A Day in the Life of a Homesteader: Navigating Winter in the Remote Mountains

Living in the serene isolation of mountainous terrain brings its unique challenges and rewards. As a homesteader navigating remote living amidst overwhelming amounts of winter snow, each day unfolds as a delicate dance between the tranquility of nature and the demands of a bustling household.

1. The Early Rise: Embracing Solitude and Planning the Day

My day begins at 5 am, a time when the mountains are wrapped in the hush of dawn. I dedicate this quiet hour to journaling, planning the day ahead, indulging in a good book, and rejuvenating my body with an invigorating workout. It's a ritual that sets the tone for the day of homesteading adventures.

2. Taming the Winter Landscape: Battling Snow and Slick Driveways

The morning tableau shifts with the weather. If the night brought a blanket of snow, at least six inches deep, the homestead choreography transforms. Armed with a tractor and snow blower, I embark on the task of clearing our driveway and the steep dirt road that leads to our mountain abode. Salt becomes a trusted ally, combating the treacherous slickness that plagues our winding driveway.

3. The Remote Work Oasis: A Peek into the Data Scientist's Bunkhouse

Once the snow is conquered or if it chose not to grace us that day, I dive into my remote work as a Data Scientist. Nestled in the comfort of our bunkhouse turned office, I navigate through virtual meetings, peering into the world of data from the heart of our mountain retreat. (Stay tuned for a glimpse into my office setup in a future post.)

4. Family Breakfast: Nourishing Moments in the Mountain Morning

Between 8 and 9 am, the family gathers for a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. It's a moment of warmth and connection, a pause in the day's rhythm to share nourishment and tales of the morning's mountain adventures.

5. Work, Breaks, and Puppy Playtime: Balancing the Remote Day

The day unfolds with a rhythmic cadence of work, breaks, and moments spent walking back to our house. The journey becomes a mini-adventure, allowing me to connect with the kids and our newest family member, Birdie, the Hungarian smooth haired Vizsla. The remote mountain life seamlessly integrates work with the natural ebb and flow of the homestead.

6. Dreaming of Spring Projects: Enhancing the Homestead Haven

Amidst the snowy expanse, my mind wanders to the warmer days ahead. Thoughts are consumed by projects aimed at improving our homestead haven, particularly focusing on upgrading our home/garage gym or constructing a carport to shield our vehicles from the elements.

7. The Fixer-Upper Chronicles: Tackling Unexpected Repairs

The homesteader's journey is dotted with unexpected repairs. A broken drawer, a casualty of curious kids or the playful paws of Birdie, leads me to the shop. It's a place where hammers, nails, and glue work together to restore the order of homesteading life.

8. Homestead Inventory Check: Propane, Chickens, and Essential Supplies

The afternoon heralds a practical assessment of our homestead inventory. From propane levels to the well-being of our chickens, I ensure that our mountain refuge is well-prepared to weather the challenges of remote living.

9. Dusk, Work, and Aspirations: Crafting a Journaling/Planning Method

As the clock nears 3 pm, work transitions into personal projects. Currently, I'm immersed in developing a journaling and planning method, an endeavor fueled by cheap materials, free tools, and a vision to turn it into a business. More on this exciting venture in future posts!

10. Evening Routine: Family Time, Cozy Corners, and Quiet Nights

As dusk settles, family time takes center stage. Dinner, bath time for the kids, and the cozy corner, where we immerse ourselves in the magic of storytelling. The day crescendos with the bedtime ritual, leading to moments of solitude for Hannah and me before we retreat into the night.

In the realm of homesteading, remote living, and mountain life, every day unfurls as a rich tapestry woven with the threads of winter's challenges and the warmth of family. As the mountains hold their secrets, I navigate the rhythms of a day that seamlessly blends the demands of a data scientist's remote work with the soulful symphony of a homesteader's life. Until tomorrow, when the mountains paint a new canvas, and the homesteader's journey continues.