He lives in Alaska. You knew that. He is currently living a simple life (Well as simple as life can be when you are responsible for supporting a family of three), in a dry cabin.
Say, you wonder what the word "dry" means when tacked in front of the word cabin? No running water. No pipes. No plumbing. Not one iota of fresh water coursing through plastic tubing ready to gush out of a spout. Though, there is a sink. It has no fixtures and empties into a 5 gallon bucket, WHEN you prop a water jug up beside it and mash the nozzle thingy down.
He does have some comforts. He has electricity. He has a microwave. A full size refrigerator. Oh and heat. He has heat. And this heat is from a Toyostove (you don't really cook on it) so the warmth is generated efficiently from oil. Not wood. Heating with wood is a lot of work. A LOT
So, it's actually really cute, huh?
Primitive, but cute.
The ladder to the loft.
The Loft
I encouraged Chuck to get a Med-Alert necklace in the event of a fall. I don't think he's gonna.
This is where he sleeps. He has a twin mattress. He set it directly on the floor.
His Mama wanted to know if he had enough blankets. He does.
His very own private outhouse.
It's got a padded seat. What more could a man ask for?
A light bulb? Oh wait, he's got that too. Yup. Outhouse DEluxe.
Just in case you were wondering how much it would cost a person to live in Interior Alaska in a dry cabin...because I know most of you are just dying to live like a pilgrim....
Here is the breakdown:
Rent: $450.00 a month
First and last months and security deposit were NOT required, which is strange for the area. Most rentals require withdrawing numerous pints of blood for start up costs.
Oil for tank: $365.00 for 100 gallons. Right now, we don't know how much of that oil he will use
each month for this size cabin. Maybe someone who is reading has experience with Toyo stoves and they could let me know.
Electricity: I heard that the MOST electricity a tenant next door had ever used in a month was $32.00.
Internet: None
Internet: None
Cablevision: Not applicable
Land Line: Nada
For the record...
No, I have never actually sold my blood for money. BUT, Chuck did give a pint once to get out of a ticket. He was in high school. Though, if it was offered up as an option today, I'd say where's the needle? Let's get him reclined.
In all seriousness, Chuck is comfortable with his living arrangement. He considers it a hunting cabin. He has a weekly schedule that includes days for working out, showering (at the gym on post), doing laundry, and potluck with friends. On top of all of the regularly schedule events (including a full time day job) he still fits in a moderate amount of ice fishing and bird hunting.
15 Comments
Hi Hayley,
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute cabin? I only see three windows, counting the one in the door, so maybe that would make it easier to keep it warm inside.
I think I could live in one of these for a short period of time, not sure about forever though. I admire those who do. It is interesting to learn how others live.
I'm curious - from reading you gal's blogs about Alaska life - does Chuck have to plug in his vehicle - I don't see any kind of plug receptacle thingy whatever you call it on the front of the cabin.
Ohhh, wanted to tell you - you can blog about Alabama, too. It's one state hubby and I didn't get to in our RVing days.
Take care - it was great reading your post again - you are so entertaining!
Connie
I didn't realize my jaw HAD dropped. I hope everything gets much better, real soon.
ReplyDeleteLaura H
Hayley you are so funny. It's good to look on the bright side. Chuck pretending it is his hunting cabin. I'm sure it works most of the time because he is busy. It's the best way to get through it and an adventure he'll never ever forget. But I as his mother-in-law knows how very much he loves his girls, his momma, his bro AND his mother-in-law. Stay tough Chuck. You'll see them before you know it sweet son-in-law. In the meantime I'm enjoying them every minute that I can which isn't much because of work. But I am thankful for every minute of their sweet smiles. Good post Hayley. Love you.
ReplyDeleteThe cabin looks wonderful; however, I am not liking the outhouse. I know, I know, I know...this may be fine for Chuck, maybe he likes it...whatever...but I would not be ok with it at all. The cabin looks great though, I really, really like the loft!
ReplyDeleteWOW what a cabin!! I am not sure I could do that, but my husband could and it sounds like your husband is really liking it!! Thats awesome!
ReplyDeleteMost husbands can live like animals. So this cabin is actually the lap of luxury. Chuck wouldn't even be comfortable with running water. He'd be like, "Wait huh what's this I don't get it". Cuz he prolly wants to live out his adventuresomenesses like Indiana Jones, but like if Indiana Jones lived in a cabin with no running water. That's just what I THINK, but can't be totally positive.
ReplyDeleteThis a very funny post, sister. I like the way you write. It's sorta like a person thinks, but in word form. Brilliant. Jest brilliant
I'm glad you wrapped it all up at the end by telling us that Chuck is okay and has a normal life and isn't turning into some sort of rabid mountain savage. Spending a lot of time alone can cause a body's crazy pants-ness to come out, but I think Chuck's gonna be aaaaaaaalllllllllll right.
Hey Connie. Most homes in Alaska come well insulated. So, I don't think he is having any trouble keeping it warm.
ReplyDeleteYes he does plug his vehicle in whenever it is below -10. There is an outlet there somewhere.
Laura, Don't be misled. He is actually enjoying his little cabin. Really! It is his very own (temporarily anyway) man house in the Alaska wilderness.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ma.
ReplyDeletePhyllis, don't forget he has warm facilities at work. He's ok.
ReplyDeleteDiana, Yeah it would be tougher on a lady. Right?
ReplyDeleteThanks sister. This type of living arrangement would make the crazy pantness come out of ME. For sure. But, Chuck, he's alright, like you said. But to be sure, I'll keep a close check to be sure he doesn't suddenly start running around on all fours.
ReplyDeleteHayley, thanks for the comeback to my question - appreciate it - I've learned so much this winter by reading Alaska blogs. I know one thing - I'm happy to stay in PA, ha!
ReplyDeleteConnie
Awesome! Now picture 4 people living in that, and that is our Alaskan experence LOL
ReplyDeleteIt really isn't hard. I would advise him to raise that seat and sit right on the "padding" though, I'm still amazed at exactly how cold toilet seats get up there in the outhouse. Our cabin was 19x26 plus half-loft, we kept the heat at 66-68 daytime and 62 nighttime, went thru about 150 gallons over the course of the amount of winter we were there (mid Sept till end of Jan.)with our Toyo. He should be pretty good to go.
Gosh Missy. I don't know how you did it.
ReplyDelete