor and should never need them. I have a large Kubota we use for snow in the winter and the farm in the summer (will pull a 3 bottom plow) and have never needed chains.

[@MountainBeaches]

Thanks, but it’s too late 😀

[@dhgifts]

That one door panel should be adjustable on the Hinges that bolt to the panels. Perhaps make a wider bracket with the Holes moved a bit.

[@harrygoodman6724]

The chains are for ice, not snow. Keep them the whole season until you really know if you need them or not. Thanks for sharing about the DEF.

[@littlerascal6112]

Good friends are one of the great treasures in life…

[@deecee9051]

Now you have to teach Kim how to operate the tractor so you can clear the driveway and she clear in front of the barndomium at the same time. 😀😀😀

[@MountainBeaches]

😉

[@anthonybolin932]

All that snow is beautiful but I'd rather be on the beaches side of mountain beaches in that kind of weather. Lol

[@arnoldandjosieespinoza4405]

Just have to say it. You guys are an adorable couple, so in love and enjoying life. Jazz was having a ball. Your place is beautiful. Can’t wait till snow subsides. Till next posting you guys be safe 🤙🏽

[@MountainBeaches]

Thank you so much!!

[@garrygrant2827]

Hi norm an kim . That was real nice of marty an julie letting you stay at there place and helping you do some snow clearing although the next day there was a big dump of snow so almost back to square one. Where i stay in Highlands of Scotland we get some big snow but my area we get the snow with very high winds as a result i found out the fist winter my plow on my tractor couldn't cope as the winds are so ferocious it blows of the hill side into huge drifts sometimes i have had 5 to 7 foof drifts . A few years ago we had 18 foot drifts and the snow gets so compressed its solid . I got a hydraulic snow blower attached to the tractor it takes time to clear big high drifts and it has 2 speed blower multi swivel . The best thing about the snow blower is you can pile the snow any where and it doesn't damage my road my drive from main road is about 1..5 miles and i put marker sticks on both sides to stop me getting of the road its been very useful in deep drifts as we usually get high winds in major snow falls just rarely we get straight falls

[@MountainBeaches]

Yes I agree about the snow blower. We’ll see what the future holds.

[@katherineb.3140]

🥶🥶 That was very kind of the Johnsons to help you out. Thank you Johnsons 😀. Loved hearing the sound of bird(s) in background along with the wind against that gorgeous snowy scenery 🥰 Norm, Passing on your DEF tip to a friend who just bought a new Ram 3500. Even though we’re in Texas we can get an occasional severe drop in temps. So it’s nice to be prepared! Thanks for the heads up! You both take care and God bless!

[@MountainBeaches]

I believe some of the new trucks have def tank heaters now. Not mine.

[@estellaknox9285]

Glad you y'all made it home thinks to the Johnsons.

[@dianetaylor7198]

Love your videos. And yes this is a huge undertaking for anyone. Many people just don't understand about being in a "remote" area. There are so many pluses and of course a few minuses. There is no place like home. Good luck.

[@CenterX6.5]

We just found you guys and have watched Marty and Julie for some time. What a great couple. We were wondering how you all came to know the Johnsons.

[@MountainBeaches]

We met several years ago in a class on how to be better at KZbin.

[@MountainBeaches]

They are awesome. We met in a class on being better at KZbin.

[@CenterX6.5]

Thanks! We're starting to watch your KZbin old and new videos. Keep them coming.

[@ruthmichigander]

What awesome friends Marty and Julie are.❤️❤️ Need a remote start for that tractor🤣🤣 Jazzy is like a rabbit running and hopping in that snow🤣🤣

[@MountainBeaches]

The best!

[@gymper3639]

Just a heads up, Drain the water from the ford tractor for the winter.

[@MountainBeaches]

It has antifreeze not water.

[@robertfakler8564]

You might want to consider getting a snow blower for the tractor. It clears the snow and blows it 15 - 20 feet off to the side, and so it doesn't build up piles along the edge. It might be a little slower than a plow, but at least you don't have to go over it twice.

[@MountainBeaches]

We're looking into it but it's a lot of money.

[@janeforever]

I really feel sorry for y'all. After a 6 year stint living thru & surviving ND winters with multiple feet of snow & temps of -40°F (+ add a wind chill factor to make it worse) and waiting for the snow plow to come so we could drive down the street (after snow shoveling & snow blowing the driveway) I can't imagine having to deal with your kind of remote living & not being prepared for this kind of weather, which is even worse than simply being out in the country & prepared for winter's elements. I'm glad we were IN town with our kids & our kitty (who just couldn't brave the winters as well as Jazz seems to be doing). I hope you're staying warm, staying safe from bullet heater exhaust, & getting prepared for what's coming when the thaw starts. People who've never encountered the types of challenges you're facing now & in the future with both the weather & an owner build scenario cannot imagine what you're going through. Having been there, I'd never do an owner build again unless I lived some place warm in the winter - no mountains just beaches.

[@MountainBeaches]

No need to feel sorry for us. We are loving our experience. We’re no stranger to snow and cold either.

[@RetiredLovingIt]

It may be super cold….but it’s beautiful

[@MountainBeaches]

It is!

[@annamaybeekman]

JAZZ IS GETTING HER EXCERCISE.. I SPEAK TO MY DAUGHTER IN SAGLE EVERY DAY I CANT WAIT TO FINALLY GET UP THERE

[@littlegriffoffgridalberta6837]

Awesome video ! A lot of snow to move good job & it was so nice you had helpers :) Wish we would get a nice 6" dump, we are so much below normal snow fall I think we are in for another big fire season !

[@MountainBeaches]

Thanks 👍

[@ibethlopez1011]

Hello from Honduras 🇭🇳

[@MountainBeaches]

Wow, awesome! Welcome to Mountain Beaches!

[@leannalovesmountains4949]

Hi guys! So glad to see a video come out, I've caught up on all of them and now I look forward to your new ones. Love that you and the Johnsons help each other out. What a blessing to have each other. Stay safe and God bless you all!

[@timf6916]

WOW, Way Beautiful.

[@MountainBeaches]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robertdoyen5434]

Great job on the video this week. To bad you don’t have wires running from your solar panels so you can charge my batteries in your camper. With your four-wheel-drive tractor, you should not need chains. I had a two wheeled tractor in Wisconsin, and still didn’t use chains. In joy your videos and your adventures. Thanks From Wisconsin

[@tranquilitybase6417]

I made it through the cold-snap up at my cabin. Worried more about water freezing. Driveway kept clear by neighbor who has a tractor.

[@tracymeskel2839]

You guys should come down to the desert. It’s 80’ and hardly Any wind.

[@MountainBeaches]

You just never know where we might pop up 😃

[@bobart1790]

Norm, check out GP outdoors, if you plan to live year round, I recommend tire chains and a front mounted snow blower for your tractor.

[@MountainBeaches]

Thanks

[@pdsrvadventures4569]

We were turned on to your channel by some new friends we met in Quartzsite. I heard you say you are still investigating a vapor barrier on the interior, over the rockwool. Take a look at the SIGA Majrex system. We are starting construction on a very similar building this summer also in Bonner County. I have been investigating this subject for several weeks and think I will use the SIGA Majrex system and drywall inside my entire barndo. I am trying to minimize condensation in the wall and the resulting long term problems.

[@MountainBeaches]

Welcome! Great suggestion on the SIGA Majrex! We have 5 rolls of it waiting for us back at the property. We’re in Q right now at the Grand Design rally.

[@pdsrvadventures4569]

If you are remaining Q for another day or so, would love to stop by and say 'Hi!'. :-) We aren't headed home for another 3 weeks. @@MountainBeaches

[@juliejohnson9531]

Jazz is so cute in the snow!

[@MountainBeaches]

So cute and thanks again for all you guys did to help us. We had a great time with you.

[@fitfifties]

I don't understand, ok so your batteries are dead, what about that nice new big generator you bought? You set it just outside the door, hook it up to your trailer and fire it up. What am I missing? I have camped, my trailer has lost power, and I have hooked it up to our generator.

[@MountainBeaches]

Yes that would provide power while the generator is running but once we turn if off we're out of power again. Once the batteries warmed up, we were able to charge them.

[@kenvangoe9358]

We all know sometimes adversity plays a part in life too. When it comes to problems that you normally don’t experience on a daily basis. Moving to a hot and sunny place raise’s just as many problems as cold and snowy ones. Once you both start living at eagle ridge year round you will definitely be prepared for what mother nature throws at you two. The DEF has been a problematic part of diesel fuel engines since its inception ask any truck driver . Really nice to have friends who can help out in a pinch. The mountain backdrop and the snowy surroundings are picture perfect Norm maybe even postcards come next holiday season that would sure be up Kim’s alley. Glad things are going back together and thawing out so to speak be careful and stay safe my friends God love ❤ya both

[@MountainBeaches]

Thanks for the support

[@bobmakow55]

What happened to the chains you were picking up for the tractor? Didn't look like you had them on the tractor.

[@MountainBeaches]

Stay tuned for next weeks video about the chains 🤦🏻‍♂️ lol

[@loucinci3922]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing

[@NelsonsRetreat]

Should have been able to drive your truck through that little bit of snow, we live in northern minnesota and have that daily lol

[@MountainBeaches]

Maybe but I didn’t want to get it stuck and clog things up. We have a pretty steep incline on our driveway too.

[@jimjessup3979]

I was stationed in Idaho for several years. Sure miss Idaho -- summers....

[@adventures_with_brokemom]

Hi there I just pulled through topock Arizona and saw you parked I noticed your KZbin on the back of your fifth wheel and thought I would look your channel up

[@MountainBeaches]

Awesome. Thanks for reaching out and saying hi! We’re waving back at ya 👋🏼. Where are you headed?

[@bobmakow55]

Marty and Julie rock.

[@patricecape]

What kind of dog is Jazz? She is very entertaining !

[@MountainBeaches]

She’s a Cavapoo 😃

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

Sounds like you are learning some hard learned lessons about where you live !!! Like should an older couple have moved in there to start with, and stay there and keep up with the work, it is a hard life and i think like others have suggested and other off gridders have found out the hard way a snow blower is REQUIRED to handle a lot of snow. Get a good sized one for the tractor, blades are limited in clearing, your plowed area keeps shrinking and it is almost impossible to move a large berm. Also usually driveways are too narrow in large snow fall areas, you run out of places to push snow, a blower will blow it further..lessons learned the hard way. Also leave the damn key in the tractor, or get a couple extra made and carry on a master key ring with a key for everything, and hide a key in the tractor, in a tool box and you will not be without a key !!!

[@MountainBeaches]

We’re learning things for sure but so far nothing beyond what we are capable of handling.

[@mswalwell7398]

Another great video! Thank you. Just curious, does the tractor have a PTO to which that you can attach a snowblower? I have to think that would be easier to clear all that snow than using a blade.

[@MountainBeaches]

Yea it has a rear PTO. Snowblower attached to the rear isn’t a good option for me.

[@joesmucker8012]

Must have put on the invisible chains on the tractor..... You need snow blower for your tractor,

[@MountainBeaches]

More on the chains in the next video 😂

[@thomaslong1952]

The sound of that bird and that sound alone sounds so sweet. Do you know what kind of bird?

[@MountainBeaches]

One I think was a crow. Not sure of the other.

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Your property is so beautiful 😍

[@maynardholmes8870]

I’m just curious are used to run Idaho for 15 years as a trucker delivering to restaurants how in the world do you get all of the building materials up there? Is it all done by hot shot drivers or can you bring big rigs up there?

[@MountainBeaches]

All delivered on smaller trucks. When we get deliveries by large semi type trucks, we meet them at the bottom of our mountain and transfer the items to our flatbed trailer. We’ve only had to do that a few times though.

[@KuzweKanfarms]

Good morning you guys!!!

[@MountainBeaches]

Hey hey Heather!

[@dalemarshall9736]

Amazing the mini ex started after sitting outside in that cold!

[@MountainBeaches]

I know!!

[@sharonaqualais7565]

that's a lot of snow . How high up in the mountains are you?

[@MountainBeaches]

Really not that high, only about 2,600 ft

[@randyshay7280]

Hey Norm, We’re you able to get the tractor chains on?

[@MountainBeaches]

Wait until our next video for that.

[@RobSharp-wo5qj]

I bet you are going to make sure you have spare keys for tractor and any other things that need keys. Another thing you might do is to mark the edges of the driveway.

[@MountainBeaches]

Yes exactly.

[@johnnyallan3640]

Where can I buy the dog bed for truck? Great video!

[@MountainBeaches]

We got it on Amazon. Jazz LOVES it and it keeps her safe. Here's a link amzn.to/49zgt64

[@CanadianCivilDefenceMuseum]

So beautiful

[@MountainBeaches]

Thank you so much

[@SmokeyBear2001]

Beautiful property. Appreciate the DEF experience...if frozen was there any concern about having engine problems similar to normal conditions and running low on DEF? Thanks for video

[@MountainBeaches]

The service manager didn’t seem to think so but he also told me to get to our destination asap.

[@whatsitlike6392]

Blower attachment for the tractor....?

[@MountainBeaches]

I’m investigating that option but it’s 💰💰💰

[@annamaybeekman]

GO NORN AND JULES GO

[@ThatGuyFromArizona]

I dont know who picked the music for today's stream but it got me moving... Have a great week and thanks for sharing.

[@MountainBeaches]

Glad you enjoyed it. Norm does all the editing and music selection 😀

[@grayrlsc1]

Why is your solar system not the first priority from day one

[@MountainBeaches]

I need a place to put the solar equipment and that will be the electrical utility room. Before I can build out the rooms I need to insulate the exterior walls.

[@stellacontreras7740]

Love thy neighbor. For sure .

[@Gopher7]

You’re going to want to hang a blower on the back of that tractor before next season Norm.

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

Gopher NOPE !!! Get one for the FRONT !!!! Backing a snow blower is not good !! !

[@Gopher7]

@@wilburfinnigan2142 only said back because it’s probably 1/3 the cost, easier to attach and you still have the loader.

[@MountainBeaches]

A blower would be helpful but I’m not wanting to have to go backward. I’ve pushed a lot of snow over the years going in reverse and it’s a killer on the neck n

[@annamaybeekman]

ITS ANNAMAY

[@maynardholmes8870]

I love the ornithology it reminds me of growing up before my dad went to work. We watch the end of CBS Sunday morning with Charles Kuralt and a lot of times they would just sign off with that quiet ornithology. My parents would go crazy with that sound and then they’d start imitating it as well.

[@MountainBeaches]

I never heard the word ornithology before so I learned something new today from you. Thank you!

[@annamaybeekman]

MARTYS AND JULES APT.

[@dalemarshall9736]

Does you truck have a heater for DEF tank? Believe Chevy trucks have a DEF heater to prevent the issue that you had.

[@MountainBeaches]

Nope it doesn’t.

[@bobconner422]

May want to look into that looks like they do online . Maybe yours not working ?

[@robertdoyen5434]

I am a retired truck driver in Wisconsin and my DEF would freeze every winter 🥶 if the truck does not get any it will just run slower, but should not damage it

[@annamaybeekman]

GODS COUNTRY

[@MRHEAT20]

If I were you I would move your daughters trailer outside and keep your truck and tractors inside 🍻

[@MountainBeaches]

🍻

[@tonydeeugenio1489]

In my experience I found with ur bucket n u can push snow than lift it in ur case off of the with of the driveway n dump it off of the sides of drive way

[@MountainBeaches]

That works if you can turn to the side to dump. We can’t really on most of our driveway.