Preparing for Cold Weather in Bulgaria: Living Off-Grid as a Family of 4 in Our Caravan

[@Lovingbeinglost]

I would put aY where someone has diverted the water, allowing for use by you, and them. Love your new outside area! What a change!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We definitely could do this, but we are not sure on the reason it has been put there and the water source isn't ours. I think we will do some more investigating first ☺️

[@Albrecht_von_Preussen]

Water management is one of our greatest challenges. Water rights and historic rights to wells etc, are more often than not, difficult to determine. This is an issue which could keep a legion of lawyers and courts busy for quite a while. My guess would be that the new pipe was laid by a local farmer whose lively hood depends on water, especially during a drought or prolonged drought. It might be time to consult the experts without rocking the boat in the village. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Agreed - I think it is highly likely it is being used by one of the farmers. It's just very interesting to see the knock on effect is had had on our land so far and the effect it is also already having further on.

[@kuzcovina6157]

Hey, I am bulgarian, and I have two ideas as to why someone might be diverting the water: 1) If they have animals, the water might be for them, so that the owners won't have to pay. 2) They did it in the summer so they can water their garden without paying money for water. I guess you could try talking to the mayor, but I feel like not much could be done about it, haha. I come from a mountain village, and we have a lot of water overflowing from the snow melting in the summer, so every house that has a garden diverts the water towards their garden, and when thay have watered everything for the day, they release the water back for the next neighbout to divert. I understand this is very different from your case, but I guess I just wanted to provide you with some context as to why someone might think this is their right to do so (even though it this case it seems kinda illegal).

[@joedoe9996]

Well, as I see it you've got two options: 1. Find out who diverted the water then talk to them about the situation. If you can of course, I doubt they understand a word in English. People in Bulgaria can be good-hearted and understanding, and perhaps agree to make a concession. 2. Or talk to the municipality. Probably in both cases people will go out of their way to find an interpreter and help to solve the problem. At least you could try, then see where it goes from there.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes we will reach out to our mayor. I'm sure there is a reason, it's just incredible the knock on effect things can have..

[@ourderelictdream]

That is so interesting about the water and the impact..think your ideas on rain capture are the best.

[@ourderelictdream]

Hit send too soon ..new room definitely big enough for guests now, very snug 😉

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes we are making plans now as to how to maximise the water capture. It's important to us that we revitalise the ground and land we have and the heat we get in the summer is so intense. It's great to take the time to sit back and look at what nature is doing and telling you.

[@RosemaryS2127]

Some great changes implemented, especially the wood burner.👍

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Such a game changer! 😁

[@TheTacticalHaggis]

It's interesting that there are a few lads moving to Bulgaria from the UK. I'm like you but instead of Bulgaria, I moved to Romania. We bought a small house in a remote village for £5k, done it up to a really high standard for £10k. Will be building an extension in the new year. We have our own septic tank and a private well (no mains water or gas in the village). I'm quite surprised that the local government care enough to police private wells for residential use over there. Life is so much better here. Funnily, there is a channel 4 documentary crew in my village (UK channel 4) filming for a show about living in a village abroad. The camera man is Romanian but has lived in the UK since he was like 10, was interesting asking how the UK is now as I've been gone for a couple years. He told me the economy has hit everyone. Here I am in Romania with 75% of my salary left over after all bills are paid. the UK isn't worth it.

[@TheTacticalHaggis]

Also, we have a woodstove like yours but it has a back boiler that we use to heat up our hot water and run radiators off it. Such a good use of the excess heat and keeps the rooms - especially the bathroom nice and toasty in the winter.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

That's great you've found a better way of life for you and your family. We've spoken to a few TV companies but turned down offers as didn't feel it was a right fit for us as a family. ❤️ What area of Romania are you in? 🙂

[@rvnomading6326]

Wow you've been busy!! Awesome jobs really. I'm very envious of that wood burner... I'm about to try diesel heater in the main cabin as opposed to gas heater. Will let you know how I get on. Ps Love the boot room, perfect for the dog really. 👌

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We absolutely love our diesel heater in the caravan - it worked wonders in the van and it keeps the caravan very warm and cosy 😊

[@kpurkis2191]

You're nearly half way to having a wood cabin 😏 Amazing changes and build.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Haha it does seem that way! We've learnt to be very adaptable and when we knew the barn wouldn't be ready for winter this seemed like the perfect solution ☺️

[@Raa92.]

The water would be going straight to the garden with them polytunnels

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

There's a couple of possibilities around us. We will let you know what we discover 🙂

[@mikelawton1920]

Yep. Mayor would be 1st call I think re the water diversion. And, the Y compromise mentioned above I think would be a good option. Maybe, if funds ever allow, sink or build a very large water tank and fill it with runoff from the caravan area roof and stream ( if reappears)during the rainy times, so you have water you can use for plants/trees when there is drought. If you do sink a well/borehole, you can pump from that into the tank. Nice job on the living area. 🙂

[@1966BobJ]

Maybe accidentally restrict but not block the flow to the runoff pipe with a free twigs so you both get some water, should the rains ever return then everything will sort itself out anyway, we have had some up in the NE the past few days but we need a very wet winter to really restore the reserves. Great job with the living area, have you considered one of the “radiators” on the chimney pipe to extract as much heat energy as possible

[@aoukaki]

Congratulations guys for your new lounge area,it’s perfect and you will have the best experience ever with the wood stove,the heat it’s incredible and very cozy!!! I wish you a very warm and comfortable winter…

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you very much 😊 we hope for a cosy warm one too. There's something quite magical about a fire 🔥

[@zaragame8297]

Great video

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Glad you enjoyed it - thank you for taking the time to let us know ❤️

[@Firebreath1988]

Oh my you made that outside lounge nice mate :) woodburner and all love to see how you made it and that you dont have to suffer cold all the time :) good too see them upgrades and loved the video

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It turned out so much better than we thought! Our plan is to keep as active as possible during the cold times - chopping wood will keep us warm twice 😁

[@Firebreath1988]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens Yes indeed :) Chopping wood warms the body quick for sure :) Till next time

[@Mi-cljjj]

Would you ever build your own house? Your build around the caravan looks so professional.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes that's the plan - the house we have on the land isn't structurally safe or salvageable. We have already started our plans but it's just going to take some time 🙂 we will get there!

[@jms8346]

Contact the town council. It’s public water and if it’s affecting your land who else is it affecting???

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It's certainly had a knock on effect past our property already but as we are on the edge of the village it is not too obvious yet. We will talk to the mayor and see what she suggests.

[@elizabethdunn2992]

You’ve done a marvellous job there, what a lovely living space you’ve created. That’s a conundrum about the water.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you - we think so too! It's amazing the difference it has made. It is a conundrum but it's also reminded us the importance of watching the chances that take place on our land through the year so that we can adapt and prepare.

[@FreeFinca]

Block the pipe and wait to see who comes to investigate. Job done without having to bubble anyone 👌🏻

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Haha we definitely could do that but not quite sure that's the right way to go about it - especially as it isn't ours.

[@peterdorr6190]

Mayor could be a first stop, but if it’s an unauthorised water pipe and whoever be making a few leva from the water (growing food, etc), maybe just forget you’ve seen it? Really require Baba information services to figure out the dilemma. Interesting that the water company could be drawing water from your eventual borehole? They maybe object to that, far aware you’ll require permission and registration of a potable ground water source? Maybe drop a xmas present into a certain official’s office😉. The deck is looking very snug. I’d say this channel is possibly the best Bg diy channel out there. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇧🇬

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Baba information services 🤣🤣🤣 this made me laugh ALOT!

[@janeturnbull]

You're living room looks great well done 😊

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much - It's turned out so much better than we had expected and will be perfect for the winter months 🙂

[@radicalkitesurf1]

Jigsaw isn't the tool for worktop cutouts as you get blade warble but if it's all you have then cut from the top but use a downcut blade, the teeth cut down not up so it won't chip the laminate and the warble/bad cut is then on the underside where it doesn't matter.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

I think I might get Alex to have a go with a hand saw next time 😁🤣

[@Rob-100]

Another lovely Video Phil. Is your mother back out there with you. It looks like the caravan is going to be just the bed room in the future. And the water problem is I feel first option. But a bore hole as soon as you are able. I hope the winter will be kind to you. And Happy Christmas to you all out there.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

She came for a visit and we thought it was the perfect opportunity to attack the worktop whilst she babysat 😁 Yes, we mainly use the caravan as a bedroom and bathroom now. We hope that the work we have done means that once the caravan has come to the end of its life we can remove and extend the decking right across.

[@neutonrenda2303]

I would definitely look into the matter with the town municipality because it looks like the way it was going to the pond is how it was designed and if someone has changed it they should at least know about it. It could be having a knock on affect further down the stream past your property as well. 🤔👍

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

You're absolutely right, it has already had a knock on effect past our property and the stream that once was there is no more.

[@guypettit9548]

Your lounge area looks fab mate, great job getting it prepped for winter and the fire is a proper addition. The boot room/area is a smart touch too. As for the water, its a tough one as Bulgarians are not too quick at coming forward to give expats information even when asked. I understand its probably 1st come 1st served in most places and as no-one had tapped into it previously, then whoever did ask (maybe) got the go ahead. You can try the Mayor to see if there is any info on whether you can also tap into it. Good luck with everything, keep warm 🙂

[@neutonrenda2303]

What a transformation for Xmas, it looks amazing and I'm sure you'll be able to get much better use of the space. It looks like it more than doubled your living space. Great ideas as well with the gated entrance area for your boots. 👍❤️

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes it's really utilised the space well for winter. The boot/utility area was a must with tiny people and muddy paws 🐾 😄

[@wesbutler9999]

You have great problem solving skills! Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays! Kids grow up way too fast!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Life will always throw you problems - we've learnt to always be adaptable and just take each day as it comes 😊❤️

[@radicalkitesurf1]

Just dig a bore hole and be done with it, use the water finding guy, try to only use compressed air for digging as if they mechanical bore the bentonite reduces your flow/recovery rate. I also planned rainwater collection but now I've just diverted that to the drainage field under the vegetable garden as it's pointless collecting it once you have a bore hole...

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We don't have the luxury of pots of gold to 'be done with it'. We will get a bore hole, it's just taking us time to save that's all 🙂 малко по малкп

[@allanmeinfeldt6534]

you need a cat to lie in front of the woodburner to keep varm,it also keeps rats and mice away :)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We have a few cats that roam our land - 'field cat' as named by Alex, but we're definitely more dog people 😁

[@jeanettebarns1024]

love watching you guys grow keep it up your doing marvellous job and what a lovely family xx

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

So pleased you're enjoying watching - appreciate you leaving a comment ❤️ we're a great little team that's for sure!

[@YordanPetrov]

There is no danger to these trees. I have never seen any tree die due to a lack of water. Pine trees only die in Southern Bulgaria and near the Black Sea coast, but that's because the weather is getting hotter.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We're right down south and the summers have certainly been getting hotter and longer.

[@FreeSpeech-q7v]

First

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

😄

[@iosilver9920]

Ace. Another Udens video. Hope that you got the EORI number sorted.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

🙂 thanks very much

[@paulinestevens9351]

🥰

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

❤️

[@SerendipitySharon]

Thank you from all of us for your conscious and educated perspective of nature's ecosystems, land and water use and for your intention to use rainwater, and rainhole collectors (forgot what they are called, but I know they are reclaiming the Sahara from further desertification). Obviously, climate change is hitting your area of Bulgaria hard. Those greenhouses in your drone shots take a lot of water and that business is somebody's dream. The last scene of that mined field with no soil protection saddened me, the last thing the land needs. Hurrah on your woodstove and the relief it must bring for the winter,. I suggest you paint over the chipboard and cover the artificial turf with another rug or two. Both off-gas toxins that you don't want your family exposed to.

[@doggnap]

I am worried for you. Do you have at least one insulated room in the house with a place for the wood burner? If the weather get really cold minus 20 to minus 25c the plastic will not be enough to keep you warm you will be getting through cubics of wood and still cold.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

The house isn't structurally safe so that's not an option for us. We live right down in the south so our winters are not as bad as other areas. Practical clothing and keeping active will ensure we are just fine through the colder weather. Not forgetting that the caravan is super toasty warm ☺️

[@marianamanolova6461]

Amazing changes ! You are one of my favourite families on You Tube ! Bulgaria is privileged to have you ! You could ask the local people , they know everything! You may also talk to the mayor of the village and see what might be done ! Most probably the municipality owns the land .Good luck ! Water in Bulgaria is becoming as precious as gold due to the undeniable climate change !

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much - it's great to hear you're enjoying our (all be it slow) journey 🙂 we will let you know how we get on when we speak to the mayor.

[@guywhoknows]

If you keep going with the caravan, you'll have built it into a tiny house. The problem is that common land water can be used by anyone, thats my understanding or how it works. The problem you now have is that you're losing your water feed. As someone suggested pop your own in next to theirs... Sharing is caring...😮 You could talk to your mayor and see what they say. Altering water courses is illegal as far as i am aware, and it was a topic i touched on as i had been looking at a house which had a stream/river just off the bottom of the plot. Farming and land management is part and parcel when it comes to managing water and drainage as well as wood land and crops. That geo ploting that you were going to have may help with focusing on where to can run drains for water capture and storage.

[@iosios1768]

Phil, why not try your hand at dowsing - also referred to as divining - to see if it might guide you in uncovering where the water is being redirected to.

[@nadyahristova1637]

Hi! May help to find out more about the water if you talk with the mayor ?! Good luck!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes absolutely - we will certainly ask her next time we see her 🙂

[@r.a.3984]

I would call the water company and advise em that there is overflowing of the well (Bulgaria have an issue with the water currently due to global warming - last summer was the hottest ever and there are few big cities on a regime with water) someone is using this basically free water, however this is a loss of the water company and then at some point they will incrise the bill

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes there's definitely an issue with water supply throughout Bulgaria for varying reasons. We'll let you know what our findings are 🙂

[@MrDariomag327]

I'd suggest planting drought-resistant trees around the edges of your property, creating a natural wall. Just a thought. The area you chose to buy a property in would never be a choice for me as I like to be surrounded by mountains and forests from all sides. Your area has a few trees and is likely very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Let me know if you decide to plant some trees, I'd be curious to see that.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes we absolutely agree - lots of trees 😍 We too love the mountains but we love where we live.. we've often said there's about ten different lives/scenarios we could live and we would be happy. Life is good ☺️

[@samelsdon620]

Really impressive what you have all done but why haven't you put as much effort into your house.. that caravan surely is going to be freezing this winter. Dangerously so if it drops down to -19 like it did in 2018 when I was here... The houses are very well insulated, even if you had sorted one room out in the house... Wouldn't have cost much compared to what you have spent in time and money sorting out the covered area for the caravan.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Great question - the house isn't structural safe and there's no way we would be happy putting our children in there. It needs to be brought down and rebuilt. 🙂 That's the BIG DIY project to come..

[@mattman.6156]

Get ur own little pipe an run it side by side down to ur land so ur sharing it 50/50 with the other guys i wouldnt worry about it what can anyone do, they didnt consult u when doing their own alterations.