Meet ‘Al,’ an 82-year-old outdoorsman from Washington who has spent the past 46 years living off the grid in a secluded cabin in the woods. In a captivating short film created by YouTuber DiegoTriesHard, Al showcases his eco-friendly home situated on a 40-acre plot. The centerpiece of his sustainable lifestyle is a homemade waterwheel that has been generating power since December 13, 1996. Al’s expertise in harnessing natural resources doesn’t stop there – he has also incorporated three solar panels to supplement his energy needs, with the waterwheel serving as a backup for dark winter nights.
Al proudly claims that his energy consumption is incredibly low. Throughout the day, he uses his laptop and listens to the radio during breakfast, but refrains from using any power until around 6 PM. In the evening, Al enjoys catching up on the news using his laptop while relying on a few lights. He has a generator as a backup in case of outages, although it is rarely used. For heating, Al relies on the abundance of wood readily available near his cabin and sauna. With 40 acres of fallen trees, Al doesn’t have to cut down any live trees, ensuring sustainability and preservation of the surrounding forest.
In addition to his self-sufficient power system, Al has found ingenious solutions for his water needs. A natural spring on his land provides fresh drinking water, eliminating the need for monthly water bills. Al has created a plumbing system that directs the spring water to his house and sauna cabin, and he has built two outdoor toilets to accommodate his off-grid lifestyle. He even takes YouTuber Diego to the spring, where they both enjoy a drink directly from the source using camping mugs.
Living amidst nature has allowed Al to be closely acquainted with his forest neighbors. His surroundings are teeming with wildlife, including beavers, mink, otters, kingfishers, and big blue herons. Al recalls an encounter with a black bear a couple of years ago, and he even witnessed the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Through his photo albums, Al shows the changing landscape over the years, highlighting the thickening forest and the impact of natural events.
Despite the challenges and isolation that come with living off the grid, Al wouldn’t trade his remote lifestyle for anything. He cherishes the freedom and tranquility that being outdoors provides. With only a landline phone and a laptop as his minimal connections to the outside world, Al admits that even going to town for groceries once a week can be a daunting task. He attributes his vitality to his love for the outdoors, as hiking and chopping firewood keep him fit and active regardless of the weather.
The documentary showcasing Al’s self-sustaining lifestyle has resonated with viewers, garnering over two million views on YouTube. People commend Al for his wisdom in acquiring his land back in 1977, allowing him to create a comfortable and sustainable life for himself. They admire his dedication, viewing him as a leader and pioneer in the pursuit of a harmonious relationship with nature. Al’s story serves as an inspiration for others striving to achieve a similar level of self-sufficiency and connection with the environment.
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