WE SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS. Building an Off-Grid Homestead in the Italian Alps

[@RaisingVoyagers]

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[@wlkbeastmode-issiap.346]

Use the donkey

[@seeingyouontube]

Exactly when I saw the shot with Stella then the discussion I was sure Stella was the plan!

[@PromasterHOF]

Are you living in your “cabin” or in an apartment in town and just working on your cabin and what about preparing it for winter?

[@luckygirl111]

@@PromasterHOF I would hope they live in a town below in warm comfortable and safe place for kids..🙏

[@graceandglory1948]

@@PromasterHOF Pretty sure they stated in another video that they could not live in a building that needed so much work. They rented a furnished apartment very close to their property for one year.

[@robinbliss6513]

Give Stella her screen time! She knows that she is the breakout star of this sitcom. Seriously, though, load her up with the lumber and take her with you on each trip up and down the terraces. It will keep her busy and give her company, and ease the burden on you. A win-win solution!

[@luckygirl111]

And make her stay in shape !👏😅

[@bettybryson9637]

I concur! Stella is not/should not be a big expensive pet! She’s a working farm animal and should fulfill her purpose in life as well as being well loved.

[@marymerrill1612]

Stella is trying to tell you she can help. They are very intelligent.

[@hikerlily]

I think Stella's actually telling you she's there to help! Standing in your way on the path, braying at you while you're working on the zip line. She'll help you get the wood off the mountain. She's a smart mule!

[@lioness5953]

Guys you need hay and feed for Stella and a lien to for her would be great. A bath is nice too and nose cover to ward off flies. Be good to ur girl.💕

[@jodyprivee2774]

Wow! That's what Stella the pack mule is for!!! I hope you listened to the other comments about that. She's not just a pet but she IS your new best friend if you allow her to be what she was meant to be... your best helper! She would enjoy her natural purpose.

[@PiazzaTalkLucca]

In our part of Tuscany Donkies were used to take the wood down the hills. The perfect solution as mentioned by many. She will get company and attention. Ask a donkey sanctuary, and I am sure you will find her a friend. Our neighbor's three donkeys are a delight and talk to another group 3 km down the valley.

[@deidrespencer5467]

I LOVE STELLA!!! ❤ She is such a character, and what a wonderful comment someone made about her being a pack horse! She was literally standing there waiting to be loaded up! There's your answer, Brady. 👌

[@donnadurkin7301]

I thought that too....Jesus sent Stella to help out!!

[@Jaydaydesign]

Stella is also bored not just lonely. She is used to working around the property that’s why she follows you around. Contact the previous owner and find out what she is used to wearing. Also find out if she is trained for a cart…Get her a pack setup/harness and a bridle to lead her at least. She can drag the logs and carry bags of collected chestnuts and rocks etc for you.

[@luckygirl111]

He builds, he cooks like a pro...what a wonderful husband. 👌🙌

[@luckygirl111]

@Mariska B. the guy is unbelievable 🙌

[@kindlydude]

His wife is so full of joy ...jeux de vie (French sp. ?) Anyway my wife helps me prep at dinner time. It keeps things running more smoothly and saves time ...and we catch up on each others day and events and reconnect on a heart level too. When we first met I was a strict vegetarian and threatened to leave her if she cooked me anything with "a face". She tried to sneak in chicken broth into my lentil soup and I bellowed and was sullen for a week. So she stopped cooking for me ...little wonder! 😜 So I became the chef in the family ...but she prepped ...which takes at least half of the preparation time or more. I eat fish, chicken and an occasional grass-fed steak or burger now. I like bison best. But habits die hard & I'm still the main cook/chef! No complaints. But It would be wonderful if their Mom would learn Italian cooking! It would not only make her husband overjoyed, but it would provide a wonderful and very practical example of that old American virtue of the 'Can-Do-Spirit', also inventive-resourcefulness, & "Stick-To-It-ness" that would teach their girls more than a lot of schoolbooks could and would give them healthy habits and skills to last a lifetime!! Not to put too fine a point on it ...but girls generally mimic what their moms do, think, or practice. Generally they seem like a very happy, wholesome and evenly-work-balanced couple. And I am brand new to this channel so I don't want to make any assumptions or be critical in any way. Every couple develops their own life choices and agreements on chores and responsibilities. Yet one can slip into dependency and take advantage of the others generosity of spirit. And it isn't only girls ...but boys too that can fall into "learned-helplessness" because of the example their parents provide. One can still be an 'empowered" modern woman and still be traditional too. Arts and crafts were the first human technologies and the art of cooking was probably the first art ...right after hunting. Kudos to our grandmothers for keeping traditional skills and crafts and arts alive ...our grandfathers too!!

[@dammlcr]

I feel so sorry for Stella. She was calling to you to let her help! This is why she was on the path. She is trying to tell you that t makes her happy to work with you! She knows her footing on those paths- please get her some baskets for each side! She could carry many poles or mushrooms! Loving spending time with you!

[@lavonnaprice4909]

LOL... My exact thought, let stella carry the logs down the mountain. Make her apart of the team and let her help you that is what they were used for in the mountains.

[@jimmyhoffa2458]

Stella wants to help! Let her help you. That is what they do!

[@PaperDiva67]

I think the phrase you’re looking for is “Done is better than perfect “!!!!

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

Stella! So cute those miniature Sicilian Donkeys. Whatever she is?

[@zoidmo3388]

That first test run pully system & Stella was watching in the distance. Stella being a pack mule, I'm thinking she says ' I've been replaced by a winch zip line' 'good luck with that humans' lol. Luving how much the girls are helping with everything. So sweet.

[@kittyrhyder]

Stella wasnt being stubborn she was trying to tell you she wanted to help!!! Shes sooooooo cute!!

[@aamlam]

I am so proud of Mom. She films, edits (that is a talent, an art, and requires technology knowledge). Mom also does home schooling and helps her husband. Mom also cooks I am sure. Women need more credit for the load they carry. Also, let Stella help, you don’t have to overwork her, be kind of course, but let her help some. She is bored!

[@marissal.1376]

You have Stella to carry the woods down for you! That is why she is there to help carry the load.

[@paulandlaurahausman379]

I think Stella needs a job delivering wood down the hill. Harness her up so she can drag the wood across the hills. Or tripod the wireline half way down to raise the wood over the hump. Stella needs to be groomed and the kids can do that.

[@naomimeyers84]

Stella ❤. Please give her cuddles for me. As far as a friend for her, if you don't want another donkey, how about sheep for wool and milk and cheese if you're up for that, or a goat for milk and all animals contribute to the gardens fertilization? Ofcourse you can't go without chickens on a homestead, but as the snow falls you'll figure it all out. Much love to you and buona fortuna on your forever home renovation.

[@treehousefarm7113]

Dang! Hubby is amazing! He cooks, he works hard, he serves his family well. ❤ What a blessed lady. You guys seem like a happy team.

[@showmethescience2514]

For Stella😉

[@HungryHillSarah]

"Life is better with a plan," I had to stop the video because I'm crylaughing!

[@deborahballard7662]

God gave you a work horse!!! What else you need??? Beautiful home and family and peaceful surroundings!!!!

[@BLUECRABNETWORK]

Stella is the star.

[@shooster5884]

If you do look for a companion for Stella, do contact the The Donkey Sanctuary. Their main sanctuary is in England. They can send you a whole pack or online on all you need to know about their care. One thing I know is do not let her eat too much fresh grass in Spring. They can get bad colic that can cause death. Also do not let her get overweight. Apart from her stomach if you see her top part of her neck thickening along the line of her mane that is time to limit her feed and grazing. I'm no expert but I did keep a couple of donkeys for a number of years and I found the donkey sanctuary information pack very useful. The donkey sanctuary or animal rescues are always looking for good homes for rescued horses and donkeys.

[@RaisingVoyagers]

Amazing! We keep hearing about them but this is the first we’ve heard about an information pack! Going to look into it!

[@shooster5884]

@@RaisingVoyagers They also run day courses.. fortunately there is a branch here in Ireland and I was able to do a day course specifically for winning trust of a very scared young donkey I had taken in that would not let me touch him. But there could be an equine rescue centre near your somewhere.

[@gayatrisonowal2914]

I'm from India and I love your blog...do keep posting

[@ncoppens]

UK is no longer practical since the UK is no longer EU. Importing animals to the EU is always more complicated and more expensive.

[@Arvuvu]

@James Bond I'm sorry any living thing can be a pet. I'm sure she done her work in her time its now time to enjoy her family

[@judithgrote8794]

It's amazing how Stella trusts you 💖 and enjoys your company 🤗

[@RaisingVoyagers]

She is so special 🥰

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

Donkeys generally love people. They make really nice pets.

[@krystinaz]

Loved the ending, I really think Stella would like to help you guys; she is part of the family now. Mules can carry up to 20 percent of their body weight (150 to 300 pounds) for 15 to 20 miles per day in mountains. I think she’s healthy and good to go ☺️

[@HappyHawthorn]

Not sure if chestnuts are that healthy for donkeys.

[@andreamarcati]

She's a donkey, you can't load a donkey like a mule

[@ginarimi7924]

Don't worry, you did the right thing to settle in Italy! People are really friendly and supportive in rural areas of Italy, and the slower paste is something you should embrace. Plus you will learn one of the most beautiful languages there is! Your stone house is going to be soooo amazing, once it's finished. You are giving your kids a beautiful life, full of freedom so close to nature, with animals and a garden. What could be better than that? Can't wait to see how you renovate the house. Take care and have fun!!! Gina

[@denisdaly6860]

there are several products that keep flies away from Stella! Apple cider vinegar, lavender products ,Sprays etc. God bless your beautiful family! So enjoying your journey!

[@RaisingVoyagers]

We will have to try that!! Thanks so much!!

[@krisg3984]

That’s incredibly steep land . The Italian Alps , really beautiful

[@debbiedean3165]

😊 Jobs don’t have to be perfect but they need to be done-thanks, I needed to hear that tonight-going through things-

[@BLUECRABNETWORK]

Love it when Stella breathed upon the camera lense.

[@terryrose7080]

I am Terry and i live in Austin, Texas. I saw an episode where you were having trouble with plants shriveling. Your dirt is too acidic, and you need to work in garden lime. That will neutralize the acidic soil and your plants will thrive. Hope you can do this and save your garden! I love watching your show! Thank you!

[@colly1952]

I agree with the person who said to use Stella, and that she's likely just waiting to help.

[@brandonsanders9674]

Let Stella get her groove back, put her to work! 😊

[@tammymurphy2707]

Brady, I admire your positive and calming attitude in every situation

[@fincalavita4842]

Love your channel. Also how relaxed and real you are. The ways with your children and Stella, so great! Hope you stay the way you are. Some channels when they grow, the people change🙁

[@gretchencline5124]

Oh my gosh. It’s so funny how Stella is standing there like “Dude, I got you!” 😂 So fun and relaxing to watch your adventure!

[@lyncrawford8875]

You are the bravest family to embark on such an adventurous journey! One step at a time, bravo!!

[@shooster5884]

Do you know if Stella was a working donkey? If so, she will happily carry tools etc up and down in 2 panniers. Donkeys are super smart and actually like to work.

[@riverstun]

Here's an idea. Put a very large hook on a line over a tree branch just above the difficult spot. So you have a line from you at the top, going down to the tree branch, and then the line drops down to the hook on the ground. On your zip line, you run the wood down to the difficult spot, You then haul on the hook rope, the hook gets raised to the zip line, catches it, and then lifts the zip line a few feet. You then resume hauling the wood down the zip line. Then, drop the hook back to the ground and haul the pulley back up again. Or: Collect a huge lot of wood at the top, tie it into a massive bundle, and roll it down over the terraces until it hits some sort of stop.

[@claravonessen5673]

"Stella, don't be stubborn please!" (lol, so funny). What a beautiful video. And please, don't get frustrated by one "not perfect" project, the fact that you have the energy to make one every week is just amazing! Loved to hear that you licked our herbs idea

[@dawnpetz9085]

Please wear gloves when working the zip line. You can 'burn' your hands doing it without. Y'all have a beautiful place, beautiful scenery, love Stella, your kids are great, especially since they don't seem to need or miss all of the techno/electric stuff that kids have these days. It's great to see them using their imagination and that they get along so well together. Great videos.

[@antoanetaslavescu2086]

I love Stela. ❤❤❤

[@andersvikingsvensson8762]

Tip for fixing the wire line : Put a couple of poles in the ground with passable pulley wheels on a 90 degree strong bar Use the same design as a ski liftpassable pulley ! I am sure you can find the design either on line or in different forums or just pay a visit to a ski downhill facility nearby !

[@michelles1517]

Stella can help you haul water anything she’s sorta like you guys right now. She needs firm directions !

[@chrismco89]

Exactly.. Ski lift.

[@dianaspy6733]

I would check a local animal sanctuary or rescue. I definitely think Stella wants the job! She was trying to tell you! 😁👍

[@julieheaton3550]

As I continue with you on your journey. I am always amazed at your progress. I can see that this one small (challenge) you met today, will only be a day at school. In that, you are so talented, positive, and patient, with your everyday needs, and your interaction with the children. You all rock in my eyes!

[@torangclayruz4098]

Yeah Sir, that's what I want to say about this family. You're real right. 💯🙂

[@TheSheilamcentyre]

Wow you guys are green in just about every area of this journey but that's ok... keep researching, reading comments, and thinking things through beforehand.... it'll save you doing double work...hang in there, y'all will get it!!

[@giuseppinamaconi2400]

Siete bravissimi. Anche se vi sembra che i vostri tentativi siano insuccessi in realtà sono molto interessanti e istruttivi. Si sa che è dagli errori che si impara! Inoltre fare una teleferica per il trasporto della legna è molto difficile e faticoso. Il fungo che avete trovato è una MAZZA DI TAMBURO ed è buono da mangiare. Un abbraccio a tutti voi e non perdete il coraggio che vi contraddistingue. Buona notte Giusi

[@RonaldMedia]

Alexa is such a mini version of mom. Love the content guys.

[@anacleta424]

So happy to see the girls and of course Stella I just love to see her😊

[@susanpratt6344]

Stella was saying the same to you. She wanted down the path, you wanted up. I could hear her say "Could you move? I want by." 😀

[@francetogo794]

😂😂😂

[@wah1berg343]

You need to speak Italian with Stella, that's probably why she is so stubborn! :D

[@copswife99]

This is the best thing on youtube! Please never stop bringing us your new world and all your adventures. We are enjoying this so much. God's blessings be with you.

[@showmethescience2514]

So fun watching you achieve your dream. I’m so proud of your husband’s hard work, your assistance to him and the patience of the girls. Making memories. I love Stella.

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

Imagine once Stella gets a new friend how happy she’ll be!!! 😁❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶🇨🇦 An herb garden would be ideal!!! So would a playhouse!!! 😁❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@RaisingVoyagers]

Stella gets Soooo excited whenever she sees us! She needs a friend :-) And the girls can’t wait to build a play house! We had hoped this weeks work would have made making the playhouse easier, but nope 🙈😂

[@UrbanGrrl69]

I do think Stella was looking at you stating the obvious: erm mom, dad, the load carrying up and down dis mountain is my job, she brayed loudly 😂. Just a thought…

[@RaisingVoyagers]

Hahahahhaah!! She’s way too stubborn to put to work I think 😂😏

[@din1298]

Regarding mushrooms: please check them before consuming: put collected mushrooms in boiling water for a few minutes with white pealed onion - if onion turn blue, even a little bit - DON'T eat them, if onion remains white - safe to eat.

[@timbennett7211]

It's the life! Few things go exactly as planned but as I can see from you attitudes you understand that you do the best you can, learn and keep moving forward. I also am an American living here in Europe, just a little north of you, and I meet challenges every day. Good luck to you and your beautiful family and I'm watching all of your videos in anticipation of all the great things you will do!

[@thewanderingjojo4239]

Everytime you say Alexa my Amazon echo Dot speakers go off lol! Pack that mule xx

[@lynnwasylkevych4786]

Hi Young family of voyagers, You really don't need a zipline. You do know that donkeys are actually beasts of burden. Stella is braying at you to tell you she can help out. Instead of getting her a friend, you need to get her a cart. If you have her pulling a cart she can take a loaded cart of wood down each terrace for you. She could also carry your tools for you where every you need them. There are also back pouches donkeys wear to help carry other types of loads. Don't spend money and time on cables. Just get Stella what she needs to help you. Then she won't get bored or lonely.

[@river6448]

Stella is saying I can help put me to work

[@jonellesandel1066]

You all are amazing and brave to live your dreams! Keep it up, you will get there.

[@graceandglory1948]

Slow and steady wins the race. Very happy you are so safety conscious. Blessings...

[@akLeanne]

You guys really should do a garden. So many fruit trees and veggies grow awesome in italy. God knows you have the room for it. And the girls would love it

[@aliciabalchin4559]

You are a lovely family and what a wonderful experience for you all in beautiful Italy . Best wishes from the UK.

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

I was just thinking what a wonderful gift they're giving their daughters.

[@donnadurkin7301]

You guys are such a wonderful inspiration!!! All of you....even Stella!!! I am amazed by all the hard physical work Brady constantly does!! Be careful!! Both parents are very loving and patient with their girls. Heather has such a beautiful smile!! I pray and wish all the very best for all of you in this wondrous endeaver!! Please don't be afraid to ask for help. Watching from Michigan...... Donna from Canton

[@lc5346]

What a wonderful family and video! Keep up the great work

[@meganwilliams9949]

Have you thought about spreading out the weight from the logs? Having two anchors and sending the logs down in a slight line would help you a lot. Shorter rope connected to your anchors will help as well. Just a thought. 😁 I am so crazy excited to see what you guys do next. You are living my dream right now lol

[@RaisingVoyagers]

Yes we might experiment with that!! But realistically we just need to replace the like with something larger that can handle more weight!

[@meganwilliams9949]

@@RaisingVoyagers I'm sure that will help as well! I hope it works out in the end. I think it's a great idea. Or maybe just put in a slide.... lol jk 😜

[@elizabethbooth8794]

She’d likely do well with a dog as well. Also, there is a fly repellent cream for farm animals - they do the dust bath to help with that. Once again, loving the views. Elizabeth

[@barbaradoye1989]

So excited for you and your new homestead! Your property is gorgeous! Remember that progress is a million mistakes. The lessons you are teaching your children are off the charts! Great job! Thank you for sharing! Take care!

[@kimkerley4218]

Stella will be happy working. It gives them a purpose. A job.

[@davidknox5429]

It's probably too late, but if you use two pulleys on the zip line and secure the wood closer to the zip line using a canvas tarp you should be able to increase the load capacity.

[@ncoppens]

Here in Austria in the Alps they have a machine for it with a very thick cable to do that with thicker logs. One thing I always see is that it is attached to the load at 2 points so the load stays straight.

[@francetogo794]

Yes, you are so right. He needed two lines to keep things steady to go down.

[@susankahil1178]

Hi I have a donkey we live in the Andalusian mountains Spain and I noticed the flies on Stella I always put a fly mask on mine and my horse they can get eye infections in summer when hot I wipe gently not in eyes tea tree oil mixed with olive oil as a repellent and yes they do get lonely so perhaps another donkey would be great . Enjoying your journey and seeing how happy you are as a family. xxxxxx

[@knelson5442]

Not sure if you’ll see this comment in an older video but with regard to the sink and stove being too close, many build a removable basket that holds veggies or scraps as you prep your meals then cut a new hole further down for the cook plate. Love your channel.

[@elmarama1396]

It is all learning!! "It is what it is" and it is amazing that you are constantly challenging yourselves and learning new things!

[@michelevisser-fitton1617]

Oh! And by-the-way, we are following a Dutch guy, Martijn Doolaard, who has also bought a property in the Italian Alps and, off grid, is restoring two stone sheds and creating a home there for himself. Might be worth taking a look at his (weekly) videos for tips and ideas and who knows, you may well be neighbours!

[@josefbry]

@raisingvoyagers The mushroom in 10:40 its really good. You take just the head and make like Schnitzel. It tastes great.

[@KatrinaRoseT]

Stella’s artistic shot with that amazing backdrop was just 🤌🏻 ❤

[@Noniinthebush]

Hi again from Australia, as we have to deal with terrible flies here, just letting you know that you can buy a fly halter for her to keep the flies out of her eyes. Just a thought 😊

[@violetwilliamson2570]

Watching you cook in the open air made the food look sooooo good and I bet the aroma was as delicious as it tasted!😋

[@zoewalker9858]

We learn the best from “failure”. Great video thank you again for sharing your life, and like so many others the new addition to your family (Stella) is pretty bloody cute 😘

[@z.a.r.777]

I just started watching you, and I love what you're doing. I look forward to see how your house will look like. I love Italy

[@nannerfly345]

Actually, in the Seattle area we have been sorting our trash, recycle and compost for many, many years!

[@Frederick-in2rz]

An Aussie would say, give it a go ya mug. And it's true. You are doin great, in my humble opinion.

[@Addy1027]

Or.... you can use Stella as a donkey that is made to haul and carry heavy loads!! I'm thinking that's why she's following you up the mountain, she's waiting for work! Plus she's adorable! Get a saddle, ropes and put her to work!! She will love it and it will help you greatly!

[@traciannveno]

Bedrooms underneath maybe a good way to go because the part of the house underground will be so well insulated. My house is like yours on a slope and the bottom level stays amazingly cooler and warmer and also quieter. You can always change your set up if you dont like it :)

[@ninaactivitiesibiza]

Hi! I suggest a big dog that is used to live up in the mountains...as a friend both for Stella and the family 🥰 There are different breeds that are perfect for your place: San Bernardo is one of them. It's Heidi's dog (the cartoon) and it's a calm, sweet, huge dog!

[@artougelartougel7698]

انا فخور بك انك رجل عضيم وقوي العقل وتعمل بجذ بطبع ستحقق ماتمناه لعاءلتك

[@kimmentzinger3388]

You guys have the most positive outlook and your bright energy is contagious! So excited to follow you on this exciting chapter of your lives❤️

[@ritagarrison8315]

It takes time have faith I can tell you both are strong people to have done this. I really look up to you for doing this , God Bless

[@adriannacabrera9013]

Aww thank you so much for sharing this beautiful journey with us

[@kgold5962]

Yes, Donkeys love companionship! They are also great protectors of sheep and smaller animals.

[@barbraw-backtoeden7419]

Just found your channel, so exciting and love how well you treat Stella…great example for your children. All animals deserve love and attention. I am Italian and would love to know where in Italy you are in case I can give you any tips that may help. I live in Canada but have been to Italy few times and have family in Torino.

[@DuvAngel1]

Apparently Stella speaks Italian. Y’all took on quite the project. What a great learning process for all.

[@kimishi5504]

Compost ideas were always done my grandma said in poland, and she incorporated it here. I think an idea would also be to have a sleigh for pulling wood like you said, it will help