Still thinking about it and discussing it with the wife, but we have a chance to buy 20 acres in Northeast Nevada. If we do this we will be living off the grid as much as we can with the only thing being an internet connection using wind and solar for our power needs.

Still in research and planning stages at the moment though.

This is something the wife and I have wanted to do for quite a long time but never had the opportunity. Now it looks like we just may have that opportunity.

I just moved 2-1/2 miles down the road and That was a big deal for me. I couldn't imagine taking on what you're thinking about doing. I've always dreamed of doing something like that in alaska but thats just a dream. Good luck to you if you can work it out.

AL

Yonuh, I lived totally off the grid for about 20 years.
Past life, yet was a journey filled with knowledge and
entertaining as well. We were described by some as,
the Little house on the Prairie..
At first had kerosene lamps and a  generator. That was in
a mobile home while building a log house.
Once in the house, we had solar panels and eventually
put in a water generator on the creek.
It was not easy. Many a hard times as well as some good
ones.
Yes this was in Wa. State. We had a huge bank of batteries
that stored the power.
OH yes I have lived and worked off the land. Now I am totally
dependent on the grid.
New hubby, new life.. I am glad to have had that chance and learned
all I did. Would I go back to one like it? Well I learned to, never say never.
Best of luck. Again I would suggest you check the cost and everything
else involved in it before making the leep.. Best of luck.. Kim

Yonuh, you could build a place that is both..
Have the off grid for back up or the on grid
for back up..
Just like riding the bike, one makes choices
that make them happy.
I wish you and your family happiness in
whatever you choose.
I would never want to discourage anyone from
fulfilling a dream. All the best.. hugs,, kim

lifes' too short to wish "we should have"

"wish we didnt" just makes you stronger and richer

if you come up I 25 and west on hgy 50 stop on by

Yonuh -

I don't know your age, but here's a decision we had to make.

My wife owns a farm in Iowa that has been in her family for generations.  We had thought of moving out there to ease into retirement.  However, the place is about 40 miles from the nearest city of any real size.

Well, after having chest pain and 2 stents put in 7 years ago, my outlook has changed.  Now I first think of how far a place is from a first class medical community where the ravages of ever increasing age can be managed.  Maybe I over concentrate on this concern, but it is a real concern for me - I'd sure hate to have "the big one" and be a couple of hours away from treatment.

Also, while we're not culture snobs, the idea of never going to a movie or a show, a major shopping center or grocery store has its drawbacks too.

While all of this idea may sound romantic and challenging, think of the practical side before you jump into anything.

Yonuh - Jerry has brought up some good points; and though you are not too far from a state of the art medical facility, can you get there in the Winter?  Since you are not in a rush, visit the locale both in the Heat of Summer and worst of Winter to see what you are facing.  
How about work?    I'm sure you can reduce a lot of fixed expenses living off the grid but some are unavoidable.  Does sound like a great adventure.

Whatever you and your wife decide, I just wanted to say best of luck!  I know you'll do it right...