After weeks of cold, breakdowns, repairs, and survival mode, we decided it was time to slow things down a bit and do something different.
A few days ago, we asked our followers if they had questions for us — about the journey, the land, our plans, and how we even ended up here in the first place. This post (and video) is the first part of answering those questions.
If you’re new here, this is a good place to pause and catch your breath with us.
Who We Are and How We Got Here
We’re Des and Sandy.
About two months ago, we packed up our entire life in Calgary, hitching our fifth wheel to a truck and driving across Canada in the middle of winter to Northern Ontario.
Right now, we’re camped just outside the town of Cochrane, waiting for access to our land near Matheson. The journey here has not been easy — but it’s been intentional.
This lifestyle is new to us. We’re both city people, learning fast what it means to slow down, adapt, and build something from the ground up.
What’s on the Property?
At the moment?
Snow. Trees. More trees. And… more snow.
There’s also a pond, some wetlands, and rocky, elevated areas toward the south end of the property. Once we’re properly set up with a computer and mapping tools, we’ll be able to show this more clearly and share detailed walkthroughs.
Greenhouse Plans & Growing Food
Yes — greenhouses are absolutely part of the plan.
We’re in Zone 2B, which means a brutally short growing season. Extending that season is essential. We’ll likely start with covered planter beds and work our way up to larger greenhouse structures over time — possibly even experimenting with different climate zones in the future.
For now, it’s about observing the land and letting it tell us what’s possible.
Dream Add-Ons (and Big Ideas)
Like most creative people, we dream big — sometimes wildly so.
Some ideas may take years, some may never happen, and some will evolve. But a few recurring dreams include:
A deep soaking bathtub (high priority, apparently)
A gazebo woven with living trees
A small private movie theatre using a projector we already own
This homestead won’t just be practical — it will be expressive.
Chickens, Clearing Land, and First Steps
Yes… there will be chickens.
Yes… there will be a rooster (named very deliberately).
When we first get onto the land, the priority will be:
Finding a permanent spot for the camper
Clearing only what’s necessary
Surveying and learning the land before changing it
This isn’t about rushing — it’s about placing ourselves carefully.
This post is extracted from the following YouTube video:
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