Been a while since I posted anything. Covid, work, family, and spending as much time outside has left little time for messing around in the mancave in the computer. I also have been studying to take the FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aerial System test – which I recently did take and pass.
Though I have not been posting much content here, I have been out of doors more last year than I think any year previous in the past ten years.
Last year and into the later winter this year I have been doing a lot of day hiking. I’ve also been searching for a chunk of land to purchase.
LAND!
I already am a part owner of ten acres of remote land surrounded by about five thousand acres of public forest land. It’s an off-grid lodge with indoor plumbing and cozy comforts set deep in the woods. I like it, but it’s not my own. I share it with some cousins and a uncles.
I wanted my own place, and this past autumn I set out to find it.
And I did.
Early winter, November of 2020 I found it and now I own it.
What Was I Looking For?
I originally set out to find some acreage, 40 to 80 acres mostly wooded with a small creek or stream running through it. Along my search I also looked at small acreage on mostly undeveloped lakes.
Land can be expensive in the area I was looking, but I was prepared to pay cash on the barrel (up to a certain amount).
What Did I Buy?
I ended up buying 3 acres on a paddle only lake. The lake only has a couple other cottages on it and much of the land around it owned by a family that will never sell. They like having a mostly private lake. I don’t mind either.
The lake has an average depth of 15 feet, is 85 sandy bottom with some rock features, and 2 large holes that are 40 to 50 feet deep. The lake is only 100 acres in size. Like I said it is a paddle only lake, so no motors (gas or electric). Fish include panfish, northern and bass in abundance, and walleye are present but in the lower numbers.
Within ten to fifteen minute driving range there are many other larger recreation lakes, as well as more sleepy lakes, streams, and creeks. The closest town of about 400 residents is several miles away.
My land I know own free and clear is undeveloped. There is electric on the road, but no shoulders… no place to park! First project this spring is to buy some trap rock and put in a small place to park.
What Will I Do With The Land?
For the next few years I will probably just use it to camp on. I’ll spend weekends on it camping and canoeing the lake.
In a few years I may start to develop a plan for clearing a small section to place a small pull behind 17 to 20 foot camper. I’ll be 50 about that time and likely ready to be a little more comfortable. And if not me, I know my wife will prefer that.
In five or so years after that, once I have money saved up enough to pay cash again (because right now I am broke), we will likely put in septic, a well, and a small home somewhere in the 1000 to 1200 square foot range – with a standard two stall garage and outer shed.
Once the small house is in place we will use it as a regular weekend getaway. Then in a few years after that, possibly retire to the lake property full time.
I would like to be retired by 60. I’m 47 now, so it’s really not that far off.
