Self-Reliant Living

Self-Reliant Living bySafe Harbor Alliance, hosted by Jim Phillips. Guest: Dr. Joe Gee Could There Be a Mule In Your Future Just how strong are you really, and how much work can you do by yourself?Should you find yourself living in a time and place without all of the engine powered mechanical devices we now take for granted, just how are you going to get everything done? When people think about life without the internal combustion engine the casual thought does come to mind about using large animals to help pick up the load. Weve all seen the movies and documentaries about animal power. Weve looked at old time photographs, read some books on the subject and might even have family stories about these work animals passed down to us. As a beginner or as a future new “homesteader” out of necessity, just which large animal should you consider: horse, donkey, mule, lama, ox? Each has advantages and disadvantages to consider, and now is the time to get your education and planning started. Dr. Joe Gee is a retired Orthodontist neighbor of mine with a high level of interest in making provisions for the future, no matter what it might bring. Years before he moved to our little community and settled in to a new provident-living lifestyle, he and his wife were riding and packing mules. He started out with horses, but 15 years ago, after recognizing the advantages of the mule, made the switch and now rides and packs them regularly. He works with and uses these sturdy animals more than once a week, so his personal experience runs quite deep. His respect, trust and admiration of what was once the real “workhorse” of this nation is quickly recognized.