On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, I chat with Kevin and Heather O’Rourke from Bear Bottom Acres.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 135 – February 16, 2020 – Having Fun While Making Homesteading A Reality With Guests Kevin and Heather O’Rourke.
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Embracing the Homesteading Journey: A Conversation with Kevin and Heather O’Rourke
In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kevin and Heather O’Rourke from Bare Bottom Acres. They share their unique and enjoyable approach to homesteading, offering insights and laughter along the way.
Embracing the Cold: Indoor Homesteading Activities
The recent cold snap has redirected many homesteading activities indoors. It’s a reminder that homesteading isn’t just about working the land; it also encompasses a range of indoor activities like maintenance, planning, and learning new skills.
Kevin and Heather’s Homesteading Path
Finding Their Homestead
Kevin and Heather’s journey began with a shared dream of self-sufficiency. They were inspired by TV shows about Alaska and realized they could create a similar lifestyle in northern Minnesota.
The Name “Bare Bottom Acres”
Their homestead’s name, inspired by the movie “The Great Outdoors,” reflects their sense of humor and adventure. It’s also a nod to the local wildlife, as they discovered bear scat on their property shortly after purchasing it.
Building a Homestead from Scratch
Shipping Container Cabin
Kevin and Heather are in the process of converting a shipping container into a cabin on their 40-acre property. This project is a testament to their DIY spirit and resourcefulness.
Planning for the Future
They’re laying the groundwork for a future move by establishing an orchard and experimenting with various crops at their current location. This preparation will make the transition smoother when they decide to move full-time to their homestead.
Community and Neighbors
The importance of community is a key theme in their story. Building relationships with neighbors, especially those with local knowledge and resources, is crucial for a successful homesteading journey.
Homesteading in the City
Kevin and Heather emphasize that homesteading can begin anywhere, even in an urban setting. They started with raised garden beds in their city home, demonstrating that you don’t need acres of land to start homesteading.
Future Plans for Bare Bottom Acres
Diverse Income Streams
They’re exploring various ways to generate income from their land, including considering breeding purebred cats and dogs. They also plan to use their YouTube channel as a marketing tool for their farm products.
Hunting and Foraging
The couple is also learning survival skills, such as hunting and foraging, which are essential for living in a remote area.
Hospitality and Tourism
Another exciting aspect of their plan is to create a space for tourism. They hope to offer farm-to-table meals and a place for people to experience homesteading life.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Homesteading Journey
Kevin and Heather’s story is a great reminder to enjoy the journey of homesteading. Their approach, filled with humor and learning, shows that homesteading is not just about the destination but also about the experiences along the way.
Links:
- Bear Bottom Acres Youtube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtXghP4QIvA50ne9mjvcybw
- Website: https://www.bearbottomacres.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bearbottomacres/
- Elliot Coleman Books – https://amzn.to/2u1YqGW
- Nikki Jabbour Books – https://amzn.to/39EBNr8
