..
..
Dave and Sonya's Converted Cargo Trailer
No Generator or Electrical Hookup needed!
Imagine traveling in a 14 foot V-Nose Converted Cargo Trailer with enough Solar Panels and Battery power to be able to run your appliances without the need for a generator or being connected to electricity. That is Self-Sufficiency at its best! Yes, there is 12 kw of Battery power inside and 2,200 Watts of Solar Panels mounted on the roof.
Park and Camp (Boondocking) almost anywhere!
Visualize parking off the beaten path along a river where all you hear in nature! Yes, this is possible! Whether it is State Land, National Forest, BLM Land or any other place where you are permitted to stay. Totally Self-Sufficiency at its best!
Follow Dave and Sonya as they Cook Food
Cooking Food
Sonya loves to cook and makes amazing meals. Her dishes are always full of flavor and taste as good as they look. Her passion for cooking is evident in every meal she prepares. Watch as she cooks many Meals!
Alternate ways to Cook Food
There are many alternate ways to cook food, especially when the power is out. Watch as we demonstrate several different ways to cook food!
Cooking Basics
Cooking is a learned skill that can be improved with practice. Remember, cooking is an art form that requires patience and creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find what works best for you. Watch us demonstrate some basic Cooking methods.
Food from the Garden
Growing your own food is a great way to ensure that you have access to fresh, healthy produce. You can plan for a colorful crop of produce to get a good variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from your harvest. Consider planting with a theme, such as growing tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, and onions to make your own salsa.
Food Preservation Methods
Freeze Drying
Freeze drying is a process that removes moisture from food by freezing it and then using vacuum and heat to remove all liquid. This process preserves the food’s nutritional value and flavor for up to 25 years.
Canning
Canning is a method of preserving food in airtight containers that can be stored at room temperature. The jars are heated and as they cool, the food contracts and creates an airtight seal that preserves the contents for years.
Fermenting
Fermenting food is a preservation method that is touted to have health benefits. The process involves the use of “good” microorganisms that ferment sugars and nutrients in food to produce byproducts (acids) that usually preserve the food in some manner.
Dehydrating
Dehydrating food is a preservation technique that involves removing moisture from food to extend its shelf life. There are several methods used to dehydrate foods, including sun drying, solar drying, oven drying and electric dehydrators.
Critters around the Homestead
Birds
Raising birds on a homestead can be a rewarding experience. There are many types of poultry that can be raised, such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail and geese. Each type has its own pros and cons, and depending on your homestead location, your needs and goals, and the character traits you enjoy working with.
Turkeys
Standard Bronze is considered the “American” turkey heritage breed. Raising turkeys on a homestead can be a rewarding experience. Turkeys are fairly easy to raise, just like chickens. The best time to start raising turkeys is late May into early June.
Pekin Ducks
Pekin ducks are a popular breed for homesteaders. They are known for their voracious appetite for live insects, good foraging ability, and friendly and gentle nature. They are also good layers of large duck eggs and easy to herd for rotational grazing.
Quail
Raising quail on a homestead can be a great way to provide your family with home-raised meat and eggs. Quail requires less space than chickens and can be raised in a cage-like environment.