Living off-grid, generating their own energy, growing their own food, and securing their retirement fund, a couple embarked on a remarkable journey of self-sustainability and independence. For 43 years, Ron and Johanna Melchiore have been homesteading in the United States and Canada, building homes in remote locations and embracing a lifestyle that goes against the grain of modern society.
The Beginning: From Suburbs to Self-Reliance
Ron Melchiore, an electronics technician from the suburbs of Philadelphia, never anticipated that his discontent with the nine-to-five grind would lead him to a life off-grid in the wilderness. However, after confiding in his supervisor, he received an intriguing suggestion: homesteading. Intrigued by the idea of self-reliance and a life of purpose, Ron delved into research, eventually deciding to become a homesteader. He sought a piece of land where he could provide his own electricity, grow his own food, and truly enjoy life.
In 1979, Ron purchased his first homesteading plot in Maine. As someone who had grown up in the suburbs, he had to acquire new skills in gardening, food preservation, building, plumbing, energy generation, and animal care. Despite making mistakes along the way, he learned from them and gradually honed his skills.
Meeting Johanna and Building the First Homestead
During a trip back to Philadelphia, Ron met Johanna, who shared his dream of living off-grid. The couple married in 1987, and together they embarked on the adventure of homesteading. They made their first homestead in Maine their home for 20 years, where they honed their self-sufficiency skills and gained the experience and confidence to tackle new challenges.
Off-grid living meant that they provided their own power, water, and septic system. They cultivated vegetables and fruits, but still relied on meat from external sources. Despite the self-sufficiency they had achieved, Ron and Johanna felt a desire for a new chapter in their homesteading journey.
The Second Homestead: Embracing the Wilderness of Saskatchewan
In search of a more remote and challenging environment, the Melchiores set their sights on a remote lake in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Accessible only by floatplane, they decided to call this secluded location home. In 1999, they emigrated to Canada and became Canadian citizens.
The weather in Saskatchewan presented a stark contrast to their previous homestead in Maine. The couple experienced temperatures dropping below 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and they even lived in a tent during the initial stages of building their new home. They had to transport building materials via numerous plane trips and constructed a well-insulated home with thick walls to withstand the severe weather conditions.
Living in the wilderness, the Melchiores often went months without seeing another human being. Their only connection to the outside world was a satellite dish, which enabled them to communicate with family and friends. They relied on floatplane rides to stock up on essential supplies and visit doctors and dentists. Survival in such a remote location required them to acquire first aid skills and be prepared for emergencies.
Challenges and Rewards of Remote Living
Living in the Saskatchewan wilderness, the Melchiores encountered numerous challenges. They had several close encounters with bears and had to run for their lives on multiple occasions. They also faced the threat of forest fires, with Ron once finding himself stranded in the middle of a lake as the flames consumed the surrounding land.
Despite the challenges, the couple spent 17 fulfilling years at their second homestead. They considered it a privilege to call the wilderness their home, and the experience was truly an adventure of a lifetime. The solitude and self-sufficiency allowed them to develop a deep appreciation for nature and their own capabilities.
The Third and Final Homestead: A Seaside Paradise in Nova Scotia
In 2017, after 43 years of off-grid living, Ron and Johanna decided to embark on their final homesteading journey. Considering their age and their longing for the ocean, they found a seaside plot in Nova Scotia. They approached this new project with the same determination and resilience they had shown throughout their homesteading endeavors.
Using modern building techniques, such as insulated concrete forms (ICF), the couple constructed a sturdy, hurricane-proof home. Their new homestead boasted an orchard, a woodshed, a substantial garden, and a south-facing greenhouse for year-round growing. They quadrupled their solar energy generation, raising it from 800 to 3,200 watts. Additionally, they kept seven hens for a daily supply of fresh eggs and had a sea can for storing non-perishable foods.
To ensure their ability to tend to the garden as they grew older, they built elevated beds, allowing them to continue enjoying the benefits of homegrown, nutritious food. The Melchiores’ final homestead became a testament to their unwavering commitment to self-sustainability and independence.
The Joys and Routines of Off-Grid Living
Living off the grid provided Ron and Johanna with a unique sense of freedom. They became their own bosses, deciding how to spend their time and energy. Their summer routines included maintaining the homestead, tending to the garden, and preserving the harvest. They embraced unprocessed and healthy food, believing that it played a vital role in their well-being.
During the slower winter months, the couple indulged in their hobbies. Ron enjoyed woodworking, while Johanna focused on cooking, knitting, and needlecraft. Their remote lifestyle also enabled Ron to continue pursuing his passion for sprinting, as he participated in masters-level competitions.
Frugality was a cornerstone of their off-grid life. They lived modestly and diligently worked to pay off any debts they incurred. By reinvesting the funds from selling their previous properties, they were able to generate a retirement fund that would sustain them in the years to come.
Sharing the Wisdom and Inspiring Others
The Melchiores’ journey of self-sustainability and independence has inspired countless individuals who aspire to embrace a similar lifestyle. After being encouraged to write a book, Ron published “Off Grid and Free: My Path to the Wilderness,” followed by a second book co-written with Johanna, titled “The Self-Sufficient Backyard for Independent Homesteaders.” Their books have garnered significant acclaim and have sold close to 200,000 copies.
The couple continues to share their experiences and wisdom through their website, where they update followers on their latest projects and adventures. They are grateful for the opportunity to inspire others and consider themselves fortunate to have embarked on this extraordinary journey.
