The Outsider - Living off grid for over fifty years

[@woodlandbiker]

My great grandmother live in a cottage with no gas or electricity. The toilet was emptied in a hole in the woods and cooking done on the fire and paraffin stoves in the porch. Lighting was paraffin lamps. She would get up at first light and sleep when it was dark. The woods provided the fuel for the fire. I spent most of my time there as a child watching the nature, catching toads and making camps. Happy memories free of the trappings of society.

[@solitude-films]

Sound idyllic WB, as you say when you live closer to nature ie by the light and seasons, you become connected in a more fundamental way.

[@adamstitt-wl1wc]

Bullshit.

[@georgeconroy9908]

Rats?

[@naturelover6520]

Most people lived like this in the past. I was brought up almost off grid but I didn't know at the time. It was normal.

[@andrewhaines3259]

Many strive for a less stressful life, few will attain it. Many wouldn't survive as this man and others who choose to live "off grid" have done. Too fond of their trinkets and take aways. That's not what life is solely about, but few discover this. I admire people who manage to live in this fashion. Resilient, hardy, resourceful. I hope he continues to live without being harassed by anyone who seeks to find him and cause problems!

[@solitude-films]

I write to Del, a few years on now, he is content despite the mad modern world that taps at his window, but without electricity, internet etc, the tap is feint.

[@deriusnorris4463]

​@@solitude-filmswould enjoy a follow-up every now and again...

[@pearlsforheroes1639]

He has cigarettes, dog food, and I'll bet he has more than a couple of trinkets.

[@solitude-films]

@@pearlsforheroes1639 Plenty of books and tools to repair boats with.

[@InJusticeAustralia]

Yeah all the way through I was wondering how does he afford to keep so many dogs??

[@spindelnett6315]

To those who envy this life, it's a paradigm shift that most couldn't handle. Solitude is great for a while then slowly crushes you. You need a baseline to start from....where and why you're doing what you do....then go back to that if your mind darkens and you curl up into a ball. I bought 14 acres of rank pasture in Cumbria, after experiencing an NDE. It took everything I had, but slowly over 20 years it's now woodland, orchard and willow. I lost my best friends of decades when I moved; I can only speculate as to why they severed the ties, even though I only moved 3½ hours north. When people visit, they say how gorgeous my location is and how they'd have my life in an instant if they could. I smile wryly at the naiivity of those who romanticise it all. It's taken a third of my life to get here, and lack of money makes any progress like swimming through molasses. Leaving the land to sell my time for cash, means less time on my dreams. Entropy is a real thing - you have to start with temporary structures with little energy expended upon them, whilst you then work towards something longer lived. But when the environment works against you, resources get used up to patch and repair before you can get back to your tasks. And every year that passes, you get older and ask "are my dreams too big for the time and energy I have left?" Bottom line - please don't romanticise leaving the rat race. It's 24/7/365 with few real breaks, to keep from going under. But I could never return to my former life, especially now seeing the unfolding dystopia. Make the best of what you have, or make the change. Life's shorter than you think.

[@ladynegretto4008]

It's also easier with the company of three dogs... 😻

[@spindelnett6315]

@@ladynegretto4008❤️ I hear you, but dogs are family and are crazily expensive when it comes to medical care. Remember that line " a parent should never have to see their children die"? I couldn't bear to have something so close, faithful and short-lived in my life. And on principle I'd never feed them commercial or tinned meat or biscuits....it must be raw meat, offal and berries much like their ancestors. Good breath, teeth and coats from that, and healthy stools.

[@solitude-films]

Del does have friends, but mainly spends his time alone with the dogs

[@tomasr64]

So true, its day after days of keeping things working.

[@restlesscow2137]

Do you think your NDE changed your outlook mainly for better or worse?

[@Ian-Dixon]

God bless Del, a fine angler and wonderful human.

[@gee3883]

Great insight into his life. I could easily watch him for hours fishing and just going about his daily life.

[@dragontattooee]

I've had the pleasure of meeting Del, and like you said a man of many many stories

[@solitude-films]

I have a recording done after we stopped filming, opened a bottle of whiskey but left the record on...I mat well share it at some point, it's very good

[@dragontattooee]

Looking forward to it

[@andrewgreen7996]

Nothing better then being one with nature and living life like this great guy great insight too is life 👍👍👍

[@groovenugget]

Wonderful piece. Thank you 🙏

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Grumpy, glad you enjoyed it.

[@fivetwoeight528]

There's no escaping the creation Del. What a most beautiful part of the world you picked to live.. Was there 15/04/2023 beautiful.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

It's not often you see anyone in harmony with himself and his surounding. Thanks for sharing, appreciate it.

[@solitude-films]

A pleasure TWW

[@petermarsden4444]

Excellent film I remember Matt Hayes filming with him I could watch him all night defo needs a part 2 👍

[@cherylmoatz2498]

Great video and I'm envious of his peaceful way of life. God Bless you Sir.

[@andrewreynolds2647]

What a gorgeous film on this man he knows more about how to live than the majority of people, happy with his lot in tune with life and what is going on, Bless Dell and his wonderful enlightening lifestyle.. Amazing film Thanks for sharing. Cheers. Andy .Scotland.

[@deenalight9271]

Solitude brings wisdom enlightenment and inner calm

[@johncant7909]

It certainly does...

[@chriswild2458]

What a fantastic film , a man in step with his surroundings

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Chris

[@inianbharathi]

He has become one with nature! solitude brings enlightenment or madness or both!

[@solitude-films]

you are so right, probably both!

[@Baron-Von-1973]

I'd take both over city life which is certain death

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

🙏 Respect 🪶🪶🪶 Blessings from Georgia USA

[@solitude-films]

many thanks Golden Eagle, glad you enjoyed the film

[@aviationphd]

My cousin has lived off grid in Alaska since 1975, he is now 78 and has never used the internet

[@solitude-films]

Proper off-gridder, sense the silence.

[@uhuhno6441]

Wow

[@d1g419]

What a wonderful docu, many thanks. To those desperately wanting this.....the grass is always greener. Also you don't have to be 'off grid' at all. Just quiet and contemplative works where ever you are. Animals and growing plants help, nature heals but that isn't so far away from anyone these days really. Thankyou 👍

[@solitude-films]

absolutely.

[@DH432hrtz]

I have been friends with folks like this. Some of the most enriched conversationist s and humorous and also really easily ticked off. It's away of life and find it fascinating. Thanks for a needed few minutes of tranquility. Doug😎

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Doug

[@seanlander9321]

A gentle and generous life well lived. Cheers.

[@solitude-films]

thanks Sean.

[@kimberlyzello]

Thank you for sharing this short with us!

[@solitude-films]

No worries Kimberly, hope you enjoyed it.

[@erth2ingrid]

Golden. Thank You. -Ingrid . San Francisco, California

[@solitude-films]

Thanks for watching Ingrid

[@ianlabrum2013]

Your a very lucky man mind,all that water to fish but I can see the fishing an the dogs are keeping you going,you live a wonderful life that's part of your believe an how we should all should be,no destruction but simple life surrounded by so much nature,I wish you well my man

[@solitude-films]

Thanks for you words Ian.

[@donhippy]

Thank you for sharing this person's life and video. I live similar and close to 70 ,but have a phone .

[@JM00237]

Your a lucky man

[@solitude-films]

Growing older does hold its worries.

[@blaze3884]

What a wonderful documentary, thank you for doing this!

[@YvonneO]

Beautiful area, great house. What a story, thanks for sharing. My paternal ancestors came to the states from there. I think I wish I had been born there💙😏

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Yvonne, it is a very peaceful place, in fact Ireland despite its troubles always seems quiet and well mannered.

[@LOVE.IS.THE.ANSWER.54]

Thank you for filming this special man, his dogs and the most beautiful forest I’ve ever seen. What a great steward Del is…❤❤❤

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Earthling Here

[@bushratbeachbum]

Great film. All my best to Del, i read he lost a dog recently. I know how that feels. Fascinating insight into a similar but different lifestyle. Cheers!

[@solitude-films]

Thanks BB.

[@marcelstjean]

Del is awesome... I'm 53 lived in cities all my live.. Now I'm going of grid. No phone no internet.. Scary.. But it will be good for the soul..

[@solitude-films]

I wish you all the luck, remember humans are sociable creatures, be kind to yourself.

[@marcelstjean]

@@solitude-films Thank you.. I'm afraid.

[@andydixon2980]

You're going to be living my dream. I admit that I'm afraid of how i would cope on my own. Takes alot of courage, and no doubt some desperation. I hope you find all the inner strength you need to make a fulfilling and happy transition.

[@marcelstjean]

@@andydixon2980 Thanks Andy. You helped me feel a little better.

[@monicacruz4407]

Lovely footage, artfully put together. Interesting life, thank you for bringing it to our attention 🙏

[@solitude-films]

My pleasure Monica, glad you liked it.

[@robertevans6596]

Beautiful film, wonderful ❤

[@solitude-films]

Many thanks Robert.

[@mikeodonovan7325]

great video loved the production beautifully shot and story well done sir thanks for putting this up essential viewing for fishing/boating/story of life classssssssssss

[@solitude-films]

Hey, thanks Mike, appreciate the appreciation! N

[@GeorgTheGuitar]

Just beautiful!

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Georg.

[@swiggy03]

Great film , first saw Del on Matt Hayes fishing programme , glad he’s still going

[@solitude-films]

It was a chance meeting with Matt that eventually found my way to Del

[@valbrumby1068]

Love this! More please.

[@solitude-films]

I'm currently spending periods of time over a year in Normandie, shooting a similar character who has lived in a forest for over twenty five years. Sadly it won't be out until the end of 2023.

[@APCSW19]

Really enjoyable. Beautifully made film. Thank you.

[@solitude-films]

Thank you APC

[@johan8724]

My grandparents lived like that, learned a lot from them.

[@solitude-films]

Indeed, everyone pretty much lived that way 100 years ago if you were in the country.

[@johan8724]

@@solitude-films they lived in the Netherlands, my granddad born in 1882 and grandma 1890. Oldschool people, made 5 sons and 4 daughters and never got stressed by anything. Granddad was poaching animals in the forrests at nighttimes risking getiing shot by the germans in ww2 but he didn't care. Word goes he got confronted a few times by patrolling germans and did away with them. He told me never to listen to politicians.

[@solitude-films]

@@johan8724 Thanks for your words, and yes, never trust a politician, or anyone seeking power over others.

[@johnnypalughi1192]

Greatest video ever! Great! Thank you. Please more!

[@solitude-films]

Generous words, thank you Johnny.

[@tomasr64]

I've been living simple for almost 6 years. Its all I got at this point, so I don't see myself moving. i've created a really nice place and have put a lot of work into it. I have a big forest. I have tools, a truck, and have been very fortunate. I'm grateful. But I do not share it with much anyone because no one compatible has shown up. I'm really tired of it. Too much solitude.

[@solitude-films]

I'm sorry to hear that YCU, I know Del has some great neighbours who keep an eye on him and he often drops into the local town, balance I guess is key. Solitude doesn't have to be a year on year experience.

[@Dumbdumb-u2u]

Where

[@davidobrien9362]

You can hear how he really has kept himself to hiself at how his accent has no Irish in it still after 50 years of living in Ireland,that's amazing.

[@mmwaashumslowww7167]

He sounds like Peter Cook ( Derek and Clive )

[@solitude-films]

Estuarine Thames accent, never really leaves you.

[@solitude-films]

@@mmwaashumslowww7167 he does! 😂

[@maureendrennan9328]

I love your dogs. ✨

[@mattwright2964]

Glad someone made this film as a piece of history but so important we leave people like this to be themselves. In the future maybe humans will return to nature. A small population of people, as part of nature, add to nature. Humans are not an aberration on the planet, the problem is there are too many with too many expectations. That is where we have gone wrong.

[@solitude-films]

Thanks for your comments Matt, often people today do want it all, only to discover it doesn’t make them fulfilled , too much consumerism that offers little or no contentment

[@GARYINLEEDS]

Thanks for sharing,shared.

[@gilesmayall.]

Beautiful film Nick. Thank you for the journey.

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Giles.

[@IdahoHillbilly]

Great Video...Wish there was More of this Ol' Boy

[@solitude-films]

I'm working on it, more to follow.

[@luck2know]

He is certainly very fit . Lovely man.

[@abcdef-qk6jf]

You can say a lot about this man - but being an angler is an honour.

[@marjoriejohnston3038]

Nearly scrolled past, thought, hang on is that Del Harding?? 🙂☘ I'm over on the burren and haven't seen him for a while . Good film . Thanks

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Marjorie for watching, he’s still good although he’s slowing down a bit

[@louisepotier2784]

Wow! This man is living LIFE. Who gives crap about all the Internet garbage that occupies humans with false imaginings, and false hopes. Thank-you for showing us a secret life. Have a wonderful day! 🙂

[@solitude-films]

I totally agree Louise.

[@BillySBC]

Stuff that works Stuff that holds up The kind of stuff you don't hang on the wall Stuff that's real Stuff you feel The kind of stuff you reach for when you fall... (Guy Clark)

[@saveurselves989]

Remarkable man!

[@sonminorimitsuu2838]

Fantastic film :)

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Sonmi

[@amesadamson]

excellent, thank you.

[@geoffbell166]

Quite a few people live like this in NZL,it will be away of surviving the coming crash and whatever else happens, I cannot wait to get back to the hills after a visit to the city,I go less and less now...

[@NancyHanson3472]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I am fascinated by people who choose this type of lifestyle. Just discovered your channel, and I am looking forward to exploring your other videos. New subscriber from California. Hope that you do an Outsider II video. Del looks like a really interesting fellow that we could all learn a lot from. Would love to hear more of his story. 🌍 💙

[@solitude-films]

Hi Nancy, there is a good chance I shall do a second film!

[@brianincanada148]

@@solitude-films good to hear, I enjoyed this video and listening to this gentleman. New subscriber too.

[@solitude-films]

@@brianincanada148 Many thanks

[@andrewreynolds2647]

I have subscribed very deservidely this quality of film making should be supported, An amazing film, I would love to know more about Del and his lifestyle. Thank you so much again for sharing. Cheers. Andy. Scotland.

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Andrew

[@deriusnorris4463]

Nice... Very nice... Thank you. Regards from S. Africa.

[@solitude-films]

Many thanks Derius, good to hear from South Africa!

[@bertroost1675]

I have 4 acres of rural land, and 1 acre is woods. I often daydream of making a shack in the woods and living in it from time to time

[@JM00237]

Do it

[@solitude-films]

Yes, just build it Alan.

[@deadpinecollective]

Great little documentary

[@solitude-films]

Many thanks

[@jonathan-qs1xd]

i cant believe this is one of your first documentaries! amazing work, your style and content are great

[@solitude-films]

Generous words Jonathan, thank you. Few new films in the making, one with a similar off-grid story to tell, this time in France.

[@CalvinMorris-cf8jk]

everything I dream about. wishing you the best.

[@philhayes3148]

Seagull outboard motor made in Poole!

[@awilderireland]

Met this Gent once in Fishing Tackle Ireland. 😊 A tackle shop in Ennis.

[@solitude-films]

Nice, Del loves a tackle shop!

[@awilderireland]

@@solitude-films The Lads knew him! In fairness he was just in for a little bait.

[@RobertsBulgaria]

There is just so much more potential here with this man and his life, we saw just a glimpse, a taster of hopefully what will result in more video footage?

[@solitude-films]

There are, and potentially Outsider Il.

[@donaldteuber8588]

Those who will not use the brains and skills they have are no better off than those who have none. They are by their own choice subject to the will and control of those who would be their masters. The wisdom of simplicity. The luxury of efficiency. Your life. Your choice.

[@daveharringbone8512]

Cool

[@BillySBC]

Some good points are made here. This synthetic world isn't doing us any good.

[@OldeJanner]

And I wish I was living like him, even in Devon it's just so frantic and noisy now!

[@solitude-films]

Ireland still keeps a sense of the old and there is certainly more green space to get lost in.

[@interestedpart2650]

Excellent

[@clemensbruckner8826]

More Tales about the Conamara monster,please!

[@solitude-films]

I'm seriously looking at Outsider II now.

[@ralfstofer8609]

Great documentary! Thank you. How old is he in the video?

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Ralf, I think he was 73, this was back in 2019. We still write and he is fit and well, but with such a physical life he is slowing...not that he would ever admit it.

[@NorthernCorruptionMonitor907]

A REAL FREE MAN

[@jedics1]

Documentary maker and camera man has to do fish net duties all at the same time :)

[@solitude-films]

Holding a camera and passing a landing net in a boat can be tricky.

[@shaunpreston2839]

Great life fella iv been trying to do this for years and still haven't iv all the skills and more, but I get my chance in 2 weeks time, look after yourself!

[@solitude-films]

Good luck Shaun, remember it's not a survival contest, enjoy it, breath it in.

[@williecosgrove]

bought ferret kits of him 30 years ago , mad as a brush but a nice fella to deal with

[@solitude-films]

Sounds like Del 🤣

[@mjcooke2sailingmostly]

I recently watched 'The Sailor' -Stash TV, this reminded me of that. I thought this a well made video.

[@solitude-films]

I've just bookmarked it, i'll watch it later, looks interesting.

[@kimmieskuisinehomesteading1575]

Wow it’s beautiful

[@chili_phil]

Love that intro guitar strumming

[@marclayne9261]

'The Outsider' Colin Wilson...1956...

[@solitude-films]

indeed, 'Outsider' has many references in culture that seem to fit with those who choose to sit away from the mainstream, including the Outsider art movement.

[@OrendaDesignStudio]

Amazing 😊

[@solitude-films]

Thanks Orenda

[@pedallinraw]

His cottage looks amazing….dogs….land….would have loved to see more…is there an uncut version? 😀☺️👍🏻

[@solitude-films]

There is more footage and I shall endeavour to look at an additional cut, Del is a man with many stories

[@jameshennephof4045]

I might be wrong...I saw me in him..and I would call it escapism ?

[@STUDIOVLK]

Super 👍💚

[@abelincoln3261]

Even when I walk I do so to not break even a single blade of grass ! ( Me... Every minute of every day )

[@manuellopes7144]

love an light

[@ChrispaulPeters-pu9dr]

I miss my hippie house 5acre no power h20 but their was a laundry room and shower at our local gas station could buy smokes at 13yrs old and beer at 15 great time indeed.

[@ChrispaulPeters-pu9dr]

And people had nothing and believed in America and community ❤

[@Lusufu]

And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul..

[@tats2366]

Interesting!

[@solitude-films]

A really interesting man we write to each other on a regular basis, he never disappoints.

[@countrygirlxo7188]

He sounds just like Alfie from peaky blinders 😂❤ I agree with the fishing rod thing. I love fishing but my best fishing rod is my 5 year olds little Spider-Man rod 😂 I’ve caught so many fish on that dinky little pole

[@andreflavell3453]

Adversity builds courage and strength and humanity.

[@fred66665]

Nice Documentary, I wonder how He can afford petrol for the boat and he seems to know what's going on fishing wise in the Lake. At first thought this was about someone living on the penance island but a hardy spot to live all the same. It didn't show much by the way of how he lives in the winter. Looks like it was filmed in the summer with the swallows across the lake eating the midges. Was that Bream or Perch he was catching? Used to be thousands of people fished for them in the old days. Does he have a radio or flashlight or does he use lamps to get around at night. The summer in Ireland there's no need for electric light from 4am to 10pm so he'd be fine that way. How does he keep warm in the winter? Maybe he gets the fuel allowance and uses coal and gas to keep the place warm. Plenty of old timers like that when I was a boy living in Ireland not so much now. I must go fishing next time I'm back on the island.

[@solitude-films]

My visit with Del was only for a few days one summer. Winter is a challenge from what Del said, but he has done it for a lifetime and he loves to sleep in. Del has worked in his life and now relies on a small state pension. Heat comes from the wood in the forest, no gas or coal. I know that Del likes to sleep outside in a medieval mud hut that he made, in the centre is a fire. The fish are roach/bream hybrids. I don't recall Del ever needing a flashlight, I guess he knows the layout like the back of his hand.

[@ashleysaunders9947]

Someone stated " solitary life is abnormal". I disagree, it can be done,buts its a rare individual who can cope and feel at peace with it,expecially if its "by choice ".

[@rodneysammons5544]

@ 3:12 Your forest sees this saw as you see a guillotine.

[@solitude-films]

Can a forest see? Or does it feel?

[@pearlsforheroes1639]

As soon as he started talking he sounded sanctimonious.

[@lezchislett51]

100% plus he's got a Seagull

[@hairyyeti21]

but, yes, a great video.

[@Intuitivelogicalintrovert]

Amazing peaceful life adding in homesteading, meat rabbit , sheep , milk cow , essential equipment such as shotgun / 22magnum rifle / handgun , boat , plenty of ammunition , rotational fruit veggies gardens, seeds savings, survival gear , cast net , gill net , spear gun , fishing rod , plenty of hooks , fishing line & medical kit & a dog.😊

[@fred66665]

Not much chance Del has any firearms unless he can afford the license for each one. He does carry a knife and it looks like the Gardai must leave him alone.

[@alanhanley9515]

A bit more about his previous life, current life future life etc would have been nice....a tad one dimensional for my liking.

[@solitude-films]

Thanks for the comments Alan, in hindsight I would have approached things differently, also it was one of my first films, and we only had two days and we had never met before so I decided to tread carefully, let his stories come out, I may return next year and shoot Outsider II, we still write. 😉

[@amurleopard51]

10:20 - What was that?

[@solitude-films]

Well spotted! It was one of his dogs sneezing, not a mythical creature transcending down into Del's universe, although...?

[@garuzz3271]

I'm sure I've seen him on a matt Hayes fishing programme

[@solitude-films]

You certainly did. I was talking to Matt at an angling trade show, a good few years back now and mentioned the old boys on a lough in Ireland, 'oh that is Del' I finally tracked him down a year or two later, through a chance encounter in Ireland.