Pros and Cons of Mountain Life

Tiny Insights from the Countryside.

No.035 — Read old posts on Tinyfarmlab.com
Reading Time 4 minutes

We received a call from a woman interested in building a mud house. The first thing she said when we picked up the phone was, "Hello! I won't even ask how you are, because I'm sure you're feeling fantastic, living the dream."

Our tired shoulders dropped further as we sighed.

It's true, we're living the life we once only dreamed of. But it's also true that it hasn't been easy. Look around, and you'll see the mountains ablaze once more.

There are balls of fire falling on the road as we drive to town to get groceries. The forest fires have driven temperatures up significantly. The mountain afternoon sun is brutal. We even felt sick for a week due to severe dehydration.

We're desperate for rain.

But, if it rains too much suddenly, then there are chances of the bridge washing away.

There also has been a shortage of water this year and we have had to fix the new pipeline multiple times.


Life in the mountains is uncertain. So is life in the cities. Places like Bangalore and Cape Town grapple with water crises. Dubai just got flooded. The pandemic has shown us that life is generally uncertain, irrespective of location.

Mountain life has its perks but not always sunshine, rainbows, and butterflies. Here’s a list of pros and cons of living in the mountain life.
Some cons are also pros.

Cons:

  1. Physical Effort: Constant physical labor, chopping wood, carrying water, and lifting things up the hill, can lead to exhaustion and fatigue, especially at the beginning of your transition.

  2. Extreme Weather: From forest fires to landslides, mountain regions experience a range of extreme weather conditions that can pose safety risks and disrupt daily life. You always have to work your plans around the weather.

  3. Limited Access to Amenities: Remote mountain locations may have limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and shopping, requiring residents to travel long distances for basic needs.

  4. Wildlife Encounters: While encountering wildlife can be thrilling, it also comes with the risk of conflicts and property damage, especially in areas prone to Elephant sightings.

  5. Isolation: Living in the mountains can sometimes feel isolated, especially during harsh weather conditions or when roads are impassable, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from the outside world.

Pros:

  1. Physical well-being: With endless opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities, staying active and connected with nature is effortless. Daily tasks like chopping wood or tending to a garden provide built-in exercise, promoting better physical health and fitness.

  2. Natural Beauty: The breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and serene environment make every day feel like a retreat. This also leads to enhanced creativity.

  3. Close-Knit Community: Mountain communities often have strong bonds, where neighbors support each other through thick and thin despite their political opinions and differences.

  4. Peace and Quiet: Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the mountains offer tranquility and a slower pace, perfect for relaxation and reflection.

  5. Self-Sufficiency: Living in the mountains encourages self-reliance and resourcefulness, as residents learn to adapt to the challenges of remote living.

As we navigate the challenges and embrace the joys of mountain life, each obstacle we conquer only deepens our resilience and strengthens our connection to nature and community.

Once you've experienced this life, as pure and invigorating as fresh spring water, it's hard to imagine returning to any other way of living.

Love,

Raghav and Ansh

Cris and Jack decided to Build a Accessory Dwelling Unit in Portland with NO building permits

What you can listen to - The Book That MOST Changed My Life

In this video, Ali gives you an overview of the book that most influenced his career and development—4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss.

This book also made Raghav quit his job.

Our friend Aarti shared this article on how these 15 wholeness-extending transformations were used thousands of times, over and over again, to create beautiful designs.

P.S. - Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways we can help you-

#1: Book a free discovery call if you have questions regarding moving to the countryside or building your mud house.

#2: Have you seen our ​YouTube Channel​​? We are putting a ton of energy into creating heaps of valuable content that we think you'll like. ​​Come check out our latest videos​​, and give us a like and subscribe.

#3: Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram where we share nuggets from our daily life.


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