Middle of Nowhere, Living Off-Grid | Destination Adventure
I certainly didn't expect to find people when I came out into the mountains so remote, but what a blessing it is. As a solo remote traveler, it is hard to find likeminded people, especially in social environments. Finding Bill and Jan was a blessing in disguise, not only because of the company but because they truly made my experience in the area complete. They played a big roll in recommending me how to prepare for the trips I planned, they fed me and taught me all about the area, and we even got to do some awesome exploring together in the area.
I have been living off grid for the past three years, and I have learned so much and begun to appreciate so much of what it takes to survive in the world, but mine is at scale that is so manageable. To build a homestead in the middle of nowhere, with the luxuries of a home within "civilization" is another level, and it was so neat to learn and share with them. It is also a tremendous honour to be able to share it with all of you.
I love to explore, and I love the lifestyle that comes with it, but stories like this is why I love this channel. Getting to saw my way into the middle of nowhere, find folks that are so genuine and pure, and get to share time with them and share their story with you all - that is a travel experience I wouldn't trade the world for. This location is really not that far from my home town, and I often discount these experiences because of that. I realized during this trip in the Chilcotin, especially after meeting Bill and Jann, that these may be some of the most precious travel experiences one could ask for.
Anyways, I am sure you can see how excited and proud I am to present this experience and video to you all, so I truly hope you enjoy it. If you feel like you would like to help support the channel, and help get DA to more amazing places like this, please consider taking a look at the Patreon page or the Merchandise line.
Patreon: / destinationadventure
Merch: destinationmerch.com/
Growing up in the '80s and '90s I pretty much grew up like this. We had electricity and everything but we had a wood stove, Didn't really have that much for television three channels. Spent most of the time outside fishing, canoeing, hiking, hunting, best years of my life and it was all because of my dad. Really miss those days
Where?
That’s exactly how I want my kids to grow up!
Yep, I remember those days growing up. In 17 we bought 54.5 acre property in the mountains of north central Washington state. The back of our property butts up to a National Forest. We had to fall 17 trees to make room for our custom built home, septic system and drain field. We’ve built retaining walls into our mountain side so we can have flat garden beds. There’s a flat area of our land that we planted a small orchard. Our Apple, Cherry and Peach trees are dwarf and 3/4 sized trees. We grow almost all of our fruits and veggies to sustain us. What we can’t eat, we freeze dry our food. We live 5 miles up the mountain from town (25 miles from the city) on a private road that we have to plow and maintain ourselves. Sometimes it’s difficult as we get 5-7 feet of snow every winter. Wildlife abounds with bears, mountain lions, elk, deer and wild turkeys. Mountain lions taste between pork and turkey. It’s tasty meat. It’s so quiet and peaceful here. I’m in my late 50s and my wife is in her early 50s. I retired at 42, about a year before meeting my wife. She is a nurse and loves her job and wants to work until she’s 67 to draw full SSI. We just bought some land in Montana by Kalispell and will be building a 2 bedroom 2 bath Log house with a small office/computer room. This will be our Spring through Fall home and we’re looking into buying a condo on St Thomas (1 of the Virgin Islands). That will be our winter home and while we’re in Montana we’ll rent out our condo during the summer months through Airbnb for extra income during our retirement. We’ll sell our current house here in Washington when the time is right. It’s currently appraised at $1.1 million. We’re very frugal because we’re wanting to enjoy retirement and have fun while we’re here in Washington.
No one will take those beautiful memories from you😊❤
@@hollylaureano2860 Except for Dementia
Thanks, Bill and Jan for sharing. Awesome place to live. So, beautiful.
Great U Tube Story, I am 93 years old, and feel that I am riding with you. Thank You! and keep on trucking!
Man Dustin, You just keep amazing content rolling in. Your documentary’s are absolute gems that need to be seen by everyone. Beautiful capture of what exists in our country. We all appreciate you and bringing us this content.
What I love about your channel is your ability to find and tell a story!
Thank you.
Personally, I would love to see you continue with the West adventure before you adventure North. I loved this video soooo very much. I think society forgets the point of living while we take this short trip. It's not about the hustle, the distractions. We are supposed to LIVE. That silence that Bill and Jan referenced. There's nothing like it and its absolutely beautiful. Safe travels!
Amen👍
You are a natural when it comes to interviewing. Loved "meeting" Bill & Jan. The Western and Truck Build series have helped my husband and I orient ourselves to the wide geographical area of your explorations, and given us a new perspective and appreciation for our northern neighbors. Although we live in Washington State, Canada has always seemed so far away and mysterious. We don't have a preference as to a Western or Northern focus but instead trust your judgement. A shout out of gratitude to your parents and grandparents for raising an incredibly generous, kind, compassionate adventure guide.
Mr. Porter I greatly appreciate the content you provide on your channel. The quality of video and editing that you do far exceeds anyone else on KZhead and especially on television. Thankyou for all that you do. Most sincerely a big fan from the U.S.
Love this content, and the addition of Bill and Jan was just icing on the cake. Rock on, Dustin!
I appreciate that, thank you.
😮🎉 wow ... idyllic ❤
Great content I’m happy with anything you can give better than here bloody gum trees dry as here in Qld /Australia cheers Safe travels
@@muzza566 Though you were copping some rain over there.
What a wonderful life! Ive lived off grid couple times but i am no longer physically able to manage, but im all jealous of the beauty and nature you are blessed with!❤
Doesn't matter where you go. You can tell a story that interests people of any background no matter where you are. Not easy to do. My wife and myself have watched most of your episodes and that ability to tell a story just keeps getting better and better, love it.
So true, he really does have a gift
Love love love the western content! More please :) PS the beauty of BC just makes my eyes tear up. We are SO incredibly lucky to live in this beautiful province. And thank you so much for sharing so much of it with us!
What a beautiful story, beautiful people and beautiful place. Bill and Jan are living my dream. May they live a long, safe, happy life there. I just love the western adventures, it is so breathtakingly beautiful. I'm envious, Dustin. As usual, a tear came to my eye. Looking forward to more. Be safe, blessings
Thank you very much.
I love the western stuff that you have been sharing. However, wherever you go, i will be there with you! What an amazing couple. They are living my dream. Mountains, lake, self-sufficient, living off the land, the wildlife, and the calls of the loons, which I absolutely love. Your adventures are so enjoyable, and I love Saturday mornings. However, I may have to go back into the archives of videos because I can't get enough. Stay safe. God's blessing on you from Proctor Minnesota!
Thank you for the kind words. :). There’s some good old videos too.
Beautiful meeting Bill and Jan! And I’m absolutely LOVING this western content, it’s a YES from me 😃
Hi Billy, hi Janice, glad to see you guys doing well. Always wanted to go and check out the cabin. Thank you Dustin for taking us there. Both of their families have been a part of my life for a long time. Great memories, thanks again for sharing.
This is yet another great adventure. Sure am enjoying this western routes. Bill and Jan’s visit was a welcome addition. I feel with the state of the world more and more people will be cutting out their space off Grid. I know I have been thinking of this as retirement nears. Cheers.
Your trip brings back so many great memories. In 1975 after finishing University two friends and I spent a month and a half in Cariboo, Chilcotin, Bulkley/Nechako, Bella Coola, Blackwater River area, Smithers and out to Prince Rupert on 185 cc enduro motorcycles. We travelled all the trails and logging and mining roads we could find camping all the time. Hiked in to Turner Falls, spent several days at the Anahim Lake Stampede. Best summer ever. I love your channel and all of your adventures. Your videography is second to none. Keep up the great work and enjoy!
What a wonderful video Dustin. Bill and Jan, thank-you for letting Dustin share your story with us. May happiness and health always shine down upon you.
Dustin, thank you so much for sharing this terrific adventure and for letting the couple tell their story of living in the wild. Please continue your travels in the west for a little longer. Your videos are so personal and well done.
West or North, don't matter as the only thing that matters is; your enjoying yourself. I mean let's face it, basically from Northern California to Nuwuk Lake, Alaska and everywhere in-between is absolute beauty and I hope stays this way for decades if not centuries to come. Thanks for the great content
The ice harvesting is the most unique part of their story because I've not seen that explained in any other video. What an incredible couple and their story! Thanks for profiling them!
back 1 generation, ice was harvested from lakes/ponds and stored in "ice houses" covered in sawdust.
As an Aussie I love ALL of your content, no matter which direction you head. You show the beautiful parts of your side of the world. Thank you so much for sharing.
Same here Carol , greetings from Melbourne
I visited NSW and Queensland for three months in 1979. 10 minutes north from Sydney and it was rural. Byron was a dream...caravan parks were cheap and clean. I breathed some clean air. The flight's miserable.
What a great peaceful life Bill and Jan live . Thank you for sharing .
Thanks Dustin for another video. Please do not stop your videos are amazing
Thank you very much.
It doesn’t matter to me where you end up, you always make the best of where you go, so just keep doing what you’re doing
I only have one thing to say...I hope there's a place in heaven like that for me. Thanks so much Dustin.
i'm enjoying this part of BC. Bill and Jan are living a great life out in the bush.
Your story lines and cinematography just get better and better!🇨🇦
Thank you
💯
* Wow ! What a surprise. What a spread. Jan & Bill live a life. If every person in the world had the opportunity to spend some months as they do the people of the world would be so much kinder . And hold love in their hearts instead of hate , envy , and suspicion. Tell Jan my lovely wife is 61 and she'll grab a chainsaw now and then but scream and run from a chipmunk ! 🐿️🤣 Tell Bill he's right. Keep moving in retirement. I'm two years in and I'm locked up in the morning if I didn't get some activity the day before. We vote for west Dustin soon enough we'll be moving snow again. Thankyou Dustin. Your channel is so rewarding. And the work you put into it shows with every second.
This is such a beautiful showing of this life. Bill and Jan are absolutely delightful people, really in tune with the earth and their homestead. Thank you for sharing this with us, Dustin.
I absolutely love this video!! I felt at peace hearing the sounds. I love the way that they live.
Love to see Western Content. Excited for northern adventures . Really enjoyed this video and meeting Bill and Jan . What a beautiful property . You are so talented - great drone work .
In my book this is how you really live life! No wondering what your going to do today or why you should bother to get out of bed. You just pull those curtains and there you are. So much peace and satisfaction. Nothing is boring or hard work if it has to be done. What lovely people to spend a bit of time with
The best vacations I've ever had were spent at a cabin on a lake removed from the trappings of civilization. There's just something about being alone that is very appealing.
Not to my husband. He needs to talk to people and go see people. He is VERY social. I enjoy alone time. Opposites attract.
Loving the western content....more please 😊
Love you Dustin, always on standby for a new episode, we all enjoy your adventures no matter which direction you decide to go, be safe, we love you bro
Dustin, you never disappoint! Beautiful country with great people, we come to watch you create another epic adventure in your life, no matter where you go and what you share we are here to enjoy! Thanks!
I love Listen, you can’t hear humans but you hear and feel the life around you…how lovely
This whole area you are in right now stirs my emotion and curiosity in in so many ways. Such an incredible area. I still am so curious and fascinated as to who put in all of these back roads, when was it done, how did they do it, etc. Is back road construction still on going activity to any degree anymore. Such a huge and expensive effort.
Most of these back roads are old or active forestry roads. They are still out there building new roads every day.
Wonderful video! Bill and Jan are a great couple! Thank you for introducing us to such amazing people.
You’re most welcome. :)
That was beautiful. It reminded me of the best parts of my childhood. I am 74 next month. Thank you.
There is nothing in this world better than the north country , wild with all the animals and land as is was and always should be. What a blessing to be able to see it and spend time there.
Enjoying every moment of your adventures no matter where you’re taking us, go where you’re comfortable with, we’ll be along for the journey! Cheers brother.
It's was great to meet this couple through your video! We are also off gridders and spend part of each year living in our remote log cabin deep in the northern woods. I think it takes a special breed to be able to live this kind of lifestyle, and actually enjoy it. Which we do. I'm glad it's not for most people otherwise the woods would be too crowded! lol! We enjoy all your videos, wherever you wander, Dustin. Love exploring with you!
What a beautiful life. This should be required viewing in schools across the country!
The last thing I would want is all those city people out in the country.
Fantastic as usual thank you for sharing Jan and Bill a very special couple you rarely see these days.
I'm so jealous of your life and your knowledge. Thanks for sharing such brilliant content Dustin
Absolutely AMAZING! Dustin! The Editing, Interview, Music you put it together in the best way. Thank you! Wonderful job! Tears on a Saturday morning, Jann your smile at the end flooded my eyes in happiness.
Awesome story and scenery! Don’t care what direction you go, just show us more landscape like this! 😊
Oh my GOSH.....that is the most beautiful spot Jan and Bill have. They do a great job of keeping it stellar. Absolutely a great story! Just wow....
Amazing find and just a well done production interview. Really enjoying our content. Thanks and be safe!
Thank you.
I live a few miles from any major town in Maine. I have come to appreciate how we have to make do and repair things ourselves. We moved here after retiring fron the US Navy . My wife would rather live coser to a town but she copes, a great partner to have. Thanks for all the great adventures we can come with you on every week. i truly love this channel.
Hey by the way! How far from fort fairfeild?😊
@@javadude666 a long way from there. We live in western part.
Whatever you film is just amazing. The way the videos are put together, soundtrack, scenes everything's is just truly epic and breathtaking. I may not leave as many footprints as you but seeing it through your adventurs is like a breathe of fresh air. Keep it up. More pictures and more footprints.
I appreciate that, thank you.
We are only here once and you'll find beauty in every part of the world. Safe trips. Not much to see here in the UK though! Haha.
Brought tears to my eyes! So beautiful and peaceful!
They are living the life that many of us can’t imagine and some of us wish we could live. Fantastic video. Love seeing you out on adventures again.
I think this was your best one yet, Dustin. I love these personal stories. Good stuff!
Love the west! Bill and Jan were a wonderful addition. You do what you feel best. We love it all.
OMG!!! Thank you for taking me home, Dustin. I grew up the way they are living. For years, I said I didn't miss it. But with technology growing at the speed of light and our lives moving faster and faster, and meaningful relationships unmade and forgotten... I miss it very much.
This is your journey but I am really enjoying seeing the west. Nice job, Dustin!
Great episode, great filming, and great editing! Well done.👍
Thank you.
Loving your western content! Seeing more of Canada is so exciting and you capture it and the stories beautifully! I’d watch any content you put out! 🙌🏼
You all know how to live!!! How can you beat getting up and looking at that scenery in the morning over a cup of coffee??
Good morning Dustin. Once again you've done it ☺️ you filled my heart with joy as I watched this video ❤️ This is very much the lifestyle I once lived and will live again. Being away from everyone and everything, having to rely only on yourself and abilities, really makes you appreciate life itself. A huge thank you to you for sharing this video
Thank you for enjoying
Thanks again for another great video. The last few out west of WL have been my favorite for sure, the country is amazing and with your editing skills looks even better. Keep up the great work,. we appreciate it !
Thank you very much.
Where ever you go, I'm always here waiting and watching. I loved listening to Bill and Jan as well.
I have to say , it doesn't matter where you are, all of your content is amazing. It's you Dustin that makes this the best channel on KZhead.
I can't even imagine doing anything like what that couple were doing. Though I bet it was a pleasant change to have you show up and offer them a chance to tell their story. Probably made them really reflect on what they've achieved out there. Friggen amazing! Go west!
Another beautiful episode along with a beautiful story with Jan and Bill. You asked about more west or north. I am liking the West so gorgeous and I look forward to seeing the North. If you cross any Inukshuk's make sure you grab a pic or two. Thank you Dustin.
Bill & Jan you are an amazing couple . Truly a beautiful place . You have to work for what you have and you have made , I think ,, a little bit of Paradise in this crumbling world .
Great stuff here Dustin. Thank you for taking us with you. The western content is definitely appreciated.
Bill and Jan if you read this, you are truly inspiring people. Thank for for sharing your way of life with those of us whose dream it is to live this way one day. Dustin if you read this YOU are truly inspiring. As an adventurer, a story teller and as a human being. I look forward to every single piece of content you create. This video brought me to tears with its beauty and the respect for land that you, Bill and Jan all share. Sincerely, thank you for creating these stories. Keep it up dude!
I read it :) thank you so much for the kind words.
Loving the western videos! Looking forward to the northern places you will go! Seeing these videos reminded of when I lived on the Alaska Highway 20 years ago, and makes me want to plan a trip for next year! Thank you for all of the videos - and soundtrack listing - I look forward to Saturday mornings to watch your newest!
Thank you again Dustin for sharing this with us. Like so many other people I enjoy Saturday mornings watching your adventures. Where you travel to next is not that important as everywhere you go is fantastic. So go where you feel like going and sharing with us. I hope the work on the trailer goes well. Be safe.
My husband and I are really enjoying your videos. Anywhere you go, you make it come alive for us. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. We pray you stay safe as you go.
Both for sure as most people have not spent much time in that part of BC. We are planning on going back next season to go up to the Yukon Alaska. Enjoy the journey 🎉❤
As always, take us with you, don’t leave your camera behind. Whether it’s north or west we love it when you bring us along. Thank you so much for sharing these adventures with us. We look forward to Saturday mornings with Dustin.
The views are amazing!! Instead of people asking them “why would you do that?” They (this couple) should ask them why not??? I LOVE the wood cook stove!!! Love their way of life, love and thinking!! I commend her for keeping a family heirloom!!! 💕🥰🌸
Everything I like in a nature channel, especially the music you've chosen to go with the images. Thankyou (we're travelling with you from Australia) more Western videos would be great!
This comment is for Janice; The way you say goodbye to your loved ones when you leave the cabin really touched my heart. I believe they are with you and will be there to welcome you when it’s your time to cross over. Your home and property is a paradise. May you have many more years with Bill, a good and handsome man. With love 💕
It is, top shelf special indeed.
Just picked up on your channel a week ago and im really enjoying the content. This upload was again great. I will definitely continue to follow and look forward to the next video, whether is kicking around the west or heading north.
Thanks for taking us along on the exploration once more. This was a very cool blend of interview and panoramic scenery, well done once more. Safe travels until next time.
Your story lines and cinematography just get better and better!. Your story lines and cinematography just get better and better!.
Go where yoy want to go. If yoy love it, it comes across in your videos and we cant help but fall in love with these places too. We're all here along for the ride.
Dustin - I really enjoy your channel and content. Thank you for all of your hard work and great videographer talent. I can't wait for each week's episode. 🙂
Thank you so much
Amazing video! So beautiful. I could care less of which direction you go and film, your videos are amazing, and you keep getting better and better with the camera work as well. Thank you, for sharing this and taking me along with you on this adventure!
Broski! Your vids bring us more joy, entertainment, and inspiration than any other channel on YT! You sir are at the top of your game, thank you and safe travels!
Thank you very much.
This is a place that social media can help. It’s far enough away to keep the plebs from bothering but helping people like this to keep access and share this area with people willing to put in the work to get there matters. Incredible place to spend your time.
Thanks for the amazing content Dustin! Bill & Jan truly have a slice of heaven! I love their respect of nature. They are good stewards of the land. Really appreciate your bringing us their story. I wish them long healthy lives & happiness. Glad for anywhere you take us! Best wishes always with your travels. Be safe......
Love everywhere you’ve gone!! You give us an opportunity to see and experience adventures through your eyes!!! Your cinematography and creativity deserves an award! Enjoying your current adventures and the stories👍
Thank you so much.
North, West, East, no matter where you take us is a beautiful ride and adventure. Thank you.
Thank you. That place was absolutely gorgeous. I love seeing places like this. Please be safe out there. Bring more sites like this. I envy you for being able to see places like this.
Well, I'm not the cabin in the wilderness kind of person, but it sure is nice for someone to go out there and show us the wilds! Great Adventures, Dustin!
What a journey and glad you took us along. Absolutely loved Bill and Jan and not surprised you stayed longer. I was listening to the story and felt so peaceful myself. Either west or North, I shall follow. Safe travels!
Best home ever,, especially if family built it ! Never leave just pass it on to only trusted persons... So awesome!!!
Jan and Bill are amazing...there was a time ...I would have loved to do this..but being fit...is important...mad respect for all that do...amazing.. This was incredible. Thank you ❤
And I thought we had amazing scenery here in New Zealand 😮 What an epic video Dustin. I look forward to your videos and really enjoy them. Thank you.
What a cool couple with an incredible spot! I love seeing BC through your eyes and would love more before you head north. This channel fills my heart and gives me inspiration to get out and see this beautiful land. Definitely in a "softer" way than yourself but I'm getting out none the less largely due to your influence. Thank you so much for making a difference in my life and my personal happiness, Dustin. You are an amazing human!❤🤗
Go where ever you want because I just like watching anything you put on here. Thanks for your hard work so people like I can enjoy it..
This episode brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your awesome channel.
This story was awesome and these people you were so fortunate to meet were exceptional human beings. The beauty of the area was breathtaking, yes, give us more...Keep livin' the dream Dustin!