LIFE OFF THE GRID

I am writing to you about Jill Ellsworths’ recent article, “Last Stop Alaska.” I really enjoyed reading the insights to this couples’ grand journey across our country. The different ways they made money before and during their journey, the reasons behind leaving everything behind for the adventure of a lifetime and how they feel after choosing to go ahead with it. The article really shows all the beautiful possibilities of the lifestyle.

It has always been a question in my mind when I saw people living on the road; how is it that they can make ends meet? I was pleased to see that question answered in the article of how they worked overtime beforehand to save as much as possible before hitting the road. Additionally, hearing of how Emily Webb sells art in towns they stop in to visit along their journey, and that Adam Mattinson has listed his apartment as an Airbnb, are really neat to learn about as ways they continue to make an amount of money throughout their journey. It takes creative minds sometimes to think of ways of doing things that will make money – and can be done while moving from city to city all the time.

The idea of living life off the grid and free from the usual bounds of society sounds exhilarating, to say the least. Oftentimes, the lifestyle is portrayed as smelly or difficult; and though I’m sure there are still difficult times, I really liked being able to see the positive side of the adventure from people who truly enjoy the choice they made. When the pair talks about watching sunsets by mountains and beaches, it’s near impossible to not be intrigued and wonder about trying it for yourself and experiencing everything first hand!

Thanks for sharing such an incredible story, it made a lovely contrast to the often heavy news we’re constantly hearing about.

Anna Clark (a Grade 11 student at Three Oaks Senior High), Summerside